Pinto
 

Hi, sorry to keep on about engine choice, but I was wondering if I fitted a pinto as per the original design etc got through Iva etc, what would happen if I put a zetec in, would I still need a pre 95 version to avoid emissions and cat, or if I went for a newer zetec am I just trying to get it through MOT and emissions obviously would have to fit cat i guess .if you get my drift hope this makes some sense to someone.
thanks again.
DaveyB

Post iva fit what you like as there is no retest.

Well tuned engine should pass mot without cat as I have seen with scooby's and then failed them for cat missing.

One thing to remember is that the exhaust for pinto would exit on the right and zetec would be left hand side so mounting and bodywork would need amending.

The way I see the emissions, if you had a pinto in, the emissions would be really high compared with more modern engines and so from then on the car would be tested under the pinto data and so a zetec even without cat would pass no problem.
I'm sure someone who has actually done it will clear this up for you soon.

If you want to use a zetec later then I would suggest going for a donor with the CVH engine as the mounts and exhaust are similar, likewise if you were going for a duratec later then use a pinto
Regarding emissions, currently you would not need a cat or need to worry about pre'95 but as the rules regarding modifying are currently being scrutinised this could change.
Better still build it with an mx5 engine and box then you have all the bases covered

I reckon it would take you a long time to get bored with a pinto or a cvh.

Bob

These are are so light in reality that every touch of the throttle or brake is absolutely immediate. Ive thought about upgrading to a zetec but in truth have found a standard pinto putting out somewhere between 105 to 115bhp with a freeflow exhaust is pretty awesome compared to most road cars. A duratec swap seemed attractive as everyone will tell you the exhaust is on the same side so it must be simpler than a zetec- but when i actually spoke to people who had done the swap it needs a bell housing adaptor, modified gearbox spiggott plus time parts and money getting it fueled and sparking. Nope i want to drive the thing so I'll stick with the pinto and maybe sometime add a big valve head and faster cam to nudge up the bhp when cashflow allows.

When you think that a head+cams can net you the same hp as a zetec why bother.http://www.classicfordmag.co.uk/2011...cams-ht1e-cam/. I am not anti zetec but really struggle to understand the want to oust the the cvh/pinto untill you have explored the potential of what you have.I have had plenty of smiles per miles in a pinto powered escort van:) FMB I am showing my age cos it was a mk1:o

Bob

Pinto
 

Hi guys thanks very much for all your comments think I'll be using the sohc route for starters.

DaveyB