Old Pinto block vs. 205

[Osiyo59]

So another question of ignorance. What is the difference between a Pinto block from 1972 and a 205 block? What are the advantages/disadvantages to one or the other?

[exboyracer]

The later '205' blocks are stronger and heavier than the old 2.0 blocks. However unless you're going forced induction, any pinto block should be plenty stong enough IMO

[BIG-G]

The only difference performance wise is barrell wall thickness and some 205 blocks have a wider sump flange really cant think of any other but the 205 block is heavier so this must outway any gain surely

[Graham]

unless your going to try to bore a block out massively or are going to turbo a engine to over 400 bhp there really isnt any real practical difference,

as has been said the 205 is a bit thicker, but i've seen plenty of early blocks bored to 93mm,

205 block is heavier but not by as much as people say, i have weighed both back to back and the difference was quite small

[madragon199]

Hi ..i think people use the 205 block from the injection engines ...as above they are a bit stronger .and i believe the con rods are of a stronger design as well ..also the inlet ports on the head are a bit larger (oval shaped)..if you are going to port your head then this doesnt matter.. but like for like a bit can be gained from the 205(injection engine) when used as standard with carbs .....

[escortinadriver]

The 205 blocks also have a threaded hole low down on the exhaust side perfect for an oil return on a turbo.......................................

Shaun

[Osiyo59]

Thanks, That was exactly the information I was looking for. I am going to Turbo this engine so, what would be the limiting factors of the old pinto block? My goal is right around the 325 BHP mark. The only thing that will be "Ford" internally on the short block, will be the crankshaft. Every thing else will be forged super bits.

[Graham]

325bhp is no issue, 400 is were the blocks start distorting

[Osiyo59]

325bhp is no issue, 400 is were the blocks start distorting

Thanks for that Graham. So that leads me to my next complicated question: To achieve the 325 BHP threshold, How should I set up the short block. The plan was to have the block completely machined as described above and fitted with ARP main studs as well as head studs. The crankshaft would be given the complete treatment as well then the rotating assembly would consist of forged rod and custom forged pistons and then balanced. I would like to run the turbo anywhere from 12 to 20 PSI without blowing up the engine. Any suggestions?

[Graham]

i'd go for forged pistons and ARP head studs.

the rods are well capable of handling your proposed boost its revs they dont like, the beauty with turbos is you dont need to run huge revs,

the crank as std will handle anything you care to throw at it as long as you fit dowels or extra bolts between the existing 6 flywheel bolts,

even though blocks apparently do distort over 400bhp, vizard built 500bhp turbo motors using std blocks

[Osiyo59]

Thanks mate, getting the engine specs just right to accomplish what I want and still stay within my budget has been the most difficult part of this build. I already have the rods as they were a gift from a good friend so that is an easy one. I was going to dowel the flywheel anyway so that is taken care of as well. I'm starting to feel pretty good about how this engine will turn out.

[therealpinto]

I agree that you probably need no special treatment at all for the block itself. I run arount that power level now, using a 205 block but I wouldn't mind using a good 20 block either.

You may consider tapping set screws to retain the freeze plugs. I have had no issues but I hear they sometimes work loose.

I use standard head bolts (non stretch type) and a standard Cossie YB head gasket.

Gustaf

[Osiyo59]

Thanks Gustaf,

Would you mind posting the specs of your engine and describe how you achieved that HP level? It would be a big help to me (and others). Thanks mate.

[therealpinto]

I think the spec is listed somewhere but here goes;

Standard 205 block
Cossie YB rwd pistons and rods, oil pump and spray bar
Cossie YB standard head gasket
EFI head with slight port work
NH 206 cam (281 degrees at 0.3 mm lift)
Megasquirt management with EDIS ignition
Tubular intake manifold and 3" throttle body
Cossie 4x4 intercooler
Pulse split exhaust manifold and separate 60 mm wastegate
Holset HX35 (or HX32 on occasions) turbo, 12 cm2 exhaust housing

Max boost 1,45 bar

Regards

Gustaf

[Osiyo59]

Thanks for posting it Gustaf. I looked for the post as well and after several hours I found it. this was easier and helpful as well. Thanks Mate.

[Osiyo59]

So after all this information gathering I have decided to just go with the older Pinto block. Thanks to all who contributed to this thread and helped me with my decision. I have given the machine shop the Ok to proceed and so it should be just a matter of weeks for the short block to be completed. Also ordered my cam set up from Burtons and that should arrive in a week or so.