A gtr turbo while better than a ca18 turbo is just too small in the turbine sizing. It's only worth a slab of beer because it is a very specific turbo that is not very suitable outside that app

ok so I have bought a GT28rs, what is the concensus for compression ratio for 2 ltr zetec, there is a decent piston rod combo that offers 9.0:1 is this too high for the turbo I have? Running pretty much stock internal otherwise, no cams etc.
 

I think that could be a nice motor, what management are you planning?

9.0:1 will be fine if ur running 98ron pump fuel and 20psi boost... I wouldnt push it past that... Unless u run e85

The turbo wont like boost over 25psi anyways so u should be fine...

cool, thats what I wanted to hear, So plan is to use a haltech sprint 500, although there is a good local product moristech, one of those two I think.
thinking single throttle body setup of the rs1800 escort, but it wont leave much room for an intercooler. So thinking water injection might be any option but i think i'll try a small top mount or no intercooler at all to begin with, I really hate hacking up classic cars, for that stuff. Tell me, am i crazy to consider no Intercooler? I'm not chasing massive hp, just a nice streetable engine, 200 rwhp would be nice.

The Gt28rs is good for 310-350hp flowing around 35 lbs, 9.0.1 should be ok if your Ecu is tuned good, This turbo is the AKA Disco potato, has almost no lag depending which choice of turbine you opted for, and a common upgrade amongst the guys here on the 200sx/ Ca18det/sr20det.

I've managed to fit an 80mm thick intercooler in front of a 50mm rad and pinto in a flat front Mk2. Zetecs look a bit smaller, so you should be able to fit a 60mm intercooler with your eyes closed.
 
Also running a GT2871 with 7.4:1 compression (way too low), but its still very responsive and holds 16psi to 6500rpm without any issue. The disco should be a good match.
 
Ash