pinto motor swap

I bought a 58 CJ5 that has a Ford Pinto motor in it. Has anybody done one of these or know anything about it? I've heard this is pretty commonly done but I dunno. Thanks

 

Have you read Novak's page on this swap? http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/pinto.htm

 

We discussed this a few years back, I was looking into doing it. May try a search for 2300 or Pinto motor. Or search all my posts.
Esslinger makes TONS 0of go fast parts for the 2300 Ford.

 

I don't know much about the swap, but I can't say anything against the 2300. I had a 79 Pinto , bought it from my brother at 90000. I put a hard 70000, kept the oil changed (Castrol) and at 160K, still strong. Got rear ended by a Fiat and that was that. Excellent engine!!!!!!

 

The neat thing about the Pinto swap (other than the engine) is the Pinto bellhousing. It's very shallow, and you can keep the short input shaft on the F134 T-90 and still have enough stickout to put a plate adapter between the bell and the transmission. Makes for an easy and inexpensive conversion.

I believe this bell also works with the 144/170/200 inline 6, but the 6s have an obvious length problem in an early CJ.

 

Do a search. There was a LONG thread about the 2300 swap last year. I have a '46 CJ2A project that came with a Pinto 2300 in it. We got 348,000 miles on the factory clutch in my 8 plug, injected, 2300 powered Ranger!!

 

Thanks guys, I'll do the search. The one thing on mine that is sort of strange is the PO actually cut a notch in the firewall so the rear of the engine would clear. He then fabbed a box that went around the back of the engine. Would any of you know if this is the correct way of doing it? It's an aluminum bellhousing.

 

Heres one thread http://www.earlycj5.com/forums//showthread.php?t=53417

 

This is covered in the Novak article.

Most bellhousings are aluminum today. Steel bells haven't been used since the 50s, except in throwback apps like the F134.

 

I read the thread when I did the search. I've read the Novak article several times and I just mentioned the aluminum bell as a point of reference. My main question was the cutting of a hole in the firewall. I don't recall seeing that mentioned in any of the articles/threads, but I could have just missed it. The writeup on the CJ3B page I don't believe mentioned cutting but by the pics it looked as if he might have had to.

 

Novak doesn't say anything about cutting the firewall, but they do say that they advise moving the transmission forward to avoid the back of the engine interfering with the firewall. If the engine interferes, then the firewall will have to be modified. I presume the PO left the drivetrain in place and needed to cut the firewall for engine clearance.

I'd just leave it alone unless it's hideous.

 

Looking at doing a Pinto swap in my 62 CJ5. Does the stock steering box clear the Pinto motor? Does the stock steering box clear an engine such as the GM 4.3? It looks pretty close to the stock F-head.

Help appreciated!

 

It should clear the Pinto no problem not sure about the 4.3 but don't see why not they used the Ross box with the factory v6.

 

I'd rather go with the 4.3 if possible. Anyone know for sure if it will clear?

 

very cool engine, think SVO Mustang, Thunderbird turbo coupe, or Merkur XR4Ti

 

Anyone know where to buy a Pinto Bellhousing? I have found a number of good engine candidates near me, but useless without the bellhousing.

 

Have you looked for the bell yet, or just asking? The Novak guide to this swap does not say much about the bellhousing, other than giving a depth and bore diameter. I had thought this bell was used on early Pintos and maybe in other cars with the 144/170 inline 6. If I had looked and couldn't find the bell I needed, I'd start by calling Novak and asking if they have any advice. They've offered this kit for many years, and should be able to give you some hints on which cars to look at.

 

Yea, i'll have to get ahold of them tomorrow or something.

The only thing the Novak site says is it must be 7" deep, face to face. Looking online I cannot find what models came with a compatible bellhousing to use with it.

Was hoping somebody knew some ford models that came with a useable bellhousing. Hopefully Novak will know when I get ahold of them.

 

I forgot about that. Headers or time for a sagi upgrade?