73 swap update

65ShelbyClone · February 28, 2021, 05:11:34 PM

Since it's been some time now, I was wondering, have you had any cracking problems with the stainless turbo manifold?

The turbo I want to use needs a center mount manifold for rear clearance. I was thinking about getting one of the cheap stainless ones and bracing it from above with a heim joint to help it live for a while.

Valentino · June 05, 2014, 09:58:14 PM

Hi I found some frame mounts from a mustang 2 v6 but the engine mounts looked different where can I score some
Thanks

65ShelbyClone · May 24, 2014, 01:39:14 PM

How thick is the metal they are stamped from?

They don't look that difficult to fabricate.

Rebolting73 · May 23, 2014, 07:34:27 PM

There may be different mounts that work. I built this 73 up 100% from these forums and am not much of a Pinto expert. The treads said cut the stock mounts off and weld in MII mounts, so I hunted them down and welded them in. They do seem to fit just fine.

bbobcat75 · May 21, 2014, 08:49:18 AM

I'm totally new to the whole 4cylinder pinto game - but those mount brackets look way different then whats on my 75 pinto - I know they are from a mustang ii and they will still work?!?!

Rebolting73 · May 20, 2014, 10:55:28 PM

Hi, here are some shots of my trip to the bone yard for the mounts from a Mustang II. Hope it helps.

Pinto5.0 · May 20, 2014, 12:51:59 PM

Quote from: 65ShelbyClone on May 12, 2014, 02:40:32 AMWhere does one go to get these frame mounts for the 2.3 engine? Are there reproductions available or do I have to scrounge them from a junkyard car? (easier said than done)

Used is about it. I've heard that V6 frame mounts are the same as 4 bangers. If you can't find any in the boneyard or through here try Facebook (Ford Pinto Fan Club) or check Craigslist for any Pintos being parted out. You would be amazed what you can find if you post a "WANTED" ad on Craigs for Pinto parts.

65ShelbyClone · May 12, 2014, 02:40:32 AM

Quote from: JCR on October 17, 2013, 08:18:53 PM
I'm in the process of putting in a 87 Turbo 2.3 in my 73 Pinto.

Need some advise fir the engine mounts, both steel which bolt to the block, engine mounts and frame mounts.

Do you have pictures of these and where I can get them these items?

I have found myself in the same situation in the last few days and your question seems to be the $64,000 one.

Where does one go to get these frame mounts for the 2.3 engine? Are there reproductions available or do I have to scrounge them from a junkyard car? (easier said than done)

Rebolting73 · November 09, 2013, 09:07:03 PM

Hi, here are some shots. First, Wittsend has some great swap posts, I read them and studied them. So, to follow along, engine out, cut stock mounts off, get Mustang II mounts, hang engine and tranny is and hook up the tranny mount and center it. I used a Harbor Freight front wheel drive cross bar to hang the engine while adjusting (cuz I had one handy). Left, right, up down...beat the pan a little,shave the rack and pinion mount shoulder. I C-clamped the mounts to the frame and then tacked it in and them buzzed it in and called it a day. If these pics come up short I have a bunch more..Hope it helps.

Wittsend · October 18, 2013, 11:01:26 AM

I'm using the factory '74-up 2.3 mounts in my '73. It requires cutting out the original mount and welding the new mounts in. I know I have answered this question numerous times with pictures (I think). Search my posts (Wittsend) and you should find something. I've included a picture of the passenger side engine bay. Note that the battery tray and (rusted) panel have been removed/replaced.

Frankly it is VERY tight if you want the hood to close. I had my engine in/out 7 times before I committed to welding them in. There is one bolt hole that looks close, but in my case not close enough.

Tom

JCR · October 17, 2013, 08:18:53 PM

HI,

I'm in the process of putting in a 87 Turbo 2.3 in my 73 Pinto.

Need some advise fir the engine mounts, both steel which bolt to the block, engine mounts and frame mounts.

Do you have pictures of these and where I can get them these items?

Any help would be gratefull,

Thanks, Jim

Srt · October 02, 2013, 05:08:08 PM

great job on the install. looks like all the time was well worth it!

Wittsend · October 02, 2013, 11:53:46 AM

Your installation is very clean. It is nice to see the creativity you used on the install. I did the '88 TC engine/'73 wagon and left it basically stock. Mega wires in the '88 harness. Lots of close clearance issues too.

Enjoy (but be safe).

Tom

74 PintoWagon · October 02, 2013, 10:16:10 AM

Looks great.

Scott Hamilton · October 02, 2013, 09:00:28 AM

Very Nice!!

Rebolting73 · September 28, 2013, 11:35:54 PM

Road test went great. Another turbo on the road. Here is a shot of the engine. The VAM still needs firm mounted, but I plan to keep this layout. Woot!

Rebolting73 · September 26, 2013, 09:03:05 PM

Have more to do before road test, but fired her up today..I am PUMPED :-)
Thank you FordPinto.com contributors....what an awesome project.

don33 · August 05, 2013, 02:00:52 AM

I do wish you luck, I'm in the process of a turbo swap/build myself and look forward to more detailed updates, especially in the area of wiring...

Rebolting73 · August 05, 2013, 12:14:07 AM

On the wires, yes, Always Hot, Key On and Start is what I mated to the T bird harness. There are a number of wires that went to the T bird dash that had to be traced and a few others that get dropped. I went through all 60 pins on the EEC-IV as well as fuel relay, intertia switch, diodes, fuseable links and the coil resistor. Most of the advice I got was good, take the time to get the whole harness in one piece and tag everything. I have yet to fire the engine, but so far everything seems to go hot at the right time. Wish me luck.

Pinto5.0 · August 04, 2013, 11:37:15 PM

I always thought the T-bird harness had 200+ wires. That looks like my Merkur harness. I think 15 wires run everything from what I've been told

don33 · August 04, 2013, 04:20:17 PM

Great, the 10 holes are 5" backspace, so I'm thinking 4" will be optimum. a little extra room will eliminate any rub, even with hard cornering.

I've got a question for you, when installing the harness out of the t-bird, am I right in my assumption that the only wires that need to be hooked up from the pinto wiring are, always on power, start and run power, and some good grounds. car should run ?

Rebolting73 · August 03, 2013, 11:11:56 PM

I ran them for a while when I was hacking up the donor..only had them on for a few weeks, but I think they rubbed a little in back when hard cornering. The front seemed fine.

don33 · August 03, 2013, 10:12:28 PM

those are some great pics I noticed your using ten holes, how do those work on the front ? clearance ?

74 PintoWagon · August 03, 2013, 07:01:41 PM

Looks great..

Rebolting73 · August 03, 2013, 06:33:00 PM

Hi all, about half way through my swap...give or take.. here are some shots. The engine, wiring, fuel pump and battery are in. Left to do is the exhaust , FMIC and plumbing. Thanks to all the regular posters that have made this project possible. I have been driving this Pinto for 5 winters with the stock 2000 and l love it. Have been building up the turbo on the side while limping the 2000 with a burnt valve.
http://www.palaceofkibble.com/pinto_Update.htm

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73 swap update