Handsome. I love mk4 escorts. I would leave the engine as it is if it's the diesel lump. I've owned rs turbo's and don't get me wrong rs turbo vans are great but the conversion is not worth the agg. The vans don't like being driven over a ton, the back end is way to light.
Keep it basic and simple. Don't let it burn a hole in your pocket. You could even do a few collections and deliveries in it for people. let it earn you a couple of quid.
Lower it and go for peugeot 205 gti 1.9 alloys in black or if your budget will stretch go for escort cosworth alloys the best alloy choice for the mk4 van. ( not the mondeo si version )
Thanks for the interest mate,
Yeah, don't disbelieve you about the rear end lightness, all I would like is some reliable acceleration and a bit more top end haha.
I wanna sort some wheels out for the little beauty but I wanna slap it with the lowering stick then go from thee