Hey all, I have a 1971 Trunk Back that I've been working on for some time. It's a 2.0 liter with the automatic transmission, and while I've gotten it running and working somewhat decent, but I've had a lot of problems with it. Because of that I've decided to just go straight into a V8 conversion. I have a rebuilt 289 waiting to be thrown into a car, and from what I understand a 289 should bolt over onto my cruisomatic transmission, but I'm wondering what advice you can all give me as to other parts. A good friend of mine who is a transmission specialist is going to help me rebuild the tranny, but I need some advice as to headers, brake conversion, etc, to use for the rest of the car.
So any advice on what headers to use? A good place/brand for a disc brake conversion on the back end? How about any particular type(s) or brands in regards to replacing the suspension for a better fit for the heavier, more powerful engine? And also any recommends on the radiator I should go with? And ditto for a fuel cell or gas tank for it? Will Mustang II motor mounts work, or should I get a specific type of those?
I guess if anybody knows if there is a specific company that sells a specific kit for this type of conversion that'd be handy(I've seen these for other popular conversions). Or is there a place I can get it all at once? I have heard PAW might have something like this, but I've never dealt with them, and I didn't see anything on Summit of this sort, but yeah, any advice will be taken seriously, and I will look into it.
One last thing, I'm not exactly looking to drag race my Pinto, I'd just like a quick, sporty little car, and since I have an engine, and all the time in the world (although not all the money) it really makes me want to do this conversion. I'm just going to need some help along the way. I appreciate anything you guys (and girls) can help me with, and look forward to seeing what I can do with this cool little car I've got.
Thanks again, and I look forward to getting to know all of you.
Ryan
Oh and one other thing, as I part things out any recommends on holding onto or giving away the old engine? I am the second owner of this car, and it really only has about 153K on the engine (it sat for years alongside this guys house until I bought it). I don't know I'll ever wish to go completely factory restoration on this car, but do any of you have horror stories about wishing you'd never gotten rid of the parts to do a resto on something? Or should I just give them away/sell them? Any opinions?
Hey!!!!! I have a 1971 trunk model now also, which I'm in the process of restoring. I also had a 1971 trunk when I was in High School. Can't give you any mechanical advice, but as far as I'm concerned...anything you have that's original with the car, you should hold onto. If you do decide later to put this car back to original, you'll have it..... Some may disagree, but instead of the conversion, I'd probably rebuild the original engine and keep it in the car, and do the restore now, rather than later. But that's only my opinion. My 71 is currently in the body shop getting a new paint job, the mechanics are pretty much done, and I have all new interior to put in it, once the paint is on. I love these little cars.......You have a great little car, hope you enjoy it.
I have a 71 trunk that i am about to finish up the V8 project. I used the hooker swap headers i found on ebay and built my motor mounts. The 71 had a small engine bay which makes for extra work to install the v8. But it is very doable. 71pintoracer has a post on here called let the fun begin. It is very detailed with pictures it is a must read before you start it helped me very much. Good Luck and dont get discouraged its a lot of work but its fun work.
I noticed in your other post that you wanted to be done by the end of the month. I dont want to be debbie downer but plan on giving it the extra time. You probably can do it but it just ends up taking time. I was wanting to do the same thing. I have been working on it off and on it for several months.
Good advice from smallfryefarm, the '71-'73 body's are more difficult to swap. David has an excellent thread on his swap, it is in the "Your Pintos" section and is called "Finally got a few days to work on my Pinto".
Mine is in this section, currently on page two, "71 V8 swap, let the fun begin".
With some planning, patience and hard work, it will fit!!