Welcome to the Pinto world! If this were my car, I would set it up this way: Mustang II V8 front springs cut down to desired height, good quality heavy duty shocks (gas or hydraulic). If the engine does not have them yet, I would add aluminum heads and intake also a modern high efficiency alternator (much lighter), and relocate the battery to the trunk (passenger side) as far back as it will fit. Others may have other suggestions,
71HANTO