My 74 Turbo Pinto, little bit different..

[ProMav71]

I waited this long to start a thread because it seems like with every project I start...I start a build thread first and it never goes anywhere. This one is already further along than any of the others before it so I hope its safe! I wanted a Pro-Touring style Pinto so I robbed some parts of my Maverick project since its going to be awhile longer till it will need these parts. In the front I'm running tubular a-arms, Wilwood pro-spindles, machined hubs, Cobra 13" big brakes,Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve, new steering rack (not installed yet), new shocks( not installed yet), and I'll have to check the springs once I get these spindles on to see where its going to set. I just got through making a set of caliper brackets out of 3/8" steel plate to mount these calipers to the Wilwood spindles. I will be running 17x8 Cobra R rims for the front and rear, with 235/40/17 Front and 275/40/17 Rear.
The rear I swapped in is an 8.8 out of a 97 Mustang Cobra w disc brakes and 4:10 gears. Going to keep the leaf springs for now, I've got a 4 link kit Im thinking about putting in but we'll see.

I do plan on running some sort of fender flare. Body mods are minimal. Mainly dropped the big bumpers, replaced the front bumper with one from my 71 Maverick...almost a perfect fit, just had to make some custom brackets. Rear may get some custom lights and a rear roll pan. Custom front valance to fit around the front mounted intercooler.

The interior has 03 Hyundia Tiburon black leather bucket seats. Just bought new carpet I havent installed yet. I have a 4 pt roll cage that needs to be installed. Im thinking of ditching the rear seat since no one can sit back there with the roll bar in the way. Also thinking of using one of my 97 Cobra gauge clusters. Did a little research and it seems all the sending units are the same ford part # so If I can get a wiring diagram for the instrument cluster on a Turbo coupe and find a dash harness for one I can probably make it work.

My aim is to have a nice quick, good handling, compact car. Pro-touring style.

I will post pics along the way. Hopefully within the next month the 2.3 T will be in and running. It's my daily driver so it cant be down too long. Here's some teaser pics

Here's the rendering. Did this awhile back but in a goldish green. Want more of a Gunmetal color.

[sixty5hellvell]

I had a 71 pinto drag car project years ago. It will look bad ass when it has fender flairs, they raced these in trans am in the 70's you should find some pics on the net for direction.

[dusterbd13]

neat project. id like to see more of the interior.

also, it looks like the intercooler will be very damage prone for a daily, and liek the wheels are going to hit the body in the rear.

is this currently the daily, or will be when done?

michael

[ProMav71]

neat project. id like to see more of the interior.

also, it looks like the intercooler will be very damage prone for a daily, and liek the wheels are going to hit the body in the rear.

is this currently the daily, or will be when done?

michael

I drive it everyday now, its a driver project. The front valance will protect the IC as much as any other car with a FMIC sitting lower. The other 2 OEM Cobra wheels I have (current ones are aftermarket) will tuck inside the rear. The ones now dont hit at all so I know those wont. But if I go with the flare thats a non issue anyway.

[Mr. Anderson]

I've been lusting (for some weird reason) for a Pinto lately, and this isn't helping! I can't wait to see where this one goes.

The Maverick bumper is a neat trick.

[CruizinKev]

cool project! looks good

[mrn2obelvedere]

You gotta get the stance right for this build. Right now its too high front and rear. I do like the bumper idea as well. I wish there were tricks like that for my Belvedere.

I did always like the pinto though. It seems like such an obvious, yet unnoticed combination.

What are you doing for your drivetrain? Can you squeeze a mod motor in there?

[ProMav71]

You gotta get the stance right for this build. Right now its too high front and rear. I do like the bumper idea as well. I wish there were tricks like that for my Belvedere.

I did always like the pinto though. It seems like such an obvious, yet unnoticed combination.

What are you doing for your drivetrain? Can you squeeze a mod motor in there?

Yea I plan on dropping the nose another inch or so and the rear 2-3 inches, hence the need for fender flares. If I was to drop it right now with the way it is I wouldnt be able to steer it without rubbing issues all around. Im toying with the idea of the 4 link in rear.

Im waiting on a couple more seals that were missing from my gasket kit and I will be able to finish the engine. Its a 2.3 Turbo engine and 5 speed from a 1988 Thunderbird Turbo coupe. It got a rebuild nothing fancy. Will be running a SS turbo header instead of the factory log manifold. Turbo is a Garrett T3/T4.

[dusterbd13]

what color did you paint it? i like that color. may have to do it for the new motor on the CRX.

[showme]

This is a very cool project!Should be wicked!

[showa]

Good luch with this one.... I'm looking forward to see how it turns out... Great car to do with lots of racing heritage...

[Bryce]

sweet, I will be following this!

[CruizinKev]

wow love the rendering!

[DynoDon]

Cool, can't wait to see where you go with this. My second car was a Pinto, a 73, and it was only a year old! Done in what we just called Road Race style back then. &'s on front, 10's out back, lowered, Koni's, Spearco Sway Bars, Hooker Header, Stebro Exhaust, Toyota Celica 5 speed conversion. Used to race Mulholland with it

[Tig]

Nice, I havent seen a Pinto in years. Always been a fan of them. Lookin forward to this build.


Sub'd

[hechtrod]

Love the concept pic, that is rad!

[rusty428cj]

I've always liked Pinto's. It will look good with a set of flares and lowered. Are you going to run one of my brothers boost valves? www.boostvalve.com

[DarkBuddha]

Neat! It's awesome to see someone else building a 2.3T car here... seriously underestimated motor. Definitely keep us updated.

[78 Type-LT]

i love pintos

[1360]

i love pintos

I love THIS Pinto!