Surely its got to be cheaper than a zetec to do the pinto?
$1000 for the engine
$3000 for the kit
About $2000 or so for the enginering report plus any other bits and pieces the you need to tune the extra 50hp(thats all at a rough guess give or take)
Please correct me if im off the mark with any of those numbers
I can definitely see the reliability argument over a pinto with this sort of power(180+hp).
Now i dont know how much it costs to do the pinto build but it has to be less than four or five grand doesnt it? 
  
  

Mmm by the time u buy twin carbs and manifold get a good set of extractors made and exhaust, oversize valves, valvesprings, big/custom cam, adjustable cam gear, a **** load of port work over size the bores for bigger pistons, pistons,rods, bearings, hav the crank checked/linished/polished hav the bottom end balanced, full gasket kit for engine, then a gearbox (5spd, 4spd will cop it but not sure for how long lol) clutch to cop it... Plus all the other little bits and peices... Then reliability comes into it like any worked engine

I would rather spend a bit extra and go with a zetec engine combo which would need half the work to be faster.... Jus coms down to personal choice in my opinion...

I think people underestimate how much it costs and whats involved to get NA power from old engines. Either that or they overestimate the power they will actually achieve.
 
Also keep in mind.. from taking it from 100hp in standard form to 180hp your increasing the power nearing double of what it was designed for.
 
Pinto's are quiet a cheap engine to work on up to about 145hp which will make quiet a strong fun engine as long as you don't over rev it. Due to having quiet large ports and good torque, you can simply add extractors, twin carbs, fast road cam, higher CR pistons,  light head work and polish etc.. And the numbers you estimated could be around that mark if you were smart. 
 
But from there going over 180-200hp range your looking at a complete serious spec rebuild. Including all new bottom end, (i would be looking at a 205 block to start with) right through to big spec head work and things like uprated starter motors, distributors, alternator and fuel system..
 
Although obviously in the UK not here in Aus, Vulcan now have an online calculator as to what it costs to get a HP figure. Of course this is using new parts and labour from a reputable engine builder. You could go cheaper, but then you don't want constant niggles or things going bang when you've spent all that money do you..

www.vulcanengines.com 
 
For a more realistic estimate id get a hold of someone reputable here in Australia like  www.larnerengines.com.au who will know how to build a good strong engine.
 

A low-mid  kilometre silvertop can be had for about $400 if you're at the right wrecker at the right time. The zetec conversion kit is $2500. I would go a zetec becasue the kit makes things pretty easy. And as mentioned, reliabilty, drivability, handling (light motor) etc etc. Would get around 140bhp with bike carbs

I picked up a 80k blacktop zetec for $650. Got my R1 bike carbs off ebay U.S for  $140 just need to get my arse into gear now!

lately ive been tempted with the idea of an engine swap, but my knowledge about motors other then pinto and 308 is extremely limited.
 
wats the diff between a silvertop /blacktop etc. for the 2 litre versions, what model car they out of?
whats it take to turn it long ways?
backward conversion to carbs hard? or better to stick with f/i.
 
please someone point me in the direction of people with these setups so i can study their build and learn what i can without asking the stupid and obvious questions
:)

To do a reliable 180+ pinto from top to bottom, including carbs, manifold, extractors, dizzy and all the hang ons, then to tune it and have it running correctly will set you back around the $10,000 mark.  If you do it right it will last you for years.  Easily acheived with sensible work, just depends on what you prefer. 
 
I'd imagine a Zetec conversion with similar power, carbs, manifold and hang ons would be bordering on a similar price by the time it's actually in the car and running??  Someone else may be able to shed some more light on the costs involved there??
 
Woz
 
 
 
 
 
 

Very unlikely to see more than 170hp out of Zetec without opening it up and spending the same dollars in the same areas as any engine.
 
Zetec cost also has a lot to do with what ECU and induction. Injection starts at the fuel tank.
 
If you want to stick with what your comfortable with stick with it. The increase your after is realistic. With the right parts and assistance you will get a reliable engine. 
 
 

Paul could you outline how you would get the 170hp,thats about an extra 35 to 40hp right?
I was toying with the idea of a pinto with around the 150hp mark to keep it hassle free and reliable.
A 170hp zetec would'nt be straining to much at all would it? 

Fords new 1L Turbo is quoteded to have 125bhp.
I'm wondering if the standard 4 speed will bolt up?

Has anyone else run faster than 15.5 in a n/a sohc streetcar?
Because you need 82rwhp, or 110 at the flywheel to do mid 15's.