Pinto and other engines...

[Chris71]

Hi,

What's the verdict on the Ford Pinto for kit car use?

I've always got the impression that it was quite a heavy engine for reasonably modest power outputs, is this unfair? How would you say the Zetec and the 4AGE compare?

Chris

[Spleeble]

The Pinto was only used as it came free with the donor. It is a very heavy engine and needs a lot of tuning to make the 180bhp that you can easily get from a modern 16 valve engine.

Both the 4AGE and Zetec are better and lighter.

[cleggyWestfield]

You can pick zetecs up secondhand for peanuts, really not worth going for a pinto ... zetecs will be much cheaper to tune up to 200bhp should you wish than the pinto, which would cost a fortune to get those sorts of figures

Or why not drop a duratec in out of a smashed up Mondeo, bound to be loads about, gonna cost you a bit more, but with throttle bodies and engine management you will get 170-180bhp without touching internals - duratecs are lightest option too unless you go the bike route

Edited by cleggyWestfield on Friday 15th May 11:13

[Spleeble]

Duratecs can develop 181bhp on throttle bodies without touching internals as that’s what mines producing. Apparently they can get up to 195 by altering the cam timing as well. The Pinto really is a bit of a pig.

[cleggyWestfield]

It is generally accepted that the duratec will get anywhere between 170 and 185bhp and the average is more like 175bhp ... mine did 173bhp just recently, need a trip to NMS to have a proper set-up I think

[Spleeble]

cleggyWestfield said:

It is generally accepted that the duratec will get anywhere between 170 and 185bhp and the average is more like 175bhp ... mine did 173bhp just recently, need a trip to NMS to have a proper set-up I think

What throttle bodies do you have? I've got Raceline ones with MBE ecu.

[cleggyWestfield]

Webcon Alpha ...

[Mr2Mike]

The good old 20XE still gives the Duratec a run for it's money then, though it's a somewhat heavier engine for sure.

[Chris71]

How do the Vauxhall engines stack up in terms of weight and reliability? I'm led to believe they're one of the more powerful units, but is there a downside?

[Spleeble]

Chris71 said:

How do the Vauxhall engines stack up in terms of weight and reliability? I'm led to believe they're one of the more powerful units, but is there a downside?

The later ones are made by Vauxhall themselves and they used a porous metal that can cause problems with the head gasket. You’ve got to find one that was cast by Cosworh. They are a brilliant engine though but you have to make sure you get a good one.

[Mr2Mike]

The 20XE is generally a very reliable engine, though it's reputation was slightly spoiled by porosity problems in the later (Karl Schmidt cast)heads that lead to oil/water mixing. Not all of them suffer from this though, and it's possible to permanently fix this problem on affected heads.

150/155bhp in standard form, and 200bhp or more possible on an otherwise standard engine with a well designed exhaust manifold and induction system (using throttle bodies) coupled with appropriate fueling changes. This will no doubt be disputed by a well regarded engine builder on these forums, but the fact is that it's been proven many times. This engine is widely used in many different motorsports, and has a lot of support from third party companies producing tuning products.

Edited by Mr2Mike on Sunday 17th May 01:13

[Sprint Rich]

I have a pinto with big valve head, fast road cam and twin 40's, I know its probably ste compared to the new stuff but its fantastic in my Dutton, love the one youre with

[cleggyWestfield]

I like the vauxhall engine, sounds great, defo worth a look as an alternative route if the zetec doesnt float your boat

Just wouldnt bother going the pinto route if you have a choice and are building from scratch