Is the 4.0 OHV much bigger (if any) than the 2.8?
I've been thinking of putting one in my Pinto
Cruising Wagon. It currently has the 2.3 but I've
wanted to mess with the V6 and 2.8's are hard
to find around here. And yes, I am willing to
plumb the fuel lines, install the computer and
wiring, and make motor mounts if neccessary.
It's a play toy, not my main ride. Not yet anyway!

 

I doubt you will have much of a fitment issue with a 4.0L...you can, in a sense, look at it as a bored and stroked 2.8 or 2.9, but parts interchangeability is pretty much nonexistant.

 

The 4.0 was derived from the 2.9, which in turn was derived from the 2.8. These engines share common external dimensions and since the 2.8 was available in the Pinto, I'm thinking it should fit with 2.8 mounts. You won't be able to use your 2.3 tranny behind it and the 2.8 trannies suck, so you should use one for the 4.0.

Be aware also that the 4.0 was only available as a distributor-less EFI motor, so you would have a bit of wiring to do to make it work.

 

A 302 Fits In A Pinto Easy Enough, Did A Couple Back In The Day, Just Need The 302 Motor Mounts, And Radiator, Back It Up With A Ford Toploader 4-speed. Run It Till The Rearend Blows, Then Swap In A 9". This Was A Very Common And Easy Swap.

 

Yeah, I know it is easy to put in a 302 but I like being different.
Besides, I'm not looking for a hot rod, just more umph for hauling.
I do use the car as a daily driver. I can't afford a new car, I have been
priced completely out of the market. So it looks like I'll be driving my 70's cars
for the next several decades. I'm not joking either!

 

Find you a thunder bird turbo coupe in the bone yards (they are there) swap in that 2.3, direct bolt in. You'll need wiring harness, computer from bird, and an electric fuel pump, but you would need those items with the 4.0 as well since it's also fuel injected, Installing a 4.0 would require alot of fab work, not so good on a low budget. Swapping in a carbed 302 is still the easest, and cheapest. I thought it was a play toy, now it's your daily driver, if it's your main transpertation, and gas at 3.00 a gallon, the 2.3 shouldn't sound so bad, or better yet, a turbo 2.3.