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Author Topic: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost  (Read 4437 times)

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Offline Benton2840

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My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« on: September 02, 2018, 11:49:29 AM »
Found my Pinto this summer that I had to have. Owner lived in Arizona, got work transferred to Portland, OR and had it setting in the garage for the last 2 years. First words out of his mouth when I showed up was "I wish you hadn't show up".

Having graduated in 1970 that era vehicles left a lasting impression and I always thought the Pinto's were so ugly ……….. I had to have it.


Current plans are to install the 2.7L Ecoboost engine/transmission from a purchased salvage 2016 F150.


I've explored only a tiny bit of this sites wisdom but have had my eyes opened already. Slow but sure.

Offline douglasskemp

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2018, 06:04:45 PM »
These are the plans I have too. Either an Ecoboost or a supercharged 4.0 SOHC. Either would be LOTS of fun in the light Pintos.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

The Pinto I had I gave to my brother. The car was originally my mom's, (78 red Pinto sedan with a 2.3 and a 4spd.) I am originally from Tucson, AZ but moved to Oxnard CA :D
I'm looking for a Pinto wagon with an automatic.

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2018, 08:47:46 PM »
Visited the Des Moines, Iowa Goodguys Auto Show this year and saw a unbelievable neat 67 Mustang with the 2.3L Ecoboost which he said was jacked up to over 300+ hp. You wouldn't believe the amount of spare room he had in the engine bay.


I have the 2.7L Engine/Transmission setting in my garage so I'm committed. My 2015 F150 has the 2.7L and I wouldn't want to be without it.


Offline douglasskemp

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2018, 12:20:46 AM »
V6s have torque too compared to the 4. I have a turbo 2015 Chevy Sonic (fit my budget) and it's got a 1.4L turbo motor. Awesome on gas, but now I know what they mean when they talk about turbo lag.

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The Pinto I had I gave to my brother. The car was originally my mom's, (78 red Pinto sedan with a 2.3 and a 4spd.) I am originally from Tucson, AZ but moved to Oxnard CA :D
I'm looking for a Pinto wagon with an automatic.

Offline pinto_one

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2018, 10:10:25 AM »
Been also looking at the 3.5 ecoboost , and the 3.7 non turbo , the 2.7 is almost the same , still have not made up my mind on which engine or drive system I am going to use on my 79 cruze wagon , which had the 2.8 V-6 in it , planned on useing a 4.0 which I have for a spare for mt 93 ranger , did a test fit and will work , same mounts and the stock C-4 will bolt up to it , even the flywheel , BUT !  the engine is no longer made and perfomance parts are almost none , next I looked at my friend F-150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost , took a ruler to is and looks like it would fit nicley , so done some research and also found the 3.7 non turbo in the mustang was at 300 hp and gave 30 MPG , now we are getting someplace , they do make bellhousings to fit the C-4 , T-5 , and other transmissions , for these engines , next you have to make a oil pan to make it work , looks like a easy one , the oil pump is in the front and you have to have a front sump pan , went on line a found a few intake mainifods that were made up for them , the water pump is inside and out of the way , that is my first choise , last was a wrecked Tesla P100D drive train , I retire in one year and now looking to pick up the things I need to do this if they will fit , the engine is as wide as a 5.0 but short , and I believe is lighter than a 2.3 Lima Pinto engine , please post some photos of it if or when you start , my retirement pinto project building is now finished now on the collecting the goodies i need , Later Blaine
76 Pinto sedan V6 , 79 pinto cruiser wagon V6 soon to be diesel or 4.0

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2018, 02:15:58 PM »
The 2.7L Ecoboost has the High Pressure Fuel Pump (pass side) & Vacuum Pump (drive side) driven off of the Overhead cams.

Kind'a creates an issue along with the rear sump. Called Ford Performance & no front sump.


My solution right or wrong is to move the front wheels 4 - 5 inches forward and cut the firewall minimally.


I'm dreaming that a Ford Fusion racing type nose piece would look great and give more room for the turbo cooler and associated stuff.


Since I'm dreaming of the above 2 items, why not add drive by wire steering to top things off.

Offline pinto_one

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2018, 05:59:23 PM »
What ever you do do not cut the car , or the firewall, you want a bolt in in case you may in the future want to restore the car back to stock , someone has already done the electric power steering , look on you tube , they done a very nice job and it’s adjustable , don’t think he spent a hundred bucks on it , as for the pan you have to make one , just copy how they do the LS motors , QuickTime makes a bellhousing to use other transmissions if the truck one is to big,  , this being a short engine the fab work will not take long on engine mounts and oil pan , first you have to remove the pan and place it 1 inch above the rack , that alone will tell you what others things you may have to mod , like will the valve covers clear the power brake booster if you have one , steering shaft and other small things , been engine swapping since the early 70s , some realy weird ,
76 Pinto sedan V6 , 79 pinto cruiser wagon V6 soon to be diesel or 4.0

Offline damarble

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2019, 10:56:44 PM »
How is the suspension relocation coming? I'm moving mine forward as well.


