I would be interested in seeing those pics, I know Andy Rouse won a touring car series in a Merkur look sierra, i have some pics somewhere...
I know in Australia touring car teams wanted to use the Merkurs as they had a stronger shell but they had some problems with the engine in terms of reliability (at 600+ hp). The 2.3Litre was a better size as you would realise from the stroker kits around for cossies and other alternatives.
But obviously they got it together with the 2L...