Pinto..will it explode for sure

Oh just get it.  If you are worried about it exploding weld some reinforcement to the outside.  As long as the nerf bars are within the body structure, you're not breaking the rules.

add some square tubing to the bumper, between the hangars.

There's no contact in Lemons, don't worry...

KT

you need the cresida I found you

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the exploding species of Pinto the early models that the engineers, in a drastic move to cut weight, removed a sub-frame planned for the rear around the gas tank?  If so, didn't the latter models put this back into it.  Either way, I agree with RobL; compared to the other wore out junk on the track how bad could it be. 

Highest placing Pinto? My guess is last! Driving a Pinto is similiar
to being a Japanese Kamikazi in WWII, explodes on contact!

Mark

Your fears are entirely justified.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT0J0rcJTLo

Of course it will explode in a fiery mass the moment you get tapped. Serously, the problem was the tank could get cut by hardware under the car if a rear impact drove the tank forward onto the rear axle (and statistically was no more prone to a blazing rear impact than any other car of the era). The recall fix was a shield that hung down between the tank and the rear axle.

Yes indeed.  The later models of the Pinto were fixed and are just as..."safe" as any other 70's American rot box...   My advice is to ditch the stock gas tank for a fuel cell.  Keep your eyes glued to the local circle track classified ads, you should be able to pick up a good used one for a reasonable price.  If that doesnt work out, maybe add some extra braces or protection to the gas tank area.  I don't think anyone is ganna fault you for trying to keep your car from blowing up!

If you find a 2.3 turbo t-bird pull the running gear out also. If it has a stick in it it will be a t-5. Plus it will have a disc brake 8.8 rear end with a posi in it already.