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Thread: Pinto low compression transit engine

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    Pinto low compression transit engine

    Hi, I have a transit with a low compression engine, need a bit more power!
    Am I right in thinking that they have a 1.6 cam? Would I benefit from fitting a 2.0 cam would it make a lot of difference? Or would I be better off with something like a Newman or piper cam?

    It also has a pierburg carb on it, just had a mot on it and noticed it was running really lean on the emissions test, think it might be off a 1.8 pinto, I want to go for a Weber, I have a 38 Dgas would this be any good with the cam? Or would I be better off trying to find a 32/36dgav? (Would prefer auto choke)

    I have heard the high compression pistons fit, how would they affect the performance in a van?
    they obviously had the low comp for a reason 樂

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    low comp pistons enable a van fully loaded to slog along flat out at really low speed and run on cheap 2 star petrol. also when you van was new if ford had fitted high comp and a 2.0 cam the van would of probably been faster than a lot of teh cars they sold, not something they would of wanted!

    if you looking for power forget low comp! you will gain more from high comp than a cam swap, cam swaps need more compression. even just switching to a standard 2.0 cam the engien wiill want more compression. 32/36 is best carb to suit your needs

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    Thanks for the reply graham, it does get used to carry weight as it is in a recovery truck. It does pull pretty well for a old girl, just could do with a little bit extra power

    Are the high compression pistons a straight swap? Is that all it needs to bring compression up to a std 2.0? Would it be worth a head skim and reinz head gasket as well?
    I would probably fit a cam at the same time, while the head is off, any recommendations?

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    pistons are the only difference, you can get half way to high comp by simply swapping to a felpro headgasket which is thinner than std or rienze.

    cam wise only one for you to use in my opinion, kent FR30 or an equivilent such as piper 134

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    I had a Leyland Sherpa motorhome years ago. Fitted a Sierra 2 ltr. Wich is no more as a Van engine with HC pistons, 2 Ltr (or 16 S) camshaft and 23/36 DGAV. Motorhome was quite fast, many other expensive motorhomes had to let me go on a hill (was also very light, 2550 Kg loaded compared to my later motorhome 3400 Kg unloaded !!!).

    Few things I will tell you, you will need an oil cooler to be good, I fitted the water/oil exchanger from a Cosworth. If not, the oil will get to hot, engine working harder as Ford had in mind. On hot days in Italy my oil pressure dropped on the motorway. Once oil cooler fitted, never seen this issue again.

    Second, switching the cam does make a very small difference in fuel consumption. Not as much as with VW T2 Van's which go up 2 litre if you switch the 70 Bhp cam with the 90 Bhp cam from a Porsche 914.

    If you do make a cam swop, indeed, the BP134 is the one for you.

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    I pulled the rocker cover off yesterday to adjust the tappets, no 1 exhaust lobe has some wear and is the only one that is worn. The camshaft looks to have been changed already at some point, so now have no idea what cam it is running or tbh what head seeing as it has a 1.8 carb on it!
    Are there any markings on the head to say if it's a 1.8 or 2.0 head?

    If for now I got say a fr30 would valve seats need modifying?
    Could I get away with the cam and a Felpro gasket for now and do the bottom end in a few months time?

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    Valve seats do not need a mod for any camshaft, they have a job on there own, the need to be in good working order. You can improve them by making a 3 angle but is not related to the cam.

    You DO need stronger springs because this old ERSON profile is pretty aggressive. I advice to buy the Piper BP134 version because today we still don't know there is an error in the KENT catalog or the really f*cked the original profile. As far as the Piper cam is concerned, I use them regular, stock them and are still the one I always ordered. Also little less lift and is better for cam live time. You don't need the extra lift anyway unless radical ported head.

    Yes, cam, Felpro AND springs are fine

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    I´m having the same problem over here as I bought a Mk2 Transit to tow the escort and need some more power. I´m planing to convert a full Sierra drive (gearbox and engine9 train with 5 speed to the transit.

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    Re: Pinto low compression transit engine

    Don't forget the oil cooler !!!!! You really need him.

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