Ford Pinto engine

[grahambute]

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

[grahambute]

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.

[grahambute]

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!!

[grahambute]

Thanks for all the comments. Just waiting for cheque from insurance company, then I will decide what to do.