I have this 1980 pinto that i want to fit a 302 into it. I know that the pintos and the mustang 2s had the same front suspension so i figure a 302 would fit right it but i think that the pinto will be way to heavy in the front. Also i know that i could probaly just use front springs from a mustang 2 with a 302. I herd that i would have to do a lot of work and cut the firewall and move the engine back. whats the best way to going about this?Im new to these pintos so help would be appricated
My standard reply due to the number of people that attempt to rip-off Pinto owners:
The Mustang II and the '74 and later Pinto do share their front suspention components, BUT the cars are NOT THE SAME; the front "sub-frame" is different. The V8 motor mount brakets DO NOT bolt into a Pinto. The track-width of a Pinto is about 1.5" narrower than a Muatang II.
I don't know who told you that you NEED to move the engine back, but you don't if you don't want to. Best way? Buy one that is already built, other than that, move the radiator forward.
Yes, the Pinto will be nose heavy, but other cars are are heavy-er overall; it's a trade off.
Bill
Ok thankyou, I was planning on moving the engine back so that some of the weight will be moved back. how much needs to be done to the firewall? What do you do about the motor mounts?do you have to make custom ones? or is there ones you can buy? And also i herd that you can put an electric fan intsead of the normall fan and it might fit. I am away at school now but when i get home im going to look at my pinto and the 302 i have sitting around
thanks for you help
I have no idea on the firewall, never did it.
You can use other (cheaper) aftermarket motor mounts if you custom make the frame mounts.
Again, I don't know where you heard your info. My car has the regular fan, but I did modify it to relocate it back a bit.
IMHO: Do some searching around this site, you should find all the (correct) info you need.
Bill
Bill
how does your pinto handle with that v8 in it compared to the 4 cyl? is it much worse or not to bad?
I drive my V8 Pinto like it is a V8 Pinto. I don't expect it to handle like anything other than what it is, and I don't think is is that 'bad'. Pintos can be made to handle fairly well, but they will never be as good as other cars no-matter what you do.
Bill
Bill is right on with his comments. My 71 V8 Pinto (365 hp) handles OK, but you must be aware that handling problems are lurking. My V8 Pinto is made to go fast in a straight line for short distances, or cruise down freeways at freeway speeds. Applying power on turns and you are asking for trouble. Oh by the way, they also look really COOL at car shows !! Joe
Just one more opinion on the handling. My V8 Pinto is not optimized for straight line running, even with a heavier 351W in it, and I think it handled very well indeed. Heavier front springs, good stiff shocks, sway bar and so on helped, but the biggest change was pulling off the puny front tires and putting some decent sized ones on it. Favorite activity in it, (besides humiliating late model iron and rice) squeezing the power on in a sweeper turn. G forces = good. Putting a much lighter, rev happy engine in it (as time/money permit) and can't wait to see the diff. Only thing I would caution about, as hinted at in a previous post; the car has very a short wheelbase, so if the rear starts coming around, it will do so quickly. With plenty of rubber, only borderline insane applications of power in tight turns will get you into trouble. One thing you should certainly do (IMHO) is increase front brake size. You can find whole kits from the Mustang II front end specialists/hot rod suppliers or even the 11" rotors for Pinto spindles from US Brake through Summit, Jeg's, etcetera. Happy hunting.
'72 was 351W T10 4spd will be 302 Boss TKO RR600 5spd
I agree with 302B, better brakes, or power brakes should be used. My V8 car has stock power with good pads and it does OK.
Bill
Sounds good, I would like this car to handle simi well i have a 85 mustang for my straight line fun. How did you guys exacly put in your V8s? and how much time/work is it. I totally rebuild my mustang so i know what im doing and can fabricate the frame if i need to. before i get started i would like to jsut et some ideas on how your guys did it.
thanks
Drive80Pinto,
I documented just about every little detail in "Projects". I did mine about two years. It is still there and I would be happy to answer any questions.
High_Horse
High_Horse
I Looked at your posts on your project and i am getting a good idea at how im going to to this. Those motor mounts looks pretty sweet and i am looking to do somthing like that. I am going to move to "your projects" to talk about my build project beucase i posted in the wrong place here. I have two questions which you can answer in my post in "your projects" Did the motor clear the hood with no modifications? Do the solid mounts really shake your car up alot?