Completing an old build

[Tucka]

Hi,

 

I purchased an sew starter kit over 20 years ago with a 1.6 ford pinto engine with twin 40's, a type 9 5 speed gearbox and an english live axle. After many excuses it's never been fully built, and now I'm going to give it a good go to get it finished and on the road.

 

I've recently removed the engine and gearbox and plan to go back to the start of the manual and check all work I've done and make sure it matches any changes to the iva. Seeing advice on other posts I'm keen on checking/replacing hoses and pipes in particular.

 

The first problem I've run into when removing the engine is that it looks like there isn't an engine number stamped on the block. I've been thinking of replacing the engine anyway so it's not a massive issue. At the moment I'm working out what to replace it with. A 2.0 pinto might be the easiest option as the engine mounts and exhaust cut outs are already done.

 

I'm sure i'll come across more issues as i start checking it over. Any tips, advice or ideas are welcome and appreciated.

[corsechris]

Keep us posted on progress. 
 

FWIW, I’d take the opportunity to fit something a bit more modern than the Pinto  A Duratec would have the exhaust the same side, a bellhousing can be had for about £250 from Rally Design. There would be other costs too of course, but a box stock Duratec with the Westfield exhaust will make more power everywhere than a reasonably tuned Pinto, so depending on your goals, costs might not end up being very different.  It’ll be lighter & shorter too. 
 

I confess, I never liked the Pinto much. I built our car with a Xflow in ‘91 and switched to a Zetec back in 2005. So glad I did.

 

Just my opinion, worth what it costs

[Tucka]

Thanks, i think a duratec is probably where I'd like to end up. I've started to read Neptune's posts about the pinto to duratec swap so I can at least get an idea of what's involved. The only reason for considering the pinto is that it seems the quickest way to get the car on the road as I would only need a bare engine to slot in. This is all presuming that it's possible to get it through the iva with an engine that old...

[Euan Hoosearmy]

1.6 pinto with a fast road cam and 32/36 carb is about 100 bhp. 

 

Standard 2L Duratec on 45s would easily be 160-180bhp. Well set-up fuel injection and you're probably around 200. 

 

Fuel injection means re-working the fuel system. Carbs will be a pain for emissions unless you get a Q plate. Don't know if IVA emissions works to different rules but someone else here will.

[p k]

4 minutes ago, Tucka said:

 The only reason for considering the pinto is that it seems the quickest way to get the car on the road as I would only need a bare engine to slot in. This is all presuming that it's possible to get it through the iva with an engine that old...

There are people getting westfield 11's though iva with 1960's engines , if you can accurately age the pinto it should be possible 

[corsechris]

Re IVA emissions, a Pinto, correctly dated at least, would probably need to pass the least stringent test, 

 

[Tucka]

This is all great info thanks. Looks like it's a lot of research and work through all the options. 

[corsechris]

You can, of course, build and IVA with one engine, then change it later...but it isn't as simple as it used to be. In the 'good old days', all you had to do was update the engine number & capacity if applicable, on the V5 and send it to DVLA. Now, you need to produce an 'official' letter from a recognised business in the trade to declare that the engine swap as detailed has taken place. Not the end of the world, but one more hoop to jump, and I honestly don't know what would happen come MOT time with emissions testing. Simplest path by far on that front is a Q plate. I'd be very surprised if you'd be able to get anything else given the history of your build so far. Personally, I love a Q plate for a kit car. Makes things much easier.

 

RFL will be the same regardless of registration and is governed simply by engine capacity as kits are treated as 'PLG'. Under 1549cc is £220, over is £360

 

The key thing to remember in all this is that DVSA, who handle the IVA, and DVLA, who handle registration are NOT the same entity!! This helps a bit when trying to understand why the left hand doesn't seem to even know there is a right hand at times.

 

One thing to check, the chassis number. Make sure it meets the rules or you may have to have DVLA issue one for you - no big deal, and it's free, but might need doing depending on how old the kit is...maybe!!  The DVLA Kits & Rebuilds department are actually pretty helpful in my limited experience with them.

 

And please, do start a build thread. It's a great way for folk to follow along and offer unsolicited advice

[Tucka]

Thanks, really appreciate the advice. I'm not fussed about a q plate so happy to go this route. I'll try to knock a build thread up as it'll be nice having others see what I'm doing and hopefully point out my mistakes before it's too late . I'll start having a look through my documentation to make sure ive got all the info i need for registration.