Readly RF Feb 20

PINTO POWER
canvas for me to work from.” Loaded up and
securely strapped down on a trailer, the Escort
headed home to Cambridgeshire unaware of what
it was destined to become.
Wheels being one the most crucial aspects of
any car the ones it came with got binned rather
swiftly, and in their place, a set of tantalising
deep dished steel rims in none other than Mexico
flavour got bolted onto the hubs. “It’s funny how
new wheels are nearly always the very first thing
to be changed,” laughs Kevin. “And you can’t beat
Mexico steels!”
Next to come in for vast improvements was the
power, handling and stopping duties. Out came
the axle stands and engine crane, and before
you could wave a magic wand while shouting
“abracadabra” the standard 1600 Pinto and
four-speed gearbox were out and laying in the
corner of the workshop floor. “I got hold of a 2.1
Pinto which Jake and our good friend Kev Randell
stripped down before cleaning and rebuilding.”
Open the flawless white bonnet, and you’ll be
greeted by the spotlessly clean engine bay. Sitting
on the right and looking and sounding so damn
right are a gorgeous pair of Weber 45 carbs,
hear these barking at full chat and you’d think
a big dog is chasing after you. Taking pride of
place under the black and white chequered cam
cover is a Holbay cam spinning the valves in the
mildly ported head. Expelling the burnt gasses is
courtesy of the four branch manifold supplied by
Harris Performance Engines before finding their
way through the Ashley system to finally exert a
deep throaty burble out of the tailpipe.
Transferring the 185gee-gees, the Pinto
produces, to the rear wheels is through a 2.8i
Capri type 9-five-speed box spinning the prop to a
narrowed English axle complete with Quaife LDS
and 3J half shafts, ensuring Kevin can light up the
back wheels when he fancies a play. Keeping the
Escorts handling in check comes by front struts
converted to coilovers with adjustable shocks. The
rear benefiting from adjustable shocks and decambered
leaf springs both working to get the car
two and a half inches closer to the ground. “I’ve
run this set up for a few years, and it’s served me
well, but very soon I will have Gaz front legs going
on.”
Reining in the car quicker than a thoroughbred
racehorse is renowned Willwood discs with fourpot
calipers at the business end and outback you’ll
find the standard 9” drum set up now tucked
away behind the latest set of rims. These are none
other than a set of sumptuous 8x13” genuine
Compomotives. Elsewhere, lurking underneath
you’ll find adjustable TCAs and a full polybush kit
all round. With the engine, handling and anchoring
taken care of, the sexy lines and curves of the
Mk2 body came in for attention next, making
it look hotter than a catwalk supermodel. The
Mexico front bib and rear rubber boot spoilers,
both working in harmony with the cars Diamond
White paintwork.
See our behind the scenes footage on Instagram: @retrofordmagazine 081