Capri Technical Forum:

OK clever people

I'm looking to get some more power out of my 2.0 pinto before it dies. haven't got the time for a total rebuild or fitting a new engine, although that would be fun, so i'm looking to fit new carbs and exhaust to get some more beans out of the beast.

at present i'm thinking of fitting weber twin 45s and all the necessary kit (inlet manifolds, new exhaust mainfold etc.

a few guys have suggested a cam kit as well.

so the question is:
1. is this a good idea

2. can i get hold of weber twin 45s without having to buy them new (they ain't cheap!)

3. will the cam kit make any discernable difference in bhp?

4. once i've done all that, will i need to upgrade rear axle (fit LSD), brakes and suspension?


suggestions greatly received

Hi, running a standard pinto you would be better off using webber 40's. You would normally run 45's on a stage 3 cylinder head with a stronger bottom end.
With a good tubular exhaust manifold and twin 40's jetted right you could achieve 150-160 bhp. Changing the cam is an option but you will need to remove the head. If you go for changing the cam why not go for a stage 2 or 3 cylinder head. Stage 3 head with electronic ignition and good cam could achieve 185 bhp. Standard pinto con rods are good for around 160bhp so anything higher would require steel rods, forged pistons and possibly a steel crank too. You can easily get 250+ bhp if you want to spend thousands.

Before it dies, if its on its way out i wouldnt be trying 2 get more power out of it, just be throwing money down the drain.Unless im reading in2 it wrong?

have a look in the latest classic ford mag and the have an alternative to useing expensive 45s, they have fitted a set of bike carbs with very good results. andn they are alot cheaper.

Messing about with the old OHC is a total waste of money when you look at the options.

It's too easy to spend a fortune on all the victim stuff like "45's" and the rest of the tat to strap them on.
And what do you get at the end of it - mpg in single figures - rubbish driveability - endless adjustments because you didn't get it set up on a rolling road - possibly because no one wanted to mess about setting up carbs.

There are plenty of people out there who have done over 2 grand and still not cracked 180 bhp.

If you want more power, get an engine that does it off the shelf. Quick - east - cheap.

If you are not afraid of a bit of hard work - you can get a 2.9 efi in and working over a couple of weekends. The forum is here if you need help - I'm not the only one with knowledge of Ford injection systems. Plenty of others have gone the sensible route.

Wouldn't bother with twin sidedraughs TBH unless the head is flowed/cam fitted, standard twin choke is good up to 140BHP ish before it becomes a restriction, there better ways to spend the money AND as csr states they go out of tune on a regular basis need specialist setting up ect.
2.9 can be done in a weekend and WILL put that smile on your face for less than a pair of carbs