Sooo, fuel ain’t cheap anymore, an ecoteck would be nice but I’m poor n cheap, so anyone seen a 1.9vw turbo diesel in a pinto?

Fuel ain't cheap anymore? Back about 10 years ago I was paying $4.49 for a gallon of gas. Today I'm paying $3.19. That is a $1.30 per gallon cheaper now.


 Diesel is currently $3.73 vs gas at $3.19. Gas is currently $0.54 cheaper per gallon than diesel. BTW, diesel peaked here in 2008 at $4.99 a gallon!


I mean if your Pinto engine is dead, you already have a decent TDI engine sitting around and you do the modification yourself - go for it just for the enjoyment. You MIGHT see a very small gain.  But I can't see if you purchased the engine and needed accessories, hired someone to do the work and paid more for the fuel where you would ever come out ahead. In fact, I'd think any one of the three aspects would not return the dollars spent much less all combined.


Fuel prices based on posted historical and current California prices.

I should have started with I’m in Canada. I’m a very capable at making stuff work where it was never intended. I’ve been working as a steel fabricator and have built everything from mini bikes to offshore oil rigs. In my hobby life I’ve built multiple monster trucks a few 5ton deck trucks, crane trucks, mor trailers than I can remember, multiple solid axle swaps, motor swaps, double teases addapters, and even building a suburban on a 5ton international with a 20 ft hiab on it.

I have a spare 1.9 tdi here and an adapter to put it on a Toyota transmission. I know some people will roll over in their graves with putting a German motor n a Japanese tranny in it.

I have a 72 squire and have just arranged for a 77 sport with the v6. The 72 was a daily driver before I got it but it’s scary mechanically. No ideas on the 77. I just pulled up the carpet and forked over the coin. Too good to pass on.

In 1988 I bought my first pinto. Had several over the next 5 years then came wife n kids n life. In about 2005 I started looking for a 72, I’m a 72 so it made sense, till I found this one in 2015. It’s in pretty good shape but nowhere near as nic as the sport one I found. After it warms up I’ll try n getting the 77 going. It doesn’t look good from first look. We will see what happens, but I guarantee you, if you’re a purist, don’t follow.

Heck, the Pinto 4 speed trans was called a FOG-Ford of Germany.
Most reproduction parts are made overseas now.
I'm a firm believer in building your car how you want it. I don't worry about the next buyer, ain't gonna be one. At least before I am dead. 
Russ