Shandylegs

Simon Have you also checked for air leaks on the inlet side of things. I had the same problem and traced this back to a vac pipe tapped into my inlet manifold. Cheers Shandylegs

The Sierra Cosworth (2wd) YB engine was indeed based on the same 205 block as the later injection models but with different innards specifically for the purpose of handling more power (Steel crank, extra flywheel bolts etc..). When the 4WD Sierra Cosworth was launched Ford used a revised block which had added internal webbing to increase strength (This block should not be confused with the motorsport 200 Block, but I’ll not go down that road). The amount of power a 205 block can handle when in Cosworth guise has been discussed at length with the general consensus being about 330-350HP (Flywheel) safely. Ford never mass produced an alloy pinto block but their motorsport division developed a few units, a few of these have filtered down into private hands. The last I heard was that these are still available the price, a mere snip at between £4-5K (For the block only) , this then requires machining to suit it’s intended application. Hope this helps Shandylegs

Sorry should perhaps have supplied a few more details Built 1998, but carries an age related 'B plate' Thanks Shandylegs

Hi All Quick query I hope. Somewhere in the back of my mind I'm positive that I read that when taking your kit car for a MOT the emissions test should consist of a visual check only. - Can anyone confirm this, and also presuming there is an MOT Testers Guide (Bible?), - Supply me with the appropriate passage of text that I can make reference to? Thanks Shandylegs

Boggie I have 195/50/15 Goodyear Eagles fitted all round and have found that 18psi seems to suit my 3a best. i.e. Plenty of grip with mild progressive oversteer when approaching the limit (Of course only on my personal private testing ground.....officer ). I would guess that there is no definative answer to this question as different people have different requirements from their cars. Regards Shandylegs

Try Burton Power for the earlier type of head bolt (Spline). Word of warning: Although I have never had any problems with Spline bolts, other users have in the past have stated they are very easy to strip because of the finer teeth on the bolt head. Also, If like me you do not have a spline bit (12mm I think) kicking around at home I would recommend ordering one from Burton at the same time as the bolts (Comes with 1/2 Socket attachment made by Draper for approx 4 Nuggets) as they are an absolute cow to find. Regards Shandylegs

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Nick, The Pinto engine & box are extremely robust engines. The bottom end is able to withstand a fair amount of tuning (Circa 140-150hp) before needing any real form of upgrading (Ditto the G/box) provided they are in a serviceable condition. You are indeed correct that the inlet ports are of a different shape but I have never encountered any problems with this when running on carbs. Anyway enough of my ramblings and on to the important bit......... Over the course of this winter I have been upgrading to a big valve head and should be completed in the next couple of weeks. Provided there are no disasters in the pipeline (Bent valves etc...) I will have a spare injection head that, if you are a member of RhoCar, can go for free. The head is in excellent condition, the ports have been reprofiled to a good standard (Not done my me!!) and is fitted with a Piper road cam (Showing wear on lobes, but by no means the worst I have seen). When last on a rolling road this head on a standard bottom end gave a genuine 104hp @ wheels (A standard engine usually records circa 86/87hp) with the R/hood 4 into 1, and DHLA 40's (although fitted with extremely small chokes for midrange rather than outright power). Let me know if you are interested......

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