Just a quick couple of questions on this.

I've been thinking of a bargain basement engine upgrade for a MK5 Escort I'm running about in. Currently it's fitted with a 1.4 PTE engine which, although being low mileage, still sucks as much as you'd imagine.

Anyway, I've got a few bits laying around, namely a EFI 1.6 head, and can get hold of a really low mileage 1800 115PS engine from an Escort MK6. I've also got an Ian Howell ZVH kit floating about, and was wondering how easy it is to combine it all for a cheap(ish) turbo conversion to the car.

I know it is far from ideal, but I'm not looking for massive power, just something to give it a kick up the arse, as it's crap at the moment.

Obviously I could go out and buy an RST bottom end and use that, but if I can use a low mileage engine that is just sitting there already, that makes more sense in many ways, as it's a known engine, not some ebay special that might blow up in a fortnight. Also, it has CPS in place so I can run it on FRST management, or Megasquirt or whatever I fancy, even if I initially run on MFI.

Anyway, just wondering on the ins and outs from those that have done it. I've heard from the rumour mill that using a CVH head on the 1.8 bottom end gives a CR around that of a standard RST and you can get away with up to about 14psi. However, I've also heard that there can be valve/piston interference and the pistons need to be pocketed to cure this?

Just looking for a few details from those in the know. Like I say, I know it's not ideal, but I have a fair few of the components to hand, and I can lay my hands on the rest for not a lot, so I wondered if it may be a cheap way to have some fun for the summer, rather than risking a tired old CVH that I know nothing about, but having a low mileage bottom end that I know to be good.

Ta