Ford Pinto engine
Discussion
Hi
I would be interested to hear what others think of the Ford Pinto 2 litre engine versus the 2 litre DOHC engine fitted to later cars. My Sierra has the DOHC but due to an accident I am having to consider buying a different one.
I know that the DOHC was fitted with "suspect" head gasket and indeed had to have mine replaced (in a 60k since new car) this year. Other similar cars I have seen have mentioned possible water leak due to head gasket which makes me a bit worried about another one.
Would I be better off with an older Sierra with a Pinto engine.
Would be interested to hear comments
I would be interested to hear what others think of the Ford Pinto 2 litre engine versus the 2 litre DOHC engine fitted to later cars. My Sierra has the DOHC but due to an accident I am having to consider buying a different one.
I know that the DOHC was fitted with "suspect" head gasket and indeed had to have mine replaced (in a 60k since new car) this year. Other similar cars I have seen have mentioned possible water leak due to head gasket which makes me a bit worried about another one.
Would I be better off with an older Sierra with a Pinto engine.
Would be interested to hear comments
The Pinto was tough (if serviced correctly - most weren't) and due to its popularity on the tuning and motorsport scenes, will probably be easier to get parts for for longer. It is also a no-brainer if you intend to tweak. The DOHC was never popular with tuners, whereas Pinto bits are still readily available.
I think the '30 year old Sierra' bit is a bigger deal from an upkeep perspective than the engine choice, mind.
I think the '30 year old Sierra' bit is a bigger deal from an upkeep perspective than the engine choice, mind.
Not known as the Pintosaurus for nothing. Ok in it's day, and can be persuaded to make fairly impressive power for an 8v engine, but it's an ancient boat anchor by modern standards. You will get neither the performance nor the economy that a modern 16v 2.0L engine would provide.
Also I have to ask what the attraction to the old Sierra is? If you want a family sized Ford you could pick up a Mk3 Mondeo for peanuts that would be superior in pretty much every respect.
Also I have to ask what the attraction to the old Sierra is? If you want a family sized Ford you could pick up a Mk3 Mondeo for peanuts that would be superior in pretty much every respect.
I am a bit of a nostalgia freak. Worked in historic houses for many years. Now retired, but I like to keep things original. Just me, I know others feel differently.
If I have something that can no longer be kept original I do not then mind modifications, for example I have a 1955 TV cabinet which has a record player in drawer underneath. Obviously old TV no longer works so I have fitted a 4:3 computer monitor in it with a digibox. Still looks original, but it works.
Also use a 1936 radiogram every day, but have modified so I can feed digital radio or MP3 player through it. Sound knocks the spots off modern equipment.
If I have something that can no longer be kept original I do not then mind modifications, for example I have a 1955 TV cabinet which has a record player in drawer underneath. Obviously old TV no longer works so I have fitted a 4:3 computer monitor in it with a digibox. Still looks original, but it works.
Also use a 1936 radiogram every day, but have modified so I can feed digital radio or MP3 player through it. Sound knocks the spots off modern equipment.
Mr2Mike said:
Not known as the Pintosaurus for nothing. Ok in it's day, and can be persuaded to make fairly impressive power for an 8v engine, but it's an ancient boat anchor by modern standards. You will get neither the performance nor the economy that a modern 16v 2.0L engine would provide.
Also I have to ask what the attraction to the old Sierra is? If you want a family sized Ford you could pick up a Mk3 Mondeo for peanuts that would be superior in pretty much every respect.
Had a Mondeo, does nothing for me. Guess I just like old things!!Also I have to ask what the attraction to the old Sierra is? If you want a family sized Ford you could pick up a Mk3 Mondeo for peanuts that would be superior in pretty much every respect.
My experience of the pinto was quite positive. I had one in my first car and it was robust and pleasingly agricultural in fact it was probably the best part of the car, that and the Luminition ignition setup. I can't remember topping up the oil and repairs were easily completed. In fact I'd quite fancy a caterham or similar with one in, especially with a pair of twin 40s on the side.
I guess if you find a nice sierra with a pinto, go for it.
I guess if you find a nice sierra with a pinto, go for it.
grahambute said:
Hi
I would be interested to hear what others think of the Ford Pinto 2 litre engine versus the 2 litre DOHC engine fitted to later cars. My Sierra has the DOHC but due to an accident I am having to consider buying a different one.
I know that the DOHC was fitted with "suspect" head gasket and indeed had to have mine replaced (in a 60k since new car) this year. Other similar cars I have seen have mentioned possible water leak due to head gasket which makes me a bit worried about another one.
Would I be better off with an older Sierra with a Pinto engine.
Would be interested to hear comments
The later twinks had a better HG so ford did sort the issue but it took them 3 0dd years.I would be interested to hear what others think of the Ford Pinto 2 litre engine versus the 2 litre DOHC engine fitted to later cars. My Sierra has the DOHC but due to an accident I am having to consider buying a different one.
I know that the DOHC was fitted with "suspect" head gasket and indeed had to have mine replaced (in a 60k since new car) this year. Other similar cars I have seen have mentioned possible water leak due to head gasket which makes me a bit worried about another one.
Would I be better off with an older Sierra with a Pinto engine.
Would be interested to hear comments
As for verses, it's all been coverd really, the twink is way WAY better on fuel but slightly more delicate than the pinto, i recently sold a 93 sierra DOHC with 130K on the clock, it ran like a swiss watch and retured over 40 MPG on a run (A roads, London to swansea once a month for 4 years) the same run with an EFi pinto got me mid 30s.
Driving wise the twink has more power down low than the pinto so if your a lazy driver like me and prefer to just plant the throttle rather than drop a few cogs the twink is the one to have of the 2.
My advise is get a later facelifted Mk2 and it should have the stronger HG, i certainly miss that engine but then i do now drive a 1.8TD sierra so there's no comparison really, i'd swap out the TD in a heartbeat if a decent twink came up again cos i couldn't bring myself to break the one i had just for the engine.
I love the Pinto, it meant I went on holiday as a kid,
My dad became the local "specialist" for quickly and cheaply remedying their Cam eating preference, he must have done a hundred or more of them, they would come in going Clack Clack Clack Clack and go out all nice and silent, can remember him showing me how to do them, can remember the way they smelt, all hot oil and magic tree air freshener, Cortina's, Capri's, Granada's.
My dad became the local "specialist" for quickly and cheaply remedying their Cam eating preference, he must have done a hundred or more of them, they would come in going Clack Clack Clack Clack and go out all nice and silent, can remember him showing me how to do them, can remember the way they smelt, all hot oil and magic tree air freshener, Cortina's, Capri's, Granada's.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff