Pinto budget build - any advice appreciated

[davemk2]

Hi Guys
I am trying to set my car up for track days and hill climbs, Ive read about every post I can find as well as Vizard’s and Hamills books. I am about to order a camshaft kit and have the machine work done and just wanted to check I was going down the right path……
I was looking at the Kent Cams Ultimate road camshaft kit ( Power band 2250-7000rpm, 5-4’/492” valve lift, 294 deg duration, timing 39/75/75/39, timing at full lift 108deg, inlet lift at TDC 0.110” , clearances .0008”in/.010”ex
it would be going in
MK2 2Door Escort
Diff : English (Axles shot peened crack tested) trans x lsd 4.11
Gear box : 4 speed with Quaife Straight Cuts
1st 2.48
2nd 1.69
3rd 1.277
4th 1.00
The engine at this stage is a bare block (not 205) I have
Pacemaker 4-2-1 headers (port matched)
205 rods (crack tested balanced)
Bare Head ported/polished and set up for 44/38 valves
Twin Webber 45s
Once I have the cam kit I was going to have the engine built with : lightened standard flywheel, Standard crank, 205 rods, mahle cast pistons, above mentioned head brought up to 10.5-1 compression with the above mentioned cam kit and the twin 45s. As well as ordering all the other ancillaries.
I wanted to run it on BP ultimate 98 and from what I have read 7000rpm would be about the maximum I can go safely with 205 rods and cast pistons ?
Any input greatly appreciated as well as recommendations of machine shops in the Brisbane area
Dave C

[ozstang65]

I'll let others reply as to the engine specs, but I'd be going for a 5 speed and a lower diff ratio, especially if you're planning on running larger than 13" wheels. Dad's mk2 runs a 4.1 diff and 4 speed and is good on the longer tracks but a bit sluggish on the hillclimbs.

[davemk2]

I've already had the 4 speed and diff rebuilt and can't afford to take another loss changing direction again (was originally going xflow)

I have 13s at this point.

I don't have any experiance with track/hill climbs so I guess I will be the biggest hinderance how ever I just want to try and make the best of what I have so far stacked with future components to learn in.

Wallet can't take to much more...

Cheers for your input your videos and build pics have been a source of enthusiasm

[Clayton]

Dave
I'm running pretty much the similar spec.
Std block, crank rods and pistons (little ends on the rods have been machined to lighten then and slightly increase the safe rpm limit, with ARP bolts)
Max rpm I use is 7000 (never had a problem with cast pistons and rods in many seasons of racing, shift at 7000 all day)
Runs on BP98
45 webers with 38 chokes
Lot of work has been put into the head to get the correct follower geometry
Ported and shaved, 44/38 valves, 11.4:1
Wade 520X cam
Lightened std flywheel
Makes 138 RWHP (not massive, but reasonable for a budget)

Clayton

[Danny M]

If you are going to have the engine built go and talk to Alex Cowie 0450 132767 as he knows pinto's well, If you're going to assemble it yourself take it to David Chilton at Chilton Engineering at Deshon st, Buranda

[davemk2]

Interesting, thanks Clayton I'd be happy with that power output I was a bit concerned about the standerd rods snapping.

Cheers Danny, see if I can talk my brother in law in to putting it togother for me if not I'll give Alex a call.

[Danny M]

Clayton you should be floating those gudgeon pins as will make it less likely to walk the pins around

[Clayton]

Dave
Just make sure you fit good rod bolts and have them resized.

Danny
This is the last time the Pinto gets rebuilt, next time will be a twin cam and it has floating pins.
The Pinto has held together quite well for the tight budget its been on.

Clayton

[Cam]

Hi Dave. I also ran std rods with ARP bolts and cast pistons for many years in my rally car with no problems. Although have gone custom rods and pistons this time.

I'd also have a look at the Kent GT3 cam.

Good luck with it all.

[davemk2]

Thanks guys, yep I have arp bolts

Will check out that cam profille as well Cam

Will Chuck some photos up once it gets underway

Dave

[gen mk 1rs2000]

try using good alloy rods

[davemk2]

Thanks Guys, went out and saw Alex will be taking the block and the random collection of parts acquired out to him next week.

[davemk2]

Thanks for recomending Alex, he was extremely helpful and Im very happy with the work done. Thought id better put a photo up, Cheers Dave