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It's not that I'm not a fan of the Pinto: I've more experience with it than anything else except maybe an A series BMC...but in 2009, it's just a bit agricultural, underpowered and rather thirsty. Currently I run a good 1800cc late model Pinto in my Sierra based Berlinetta, which is adequate, but I would like a bit more power. What options are there? Is there a possibility of a V6 with an auto box? Zetec's seem to be a no-no...and the obvious 2.0 litre efi is not exactly straightforward. Ideas anyone, please ?
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Re: Replacement Engine Options for a Sierra Berlinetta.
I had a 2.0 Litre Pinto and have now fitted a 1.8 Zetec in my Berlinetta. Now it is finished I am pleased with it but there WERE headaches along the way. My over riding thought, after about 50% of the way through the conversion, was I wish I had just fitted a good new carburettor or had converted it to the Pinto previously fitted to fuel injection. It would have been unbelievably cheaper and on the road much sooner. Fitting a V6 or V8 might be easier as it has been done many times before. Another problem I had was the Berlinetta was my only car, there was a great temptation to get the car back on the road ASAP and my wife didn't like me nicking hers all the time.
Good luck Roger -
Re: Replacement Engine Options for a Sierra Berlinetta.
Hi Bill,
I was looking at BMW power but the task would have been difficult and almost everything in the driveline would need modifying. This became too difficult so I did go the EFi route and inserted a Vulcan 2.1 litre pinto into my Berli. I used the sierra EFi system (later modified and tuned). I wrote it up in Pitstop but can give advice if you want to try it. It is not difficult if carried out logically.
I now have 30+ mpg, a sporty, flexible, engine which married to a Type 9 GB has changed the car for the better.
Good luck!Marlin Berlinetta 2.1 EfiComment
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Re: Replacement Engine Options for a Sierra Berlinetta.
Thank you for your replies. I have located a 2 litre pinto motor with fuel injection which is supposed to have been bored to 2100 and fitted with big valves etc, but, while I have done engine swaps several times before, (if not on this particular car) I am uncertain of the electrical aspects of the swap and the requirements of the new engine. Which issue of Pitstop do I need to read ?Comment
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Re: Replacement Engine Options for a Sierra Berlinetta.
Hi Bill,
The saga started in 2007 when my 1976 weber fed 2 litre pinto developed amusing oval bores. Two and three cylinders had the compression of a cat's f*rt! I picked up a complete [1988] Sierra 2 litre EFi engine which I stripped and sent to Vulcan for a bore to 2.1 litres and a Maxiflow 1 unleaded head.
Whilst tidying up the engine bay I leant on the ancient Cortina heater at which point the old plastic case disintergrated.
My articles first of all covered the manufacture of a new heater prior to fitting the engine and a recon type 9 gearbox.
The issues of pitstop are Aug/Sep 2007, Dec/Jan 2009 and Feb Mar 2009.
If you obtain your engine with the EEC IV ECU, the ignition module and Hall efect dizzy then the mods are straightforward. Try to obtain the Sierra fuel pump carrier unless you intend to go the internal pump route. ( this has fuel surge problems though in the un-baffled Escort tank fitted to my Berli.) The FI system needs one feed from the ignition switch to a relay (the ignition relay) There is also a fuel pump relay required. Joining the 25 or so wires from the EEC IV is straightforward on the bench. I used VWS thinwall cable and they have all the correct colours.
I've just realised that I am writing out the last article in Pitstop Feb/Mar 2009. Have a look at that and we can go from there.
It is an interesting project and surprisingly straightforward ! The Haynes Sierra manual's wiring diagrams were used and seem correct so far (3000 miles without trouble, apart from now having to be aware of tax collecting speed cameras)
Good luck !Marlin Berlinetta 2.1 EfiComment
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