I've seen the Radical's at eastern creek with these v8's in there and OMG they sound like F1's when they go past.

it depends wat u want with the engine if u go sr...

if ur guna put cams in it u might as well save ur self some money from the start and jus buy a redtop engine... i wouldn't bother putting NA cams into it u will barely see a difference... if ur guna do a cam swap do it properly...

and i wouldn't bother spending money on a pinto if ur chasing power lol

If you are after something different...

Saab 2.3 turbo - 94 - 97 models.

Same bolt pattern as GM so commonwhore boxes will bolt up.

Forged pistons as standard, will take big power.

Cheap as chips too...

One of the many items of my list of 'things to do'...

Just need more time, and money...

Shaun

From personal experience, forget about turboing the Pinto... WAY too much mucking around and as fun as it has been I'm starting to wish I'd done something simpler

Of the other engines you've mentioned I'd go with the CA18DET... it's a very good motor, good parts support, revs well and they're cheap as chips because everyone rips them out to put in an SR... not to mention I don't like chain drive but that's more of a personal preference than a legitimate reason

...Having said that, I do like the idea of a Volvo powered escort ... parts would be much harder to get though, stick to the KISS rule, you'll thank yourself later

Alastair

Yeah Steer clear of the uncommon models, SR and the CA are probably the best. Its all about parts availabilty and options available for those engines. My FJ20 is dam expensive to work with as options are limited. I would personally go for the SR as its great HP bang for buck.