This is my current and planned setup on the Escort, engine wise:
Stuff I've Done, in process of doing:
New Clutch (in progress)
Energy Suspension Bushings
Custom cat-less exhaust (currently off the car because it was too much torque for the clutch)
Custom programmed Chip
Modified airbox with Ram Air and K&N Panel Filter
Custom intake piping from airbox to TB
8MM Plug Wires
Platinum Spark Plugs
I have a few "Secret Mods" that are currently on the car which I won't disclose, but it's all motor, the escort's never seen a blower or N2O. It's Intake related and no it's not a "tornado"
On the list:
Spare engine I'm working on: (in my garage, blown rings on #4) A local guy can milk the 1.9L for about 210 Horsepower @ 7200 N/A. 235 ft/LBS @ 5100,
Bored & Moly Sleeved to original displacement
O-ringed
Blueprinted, balanced, (maybe knife-edged) crank shaft and connecting rods
high compression pistons
Custom underdrive pulley
Custom Ground camshaft
Ported/polished head (slightly decked for compression)
Larger injectors
High flow fuel pump
Larger Valves, stainless
alloy valve seats
Tighter springs and stainless valvetrain components
Another custom program for the new setup (cheap cuz I have the chip, just need to flash it)
The whole setup when I'm done will probably run about $8,000 since I already have a completely functional (albeit a GIMP engine with #4 not having any compression) engine to throw at the project.