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I would leave the car stock and just fix what's wrong. The mileage is just too low to mess with such a nice survivor as the diesel conversion will require a lot of changes to make it work well. Plus, it's worth more than you think. I'd put it's value at around $5,000 since there are people out there who dig the oddball stuff. Just look at the "Councours d LeMons" for some examples.
If you are dead set on it though, consider the drivetrain out of a Volvo 240D. It's not very quick, but they are known to be reliable and the Volvo is already rear wheel drive. As for the Mazda diesel out of the Escort and Tempo I think I would pass. That engine in a lighter Escort was known to provide terrifyingly slow acceleration and I can't imagine it would be better in the bigger, heavier Pinto. Plus, the Pinto 2.3 and the Tempo 2.3 are NOT the same engine. The Tempo's engine was a different design specifically for the Tempo. (I think it may also have been used in base model Taurii too, but don't quote me on it.)
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No green technology will ever make a substantive environmental impact until it is economically viable for most people to use it. This must be from a reduction in net cost of the new technology, not an increase in the cost of the old technology through taxation
(Note: the car sees 100% city driving and is EPA rated at 37 mpg city)
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