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Author Topic: 73 EFI 2.3 "panel" wagon  (Read 942 times)

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Offline damarble

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73 EFI 2.3 "panel" wagon
« on: February 17, 2019, 08:43:10 PM »
I picked up this 73 a couple years ago without a plan in mind but I had to have it. It was a 2.0L 4 speed, all manual, no AC car.



After driving it a few weeks I was not enjoying it, too hot all the time and gutless. At first I was going to put a 3.0L Duratec and T5 in it, but that motor ended up having a scored cylinder and I came across a 91 Mustang 2.3L with T5 and only 39k on it.

This seemed like a quick easy swap to get me a little more power and better drivability. I found a Pinto oil pan and thought I was ready to go. Then I found the Zippo Pinto.... I had to have that front stance.



I ordered a Mustang II crossmember and tubular control arms and started removing the stock suspension.



I was determined to be comfortable, so AC was a must. I figured transplanting an entire Fox Mustang AC sytem would be the easiest way to make it all work together, but it's been a chore to fit up. I cut up the firewall a bit and removed some of the core support, will have to add some metal back to it.







Another thing I have planned is deleting the portholes, they're not correct anyway, and filling in the window openings with sheet metal. It will be a panel wagon with the impression of windows, like you see on a lot of commercial vans.

And that's where I am right now.

Offline russosborne

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Re: 73 EFI 2.3 "panel" wagon
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2019, 11:46:25 PM »
Was a panel wagon (Cruising Wagon) available in 73, or did someone add the panels?

Very interesting project. You may want to do a detailed post or twenty on swapping the MII front end, many people here will be interested in that.

I had an 89 Mustang sitting around with a regular EFI 2.3 and auto trans I almost put into my 79, and I had thought about trying to use things like the AC as well. Then I decided I really wanted a V8 and a manual 5 speed trans. Hey, it's only money, right? So I scrapped the Mustang to get rid of temptation (as well as zoning inspector issues). But good luck with your car. If you have more energy than I do, the swap might go pretty easily.

Russ
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline damarble

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Re: 73 EFI 2.3 "panel" wagon
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2019, 11:37:17 AM »
Somebody added the cruising panels, it wasn't until much later they came with them stock.

Part of me really wants a V8 or just a lot of power, but I'm trying to keep this one affordable to drive. I have a few other projects that are supposed to be fast.

I've been posting occasional updates on the FB page but this is better for keeping it all together. Hopefully this goes as easily as I'm imagining lol

Little more progress.

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Offline damarble

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Re: 73 EFI 2.3 "panel" wagon
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2019, 05:05:30 PM »
Been working on a different project lately but ebay had a 15% off coupon today so I ordered a manual mustang II rack. Need outer TREs and brakes then the front end is complete.