Pinto Powerhouse

What is this we’re seeing in the modified car scene – a swing back to older style cars with more than just bolt-on mods?

It could be. This is the third ‘70s car we’ve covered in about a month – and it’s a pleasure to bring you more.

Kyle of Toowoomba, Queensland is a guy that likes to get involved in the nitty-gritty of building up a car, so when you ask him a question about his ride – no matter how obscure it is – he’ll have and answer for ya. There might even be a tale to tell.

And this, ladies and gentleman, is the sign of somebody who extracts the maximum possible enjoyment from their car.

But truth be told, Kyle’s Escort wasn’t your average 1980 Ford Escort when he bought it back in 1997. You may remember the wild BDA 1800-powered Escort that was built by Craig Watson of Four Plus Performance back in 1989. Well, this is the same car except Craig sold it with an everyday Pinto plonked back under the bonnet and with a few other bits an’ pieces removed. Kyle purchased it from the person who picked it up from Craig Watson and set about reviving the car into a performance machine.

It had to be done.

“People would recognise the car and then I’d have to pop the bonnet to show them a pathetic stock Pinto,” says Kyle.

Not long into his ownership of the car, Kyle picked up a hi-po Pinto built by an experienced drag racer. The combo – which has since been rebuilt – comprises 7.0:1 TRW forged pistons, Cosworth rods, extensive cylinder head work, Isky valve springs, big cam and Kent rocker arms. A polished catch-can receives the motor’s blow-by vapour.

The turbo is currently a TO4 that’s built to spec by MTQ Turbochargers in Toowoomba. This is bolted to the steam pipe exhaust manifold that was supplied with the gun engine. A 42mm Japanese-sourced external wastegate serves to keep boost pressure to a maximum of 18 psi. The exhaust system is 3 inch mandrel bent.

Kyle hasn’t gone mad chopping up the nosecone to fit a monster intercooler. Instead, he’s cut away only enough of the lower apron to accommodate a medium-size K&J core’d custom ‘cooler. A TurboSmart blow-off valve can also be found between the ‘cooler and the engine. Induction air is drawn through a K&N filter mounted in the engine bay – Kyle plans to relocate it somewhere a bit cooler.

The intake manifold is completely custom. Designed and fabricated by Q Mechanical, it uses a monster plenum volume (approximately 5 litres) on top of short length cylinder runners. At the nose of the plenum is a good ol’ Ford XF throttle body.

Controlling the supply of fuel and ignition timing is a Q Mechanical tuned MicroTech LT8 programmable system with an internal MAP sensor. A set of four Mazda 13B Turbo injectors fire into the base of each cylinder runner and are fed from a custom rail teamed with a Malpassi reg. A Holden VL Turbo fuel pump and a surge tank can be found at the opposite end of the system.

The ignition system is the same set-up as fitted to Pinto-powered Ford Sierras.

Kyle says the engine makes plenty of grunt up to about 7000 rpm before the rev limit steps in at 7750.

“Every now an’ then I’ll accidentally hit the rev limiter in low gears,” he says.

Backing the engine is the unusual choice of a Toyota Supra NA 5 speed – a unit that was grabbed off one of Kyle’s mates. As you may be aware, the Supra ‘box is renowned for its strength and its long-legged ratios work well in this car.

A heavy-duty full-face clutch kit from Direct Clutch ensures the goods generated by the Pinto are transferred to the rear. And, speaking of the rear, it’s now a Toyota Hilux assembly that was purchased from a friend already cut down to suit an Escort. The diff centre was also scored from a mate – it’s a 4.3:1 LSD. Kyle has had absolutely no problems with the driveline, despite the substantial stresses imposed on it.

And just how much stress are we talking? Well, a measured 327hp at the wheels doesn’t come without some sweat from bearings, gears and splines.

Kyle has also treated the brakes, suspension and steering to a suitable upgrade.

The standard Hilux drums (which came with the diff) are put into action while the front-end is decked out with a BMW disc/Volvo 4-pot caliper kit. Kyle has also switched to a custom pedal box and XR V8 Falcon remote booster. Why? Well, the turbo consumes the spot where the standard booster lives.

Getting boosted Pinto grunt to the ground has always been an issue for Escorts, with many owners resorting to ‘slapper bars’ and other ol’ skool tricks. Kyle addresses the situation with reset rear leafs working with Lovells front springs; special attention has been paid to the front-to-rear firmness. Koni dampers live in the rear and adjustable Konis give the front some extra tuning flexibility. A 4-link rear-end is a possibility for the future.

Steering feel wasn’t a high priority in the design of the 1980 Ford Escort so Kyle has ripped out the standard steering rack to fit a motorsport-spec quick-rack. The car can now be steered with subtle flexes of Kyle’s wrists, rather than flailing arm movements.

Inside, the trim is RS-spec with new carpet, original Scheel seats and a genuine RS steering wheel re-trimmed by Evan’s Trims Shop. Kyle has removed the back seat to fit a half cage with extra safety provided by OMP harnesses. And there are plenty of gauges. There’s an AutoMeter monster tacho and shift light along with a boost pressure, oil pressure and water temp gauge mounted on the passenger side. A fuel pressure gauge can also be found mounted under the bonnet.

The body remains as Kyle bought the car. The yellow paint is lasting well despite 15 years of weathering and the body looks neat wearing its RS rear spoiler and quad-lamp nosecone. The rims are also in keeping with the style and era – 15 inch Globes wearing 195/50 tyres.

Kyle is more than happy with the performance of his car. And, despite the fact it’s so extensively modified, he also makes the point that it’s all Department of Transport Approved.

“I played by the rules the whole way through,” he says.

Hmmm. A 24 year old ‘classic’ car with the potential to run 11-12 second quarters?

We can see where people newfound attraction to old cars is coming from!

Contact/Thanks:

Q Mechanical                                        +61 7 4659 0102
Kyle would like to thank Q Mechanical, his parents, Annie, MTQ Turbochargers, Evan’s Trim Shop, Craig Watson, Bryant Engineering, Pete, Nudge and Marty.