If the Pinto was running OK when removed from donor then just replace oil and filter, (you've got to drain the sump to mod it anyway) and fit new plugs and leads. set valve clearances and LEAVE IT ALONE!
Go any further and it'll cost big bucks and it ain't worth it!
Last time I rebuilt one to fully recon. spec like TT's list, (in 2006) it cost nearly a grand.
For a tenth of that you can get a good silver top Zetec which is more powerful straight away.
BV.
And since you need £1400 for the SRi you won't have big bucks to spend on the Pinto