Which engine is in my Ford Pinto? Can I install a larger one?

Question:

I bought a 1974 Pinto to use around town as a second car. I know that Pintos have a lousy reputation that goes back to when they were new, but I think the car is cute and I paid practically nothing for it. Were any engine options available in 1974 and is there some way to tell if my car has the base four-cylinder engine or one of the optional engines. And finally, will another Ford engine, bigger than my four-cylinder, fit into the car without serious modifications?

Answer:

Two different four *cylinder engines were installed in 1974 Pintos: a 2000 cc (122 cubic inches) and a 2300 cc (140 cubic inches). The engine identification code is the last letter of your car’s serial number. The 2000 cc engine was code x and the 2300 cc engine was code y. -Ford’s 171-cubic-inch six cylinder should fit into your car without extensive modifications.