Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

62rebel · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:43 am Post subject: Ford 2.3 Pinto engine candidates

well; i have a 1980 vintage Pinto 2.3 OHC 4cyl and 4spd gearbox, as well as the front and rear suspension and steering, pedal box and some of the trans tunnel from what was a very rusty car.....
other than starting from the ground up, what are some likely candidates for swapping the 2.3 into? mind that a lot of proper British cars never got over here.....
my first thought was an MGB, second was a Spitfire. ideas?
it is a carbureted engine, with electronic ignition, and what i'm made to believe is termed the "German" 4speed.

Job-Rated · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1010 Location: Sugarbeet County

See if you can't pick up an old Fordson or Pop - would make a nice affordable rod.

Just a thought.
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dave7 · Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Canada

Engine might be on the tall side for a Spitfire. MGB, Austin A40, etc might all be good fits.

What you've got some like the perfect donor for a Lotus Seven replica build. See http://locostusa.com

62rebel · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 3:18 am Post subject:

oh how i'd love to put it in a mk1 Corty, or a late Pop, but they're awful rare over here. perhaps it'd fit in a Spitty if i used a Mk6 bonnet?
am thinking that an MGB is the perfect recipient. the benefits of easily available parts for the running gear and the reliability and power of the 2.3 sound like a match made in Dearborn...

Uncle Joe · Guest

Possibly a better choice would be an early Escort. Did you have those in the US?

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4756 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

62rebel · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

UJ, we have Escorts but they're FWD. the outer shell is very similar to your RWD version but not close enough IMHO.
i hadn't thought of what i'd call a ford engined MG; "bitsa", perhaps?

bitsa this, bitsa that....

Uncle Joe · Guest

Yes, now you have jogged my memory, I remember the fwd Escorts in the US.

The ones I was thinking about were the mark I's, which is an easy swap if I remember correctly. Why not import one? I'm sure that some of the people that ship classic Detroit to Eurpoe would love a return load! Laughing

62rebel · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject:

limited funds, old boy.... if it can't be done on the cheap; i can't do it!
still hoping to make even on the 200 i spent on the Pinto; i believe the engine and trans are worth that at least. the rear axle was pretty well buggered as i discovered today; when removing the propshaft i could turn it quite a bit before any resistance was felt! i did a proper strip of the little pony as it was; only the rear suspension and glass is still in the shell. even pulled the wiring harness in case i decide to go ground up on something.
a friend of mine that does circle track racing has expressed an interest in the remains of the car, and dismay that i removed the front suspension, as he uses those....
perhaps he knows of another Falcon without an engine and trans......
wonder if the stock 2.3 has the torque to move a Falcon? i know they're capable of well over 400bhp but that's a race prepped engine...