Hi,

1) 1200 130 spec 3i's were made on a J (early registered) or a K in the mk 5 shape. 12 rumoured to make it into mk5b shape and 1 confirmed late registered M plate mk5

2) Yes to an enthusiast same as any performance ford the XR's will never achieve as strong a status as the RS's but theres a good club at www.xroc.co.uk. Down Under the XR badge still flys the flag as Fords performance wing they're awaiting the release of the Focus XR5 Turbo

3) Prices vary from nothing to silly money for a 14 year old escort but I wouldn't expect them to gain in value

4) 1.8 Zetec, different cams, throttle body and ecu to the 105 and lower spec zetecs.Oil Colling jets to cool underside of the pistons, slight differences in the intake trunking but otherwise the same as any zetec.

5) Up to you but try and steer clear of cossie reps

6) How much do you want to spend? BHP anywhere from 130 up. NA 200+ is possible but not cheap or easy. Forced induction with turbo or supercharger skies the limit. Some loony yanks have been running 500+bhp in single use drag engines