Pinto Car Club of America

Shiny is Good! => Your Project => Topic started by: Fred Morgan on November 28, 2008, 02:30:00 PM

Title: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: Fred Morgan on November 28, 2008, 02:30:00 PM
Removed 351-M big block. Installing 2.3 with 4 spd automatic. Its upside down need to replace pan with Pinto front sump.  Fred   :) ???
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: 75bobcatv6 on November 28, 2008, 04:31:04 PM
This should prove interesting =)
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: dholvrsn on November 28, 2008, 06:26:17 PM
Isn't that a fairly heavy car for a little Pinto engine?
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: Fred Morgan on November 28, 2008, 06:43:45 PM
Doug with the 351 it weighed 3800 lbs.. The eng. thats going in is 94 Mustang. I installed a 94 Ranger with 5 spd. in my sons F-150 he said it would do 85 mph and there was a lot of working room around engine. The biggest job the Ranch. needs to do is get the boat up the ramp but if it cant start rolling the boat is a ski tow boat so I can throttle it up to get rolling. Remember any eng. can be installed in any vehicle. Hey its fun over here at Pinto world.  Fred   ;D
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: chrisf1219 on December 07, 2008, 01:54:23 PM
hey fred thats pretty wild :hypno: how bount one in a hummer????????? ;D just kidding  chris
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: rkk on December 07, 2008, 02:59:23 PM
WOW that will be unique.   I had a 76 and 72 Ranchero.  One had a M and the other a C, they were heavy cars.  Why not a 2.3 though, did you think about the Turbo version.  You got me thinking now. :read:
Ray
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: Fred Morgan on December 07, 2008, 06:21:52 PM
Ray thats why I bought header pipes from you, there going to finally get bolted up. Engine front mounts are bolted down. Get you a picture Monday. I can walk around eng. bay now   :lol:  Fred        Hey Chris bring it over, I have another 2.3 with 5spd.. It can get done here.   ;D
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: r4pinto on December 07, 2008, 06:31:35 PM
Got any pics of the install? That will complete the post  ;D
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: rkk on December 07, 2008, 07:07:09 PM
Fred, Yea I would love to see pictures.  I like unique stuff  8)(Guess thats why I have a Pinto and AMX).  Would like to hear how it runs also.  :fastcar: What gears will you be running in the rear , very low?
Ray
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: Fred Morgan on December 08, 2008, 02:13:11 PM
Ray send me a picture of the AMX. I have this set up to run gasoline or propane. Notice you're pipes there, they fit well.  Fred   :)
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: r4pinto on December 08, 2008, 03:09:58 PM
That is awesome! It looks so tiny in there
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: rkk on December 08, 2008, 05:40:42 PM
Fred here it is
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: discolives78 on December 08, 2008, 05:59:33 PM
That's neat Fred! let me know what kind of mileage you get! I have a neighbor with a mid 70s Grand Marquis 4 door, it's been sitting for a while and he's older and has a Sable station wagon he drives. I was thinking about getting that car as a spare for when I need to do major surgery on the Pinto (it's my only car and daily driver).
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: 75bobcatv6 on December 09, 2008, 01:30:35 AM
The AMX is a nice looking car man. and nice to see the motor in fred, Cant wait to hear how well it runs and handles the weight
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: Fred Morgan on December 09, 2008, 09:11:34 AM
Ray nice must be hard to find parts for. Chuck what year is the Mecury. The only real problem I see now is car front hardly lowered when eng. layed in, guys throw me some ideas  :-\ :-\ :)  Fred
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: rkk on December 09, 2008, 10:05:08 AM
Springs, you can have the springs cut or less heavy of a spring from a six cylinder car.  A Torino from that year probably has less of a spring just because they used heavier suspension in a Ranchero.  Torino was all about the ride comfort.  I know there is a place in st. Louis that can give you spring rates and interchanges.  ST. LOUIS SPRING.  Dearborn Classics are also nice guys and will give you a lot of info.  I bought a lot from them when I had my Rancheros.  In fact they would probably be really interested in what you are doing.
http://www.dearbornclassics.com/

Ray
Title: Re: 2.3 instal in 79 Ranchero
Post by: discolives78 on December 10, 2008, 07:53:48 PM
I don't know the year right off, it's probably a 75-77 (no rust, us lucky desert guys) I will snap a pic of it next time I walk the dog (10:30 am)