Not sure what your budget is or what mechanical skills/tools you have but there is a lot that can be done with the 2.3L. If you're looking to keep the car looking nice, I would address any rust before it gets bad. As for engine modifications, your car already has a roller cam from the factory. You can upgrade to a slightly hotter cam for more performance. If you have an automatic, you can get shift improver kits for the A4LD automatic. Some people claim that removing the EGR system adds power. While this is true, you must also then disconnect the knock sensor (or it will sense the knock and pull the timing back). Once you have done all of that, if you don't run premium fuel, the car will detonate and knock pretty badly.
__________________ 1986 Mercury Capri 2.3L
1994 Ford Escort 1.9L
1999 Ford Escort 2.0L |