Engine good to go?

[Davo]

Hey all

Ive finally finished a load of jobs over the winter and I’m fairly happy with the car now. Next project will be more about improving performance of the engine. It’s a 2l pinto from a Sierra gl and I know there’s lots of gains to be had. But before I invest to much in pinto specific upgrades, is there a way to know if the engine is sound or not? I’d hate to start with new cams, carbs etc and then find out the engine was on its way out. 
 

it runs good, a bit smokey when cold but soon clears (passes mot each year), performance ok across the whole band, no reason think there’s something wrong with it but when it comes from a b reg car I have doubts. 

[richyb66]

Compression test, that will probably tell you more than anything else.