Pinto Car Club of America

Hi Everybody, My Name is Lyle and I am 19 years old and enrolled in a mechanics course trying to earn my associates degree in automotive technology and repair.  This will be my first build and i am kind of scared that i don't know enough, but am determined to complete this car.  I just got a 79 pinto hatchback, no rust at all, southern car and everything is remarkable but the engine is crap.  I want to slap a carburated 302 in it.  Any pointers on tranny? c4? And do i need to strengthen the frame or anything?  I am also looking for pointers on what is needed to drop the engine and tranny (like if anything needs to be cut out) and what mounts i am going to need.  I want a 4 or a 5 speed manual tranny.  I also need advise on what is needed to be done for a rear end, im thinkin a 9".  One last thing, brakes, what would be a good master cylinder to use? and to u guys that have built a pinto before, i would love to hear about anything that is going to be a monster for me, such as any fabrication that is needed. thank you all so very much. Any Advise would be GREATLY appreciated.  -Lyle

welcome to the site, i just finished a "how to" for V8 swaps in the FAQ, take a look.   Jeff

http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php?topic=1568.msg9713#msg9713

Welcome!

Read through the archives & you will find many answers to your questions,

I have never done a v8 'plop' in one, more of a purest...

Again, Welcome....

I think the number 1 question is what engine mounts to use for that specific swap. Otherwise, the Pinto is one of the easiest cars to do a build on.