Interesting. In UK we had Pinto engined Ford Escorts. My uncle bought an ex rally car with one in and it could shift, and was very stable as a car. I remember my cousin having a go in it and taking tight corners at 70mph and it felt like 30 mph as it was so sure footed. Had a roll cage bit no creature comforts. Was a Mk1 2 door. My uncle only paid £150 for it. They go for over £10,000 today.
Pinto engines and then Cosworth engines needed total rebuilds every 50,000 miles I was told. It was the reason why when Ford took over Volvo about fifteen years ago they used the Volvo T5 engine converted to fit the flagship Ford Focus model as it could go for a good 200,000 before we needing major rebuilds. They had to shorten the engine block to get it to fit! Hence they reduced the power slightly to ensure it lasted as they were churning out 250 bhp in the Volvo. (220bhp in the Ford).