RS Motorsport :: Classic Speed Restored

OK,
whats involved in attaining 165HP in the good ol pinto. Assume sierra injection manifold or quads, aftermarket computer etc.
What sort of valve sizes, head porting, cam profiles, exhaust primaries, ignition tricks etc.
How will this compare to the reputed zetec on twin webers, good exhaust and ignition computer with 165HP.

Thanks guys,

Justin p

To get that sort of hp out of a pinto should be reletively easy. My pick would be as follows:

Ported head, 44/38 valves, double springs, run 11:1 compression on premium unleaded, for the cam - you should be able to get away with something under 300 degrees duration so it's not too rough.

Bottom end, if you keep under 7000rpm mostly standard (but good quality) internals should be fine.

Ignition - electronic conversion.

Fuel - you've already got that covered with injection.

Extractors - some ofthe better off-the-shelf brands should be fine.

In comparison to a Zetec, I'm guessing here but I'd say the main difference would be in bottom end drivability, as you'd expect the 16 valve to give more lower torque than the old 8 valve. Also the cam profiles in the Zetec would probably not be a rough giving a smoother engine generally.

Depending on what you could buy second hand, costs might be pretty similar too.

My 2c worth

Thanks neville,
The debate continues as does the research.
Im weighing up the options of modified pinto vs internally standard zetec with bolt-ons. If I can get 165HP easily with both and the cost are around the same it requires further thought.
I feel with the zetec future upgrades are more possible up to 200-220 HP, with the pinto that requires alot more work and therefore cost. I want cheap power and Im a dreamer, or more accurately I want as much power for my investment regardless of engine

Thanks again

Justin,

If you're going to settle for 165, then the pinto would probably work out easier and cheaper. But if you want to go on the hp hunt, then from there on in a pinto it can get real expensive. The Zetec might be the better option if you want 200+