Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

I am considering buying this 1928 roadster. It is an original, all steel car, NOT one of the Shay reproductions. The car currently has a modern four cylinder (Pinto?) engine and transmission. The owner told me there was a conversion kit made awhile back to adapt this engine into a stock A. I have not yet seen the car in person (I'll probably be buying it sight-unseen) and was wondering if anyone here knew about these kits and what it took to install one. Of course, if I buy the car I want to put a stock Model A engine and transmission back into it and was wondering what problems I might incur? ( I realize the paint and upholstery are far less than correct, but, hey, the price is right!)Thanks in advance.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

That's not a pinto engine,it's a 153 Chevy 4 cylinder. It may be bolted to a flathead v-8 transmission without a driveshaft modification. Good luck.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

It doesn't look like anythings been cut up. May just be able to find the needed original parts and swap the engine and trans out. I bet the rear end is changed from original also. The shifter ball looks like it is diagramed for an automatic transmission. Also only gas pedal and brake pedal in the floor so I would bet automatic. To do a good job on putting the car back to original you will need to pull the body and fenders off to gain full access to the frame.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Personally, if it's runable and the price was right, I'd buy it & drive it, I might LIKE it as is! We always risk gettin' into a 9 year burn-out project just to make it PROPER!
Bill W.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

I agree, it would be a nice driver as is.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

It's all nuts and bolts,an easy changeover.That is a nice setup for an A if you want to go that route.I would be willing to bet there will be a lot of people interested in that setup once you take it out.The marine version of that engine is 120 HP.I looked at one of those swaps years ago,the main thing I remember was they had moved the radiator lower outlet to the opposite side,and they were running an open driveshaft.I still think plenty of people will want all those parts.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Ditto with what keith said. Where are you located??
Paul in CT

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Looks like it was a nice conversion, I'd run it till it broke, and then change it back!

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Hopefully I'll have some better photos of the underneath to see if it has the right rear end if there are any other alterations that aren't bolt on and off. The late model engine and automatic trans bugs me and I don't think I could live with it, so it will become available once removed. I am in Michigan.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Instead of making it available after it is removed I would suggest building up a model A engine/trans/rear end on the side and selling the engine/trans/rear end before you remove it from the car so the person can see it run. I have the same engine (it is definitely a Chevy II engine and not a pinto) in a '32 roadster with a '39 trans and original rear end. Although slightly different from what you are looking at it went in without cutting anything so I could return the car to stock later.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

I agree with the guys. At least drive it while you take your time gathering up the other parts needed to change it out. By that time you might like it as is.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

!!!!

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

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Appears someone did a nice sanitary job. I can understand where your mind is in this situation. However, what I would do is....get an appropriate frame and build it with engine/trans setup that you prefer. Then move your body/etc to that new restored frame and sell off what you don't want. That way, you can drive this concoction and have a ride. Who knows...you may even get to like what you've bought!

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Rusty,
The guys you've heard from are solid individuals on this board. Their opinions are probably spot-on. I'm a relative newbie, so take my silly opinions with caution...

This looks like disaster to me. A money pit.

After you've replaced the motor, tranny, diff, and what-all-else, you've spent more than comparable cars you can find on mafca.com, ebay, or elsewhere.

But on the other hand, if you're a competent restorer with a bankroll, this could be a fun frame-up project!

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

The funny thing is that to those that don't know squat about A's, that engine area looks "vintage." Though I am a purist, of sorts, it actually does look kinda neat and tidy sitting in there, not all hacked and rigged to pieces - even if its a bow tie. Henry would be rolling over in his grave if he saw that, hehe.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

If it was me, I'd buy it and drive it as is. I would also keep it as is even after any failures as I have to think, after driving it with 100+HP I wouldn't want to go back to 40.

I would buy that one and then look for a restoration project, afterall whats wrong with having two "A"s? A fun one and an original?

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

I suppose it all depends on the price you can get it for. Then consider what your plans are for it. Does it also have hydraulic brakes to stop the 100 HP? If the price it right, buy it and drive it!!!!

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

Leave it alone, let somebody buy it who will appreciate it the way it is, and buy yourself a nice car with a stock running gear, which is what you want anyway.

Re: Pinto Engine Conversion Reversal?
 

I'd keep it the way it is (maybe a paint job) if it were me. Those Chevy fours are good engines and it looks like a good installation and pretty unique. Keep the body and wheels stock and go with it if you can get it at a reasonable price.