I'm hoping it'll be safe and sound in my garage in the next month or so, fingers crossed!

what money are you thinking then for a reliable 300?

in terms of everything you'd need mechanically? I'm just looking for a general figure to work around. I've set myself a limit of 15k for the entire build, and would obviously be happy sending a bigger portion of that total to the engine if it meant reliable power. funds will be coming in dribs and drabs over the next 12 months but that 15k is what ill have to play with.

gearbox wise I've been looking at pairing the zetec with the Quaife QKE38Z 5-speed sequential box, and a quaife lsd from the RST.
i am just unsure on fitment into the bay of the xr3i.
(also the cost of the box isn't included in the 15k total mention above).

i believe i commented on a thread that you had recently responded to in the rs turbo specific section with regards to zebec conversion lol,didnt see your name til i'd sent a reply.

cheers for the reply too dude