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Post by chrisyoung73 on Aug 3, 2014 8:00:41 GMT 1
Hi fellow Transit fans! I've just done 700 miles in my mk2 2.0 pinto and whilst impressively she didn't miss a beat, I've concluded she needs another gear and a bit more power, having really struggled uphill! More than 20mpg would also be good....
I can't do the work myself but have a good mechanic so am looking for some changes which don't involve having to change a lot of ancillaries.
My first thought was to source a mk3 5 speed gearbox that will bolt on and then maybe a more powerful 2.0 pinto - the camshaft needs doing in mine as the tappets are noisy and can't be adjusted anymore so am thinking an engine upgrade makes sense if mine needs money spending on it.
I don't think the diesel route is worthwhile as I live in London and the emission zone is a nightmare plus I want to keep the van mechanically simple and fairly close to original spec.
From what I understand the transits use a low compression version of the pinto with under 80bhp but the cortinas etc had more like 100 bhp and can be fairly easily tweaked for more. Any thoughts?
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Post by jonochap on Aug 3, 2014 8:23:29 GMT 1
Well, im not best placed and no doubt others will know a lot more. If i had the money i would follow burtons (ilford) route and tweak with their bits. I would go for an mt75 not a t9, it all depends on how deep your wallet is. Turbos for pintos are rare but they do come up. If its not broken...I can break it!
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Post by FredTransit on Aug 3, 2014 10:36:55 GMT 1
Firstly I would try an MT75 5 speed. You will need an adapter plate (designed for the DI) If yours is a luton shape dont expect miricles though! The original options are 2L Pinto, 3L Essex or 2.5L Di diesel. The TDi is as easy to fit as the Di as its the same basic engine. Dont stress too much about going diesel in the zone as it depends on what the van is registered as, not whats actually under the bonnet.
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Post by dodgerover on Aug 3, 2014 11:48:43 GMT 1
If the cam is knackered to that extent, its not going to be helping performance in any way. You can get a new towing (high torque) spec cam but apparently it is basically the same as the standard cam from an EFI pinto. If you can get a complete good engine from a late Sierra then you get the improved head and higher compression to give you some more power. You can also use the fuel injecton system to give a slight decrease in fuel consumption. I'm working on a turbo conversion for my pinto, but trying to find an original manifold is a struggle.
MPG wise I converted to LPG so my 18.5 mpg average running about works out as the equivalent of doing 30+ mpg on petrol.
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Post by chrisyoung73 on Aug 3, 2014 22:20:36 GMT 1
Thanks guys, it isn't a Luton by the way, just a standard swb with pop top. A few more questions if any of you can help I'd be grateful! Apart from the adaptor plate does the MT75 require other mods or is it pretty much a straight swap? What are the benefits over type 9 just stronger reliability? Thanks for the advice re Burton I already had a quick look at their website but suspect they may be out of my price range, will probably need to go down the second hand engine or recon route.. Re diesel it still concerns me if I was pulled over so think will stick with petrol. I am assuming the 3.0L Essex will require a lot of other changes? If that's the case then sourcing a better spec pinto seems logical as least disruptive. I'm not looking for miracles but cruising comfortably at 65-70mph would be good and not dropping to 35-40mph on hills would really help convince the Mrs this whole thing was a good idea.....!
LPG - assume I would need to lose space inside the van??
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Post by dodgerover on Aug 3, 2014 22:45:01 GMT 1
Unless the van is overloaded then your existing pinto if it was in decent condition should be able to do both those things (well 60mph cruise anyway). I would have a look for a decent car spec pinto to drop in, ideally you want to hear it running before you part with any money - even the newest are going to be over 20 years old now so you don't want to be buying something as worn as your original.
Transit MT75's are strong and available cheaply, Type 9's are dear (and likely to be just about shot by now), Fred will be along soon to explain why you don't want a type 9, although in a SWB you would probably be ok, if you found a good one that wasn't expensive.
You may find that if you have the head of your existing engine reconditioned (and unleaded valve seats fitted) along with a new cam it will perk it up no end. There's no point in adding on all the expensive shiney bits from Burton etc as you want an engine that will pull well from low revs, not one that has to be rev'd silly before it gets going.
I've lost space inside with my LWB with the LPG tanks as i wanted lots and lots of range, (500+ miles on gas without having to refuel and I had the tanks already), however I could easily have fitted a 90 or 100l torodial (donut) tank in place of the spare wheel under the van and either mounted the spare on the back door or put it in the van. If you are carrying bottled gas already it is possible to get a tank with both liquid (for the engine) and vapour (for cooking/ fridge etc)take offs
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Post by FredTransit on Aug 4, 2014 10:47:43 GMT 1
Yep the type9 is fine in car but cant handle the constant wieght. Because of the fittings, most campers are partially loaded all the time so will always be heavier than the cars they are good for. T9=needle/roller bearings MT75=ball bearings that are more durable.
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Post by chrisyoung73 on Aug 5, 2014 21:59:47 GMT 1
Thanks Fred and dodgerover. Are there any other mods required for the MT75 conversion and am i looking for a box from a transit or is car box the same?
I think car spec pinto could be the way to go - sounds like a late Sierra is worth a look.
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Post by sidewaysjas on Aug 5, 2014 22:22:54 GMT 1
I think late Sierra's are a bit thin on the ground now as all have been robbed for Escort conversions(myself included) If your pinto is worn enough to run out of tappet clearance I would suggest the whole engine needs an overhall. A freshly built pinto, standard/torque biased cam, new valves and a bit of port cleaning does wonders. You'll be drifting in no time!!
Jas
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Post by FredTransit on Aug 5, 2014 22:40:11 GMT 1
You will need a transit box as the car one has the gear lever coming out near the handbrake. You will also need to cut a new hole in the floor to the right of the original as the gearlever on the Mt is more to the right than the 4 speed's. For the conversion you also need the crossmember for the Mt and at least the front prop as the two connections of the two boxes are very different
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2014 6:45:47 GMT 1
Also if using the original chassis 4 bolt holes for the cross member you need to extend the front arms with 6"x2" plate by welding them to the cross member. And a little 45degee piece to strengthen I have photos somewhere.
As for my advise I'd fit a Di, I did the conversion in 3 days on my driveway, that's including the mt75 swap, prop shaft, , fuel sender and pipe, and fabricating an exhaust out of old Di and landrover pipe.
Electrics are easy and if your lucky you may find a mk2 Di loom to plug straight in.
Cooling you can fit a mk4 water pump to move the vid is fan or just keep where is and chop the blades, A mk4/5 header tank, pipes and rad will all fit easily.
Only problem I've experienced is noise!!!! People don't believe me untill they've been in it lol
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