It will definetly cope. I've hads a turbo fitted on mine for years and never had any problems. The main difference is not in the head but in the piston rings, but the rings from your engine should be ok anyway.
If you're fitting an exhaust and inlet manifold with turbo from an Escort or Mondeo, it will come with an intercooler too. When fitting it you will find out that it doesnt fit because of the brake servo. You will have to make some minor alterations to the servo. Otherwise you can just fit an inlet/exhaust manifold + turbo from a P100 pickup or a 1.8td Sierra. This will fit straight on and has a bigger turbo.
You will also need to change the fuel pump to cope with the extra need for fuel. Ideally get the pump from the same car you get the manifolds and turbo.
Make sure you get the oil feed pipes too