The engine in my new (used) 1976 pinto needs more work that I would like,. Would prefer to just throw a new crate engine in. Will any new crate engines fit - anybody know? I read something about a mustang turbo that would fit, what is the deal with that engine? Any new crate engines fit as would prefer a new engine, but info on older engines would be helpful too. Thanks guys and gals! Jim
It can be done. But it's easier to rebuild or get another motor(crate, used etc.). Turbos don't just "slap in", as some people like to say.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/edjones/2015-09-22%2016.08.58.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/edjones/media/2015-09-22%2016.08.58.jpg.html)
if the car is not your daily driver I would just remove it and have it rebuilt by a good engine shop , should be cheaper in the long run , the only few upgrades would be a stock ranger roller cam because of their long life and a good grade of pistons , new oil pump (no high volume pumps) new water pump, the reason is a exchange engine may be good but in the past might have been over heated in the past or the crank might also be cut to the max, the 2.3 will give good service if taken care of , short life if you don't ,
Or maybe better still... hunt down another engine that you would like to put in the car,(hopefully low mileage or not too beaten through the years).. rebuild that one, & when it's ready, simply swap 'em out.. then just recoop what you can on the engine you took out.. ;)
Michael
well that is a plan , but most low miles I seen are over 200K , you can check the local you pick it yards or some not to far away to see what they got , if you go newer 2.3 the head design changed some and you carb manifold will not bolt up, or pick the last year ranger that used the distributor and build the block up , then put your head on it after you rebuild it, unlike mine the 2.3 was made in greater numbers than the 2.8 I have in my car, last engine was over thirty years ago in the ranger/bronco ii , a few years since I have seen these, but the 2.3 are easy to find , for now . and if your planning to keep the car forever I would think of converting to a ranger/mustang EFI , the reason is the carb rebuild kits are getting hard to find and cost big buck when you do, and the carbs are just about wore out, I do mine and happy I did , great gas MPG and easy starts , just keep that in mind , check out the other guys rides here that did , but at least yours still runs , later Blaine
Quote from: pinto_one on September 23, 2015, 03:10:19 PM
if the car is not your daily driver I would just remove it and have it rebuilt by a good engine shop , should be cheaper in the long run , the only few upgrades would be a stock ranger roller cam because of their long life and a good grade of pistons , new oil pump (no high volume pumps) new water pump, the reason is a exchange engine may be good but in the past might have been over heated in the past or the crank might also be cut to the max, the 2.3 will give good service if taken care of , short life if you don't ,
Thanks all for the advice! Mechanic buddy of miner has a 389 that he thinks would fit. We will put new springs in the front to support and will need new brackets and motor mount but can be done. Going to pass on the turbo as a 389 V8 will be nice on its own.
Hope you ment 289 and not 389, get a mustang ll oil pan and engine mounts , you don't have to cut the car up to make it fit if done right , they are not making anymore you know , take your time so if you change your mind you can always make it back to the way it was ,
Hope you meant 289.
Ha ha! A grammar nazi 2-fer!
Nope , no grammar nazi here , just that they do make a 389 and when you got some so called friends that say anything will fit and the end results are a cut up pinto ,😫. Just want to make sure , we all are asked for some good help on things like engine repairs or swapes , he might have a very experienced guy but I have seen over the years good cars wasted from what I call butchers. With all the members here we have over a few hundred years of experience on this site , and as for my grammar I have to say it really sucks sometimes 😜
They also made a 359 and both 389 and 359 are FT engines, and were installed in 1964-1978 Louisville medium-duty (MD) trucks 2-ton and larger (F500-up)
Quote from: 74 PintoWagon on September 26, 2015, 09:40:44 PM
They also made a 359 and both 389 and 359 are FT engines, and were installed in 1964-1978 Louisville medium-duty (MD) trucks 2-ton and larger (F500-up)
Yeah, but I can't see anyone trying to get one of those crammed in a pinto. Very poor performance, and not much for aftermarket parts. Not to mention, they have a pretty large footprint, for the low hp and torque.
Quote from: 76hotrodpinto on September 27, 2015, 12:33:45 PM
Yeah, but I can't see anyone trying to get one of those crammed in a pinto. Very poor performance, and not much for aftermarket parts. Not to mention, they have a pretty large footprint, for the low hp and torque.
I wouldn't put them things in anything really.. :D