What engine is in a 1973 Ford Pinto?
The 1973 Ford Pinto was powered by Ford's small inline-four engines—the standard 1.6-liter overhead-cam engine, with an optional 2.0-liter version available on some models.
In this article we examine the engine lineup for the 1973 Pinto, outlining the two main powerplants Ford offered, how they differed in displacement and performance, and what that meant for drivers in the era of compact-car competition.
Engine options in 1973
Two inline-four options defined the Pinto lineup in 1973. The following list summarizes what buyers could expect under the hood and how each engine was positioned within the range.
- 1.6-liter inline-four overhead-cam engine — the standard engine for most 1973 Pintos, designed for efficient urban driving.
- 2.0-liter inline-four overhead-cam engine — an optional, larger displacement powerplant offering more torque and performance for buyers who wanted quicker acceleration.
In short, the Pinto primarily relied on a compact 1.6-liter four, with a 2.0-liter option for those seeking a little extra punch from the compact sedan.
Context and design notes
These engines were part of Ford's broader small-car strategy in the early 1970s, sharing technology across models to simplify production and maintenance. Both engines were inline fours with overhead-cam designs, reflecting Ford's push toward more efficient, reliable powertrains in the wake of tightening emissions and fuel-economy expectations.
Summary
The 1973 Ford Pinto used a 1.6-liter inline-four as the standard powerplant, with a 2.0-liter inline-four available as an option. Together, they delivered the compact Pinto's expected balance of efficiency and performance for the era.
Did Ford make a 1.3 Pinto engine?
The Pinto engine was available in five displacements: 1.3 L (1,294 cc), earlier 1.6 L (1,593 cc), later 1.6 L (1,598 cc), 1.8 L (1,796 cc) and the 2.0 L (1,993 cc).
How much horsepower does a 1973 Ford Pinto have?
Four-cylinder units were the only choices when the Pinto debuted, with a V6 joining the lineup in 1975. The 1973 model year could be had with a 1.6-liter rated at only 53 horsepower and a more powerful 2.0-liter with 86 horsepower.
Was the 352 Ford engine a good engine?
Yes, the Ford 352 is generally considered a good, reliable, and strong engine, especially as a member of the versatile Ford FE family. It is a durable and capable engine that can be modified for high performance, with many parts interchangeable with other FE engines like the 390.
Strengths of the 352 engine
- Reliable and durable: The 352 is known for being a resilient engine with good longevity, capable of handling heavy-duty work.
- Strong torque: As a member of the FE series, it is a good torque producer, making it suitable for trucks and other applications that require pulling power.
- Versatile platform: It's part of the FE engine family, meaning it can accept parts and upgrades from other FE engines, allowing for extensive modifications to increase horsepower.
- High-performance potential: With the right modifications, such as a four-barrel carburetor, headers, and a different camshaft, the 352 can be built to produce over 300 horsepower.
- Historical performance: The 352 was originally offered in performance applications like police interceptors, and a high-performance version was available with a solid lifter camshaft and higher compression, notes Wikipedia.
Potential considerations
- Weight: The 352 is a heavy engine, weighing around 650-680 pounds, which can be a factor in some builds, says Facebook.
- Fuel efficiency: Like many large, older V8 engines, it is not known for its fuel efficiency.
- Identification: In some cases, identifying a 352 can be difficult because the block casting number is often stamped on other FE engines as well, explains Red Power Magazine.
What engine did the Ford Pinto have?
Initial Pinto deliveries in the early years used the English 1.6 L (98 cu in) and German 2.0 L (120 cu in) engines tuned for performance (see below). The 2.0 L (120 cu in) engine used a two-barrel carburetor where just one bore was bigger than that used on the Maverick.
