Mk1 Escort Engine Change

[love_me_esky]

Hi everyone,

Very new to this forum and pretty clueless when it comes to cars so am after some advice. I've got a Mk1 4 door escort which was my very first car and I love her to pieces. Unfortunately whilst still at uni had a bad bingle which put her out of action for the last 5 years! It was just repairable panel damage but have dreamed of doing a full restoration.

Soooo have finally got the money and handed it over to a local guy who is really enthusiastic about the project and a real perfectionist. I always imagined giving the esky a bit more grunt than the 1300 she had in and he's recommended an SR20 N/A. He claims he can get one install it and change the diff, clutch and brakes for the same price as re-tuning a 2L ford pinto and the mods associated with that. After looking at peoples posts it seems one should be more expensive than the other. But for arguments sake if they cost the same which would be best???!!

Am very torn as I'm attracted to the old skool and keeping it ford (my dad has a mk3 capri and is definately pushing for this) but am not a mechanic so I wouldn't really know the difference. I want to be able to make it my main car if I get strapped for cash in the future so it needs to be reliable and reasonably fuel efficient and have air con (not fussed about power steering because don't really need it in the lil esky).

If any one could give me their own opinion with pros and cons it would be greatly appreciated and might help me finally make up my mind :-)