Head gasket leak

I have a head gasket leak in my 1.9l escort engine. I haven't noticed any oil in the coolant or vice versa, but there is considerable burning coolant smell. Anyhow, with 125,000 miles, I was wondering if I should simply replace the head and gasket, or go for the complete used engine. How much life could I expect to get with just the new top end parts? Is it likely that I'll create ring blow-by with them? Has anyone attempted an engine replacement in this car? Low mileage engines are about $350 complete. I enjoy doing the work, but if it's a whale of a job, I might rather milk the remaining life from the existing engine. Thanks.

If it was up to me I'd drop in a 97 Escort 2.0 SOHC motor, they bolt in the same as a 1.9 with just having to reuse some of the 1.9 parts, just need to rig up your self a split port controller, it's a electric motor that opens a larger opening in the intake manifold. You'll have your self close to 25% more power for about the same price as a nother 1.9.

Thanks for the reply. Have you ever tried this? Do you know how to create a split port controller? I am definitely interested in some more power, this thing isn't using all the new suspension capacity it has.
Thanks again. WE4



If it was up to me I'd drop in a 97 Escort 2.0 SOHC motor, they bolt in the same as a 1.9 with just having to reuse some of the 1.9 parts, just need to rig up your self a split port controller, it's a electric motor that opens a larger opening in the intake manifold. You'll have your self close to 25% more power for about the same price as a nother 1.9.

Yes, I have done this swap twice to differant Escorts. I use a aftermarket tach with a shift light, just wire up a relay to the shift light output and have the relay drive the SPI motor. I set the tach to about 3000 RPM's.