Originally Posted by xr2wishy

just use the whole st engine, thick zetec head gasket, not sure which, just find a blacktop type one that is 1.8mm thick.
the rest of the engine is sound. Karlos G has gone this route if i remember correctly (IIRC).
if you do decide to go for steel rods and forged pistons, then hit the states for those, i got custom sized ones with rods for less than £800 delivered just over a year ago.