EFI or Turbo

[MatthewL]

I’m busy selling old Ford junk from the garage and my Montego fund is growing. When I was 17 I drove my mum’s all-white 1987 E-reg Montego EFI and loved it. I am now faced with a dilemma as to whether to look for an EFI … or is the Turbo so much more exciting to drive that it’s worth saving more and holding out for one? Can anyone tell me if there is much of a difference in how they drive and how fast they are relative to one another?

I’ve got a 1995 Rover 420 Gsi Tourer and I didn’t want to be disappointed with the performance as the Rover is quite pokey at 136hp.

[Jeff Turbo]

Based on my 30 years experience of these cars and my sons using his Turbo atm
If you're going to use it, an EFi is more reliable than a Turbo but if you know your way around how a Turbo runs it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Turbo does have the ooomph factor in a straight line and is much more fun but doesn't have much top end, the EFi can hold it's own against most modern cars.
Driving a Turbo you'll get many boy racers wanting to race you although both have a presence on the road now and you'll get many thumbs up for both.
Are you after an early or late Turbo as early models to command a better price? IMO Later cars are put together better but something was lost on the facelift cars in fun appeal
Prices for both are on the up but Turbo's command a premium as you probably know.
Prices for spares are the same but some Turbo engine parts are getting harder to find as are radiators and you'll have to have a Turbo exhaust fabricated.
MPG Turbo you'll be lucky to get 20, EFi should get 33.

[MatthewL]

Interesting points Jeff. EFI might suit me better. I know nothing about turbos but have a little carb experience from my XR3. I’m after an earlier car - up to E-reg from an aesthetic and nostalgia point of view I like the red grid dashboard background and old heater controls, plus the older trim - I actually prefer the (I think) Marle Deco??? Our EFI had the non-turbo front air dam which I also like. I quite like the ‘86 onwards alloys but I’m partial to wheel trims as well. I don’t much care for the lattice alloys - I think they look great on the Advantage and later cars but I like the older look. Problem I suppose is finding the right car. Would love one in white but would consider any early colour.

[Jeff Turbo]

All depends on your budget and if you want a mint car, one that needs minor work or one that needs lots of work. Marle deco was early only and now the seats will have a little sagging material. Later now have the red stripe either missing or damaged. Metric wheels and tyres are not for everyday use. Dish alloys are now rare

[Wild Bill]

I think Jeff summed up pretty well. I have a Montego VP EFi and although it's not fast really by modern standards the EFi has an instant torque response and makes a nice noise when you give it revs. Still want a turbo at some point but not sure I could part with the VP so it might never happen. I also prefer the earlier cars. Just a bit more 80s cool. What's your budget?

[MatthewL]

I spent 6 years bare-shell restoring an XR3 and like that I know it’s rust free and I understand how it all works in case it goes wrong. I think I’m either after something in lovely nick, or an utter shed I can strip and build from bare shell. The issue with the latter is time. I’ve got a 1990 Mercedes 420SE in bits on the drive and I get no spare time for that so maybe a really nice one is best. I offered a guy £8750 for his imperfect Turbo which he accepted then welched on. Not sure if he still has that car but I didn’t appreciate his approach so I’d be loathed to offer him money again even though I loved the car.

Ideally I’d like to spend less as it’ll be an occasional car for dry days. Maybe £5-6k.

[Jeff Turbo]

If you're after a project mg montego 2.0i my son has one he will be selling later in 2023?
Red face-lift of you're interested, if not its no problem

[MatthewL]

Hi Jeff. The timing is right but I might hold out for an earlier car I think. Depends how often they come up I suppose. Please do let me know if you hear of any other cars coming up. I think my priority, if it’s a project car, will be having a complete interior, even if it needs work. I’ve done the headlining in my Rover 400 so I’m a bit of a dab hand at that job at least!

[Jeff Turbo]

Not a problem. You should have put a bid in for my old mg montego with digidash dash as that went quite cheaply at mattewsons. headlining I did a how too a few years ago on here. Quite an easy job and satisfying once done.

[MatthewL]

Yes, I missed out there. It looked a lovely car. I’d been fixating on getting a Turbo so despite my love of the digi dash I didn’t bid. Cars don’t seem to come up for sale too often so I definitely regret missing it.

[Jeff Turbo]

Best of luck finding one. They are getting rare now but you never know

[Wild Bill]

I am sure something will turn up if you are patient. I waited a long time for the spec and colour I wanted. £5-6k will get a half decent EFi or a project Turbo

[MatthewL]

Fingers crossed. I’ll keep looking. Thank gents.