Offline JoeBob

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2019, 11:00:34 AM »

Your photos look good at a distance, but you did not mention the condition of the car. Tell us more.
Bill
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Deuteronomy 7:9

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #9 on: March 04, 2019, 08:51:46 PM »
My 77 Pinto is in excellent shape. There are 2 tiny dent's on the passenger door which I blame the wife for, since I don't remember them coming home. I've been searching for assorted pic's on my phone & getting them to the computer tonight. Will post some tomorrow.

I've got my eye on a Hobart 140, 110v shop welder. Any personal reviews ………… anyone?

I need to set the motor in for a trial fit, without cutting the fire wall as suggested, then I'll have an idea where to put my crossmember and attachments. Then reinforce the frame. Time I have.

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #10 on: March 05, 2019, 07:46:10 PM »
The only thing I've done to the car during the stripping was to vacuum up the fines. What you see is what I got and I'm very satisfied.

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #11 on: March 05, 2019, 07:55:45 PM »
A couple more. I plan on dumping the Turbo outlets outside the front rails.


In the stripped state I leveled via the lower door frame and the front end side to side, then made numerous measurements to the floor and put labels at the associated points.


So if you notice any labels, they are for my reference only and a future guide of points to point.

Offline damarble

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #12 on: March 05, 2019, 08:08:25 PM »
Looking good.

I used my buddy's Hobart 140 and it was a better machine than my Lincoln 140. You should be happy with it.

Offline dga57

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #13 on: March 05, 2019, 10:13:24 PM »
That looks like a good, solid foundation for your project.  Good score!


Dwayne :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #14 on: June 29, 2019, 09:59:29 PM »
Been awhile. Summer sure has been a bummer. Pinched nerve in neck, Fusion of C4-5, C5-6, C6-7. Have shot Archery all my life and couldn't pull my Bow back. Bought 40-50 lb limbs and can now pull 41 lb's. Whoopee.

Enough wa wa. Want to reinforce the frame and it came to me, in church of all places. Since the frame is basically tin but shaped ok, how about cutting the top off of a section, 16-18", then cut down the 2x4 3/16" tubing and insert it inside the original. Strength for the new cross member attaching and overall front member in general. I do need to notch the existing frame 8" or so forward of the firewall for the protruding turbo accessories. Yes there will be some interesting shaping during the process.

What do yee think.

Oh yeh, a car Dealership removed an old 2 post, 7000 or 9000 pound hoist and replaced it with a heavier updated one. Was $1000 to much? I had to weld up a couple of cracks and reseal one of the hydraulic cylinders but $140 later it's installed. 

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #15 on: October 11, 2019, 02:32:51 PM »
Time sure fly's when your retired. Look a lot at my toy, figure more, tell myself how stupid that part is, figure again, then she yells at me to do something, which is to her benefit. Sheez, what'd I do wrong!

Couldn't wrap my mind around trying to find a simple way to reinforce the frame for the new cross member. I can't stand to short cut my way into a solution, so I'd look a lot, remove some of the tin frame rail, look some more then woke up and removed all of it. I'm feeling much better with putting a full frame under the car using 2x4x3/16" iron.

Yes it's on the heavy side for a little oh Pinto but I'm liking where I'm headed. Bought a rubber body mount kit for the 1970's Bronco to hang the body to the frame. The kit comes with 16 pieces / 8 mounts. I'm laying the 2x4" tube horizontal under the car for a lower projection. This will give me a good solid structure at the rear for a Triangular 4 link rear setup. I have already cleaned, painted and the leaf spring setup which I don't need.

Attached a couple of pics. It was 22 degrees wind chill @ 09:00 this morning with 17 - 26mph winds. "YOU" ?   

Offline dga57

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #16 on: October 11, 2019, 11:50:51 PM »
I'm assuming, with all the work you're doing, that the pinch nerve problem has been resolved.  Glad you are feeling better and that you're making progress!  Keep up the good work!

Dwayne :)
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Offline Bobccw1

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #17 on: October 13, 2019, 10:24:04 PM »
Nice 3 door! Love your little pony I found some new contacts if your looking for parts,
Bobc

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #18 on: October 27, 2019, 12:21:32 PM »
Stupid 5 minutes here 10 minutes there project time really sucks. Good thing I'm retired.

Finally got a rail tacked and squared for testing location. Hey it's about what I wanted. My intentions are to have
the engine bay rails 25 - 25 and a smidge wide inside from upright forward. Originally I measured 3 spots back to front along the existing rails @ 23 5/8's, @ 24" motor mount area, @ 24 1/2" forward.

I also plan the rails to be 3/4 - 1" lower measured from the top of the 2x4" to the upper top of the engine bay
inner liner, when compared to the factory rail.

