Pinto Car Club of America

i own a 72 ford pinto with the stock 2.0 in it. i have heard a lot about people swapping in a 2.3 turbo from an mustang or turbo coupe. i am looking for advice on what would be the best way to go and how hard it would be to do the wiring for the 2.3

I'm in th middle of doing one right now (2.3 Turbo / 5-Speed from an 88 Turbo Coupe into a 73 wagon / Auto).  While it seems like a simple swap in concept..., the reality is that there is a LOT that needs to be changed - especially for a pre - 74 car.

The following is a partial list:

1. You should have an 8" rearend. Your car likely doesn't.

2. The engine mounts are different. The mounts are welded to the unibody. You need to acquire the whole mount (three parts each side) from a 74 or later Pinto. You need to remove the mounts on the body (they are welded and bolted in) and bolt/weld in the later mounts.

3. Unless you have factory A/C heater box (you probably don't) there are clearance issues with the with the exhaust.

4. The Turbo Coupe uses a hydraulic system and the Pinto a cable for the clutch. There are a number of work arounds, but typically the bellhousing is replaced.  Depending on the housing, cable mounts might need to be fabricated.

5. The oil pan and pick up need to be changed as the Pinto is a front sump car.

Those are some of the bigger issues. The early cars like your 72 have been said to have greater issues with hood clearance and radiator clearance.
  While you can use the Turbo Coupe harness (I'm told) the Merkur harness is easier to use (I'm also told). BUT, that requires re-routing computer pins or using the Merkur computer.  The actual routing of the wiring I can't comment on - yet. 
The driveshaft is another issue was well as the tranny mount and the tunnel hole for the shifter.
  The battery needs to be moved. Most move it to the trunk.  Since I have a wagon, it most likely will be put on the less desirable driver side next to the radiator.

  Anyway, I just wanted to state that the guys here have been most helpful. I am so thankful for that! That said, since a lot of this has been answered many times. A "search" would be a good place to start.
  I just don't want you to have the impression that on a scale of #1-#10 (ten being the hardest) that this is a #2 project. Trust me, I initially thought it was. In reality, if done well, it is more like a #7.
Tom

Quote from: Wittsend on June 11, 2008, 04:30:39 PM
......4. The Turbo Coupe uses a hydraulic system.....

Yes, but only the 87/88 ones.

Bill

Wiring, this is my 2cents.  I went for the after market wiring harness. It is so easy it is scary.  It is basically plug and play, plus you don't have to worry about 20 year old wire and connectors.  It made my life a lot easier.

On the down side it is pricey, but considering the time, reliability,etc I went for it.
I bought mine from Joe Morgan and he will spend as much time as needed with you on the phone to make sure it is right.