First post, hopefully I'm in the right forum

A compression test on my '89 F MFI XR3i Cabriolet revealed one piston has significantly less compression than the others, so now would be a good time for an upgrade.

I want to keep the car reasonably standard (no turbo or ZVH) but if the head is going to have to come apart is it worth spending a bit more and going for a fast road cam or a polished and ported cylinder head?

A rebuild (with a bit more power) was always on my list and I've got about £500 saved up, so my question is what would you do?

 

For £500 you won't get your bottom end sorted (most likely cause of low comp) and the head sorted.
A decent port and polish will cost you that alone.

 

What if I just went standard? I've seen pricing at Specialised engines for a reconditioned CVH at sensible money.

Only problem is having Googled them, all I see is complaints about how shocking their work is.

 

I was going to say - avoid!
A CVH (n/a) rebuild can be done for sub 500 if you shop about and pick wisely but that would be DIY (other than any machine work required - likely a hone in this case but if rebore then costs start to add up)