Topic: pinto mod thoughts

[y5e06]

GrassrootsMoto rsports just did an interesting write up on the pinto.  It really got me thinking about a '74 2.3L 4spd runabout/coupe.
Can anyone give me general information on suspension modifications?  I'm interested in autocrossing and the like.
What kind of support is available?  
What  would be the popular  mods for the front?  any certain spring rates?  springs from a different car?  swaybar sizes?  types/brands of shocks?  Simple/budget brake upgrades/swaps?
what about the rear end?  which cars can you pirate an 8" rear from? what years?  is it a direct bolt in?   Would adding a panhard rod to the leaf spring rear aid in handling?   any rear disc upgrades available?  from say  a mustang or ranger of some kind?  
what is the larget size tire/rim combo that can be run under these cars?  massaging the inner fender, rolling the fender lip, and necessary hammering are acceptable.  Again, any bolt on donor cars to get the wheels from?  14"? 15"?  mustang II? etc?

does a turbocoupe/SVO 5spd tranny bolt right in?  no major modifications?

Please provide any comment if possible on any of the above questions.  I'm still reading other threads to gain info but haven't found a plethora of information.  

thanks!

[SVOwagon]

Well this is what I can help you out on. I have an 8" from a Mustang II and it bolted right in. I think it was a 77. I put a posi in the housing that was from a late 60s mustang. All 8" centers  will interchange. It will be VERY hard to find a Mustang II that already has a posi in it. Although some did come with them. I have an 88 turbocoupe motor in my wagon and it still has the 5 speed behind it. I don't see any reason why you couldn't bolt a 5 speed behind your stock pinto 2.3. I did have to make a plate that goes between the trans mount and crossmember because the bolts did not line up. That is about it. If you reuse your clutch and bellhousing, things should be a little easier. You will however, have to cut your drive shaft.
 As for rear disc upgrade..I know you can also get these from the 87-88 turbocoupe. I've seen people do this but have not done it myself, so I don't really know how it is done.
 Right now I have 14x6 rims on my car with no troubles. If you try to put on 85-93 Mustang 15s, they will hit when you turn because of the difference in back spacing.
 Hope this helps.
 SVOwagon

[y5e06]

yeah, it sounds like a solid stang II donor car for the suspension/axle/brakes/2.3L  is the way to go.  especially if I end up w/ a '71-'73 car.  I really like the '71-'73 steel bumper car look better, especially w/o the option riders.  Then later down the road maybe a turbocoupe/SVO  donor car for the drivetrain.  

A 'classic' front engine, rear wheel drive, 2000lb car sounds like way too much fun for me!  especially w/ such cheap parts!

how thick of a spacer would need to be used to be able to use the fox mustang wheels?  if its not too thick then its easy to upgrade to longer ARP wheel studs and use a spacer (not adaptor).  

[TurboPintoDude]

If you end up with a 71 - 73 car, a M2 won't do you a bit of good. 74 - 80 had the same front suspension as the M2, and you can get the 8" rear most of the time. Heidts has spindle kits and brake kits for the M2 front ends, Racer Walsh has the Poly Bushings front and rear. Hope that helps a lil bit

[y5e06]

I know the '71-'73 suspension is different, but I was under the impression it was a design change in the components and not the mounting points and that  all the front suspension parts from '74+ pintos (and M II?) could be swapped onto the earlier cars.  This would require the spindles, uppper & lower control arms, and brake assembly.  Is this not true?

[y5e06]

if the suspensions aren't swappable between early/late pintos, what about the bumpers?  i.e. '72 on a '74 car?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6057&item=2435215568
vs
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6057&item=2433784665
I'm wondering if it would work?  I'd imagine the surrounding valence panels etc. would have to be swapped too.  This would only work if the '71-'73 front fenders & quarter panels are the same as '74+.