Hi, I'm new hear and own a 88 spec escort rs turbo and wanting to fit a zetec turbo and get shot of my mfi cvh 🙈 question is I have a low mile st170 engine but struggling to get a black top head for it. I've read a me221 ecu could control the vvt if I just turbo'd the st lump. Has anyone done this of so was any work need to lower the compression etc. Sorry in advance for what is probably a common question

 

Yes you can turbo the 170. You really need to look at lowering the compression.
How and how much depends on what power you want.

The st head is the best breathing head of all the zetecs but you will need to making good power for it to be worth the extra effort.

been working on this one this afternoon

 

I'm only looking at around 230ish as want a quick reliable engine instead of my grumpy cvh lol would a 1.8mm gasket suffice or would a decomp plate be needed. I don't want to spend ŁŁŁs forging it etc mainly due to the current situation we are all in and being self employed 😬
That looks mega mate, bet she flies too 🏎️

 

What I would say, when starting out the cost of forging looks huge. But when you get to the end of the build and add it up its only a small portion of the build.
The little bits you don't even think about add up to the greatest expense.

The Ford 1.8mm gasket is no longer available. The Cometic 1.8mm gasket is made for an over bore and there is very little material around the fire ring. Even then your only going to get down to 9.25~9.5~1 with the st head. 9:1 with a Bt head.
This could be managed if you keep the boost low.

 

Would I be best to try and find a bt head then would you say?

 

Your engine is useable.
For me the extra flow in the head isn't with the hassle of mapping it.

 

What would be best to Lowe the cr? I'm guessing the gasket would t be enough and possibly need a decomp and 2 head gaskets?