Ditch the pinto turbo for zetec turbo?

General pondering as the list of jobs to finish the capri grows.
Is it a better option to drop the pinto turbo to go for a zetec turbo? I currently have the following spec:
205 block
Cosworth crank
2wd cosworth pistons and rods
Injection head (leaded though so no inserts)

The current fuel sytem needs replacing along with the current turbo (t3/t4 hybrid copy) and the inlet manifold has an issue and needs work.
I also have a t5 gearbox waiting to fit and fly wheel tucked under a desk.

Am after 250 - 300bhp and not sure if this is too much for the pinto, i know it's been done but pinto parts are getting harder to find.

My thinking is i've got to sort the fuel system as it's old and both manifolds need sorting anyway so why not for a more modern engine?

Also on the list is propshaft and axel so engine would dictate these decisions also.
Currently running efi (megasquirt).

So carry on? it's a good spec but the lack of unleaded valve seats and other issue have me thinking a more reliable option might be the zetec.
Thoughts?

Oh and as we're on this am thinking between the gt2564 and gt2864 nbut cant make my mind up. I know Gustaf has recomended t04 or t05 but i have noe experience with these.

Up the anti and do a duratec turbo just a thought don't know if it's possible but u can be the first if not

I am going duratec eventually from pinto injection rather than zetec . Everything is all on the same side. Fuel lines exhaust wiring etc and probably a similar price.

Hard to give advise but I can share some opinions.

IMO a 250 bhp Pinto can be almost bullet proof but YB rods and pistons may not be the best combo for that, compression will be a bit low so low range power will suffer. You can skim the block and head to get around 8.2-8.5:1 but you need to consider the costs for machine work.

I would not worry too much about valve seats, use a dab of lead replacement now and then or just think of it as wear and tear - I doubt you will be doing mileage that it will be a problem.

Not really familiar with those turbos but I would say the GT25 series is the choice for fast spool and if you don't mind limiting the engine at around 250 bhp.

As I have written elsewhere a friend is just finishing a Westfield with a Zetec turbo and the way that engine runs made even me think twice about the Pinto :-) It is soo smooth, I have never had a Pinto run with so few vibrations.

Why not price up the two options side by side? You may be able to recoup some money from the Pinto build too.

Another thing to consider, maybe, is what side will be the hot side. I much prefer having the turbo on the passenger side (partly why I like my Pinto in my LHD Capri) - and that would speak for the Zetec since I think you are RHD?

Gustaf

Interesting i did consider duratec turbo. I also have a hybrid cossy pinto inlet and it doesn't look too difficult to get another manifold made to fit the plenum to the duratec head. That could save you a ton of work.

Thanks for the replies, some interesting points.
A st170 engine could be bought for £300 a 1.8mm head gasket is around +£100 then there's the bit to make it rwd and flywheel and clutch to fit to a t5 box.
Not really considered the duratec as not sure what is a god base engine fiesta st150, then new fiesta st engines are interesting though.

Gustaf- have read with interest you recent engine build, that and other threads on zetec turbos is what has got me thinking. The new rods and pistons is interesting as well.

Will have to do a stock take on bits in the garage, and see what heads are usable. I think a spreadsheet is going to have to be drawn up.
Things like exhaust, manifolds and fuel lines will have to be made either way.

As for the turbo, i asked turbodynamics and they suggested a gt28rs. Keep the thoughts comming, all is welcome.

Will a stock zetec take 300bhp without rods and pistons? I have a friend who runs a zetec (ST170 with the VVT still) turbo and that makes 370bhp but does have forged rods and pistons no head work or cams and a td05 turbo and bigger injectors with a different inlet manifold. It is quick but I think you are already 3/4's of the way there with the pinto, why start over again??

You need to do the fuel system regardless, so the other little bits would be less hassle than a full on engine swap I think!?

One thing i would check is the cost of putting in a zetec or duratec. They give good reliable power but the initial outlay could be quite high. As you already have Management etc it will drop a fair bit. But add sump, bellhousing alternator kit etc and the price soon climbs.

There does seem to be good support for turbo'ing either engine though.

Thanks for the input everyone. Been listing all the costs and think it's best to stop with the pinto till the car runs for a bit. A fitting kit for a zetec from retro ford is £800.
Also been pricing up alternative ecu, i like megasquirt but i'm not to hot on tuning the spark map and finding trust wothy people with a rolling road is a worry.
Plus routing around the garage at all the spares i bought ages ago and have two spare heads plus one that stripped a ball stud, a spare 205 bottom end i seem to remember a turbo cam i bought ages ago.


Looking into it i like the prospect of jumping zetec and duratec and going straight for a 2.0 ecoboost, but that will be expensive.