I've had a year away from ford's (other than my transit connect) and it's now time to look for another car.
I'm looking more down the zetec turbo route this time as i put fortunes into my old cvh, zetec just seems a more sensible approach.
I've found an escort turbo running a 1.8 zetec engine (bored to 1928cc) that's making 260bhp at 0.9bar of boost. Only thing that throws me a little is that it has forged pistons but just shot peened con-rods. How strong are these rods & what power can they take up to without going steel ?
Also it has a standard head. Want to aim for 320-360bhp. Any other mods i would have to do to get this ? Any head work etc?

thanks

 

You will need steel rods for 320bhp

Sell the 1.8 and build a engine using a st170 bottom end, a frs 1.8mm head gasket and a blacktop head with up rated valve springs

Good for 350bhp and costs peanuts

 

If your happy with 350bhp'ish then as Mark says, my guide is here:
https://passionford.com/forum/ford-e...onversion.html

 

Depending on weather you have a fiesta or a escort you will need different inlets

But if you buy the white car on ebay the tall block will be a direct swap for the 1.8

 

my mate bought that car today!