I can’t tell you if the zinc and phosphorus levels in oil are crucial to a 2.3L ford engine after 40 years an x amount of miles. But if you google “mobile one specs “ the first listing will tell you all the specs on their oils. I’m not sure Id “worry” too much about the engine or the catalytic converter with any quality oil in reasonable viscosity range but if I had to choose I’d “protect” the engine over the cat. Again , I run 10-40 in my ‘77 but the 15-50 does have high zinc/ phosphorus. The way I look at it, if an engine in a “street” car is so “delicate”that the somewhat subtle differences in oils are that crucial, its not worth owning. My humble guess is that the Pinto engine is not in the delicate category.

Thanks, David! The shaft measurement guidelines is helpful. I will have to check it out the next time I crawl under the Pinto. I left an email with Cardone about their racks, so once I hear back from them, I will let you know what their sources are for the remanufactured units.

Happy Motoring,
Dan

The Pinto arrived several days later, escaping a tropical storm on the Gulf Coast. The car was damaged during shipping when a chain took a chunk out of the wood vinyl appliqués on the door. Secondly, when they reloaded the car somewhere between Florida and Ohio, they torn off the valance panel. At first the shipping company tried to say that s how it was but we had pictures and paperwork showing it was not damaged. They reimbursed my estimated cost, which was based on eBay for $250.00 I accepted it, not realizing the valance panels advertised were those of spoilers type, rather than OEM style. Now, we all know it's nonobtainium type of part! Luckily, I was able to remove the valance panel in one piece to see the damage to be limited to where the bolts are connected to. As I said previously, I found a reference on this fordpinto.com page about Showcars Unlimited in Foxboro, Ontario, I shipped it to them to have it repaired and new fiberglass molds made. Since then, several of our fellow members informed me of their negative experience...I am worried, but the guy is telling me it's repaired and now being carted for fiberglass mold. Fingers crossed.

Here's the pics of the Pinto when arrived, notice the chip caused by the overhead chain and the valance panel...