i have been reading loads of other threads about rebuilding but still unsure.

i have just bought my first erst and the more i look at it the more problems i find(its true what they say when you get what you pay for)

so i am re shelling it with a very very very tidy bonus(de values it i no but i plan on keeping it).engine runs and sounds nice no rattles or anything but i thought as im going through the effort of refurbing evrything that comes off and goes on mite as well do me bit for the heart of the car(engine)

i dont want silly power out of it as im on a tight budget at the mo.about 200-250bhp,it has a collins chip,31actuator,piper pulley,k+n,full stainless and maybe a cam not sure but id say not.

the point
do i need any special pistons,rods and stuff or would a standard bottom end be ok for this.sorry bout moidering on so much

 

Stock bottom end will mostly be safe for around 220bhp, some have ran more and been ok but others have ran less and had rods snap, so it's up to you really.
A set of forged pistons and rods would set you back around Ł800 if you wanted to be 100% safe.
In addition to the above, the old MFI fuelling system can be very unreliable now it's 20+ years old so a EFi conversion would be very worthwhile if your going to the effort of re-shelling and rebuilding the engine, there is a guide at the top of this room for the cheapest way to go EFI

 

i have been undecided with the efi conv i have read it a few times but sounds like i will end up buggering evrythin.and i dont no any one near me that can do it for me as i can buy a running efi xr3i as a donor

 

im putting off goin efi as well as i dont think i would have the skills to do it myself and dont know anyone in my area to do it either.

im running standard bottom end ( it was rebuilt 2 years ago) ported and polished head with a piper t2 cam, chipped ecu and a competition clutch.

i expect her to go well.(not been on the road yet) tho i have been told i really need a 31 actuator to be able to hold any sort of boost

 

bubs do you no what bhp shes got.
and i ive made my mind up i cant do efi neither so if i have to sacrifice a bit of power so be it atleast untill i got the funds and place to carry out the work for me.

 

as i say i still havent got to drive her yet the guy who fitted the engine is doin the welding and brakes to her as well, im hoping for around 180- 190 bhp after a set up. i really need the 31 actuator and a good intercooler tho.

i have a good bit of experience with cars over the years but this is the first time i have went about tuning an rst.

i get the car back on tuesday and i cant bloody wait

apparently to brake the 200bhp barrier you need to go efi and upgrade the turbo. im planning to do this at some stage but im hoping 190 bhp should feel fairly fast in an old escort

 

With a stock intercooler and turbo around a genuine 175bhp IMO.

 

where abouts in north wales are you we were in wrexham today putting a zvh in a fiesta if your not to far would be easy for us to give you as much info as required and a hand finding bits for you

 

im in bangor bout 60 miles from wrexham.i think im just going to put the engine in as it is for now save the money and get the efi and rebuild done in one go

 

what do you think i need next? (please dont say efi )

 

Frount mount IC will see you nearer 185-190bhp (on a good engine), for over that a stage 2 T3 is needed.

 

so if i got a efi escort xr3i would i have evrything i needed to do the conversion

 

Yup