PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Pale Roader on June 24, 2013, 07:55:50 AM
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Here's a slightly different one. I'm trying to justify fixing my ratbagged-turd 76 MPG. I love the car, but i want a 71, and only a 71 (not a 72 or 73), and really... there isn't a single aspect ov my 76 that doesn't need SERIOUS work. Hooped suspension, cooling, fuel and brake systems... plus a whole lotta rust.
If i fix the head gasket, which... will obviously HAVE to involve shaving (for a full point ov compression) and porting the head, putting it back on with a header, and anything else i can think ov while its apart that doesn't cost me any money... i might just have a pretty keen running lil 2.3. Seems like a lot ov work and wasted money if i cant use the stuff on a nicer 71, should i finally come across one. I know nothing interchanges, engine-wise. Further... a T5 5-speed OD bolts right up to a 2.3, but not a 2L.
If i build a nice lil 2.3/T5 will it be a hassle to swap it into a 71?
My Pinto goals are speed and handling, but definitely mileage as well.
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A few people have done that swap. Check the archives & you will find several that can lead you in the right direction.
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I just got my 71 running with a 2.3 and 5spd. It meant cuting out old motor mounts and welding in newer 2.3 type, but wasnt that hard. I needed to shorten the driveshaft I had but you may not have to. There is not enough room for a regular fan blade so I put an electric fan in front of radiator. I also converted to later Ford electronic ignition(Duraspark). runs pretty good and gets about 25mpg in town. I am also running a 91 mustang roller cam. Let me know if you need any more info
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I did a turbo 2.3 in my 71, as stated above you will need to swap to the later 74 and up frame mounts, you can use a standard mechanical fan blade if you find the right one, my 71 has one on it. You'll need to remake or modify the tranny crossmember also.
On another note, the T-5 will bolt up to the 2.0L block on the lower 4 bellhousing holes, you'll need the stepped dowel pins to center it..
A t-9 bolts up easier and leaves the shifter in the stock location but is harder to find..