silvertop has different top engine mount, sump and downpipe route, inlet manifold and TB, PAS pump, cambelt, pistons, rods etc.

if you do it in a mondeo, the mk1 is lighter than the mk2. and the mk3 weighs LOADS.

i have a supercharged zetec mk1, and a zetec-turbo mk1. both are pretty cool, the ZT one is alot quicker though. very few people have put blowers on mondeo's so it is quite a rarity. alot of people mod them, but usually with stickers/speakers/led's/stupid-bodykits and wheels etc.

my ZT one does torque-steer like a bitch but i have alot of sexy suspension bits sat here which will help. also i will get a LSD later.

the saloon has a slightly stiffer shell than the hatch, due to the metal panel beneath the back window.

they do have pretty good handling as standard, and when the suspension is tweaked the handle surprisingly well for a FWD (remember how good the BTCC ones were?)

there is of course the mk1 4x4 zetec models available aswell.

its quite easy to lose alot of the weight by ditching the back seats, and put buckets in the front (the standard front seats weigh a ton).

plus, they dont rust like a fiesta.

as for silvertop vs blacktop, alot of pro's and con's with both but i'd say the blacktop is a bit better. and more performance parts are available for blacktop from USA (they make all sorts for the american focus, contour and cougar zetecs). for example, you can get a set of 4 Eagle forged steel rods for £180