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1973 Pinto with a 302 ci V8

Published in engineswapdepot.com

Simon Moore enjoyed driving his Foxbody Mustang around town and at the occasional autocross event. Unfortunately it was damaged from a falling tree. With the Mustang gone, Simon missed the feeling of a V8-powerd RWD vehicle. So he set out to build his own.

1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

Simon’s search for a new project included a Vega wagon, Pacer, and even a Gremlin. He eventually found and purchased a 1973 Ford Pinto with a 1.6 L Kent inline-four and four-speed manual transmission.

1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

He quickly swapped the Pinto’s inline-four for a 302 ci V8 from a 1995 Ford F-150. He kept the engine cool thanks to a large radiator with a modified upper support and custom lower support. Simon also installed a set of modified exhaust manifolds from a 1990 Lincoln Towncar and a custom exhaust.

1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

exhaust manifold for a 302 ci Ford V8 going into a Pinto

modified oil pan for a 302 ci Ford V8 going into a Pinto

large radiator for a 302 ci Ford V8 going into a Pinto

Simon paired the V8 with a T5Z five-speed manual transmission from a 1993 Mustang. Behind that he installed a shortened Lincoln Towncar driveshaft and a 8.8-inch rear end from a 1996 Ford Thunderbird.

driveshaft connecting a T5 transmission and 8.8-inch rear end in a Pinto

custom exhaust on a Ford 302 ci V8 in a Pinto

1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8, T5 transmission, and 8.8-inch rear end

back of a 1973 Ford Pinto showing a 8.8-inch rear end

The Pinto rides on a custom chassis Simon fabricated from 2×3-inch .120-wall tubing. The front suspension features Mustang II five-lug rotors and shortened 350 lb springs. Simon modified the stock front brakes to clear the Mustang II rotors. He upgraded the rear suspension with a 1994 Miata subframe, custom shock towers, and Viking coilovers. Eventually he will also upgrade the front to a Miata suspension.

custom tubular chassis and shock towers with Viking coilovers for a Ford Pinto

custom tubular chassis with a Miata rear subframe and 8.8-inch rear end

custom tubular chassis with a Miata rear subframe and 8.8-inch rear end

1973 Ford Pinto with a custom tubular chassis

disc brakes on a 1973 Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

Simon replaced the factory fuel tank with a JAZ 12-gallon fuel cell. He made a custom filler neck and a new floor to cover the fuel cell. You can view more photos and follow the car’s progress in the detailed build thread.

custom metal floor covering a JAZ 12-gallon fuel cell in a Ford Pinto

JAZ 12-gallon fuel cell in a Ford Pinto with a 302 ci V8

JAZ 12-gallon fuel cell going into a Ford Pinto

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