TEX

I have had some experience with both engines, personally a dead stock 1.8 ZETEC runnning carbs was almost identical performance to a very worked injected pinto. 
I have done both, and I can assure you that a std Zetec makes nothing like "identical power".  On a decent Pinto build its around 30-40hp in favour of the Pinto, Fact.  Based on your result the Pinto isn't as healthy as you thought if that was.
This was evident during a FOSC run at bathurst in 2009. There was basically nothing in it. #95 (zetec) #172 (pinto)
http://racing.natsoft.com...ct_34402928.94F/View?3
http://racing.natsoft.com...t_34402928.94F/View?21
I since swapped out the 1.8 for a st170 lump again dead stock and using the same carbs 45mm dellortos. And took close to 15 seconds of a lap time at bathurst the following year.
So after spending close to 5k in 2008 building the pinto that went pop up mountian straight, I changed camps to Zetec, the 1.8 was $150 the st170 $1250, both motors copped an absolute flogging and while I can't comment on the 1.8 the st170 is still going strong and produces 146 rwhp while not as big a figure as the pinto at 159 rwhp, it has been ultra reliable and after the initial expense of conversion parts the economies are valid, say a max of 2k for an st170, opposed to 5k for a hot pinto...
5k doesn't build a good pinto, and 2k doesn't get a zetec in there and running factoring in EVERYTHING, and by your own admission you still don't have the same power.
I know the St170 has more potential but its tops as is and super reliable.
I doubt there is many pintos running punching at this level. for cost, replacement cost, reliability, and power delivery.
Haven't had a Pinto fail for years, and have at least 2 engines that run a number of events a year, both cars are front runners, and have proven reliabilty you build them right they don't fail.  My original road car pinto and cylinder head are still going strong at 180hp (160rwhp) in the car of the guy i sold it to 10 years down the track.
In summary qualitfying times
very hot pinto 3:09.75 DNF event
1.8 zetec 3:01.95 (stock internal) Competed all weekend
ST170 2:54.83  competed all weekend
EXACTLY the same car.
All this refects is the Pinto build was bad and under powered.

TEX  after the initial expense of conversion parts the economies are valid, say a max of 2k for an st170, opposed to 5k for a hot pinto...

Wozzah

TEX

I have had some experience with both engines, personally a dead stock 1.8 ZETEC runnning carbs was almost identical performance to a very worked injected pinto. 
I have done both, and I can assure you that a std Zetec makes nothing like "identical power".  On a decent Pinto build its around 30-40hp in favour of the Pinto, Fact.  Based on your result the Pinto isn't as healthy as you thought if that was. 
Not power, performance. This was not my pinto but a fellow competitior who had spent about 5k, similar amount to what I spent building my first pinto.

This was evident during a FOSC run at bathurst in 2009. There was basically nothing in it. #95 (zetec) #172 (pinto)
http://racing.natsoft.com...ct_34402928.94F/View?3
http://racing.natsoft.com...t_34402928.94F/View?21
I since swapped out the 1.8 for a st170 lump again dead stock and using the same carbs 45mm dellortos. And took close to 15 seconds of a lap time at bathurst the following year.
So after spending close to 5k in 2008 building the pinto that went pop up mountian straight, I changed camps to Zetec, the 1.8 was $150 the st170 $1250, both motors copped an absolute flogging and while I can't comment on the 1.8 the st170 is still going strong and produces 146 rwhp while not as big a figure as the pinto at 159 rwhp, it has been ultra reliable and after the initial expense of conversion parts the economies are valid, say a max of 2k for an st170, opposed to 5k for a hot pinto...
5k doesn't build a good pinto, and 2k doesn't get a zetec in there and running factoring in EVERYTHING, and by your own admission you still don't have the same power.
I disagree, my pinto was good, just didn't last. The 2k figure was a conservative estimate on the ST170 engine ONLY. You should still be able to get conversion parts for under 3K. I was unlucky and inexperienced at building my pinto hence the rod failure (even though I followed all published advice), pinto builds are something I know you dont get right the very first time.
WOZ, How many have you built? Had any failures? poor performers? Have you ever added up all the development costs?
For me a stock motor transplant that comes close to a hypo pinto is my clear winner. NO building required.

I know the St170 has more potential but its tops as is and super reliable.
I doubt there is many pintos running punching at this level. for cost, replacement cost, reliability, and power delivery.
Haven't had a Pinto fail for years, and have at least 2 engines that run a number of events a year, both cars are front runners, and have proven reliabilty you build them right they don't fail.  My original road car pinto and cylinder head are still going strong at 180hp (160rwhp) in the car of the guy i sold it to 10 years down the track.  How much did these engine cost to build??? how many broken engines in the learning process to get there????? My engine & conversion cost well under 5k. You said yourself you can't build a good pinto for 5k.
In summary qualitfying times
very hot pinto 3:09.75 DNF event
1.8 zetec 3:01.95 (stock internal) Competed all weekend
ST170 2:54.83  competed all weekend
EXACTLY the same car.
All this refects is the Pinto build was bad and under powered. 
I do not doubt a pinto  could  go toe to toe with an st170 escort, but that pinto would have cost more than my lump, would be far more expensive to replace, and would have had to have an experienced builder involved (again).
So to answer the original post.
IF you are inexperienced at engine builds
or
would like to twin cam your escort,
or
on a budget.
My advise is find an ST170 engine (not easy but not impossible) slap about $2500 worth of off the shelf conversion parts on it. Choose your induction/engine control method.
And enjoy putting it all together, there are some minor engineering challenges to be had, but well worth the effort.
I'll be the first to admit its not a very good looking engine, but bang for buck its right up there.
Is the pinto better than the zetec. well thats a different thread.

CuttBack

so far i have gotten everything on the cheap, Ratta i've got a budget of $10K for complete build.
Escort $750
Mondeo (zetec) $500
Gearbox $100
Now i just need to the conversion Kit from RetroFord $3000
some tune up parts from the UK $1000 (cams, adjustable cam gears, intake plenum)
ECU (Haltech Sprint 500) $1100
Cheers
Patrick