Okay, thanks for the replies, and sorry to cause such a kerfuffle. Clearly there are pro's and con's to both, so I'd better explain my intention more completely...

What it is, the current CVH is burning oil, and my suspicion is the lambda is becomming poluted, and that's why the emissions test was so bloody difficult to pass last year. I scraped it through, but only just.

So, yeah, i could replace the rings, etc. But if i'm gonna do all that i'd rather do it to a newer engine that hasn't done 200,000 miles, and i reckon the zetec is the way to go. I'm not looking at massive power, frankly 120bhp in something that isn't cluttered up with power steering, air-con, etc will be adeqiately fast for my needs. High revs aren't important.

So why not just buy a mondeo or similar? Frankly, payload. There's not much i can't throw into the old sierra and it'll just carry it happily. I love the flat-bed it turns into when i put the rear seats down, sheesh, it's practically a pick-up with a roof on. There's a lot to like about the old girl.

What i do want is fuel economy, so fuel injection is a must. Not bothered about a turbo. Not quite sure how i'll go about connecting the engine management computer, i'm assuming i'll need the one from the donar zetec car and fudge it in somehow ... i'll cross that bridge when i get to it.

Not keen on the idea of a plastic rocker cover, either.

Can anyone expand on this? Thanks guys.