Pinto turbo questions.

Hello from finland!

I'm currently building a 1976 Ford escort and im planning to go the traditional way with the engine: turbocharged 2 litre EFI pinto. The car is coming for road use and im really not after huge numbers, just pretty quick and driveable car for daily use.

This is actually my first car project but I have played with motocross bikes, snowmobiles and engines many years so they are pretty familiar to me but some things are a little ''brain-teaser'' to me.

How much the ford ''F'' rods and standard pistons can take abuse, are they worth a try or is it better to go the ''cosworth'' way right from the beginning? I know the cossie rods and pistons can stand much more than the original parts but is it worth changing them if im not after so big numbers? (maybe about 200hk?) I have the ability for lathe work so i can machine little ''bowls'' to original pistons to get the compression down. I can also make the exhaust manifold and other metalwork etc by myself.

What you suggest for the ignition?
Im planning to use megasquirt to command the fuel injection and maybe for the ignition too. What model of MS would be good?

Any advice/info about the engine building helps and if you have a good ''recipe'' for engine like this i'd appreciate it very much

Thanks

Juho-Matti

Stock pistons and rods will easily handle 200-250hp

Megasquirt that you trigger with the standard efi hall sensor and controll a single coil directly from the megasquirt will work just fine. MS1 v3.0 is cheap and easy to use.

Borg Warner s200 turbo
Megasquirt Ms1 3.0
440cc injectors
and a good intercooler is a good start.

Thanks for the advice. What do you think about the Mitsubishi TD04-16 turbos used in T5R-Volvos and Saabs? Should be enough for the estimated power output?

How about the cylinder head gasket and bolts, flywheel bolts etc. Are the original stuff okay or is it better to use aftermarket thingys (ARP?)

Those turbos will work fine.

Use 12:9 cylinderhead bolts and keep the rest stock