want a project car but only like escorts but want rwd action!

love mk1 escorts but interior is abit dated for me!

so im thinking a mk4 escort with tuned pinto power!

has any1 done this conversion?????????????
do they know what the best way 2 do it is???????????????
or what parts are best 2 use???????????????

i have a mate who is very clever with metal (can make most things from scratch) & is very very good with a welder!

just thought if any1 has any good info on the subject then it could save allot of time & money.

any info would be great!