I need Pinto help!
I have a kit car based on a Pinto engine and drive train. My local DMV thinks that this exhaust system needs to have a catalytic converter.
I just don't think that the exhaust has been modified from the original Pinto.
Can anybody tell me if/when Pintos were made with catalytic converters?
Also, is it possible to ID the engine from a serial number or something definitive like that?
I talked to a Ford dealer and they were no help at all.
Thanks for your help.
Mickey
Well, I can tell you my 78 has a catalytic converter. Thats all I know =( And its been smoking recently...
When I went to get my header connected to my exhaust, the gut at the shop told me that every Pinto made after 1976 had a converter. Some of the cars made in 1976 did not. So I just told him The Peel was a '76, and I didn't need to install the converter. Hope this helps.
John
I have a 1972 and there's no cat. I also have a 74 with no cat. What state do you live in? California has different rules for kit cars. I would say that you shouldn't need a cat prior to 76 but it all depends on your local DMV Agent that is inspecting the vehicle. Different states have different regulations for smog equipment. In Cali, there is also the SMOG EXEMPT 73 and before rule (Let's pray they leave it alone). Have any freinds that work for DMV?? ;D
FYI
I used to be able to buy a complete 1976 wagon exhaust system (no cat) (from studs to tailpipe) from the muffler shops and I would install it on my 77 wagons (2). If I asked for a 77 exhaust it would include the cat and cost over double. Then as time went by each piece became "obsolete" and had to be custom madeby the shops.
hope this helps.
I know my 78 has no catalytic converter, and doesn't look like there is even a place for one.
Hell, everything else was screwed up badly on this car it probably is supposed to have one.... Ain't gettin one though :)
my 76 has one, and there is a small place for one under the right front seat.
according to my peterson's pinto book, cats started on pintos in 75. That doesn't mean they all got them though. I think it depended on the area of the country or states. I know up until 79 trucks and vans didn't have to have them. We had an old 78 econoline that had non-catalyst on the valvecover. If you still have the sticker on your valvecover, check that and see if it says catalyst or not. If not show it to the DMV guy. If it does, you'll have to run one.
-Harry
I was talking to my dad, and the 77 wagon we used to have did not have a convertor from the factory. I also recently found out that in 78 it was an option on the Pinto, as per the factory owners manual, so mine must not have had one. YAY!!! :) :)
Even though it may not have come with one,the local muffler shops may be reluctant to put an exhaust on without one.
Ya got a point on that. I guess I'll find out if I can't get the parts to do it myself when it goes on me.