The biggest question of all.

Project being a NA MK1 escort
I'll put a couple of figures in, what I'm willing to spend on the engine & transmission and a few others. From previous experience I'd like some forum members to copy paste these items as well as some I may have missed and put approximates beside each item. I'm wanting a rough idea how much a project like this will cost. I'm not wanting a show car, just something that looks the part and goes hard. Interior is not a priority

4 cyl Engine & transmission $3000
fabrication work (tunnel,mounts,x-members)
Paint & panel $2500 (mates rates)
Rims & rubber $1000
diff upgrade
brake upgrade
fuel upgrade
suspension upgrade
Exhaust system $800
Tailshaft
radiator
Instrumentation
Wiring
compliance
rego & RWC $500

what engine options are you tossing around?

I'll consider anything EFI and DOHC with more than 100kW

engine wise if your standard 2l is in reasonable condition it could be efi turbo'd with an intercooler for 3000, you can ask me as i've been down the n/a route but decided to draw a line in the sand a year ago!! will be a alot of work and research though, on the other hand 3000 won't get you that far n/a unless you have some contacts

Diff upgrade will cost you howeva much you want, it will just come down to how strong it needs to be. It will also depend on what stud pattern you want to have at the end of the day.

I personally am having a EB series 2 diff cut down to fit. The diff with breaks and all cost me ~700. And having it reco'd and 4.11 gears installed will be ~1250. So let's call it 2k for something i will never have to worry about destroying =)