Well first off let me say hello to everyone, this is my first post. I am a huge car nut, and have quite a few play cars ranging from 64Falcon Sprint to an 06 Mustang GT. My wife is having a fit for a Pinto, so I am going to look at one this Saturday. I figure you guys and gals can tell me the good and bad. The car is a 74 Pinto, orange and white, automatic, not sure of the engine. It has been sitting for almost ten years and the engine was running perfect when it was parked, but the transmission is shot, which is why it was parked. The car belongs to my best friends uncle and he seems to think around $50- $100 will buy the car. Tell me the good and bad of the 74 and what you guys think about it. Thanks in advance, Jason
:welcome: to the group, it all depend one your skills, talents and expectations but... here's what I would consider....
74 = Points not electronic ignition
sitting for 10 years - lots to freshen up - gas tank! and old gas can be interesting. You'll have to consider new belts (timing too), hoses, brakes, etc... if you have ever dealt with parked cars and getting em' running I'm sure you know the drill...
is it the 2.0 or the 2.3? in a 74 I think I would rather have a 2.0 as I have "heard" there is an oiling issue on the early 2.3's causing premature failure. This could just be a myth but.... I have heard it.
If it's orange and white and good condition (not all rotted, dented, rusty, etc....) it an EXCELLENT!! Deal at $50-100. Even if it is in really bad shape it's worth $50-100 just for parts... All in all so far sounds like a great deal and if it was close to me... SOLD!
That's all the details I know about it until Saturday. I thought for the price like you said I really can't go wrong. What all is involved in putting a 5.0 motor in a 74? I know the later years they were available, and I have quite a few 302s lying around already. This car is for my wife so I will have to keep it "mild" LOL.
Personally I prefer stock or stock plus... V8's not my first choice for great power, consider the 2.3 turbo swap. Either option is good but the V8 has to many drawbacks as a daily drive IMHO....
There's a lot of info on the site if you do searches and many members will be happy to chime in but I'm not the one to ask for info on the swaps so I'll refer you to the many experts here on FordPinto for help w/that question...
Thanks for the info, the only reason I am thinking V8 is the fact I have so many parts lying around. The car will only be driven every now and then on weekends or cruise-ins (shows). I have been racing 5.0 Mustangs for about 15 years now so I have acquired a few things. I'll do some searches on here and again anyone feel free to chime in on what all it will take to V8 the little 74. Thanks Jason
From what I've heard Cookieboy is right. I'm not sure why, but V8 Pintos seem not to be used as daily drivers. Not to mention the tranny, brakes & rear end might have to be redone as well. Turbo or stock is the way to go if you want it for a daily driver.
I drive my 72 daily....289 four speed and dual fours....
I think High Horse drives his V8 Pinto daily as well...
FrankBoss
Hello, and welcome to the pinto's corner of the internet world! When you go to look at this car, don't forget to look at the wiring. If it's been sittin for as log as you've said, then there might have been (or may still be) a few rodents who have taken up shelter in the little car. Also be sure to check the floor pans for any signs of moisture or possible rust. Not sure if you have a welder or know how to weld, so consider your experience level when your looking at what your getting into. But boy, depending on shape I would be all over that!
64 sprint falcon eh? Very nice! I've got a 63 convertible with 170 special in it. Those 260's are pretty decent for those cars i've heard. The 170 is not something I'd want to take on the highway these days, but for cruising around it holds its own. What color is your baby bird?
As of now it is sitting in primer. It originally was white, then was blue, after that canary yellow, and I haven't decided what color now. It currently has a 302 with a C4 in it, a 9 inch with 3.89s. My dad bought it new, I got it in 1991 so I guess my little boy will end up with it! LOL.
Welcome to the site, and it sounds like you are definately on the right track! I drive my 5.0 t5 Bobcat everyday, (minus heavy rain or snow) and don't have any naysayings about it. If anything else it sounds like you are looking at a good deal on the buy. Any Pinto picked up for around $100 is worth it. :welcome:
Thanks for all the replies! I guess my main question should be..What would you all suggest looking out for when I go this weekend? I know Mustangs top to bottom but the Pinto will be all new to me, any advice on things to look out for will be GREATLY appreciated.
Check the 1/4 panels, front passenger floorpan, spare tire well, & lower doors for rust. Also check that the doors close properly, hinge bushings are fairly easy to do, but a pain when the door won't close! Also check for the "prayer mat" between the gas tank & axle. That's the "recall fix". A for the engine, the 2300 is pretty much bulletproof, with the exception of the camshaft. They're prone to a loss of oiling, and they flatten the lobes. If the car is solid, go for it. I love my '74 2300 auto. It's not exactly "peppy", but it's not dangerously slow either. The C3 is kind of weak, but I have one from an '83 Turbo Cougar. (had the engine too, but it went lean once too often :surprised: )
I'll +1 on a V8 Pinto not being the very best daily driver. They tend to be nose heavy, and handle strangely. My friend's V8 Pinto would initially understeer, then with a bit of throttle it would SNAP into oversteer. That tended to make the ends swap before you knew wow was happening. I wouldn't put my wife in one, at least not on a daily basis.
Post up some pics when you get back.
RacinJason,
QuoteI drive my 72 daily....289 four speed and dual fours....
I think High Horse drives his V8 Pinto daily as well...
Yep!!! It's ready to go....spit....but only when the roads are dry...and better yet...spit...HOT.
RJ...I will concede that the best route to go would be a Turbo 4 out of a t-bird. But if that ground pounding thunder is what you are all about then a v-8 is the way to go.
I documented my conversion in Your Projects way back. I was lucky to do it to a v-6 car and didn't have to change front end springs and rear end. The trick is to get it down as far as you can and back as far as you can...there is no kit....it is a roll your own proposition. I used solid mounts, a custom oil pan...well....see the thread. And if you are going to do this for honey expect her to be saying ...is it done yet...is it done yet. But on the other hand...I'd love to hear honey say...are you going to work on the Pinto today...spit.
Welcome aboard RJ....Heck, like the man said for 50 bucks i'd just send a truck to get it and be surprised.
High_Horse
That is the plan, unless it is a lost cause (rusted, etc.) I plan on getting it because you can't beat the price! As far as the V8 thing, she has been racing her whole life also and she wouldn't have it any other way. I hope it turns out to be O.K. if so I will try to get some pics up A.S.A.P. Hopefully I will get to see it Sunday!
RJ
I am also a Mustang owner, I have a slightly rough 89 Hatchback with a 2.3. I was thinking of doing a V8 swap, I have heard both sides of the story, a 2.3 turbo maybe a better way, some of your thoughts would be nice. If you get your Pinto you will get a many thumbs up as you do in any Mustang. Good luck.
Tercin
Well everyone wish me luck! I am going at lunch tomorrow to check out the car, and unless it is a total junkheap I am sure I will get it. I guess it will be one more to add to the stable! :fastcar:
Hello RacinJason,
LUCK!!! Post a photo when you can too...
From Pintony
Goood Luckkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!
High_Horse