Came across an article on apex Aug 08 Pinto/Zetec engine comparison done by Quicksilver and elite. What is really interesting is that at the time Zetec was struggling against the Pinto that is 12 yrs ago. What makes it even more interesting to day is that Pinto owners have to spend thousands of dollars for a very small gain in power where as the Zetec owner only have to do a little download or change a $10 restrictor to gain HP or move the Torque curve around.
Quicksilver and Elite did back to back Dyno tests on the Pinto Iron head versus Aluminum head they only saw a 2HP gain. So for 2HP Pinto owners had to spend $5K plus. Zetec has had 12yrs to improve Blueprinting. Now Pinto owners have to spend thousands more to change the power curve and gain a couple more HP. What also find amazing is that the Pinto is allowed a new rod and piston kit that has to be a std bore adding a another thousand dollars to the rebuild when we could have bought the very same long rod kit from Racer Walsh in a 10 over which would have no power and vantage and saved a lot of money and blocks.
I have questioned the Pinto flywheel weight so I call Quicksilver to get an answer to why the Zetec runs a lighter flywheel than a Pinto and was floored as to the reason. The reason for the Pinto having a heavier flywheel was the flywheel could only be safely machined to no less than 10lbs and save Pinto owners from buying a new flywheel that may cost 3-4 hundred dollars which would be the cheapest way for a Pinto to again a little of the corner squirt.
Seem extremely unfair that over the years the Zetec has been helped along at no huge expense just a download of a new map and replacement restrictor and way less cost between rebuilds. So to say Pinto owners don't spend as much as Zetec owners and all the do is complain is total BS.
Just my 2 cents
Alan