Not to discourage you, but I would suggest doing a LOT of reading here.
The 72 is a decent car, but has it's limitations.
The 2.0 is a good engine, but again limited. There are lots of aftermarket stuff for it in England, but not much in the US.
For a trans swap, there isn't a lot you can use. I remember reading of some people putting a specific 5 speed in, but it isn't a simple bolt in.
If you wanted to put a 289 or 302 Ford in it it requires cutting things. I'd hate to think what putting a Chevy in would take. These never had a V8 from the factory, weren't designed to have one. The 74 and up are easier, but it still isn't a simple bolt in.
A 2.3 is a good swap, but again there are things to deal with like the mounts mentioned above. A Ranger is a good source for the engine, but forget about using any manual trans that comes with the Ranger engine, the shifter is in the dash on a Pinto.
A 74 to 78 Mustang II has some stuff in common, but not alot. Pretty much just drivetrain. And the center console.
The 72 has a different front suspension, than the Mustang II/later Pinto type. Can be harder to find parts for it.
You can do anything you want with any car if you are willing to hack and weld and spend money. But seriously I again recommend that you do a lot of reading here before making any decisions on what to do with it. This isn't a Chevy, things don't go that easy with Fords, and for Pintos that goes about 10 times. I love Fords, but Chevys are easier to swap stuff around with.
Russ