Originally Posted by
hogdog
The only thing you listed there that's even remotely sensible for a zetec engine is the bike carbs/alpha weber kit...the rest (fuel pressure regulator, very dodgy turbo kit, bigger throttle body, ST170 inlet manifold etc) are a complete waste of money, you could get the same effect by setting light to some cash and then smashing your engine to bits with a sledge hammer.
If you want cams don't forget to put in the cost of valve springs, vernier pulleys, fitting and maybe a re-map...it's not cheap at all and won't gain you very much power.
For £600 you could buy a brand new 2.0 engine which would give you a large increase in torque, bhp and drivability. Any future mods would be more effective, you'd have a brand new engine as a bonus and you could get some money back by selling your 1.8 engine.
It's virtually the same engine so all you'd need to do is swap the injectors, clutch and flywheel.
Don't get carried away though, the weak spot on the 1.8 is the gearbox.
P.S if you really want to make it faster brakes and suspension is the best way as has been said.
That was my original idea was to do a engine switch with one of these 2l 145 bhp upgraded zetec engine that like you said are bout 600, only thing is insurance, would have to tell them with going to a 2l, and i think also they would want it inspecting to make sure its done right.
But you are totally right, new engine, bigger gains in future, also add bit of value to the car. Also with the right tool and if no issues come up, can be done in a day as i had a mate that changed his in a day.