hey there is a ratteling /squeeking noise comeing from the engine bay, seems to be near alternator, cam belt side, may b wrong tho... seems to only make the noise either at idle or when revving, but only does noise at below 1500 rpm...
i also seem to not have the same 'kick' it had when i first got it, only JUST beat a 1.6 16v mk6 escort in a traffic light race lol(may have been a 1.8, not sure if they did a 1.8 mk 6) This may not b related but...

i know a bit vague but...

cheeRS

dre

 

take off your alternator belt start it up if it stops its your bearings in the alternator mine went b4

 

will have a go
cheeRS
dre

 

cambelt tensior?, mine got noisy when revved, or cambelt too tight, causing it to be noisey

 

Sounds like it needs a set up if it struggled to bet that escort