When I'd set the engine in months ago for fitting, there was only 1/2" of so gap between the motor mount assembly and the original frame rail. That's not a problem as the F150 ECO Boost motor mount assembly set
down flat.

Attached a couple of views.

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #19 on: December 28, 2019, 11:00:34 AM »
Nothing exciting going on except life. You might not believe this, but the wife hates the Pinto. Tough!

Looked out the window this morning to "RAIN" mid 30's with some a 20 degree wind chill and "It's COOOOOLD". Unusual to have Rain in December, usually White Rain only.

After many (use multiple fingers) cut weld, cut weld, I got things pretty much where I want them. Attached pic's showing the Engine Bay rails set side to side, spaced 25" apart. With the under the car iron leveled, the Rails needed a 1/16" shims under the level at the Driver side front for side to side level and 1/16" at the Passenger side rear to level the front to back.

I'm figuring since my new cross-member being independently attached/leveled/tilted front to rear it probability won't notice. The 25" inside spacing will allow me to fudge the motor a bit left right as necessary.   

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #20 on: December 28, 2019, 11:06:40 AM »
Trying to get a couple more pic's in.

Offline PintoRoyL

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #21 on: March 28, 2021, 05:01:33 PM »
I like what you've done there. It's been quite a long time since the last post, how has your progress been?

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #22 on: March 28, 2021, 08:26:33 PM »
Jeez!

I'm embarrassed to say nothing's going on. Retirement sucks. If the weather's nice I go out to my shed, start doing little things, the days over and I've accomplished nothing.

Everybody wants a piece of my time and we all get a little of nothing. My building isn't heated on purpose because the project is suppose to be "MY" time and with this Winters low for the year of -26 degrees actual, I do a lot of reading. Getting ready to replace my 40 year old House Windows so there goes .............. .............. ...

If I accomplish anything worth while I'll post, so keep me on my toes. Feels good just thinking about what I need to do.

Hey good timing. I have some 9" Ford 3rd member's I need to clean up and rebuild. Have you or any else used the Hight Pressure Washer "Sandblasting Kit's" ????

Seems funky but would keep the dust down and wash away any gunk.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #23 on: March 29, 2021, 12:07:01 PM »
... Everybody wants a piece of my time and we all get a little of nothing. ...

Am there (too), doing that. My Sunbeam Tiger has been on jackstands 21 years now. Seems like every year "something" comes up. Either the money isn't there.., or someone in the family has the "well DAD can help out" perspective to some MAJOR task. And even if you try and opt out of the project eventually it hits some critical stage and you get looked at with criminal contempt if you don't come in to rescue the situation. I've spent a lifetime acquiring a broad spectrum of skills and there seems to be nothing that "Hey Dad..." can't be helpful at.

Offline Benton2840

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #24 on: March 29, 2021, 05:50:24 PM »

  "21 Years ". The way the world is going, I hope to be tit's up by then.

  I did accomplish one thing maybe. I think I mentioned dropping my perfectly good 6r80. Cried and covered it up so as to not see it. Finally checked with Ford and bought a brand new case for $270 tax and all (whew) which shocked me. Ordered a manual .............. ... took the plunge .............. ... and swapped everything over. Only needed to have one shim ground to get a clearance correct to my simple mind.

  I don't know if it'll work but the entire stripping process was "SIMPLE". Putting together was just as easy and I'd never seen an auto transmission opened up before. Watch a few 6r80 video's and was good to go. So don't get scared if something is new to you. Ford/Chevy 6r80 is very durable from all reports.

Offline Dtmix

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Re: My Retirement Project: 1977 Pinto & 2.7L Ecoboost
« Reply #25 on: March 31, 2021, 09:32:17 PM »
I read about your project with interest...som e of the work you have one is way past my skill-set, and you should be proud! Your problem with time ...you are not alone, as I assure you that all of us have faced that issue! Don't give up...you'd be surprised how little work here and there builds up to an amazing amount of work done! 😉 I see that you have started this in 2019, and you have already done a lot more than others!

Anyway, I don't know where you live, but hopefully you are less than a days drive away from one of the Pinto Stampede stops...this will be my first, but I understand that  more than 70 Pintos have been registered to attend, and the trail boss hopes to have at least a hundred as it's the 50th anniversary of the Pinto. In fact, there was an article in this weeks Old Cars magazine recounting the 50th anniversary and the history of the car. The Pintos will range from OEM orginal stock cars to highly modified, so you will have the opportunity to learn of many ideas of what you can do and even learn about things you didn't know about. Maybe that'll help you with your motivation and direction of what you want from your Pinto. There maybe those modified withEcoboost or other power trains that will helpful to eyeball for ideas.

Mine is as stock as it comes, and that's because mine was too orginal to modify, while others do modify as to their liking, and that's great as they saved the car one way or another, just like what you are doing with yours!   

Hope to meet you there!

Happy Motoring!
Dan.                     

Happy Motoring!
Dan