Escort Purchase, Which way to go?

[Grassracer]

Hi all, I'm in the somewhat fortunate position that I have slowly accumulated a bit of a budget for a toy.
Now I'm seriously looking to get myself an Escort Mk1 or 2. What I need advice with is which way do I go.
Obviously I want to buy the best I can afford but I'd also like it to possibly appreciate in value whilst in my possession, is it case of all good examples values being on the increase or are there models to avoid.
I want a car I can use without worry both on road and a bit of light competition.
I also appreciate the originallity of many examples but feel tempted to go more with a retro type example ie Zetec or Duratec powered, is this a good step with regards to future values etc.
What I want are some experiences from those in the know, I don't want 'my cars for sale or have a look at this one' no disrespect but when I'm ready I'll let you all know, over to you I'm listening

[mk1gaz]

If after an ultimate street Escort with power then Zetecs and duratecs are rubbish and devalue the car for sure . Best stick with pinto based engines if going 16v (yb , warrior , millington) or BD's as they look right and increase valves rather that hurting them . If staying with the cheaper 8v motors then pintos and x-flows are the way to go .

[alancdavis]

Nowt wrong with a good Zetec ,,

[mk2mania]

If after an ultimate street Escort with power then Zetecs and duratecs are rubbish and devalue the car for sure . Best stick with pinto based engines if going 16v (yb , warrior , millington) or BD's as they look right and increase valves rather that hurting them . If staying with the cheaper 8v motors then pintos and x-flows are the way to go .

i will lend u my step ladder , so you can get down from ur high horse,,

back to the main questions ,as for what car and what engine,, any engine is sweet (as long as it runs ) any escort is sweet,, less rot and less old grim welding the better,,,, as long as you get one your on a winner

[mk1gaz]

The main problem with zetecs are that they are gutless and useless for tuning . They have flexing cranks , plastic pulleys , plastic oil pumps and that's just the start , lol .
At least they are £30 and you can disguise them with BD look cam covers .

[mk1gaz]

Gaz's simple guide to atmo Escort performance engines :

For under 150bhp = X-Flow
For 150-200bhp = Pinto
For over 200bhp = 16v Pinto

And they all bolt straight in in 5mins using stock Ford bits and keep your cars value at it's highest level . Also insurance companies won't rape you either .

[timsrs]

SO..a well sorted zetec will make the car less desirable and loose it's value

I thought it was a good conversion and with a Dunnell kit makes well over 200bhp

[tony-mac]

Just go for the best you can afford, without going for any `mods` as such Zetecs etc.

As for making money, surely that`s not why we buy these cars, just get one bought knowing that it should`nt lose any money

[Grassracer]

Ok you're probably right about the money making bit but it would be nice. Its not a money making venture though its about a sensible investment in a non essential item.
Thanks for all the advice so far

[mk1gaz]

You can't lose money with the right mods as the right mods INCREASE value . You can even unbolt all the mods and put the standard shite back on if you ever felt the need too race milkfloats again !!!! lol .
As long as the car looks period from the outside (so no neons , gay aftermarket spoilers or 17 inch Puff daddy rims etc) and the engine is period Ford based (x-flow , pinto , 16v pinto , lotus tc , bd) then you have the most desirable type of Escort that appeals to most Escort fans .
That's why downgrading to zetecs , XE's and Duratecs is a no no . They belong in Novas and taxi's etc .

[Grassracer]

I didn't dare use the XE word on here ...to be honest I'm coming round to your way of thinking, thanks

[mk1gaz]

You know it makes sense .

[LOUIE]

The main problem with zetecs are that they are gutless and useless for tuning . They have flexing cranks , plastic pulleys , plastic oil pumps and that's just the start , lol .
At least they are £30 and you can disguise them with BD look cam covers .

for someone who braggs about not using zetecs you seem to be becoming very informed on them gaz you a closet mondeo driver?

[LOUIE]

Hi all, I'm in the somewhat fortunate position that I have slowly accumulated a bit of a budget for a toy.
Now I'm seriously looking to get myself an Escort Mk1 or 2. What I need advice with is which way do I go.
Obviously I want to buy the best I can afford but I'd also like it to possibly appreciate in value whilst in my possession, is it case of all good examples values being on the increase or are there models to avoid.
I want a car I can use without worry both on road and a bit of light competition.
I also appreciate the originallity of many examples but feel tempted to go more with a retro type example ie Zetec or Duratec powered, is this a good step with regards to future values etc.
What I want are some experiences from those in the know, I don't want 'my cars for sale or have a look at this one' no disrespect but when I'm ready I'll let you all know, over to you I'm listening

to be honest the description of a car youd be intrested in is vague, are you looking at a 5-10k car or 50k car??
gl, sport, mexico, rs2000, rs1600, rs1800??
mk1 or mk2

as for investment theyll go down at some point so if you looking at the quick cash cow aproach then your possibly 5 years late...

perhaps some clearer details would help us to give you advice

[grum]

for someone who braggs about not using zetecs you seem to be becoming very informed on them gaz you a "comfy" closet mondeo driver?