The 2.3L Ford Lima four cylinder was produced from 1974 right through 1997 in various different machinations and forms. In this case, one of those 2.3L engines that was liberated from a Thunderbird Turbo Coupe found its way into classic Pinto and has bene hot rodded to produce more than 400hp at the flywheel and 350hp at the tires. This little car with its factory paint, factory trim, and small tires on slot mags is one of the most awesome sleepers we have seen on a dyno in some time. This power in a car that weighs right about 2,000lbs would be so much fun on the street we can hardly stand it, especially if the 5-speed from the Turbo Coupe was loaded in with the engine.
It’s pretty funny when we look at the tale of the 1970s four cylinder engines released by GM and Ford. The aluminum Vega engine was an abject disaster from the start and is still viewed that way by anyone with any grasp on automotive history. The Ford engines, however were magical little anvils that lived on and on and were built by the 10s of millions globally. The engines powered small cars and trucks for decades on continents across the globe and they are still in service today in huge numbers.
Both Ohio George Montgomery and Buddy Ingersoll used turbocharged four banger Pintos to terrorize NHRA drag racing in the late 1970s. No, they were not the Turbo Coupe engines but they where the slightly different older brothers of the engine in this Pinto.
How awesome is this car?!
This is cool.
I can’t recall the last time I saw a Pinto or a Vega on the road. Neither were durability award winners
Great to get that power out of that little motor!