Alternative to knackered pinto engine, any suggestions?

[johno74]

Need to replace the pinto engine in my new trike as the previous owner had taken the carb off, not covered it then left trike outside but described it as just needing a clean.

Tempted to replace with a 2l pinto but has anyone got any ideas of a lighter car engine that has roughly the same dimensions as the pinto?
Engine would have to be shaft-drive-to-rear-wheels or be prepared to be persuaded onto the ford auto box..

Any suggestions people?
ta

[4_stroke]

The pinto is big and heavy. If you want lighter lump that fits the same bell housing try the 1.8 CVH from late model Sierras, or the 2 litre DOHC (twin cam but still 2 valve). If you want to go even more modern the 1.8 Zetec-R from the Fiesta. Its about 25hp more than the pinto and looks miles better. All use the same bell housing flange. Some later engines used in the Mondeo had a high mounted starter which does not fit the original ford bell housing so check before you buy.

If you want super light try the MG Rover K series 1.8 Its one of the lightest 4 cylinder car engines available. You can get bell housings for an in-line transmission.

Zetec
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Zetec_engine

DOHC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_I4_DOHC_engine

CVH
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CVH

K series
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rover_K_engine

[v8_trike]

Another (non knackered) pinto?

At least you wouldnt have to alter anything!

[johnr]

v8 rover? its an ally block iirc so should be lighter than the pinto!

[4_stroke]

v8 rover? its an ally block iirc so should be lighter than the pinto!

The v8 complete with gear box and larger rad is about 70kg heavier than the pinto.

The easiest option is to re-build the pinto (not fery expensive to do) or use another ford 4 cylinder engine from the 80s or early 90s era as above

[johno74]

Thanks for your inputs everyone.

4stroke:

If you want super light try the MG Rover K series 1.8 Its one of the lightest 4 cylinder car engines available. You can get bell housings for an in-line transmission.

Would this be a custom job or would another common car donate a bell housing to mate the two together[ k engine to ford auto box] ??

ta

[Creature]

there not that expensive to have rebuilt.

Had my 2ltr pinto petrol lump rebuilt last year for £500.00, inc

4 new liners
crank polish
new shells
new valve guide seals
valve seats recut n hardend (now running on unleaded)
new rings
new gasket set
new thermostat and housing
cambelt inc tensioner kit

mind you still running her in but apart from knackered solex carb (cant find one for love or money - have some webbers but cant find any airboxes) she runs sweet as a nut :) :)

[johno74]

It's got robin steering on the front, i'm not too happy with the weight of the pinto on it. My guess is the weight of the robin lump is less than the pinto!
Was going to use the excuse that the engines knacked to look for a lighter option...
Would use a bike motor but it would look lost. I could line 3 cbr1000 engines up i spose:thumbu:

[droid]

Creature.

Got a brand new Solex for the VW trike last year.
They make 'em in Brazil, I believe. Try BigBoysToys.com

[4_stroke]

Would this be a custom job or would another common car donate a bell housing to mate the two together[ k engine to ford auto box] ??

ta

you may get one second hand. Otherwise....
http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=231

you could always fabricate one

[johno74]

you may get one second hand. Otherwise....
http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=231

you could always fabricate one

Fabricate one?

[4_stroke]

Fabricate one?

You can fabricate anything if you have got the tools and materials.

If not you will need to buy a custom bell housing or try and modify the one you have. You may be able to make an adapter plate to bolt the two together.

Probably cheaper to buy a ford engine

[johno74]

4-stroke: I agree that anything can be done with appropriate skills n tools. Shame, i thought you were going to post a design to make a bellhousing though. Haha

Would be good to stuff a rover k in there as i know that when they are running right they are cracking engines. The wife is running a 16v 414 for work but she'd probably notice if the engine went walkies..

[4_stroke]

4-stroke: I agree that anything can be done with appropriate skills n tools. Shame, i thought you were going to post a design to make a bellhousing though. Haha

Would be good to stuff a rover k in there as i know that when they are running right they are cracking engines. The wife is running a 16v 414 for work but she'd probably notice if the engine went walkies..



Sorry to disappoint. Maybe I will have to draw something up.

The K series is a good lightweight lump with plenty available. There were carburetted 8 valve versions around in the 80s of you want old school engineering (I have a hand in the development back then)

If you want to up the game how about a 2 litre turbo from a Rover 800 Vitesse, its not a K series but its an awsome engine.

[Creature]

Johno - if your not gonna replace with another pinto - what carb/manifold and air filter is on it ???

ive got an su on me transit and the body is worn were throttle goes thru causing idling issues - am happy to use webber but would prefur orig airbox

[johno74]

4-stroke: Yes please, draw something up!
It would be worth building a trike just to house a 2l turbo engine in it!

creature:unluckily carb was missing so had grafted on 2choke weber, so no spare carb and no airbox

[4_stroke]

4-stroke: Yes please, draw something up!
It would be worth building a trike just to house a 2l turbo engine in it!

creature:unluckily carb was missing so had grafted on 2choke weber, so no spare carb and no airbox

As a straight swap for the Pinto how about the Fiesta RS Turbo engine. They are cheap and available. Should fit your bell housing

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FIESTA-RS-TURBO-ENGINE-/320536374439?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4aa174eca7