right, all this talk of not being a real RS has got me thinking... most people see RS's as tune-able for not alot of outlay. why can't this engine be made into a cheap 300+bhp turbo motor? it has alot going for it really, the head design is good, the valves are a good size, the bore is a very handy size for bunging a cheap set of mahle XE pistons in

i know people will probably disagree and say X engine is easier or Y engine is cheaper, but think about it... a set of XE pistons scrubs 1.8mm off the compression height and has a 0.8mm bowl... add some valve springs and the manifold off an SR20 (which apparently lines up perfectly) and you have a cheap base engine to make power with.

with a cheap zetec, you have to bore it to take the pistons, make the rods take the pistons too, still sort the springs, etc etc.

can anyone actually see a disadvantage of this, aside from the weight difference?

had to get an opinion or two, as this has been running through my head all day