Tech Spec

Body
Type: Three-door hatchback Escort assembled by Karmann from Escort and Sierra
pressing in steel with 50 per cent new panels, bodykit with splitter and bonnet vents.

Colours
Diamond White, Radiant Red, Black, Polaris Grey, Pacifica Blue, Mallard Green

Engine
Type: YBT
Capacity: 1993cc
Bore/stroke: 90.82mm x 76.95mm
Compression ratio: 8:1
Max power: 227 bhp @ 6250 rpm
Max torque: 220 lbf.ft @ 3500 rpm
Cylinders: four, in-line
Cylinder head: alloy
Block: cast iron
Installation: front-mounted, longitudinal
Valve gear: four valves per cylinder, twin belt driven overhead camshaft
Induction: Garrett AiResearch T3 turbo, intercooler, Weber Marelli management system
Transmission
Type: four-wheel-drive
Gearbox: Ford MT75 with transfer box for permanent 4wd using viscous coupling, centre
differential, 34/66 front/rear torque split, viscous coupling, limited-slip rear differential
Internal ratios: 1st, 3.61:1; 2nd, 2.08:1; 3rd, 1.36:1; 4th, 1.1:1; 5th, 0.83:1
Final drive: 3.62:1

Suspension
Front: MacPherson struts, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear: independent with coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar

Steering
Type: power assisted rack-and-pinion

Brakes
System: vacuum servo-assisted dual circuit hydraulic ABS
Front: 278mm ventilated discs
Rear: 273mm ventilated discs

Wheels & Tyres
Wheels: 8×16 in Ford RS Alloys
Tyres: 225/45 ZR rated

Performance
Max speed: 140 mph
0-60 mph: 5.7 sec

What to look for

Identity
You’ll find the VIN numbers on the slam panel and stamped into the floor by the
driver’s seat underneath the sill flap. What you’ll want to see is WFOBBXGKABNG,
which is followed by five numbers.

Bodywork
There shouldn’t be any rust and if there is, it’s probably a result of badly repaired
accident damage. The body is hard to fix after a smash. Look closely at the seams,
panel gaps and paint for poor finishes. The front’s susceptible to stone chips and bank
on buying a new splitter as well. Battery trays and rear spoilers (especially lower one)
can bubble up.

Engine
It’s likely to have had mods and you’ll want to know the details of what’s been done
and by who. If it’s chipped, make your next stop the rolling road. Turbos can also fail
– look for white smoke from the exhaust when you floor it. Always check a car with a
cold engine, as this will show any probs from start-up. Tappet noise, knocking (piston
slap) etc. When started, check the oil pressure dial..should read at least 5 bar from
cold and then sit between minimum and 1.8 bar when warm. Also look for blue smoke
(oil in the engine, gaskets, pistons) and grey smoke (often overfuelling on ignition).
Remember, the Escort has an under engine tray for cooling..so get under there and
check for any oil.

Transmission
The MT75 box is tough provided you don’t get carried away with power. It can
handle up to 375 bhp, but over this and you need to think about stronger internals. The
clutch is slightly weaker and you’ll need an uprated job if the power climbs to 300
bhp+. With the 4wd system, look for any snatchiness and listen carefully for clonks
and bangs. Check CVJs (clicking noises when gone)and also propshaft joint rubbers
can perish.

Suspension
The standard Escort suspension is superb (Group N). On its launch it was labelled one
of the best handling cars. Eight years on and that suspensions likely to be tired and the
dampers can sag. Quite a few owners fitted performance parts, so again, look for
receipts and any signs of dodgy work. Check for cracked top cups – will show with
any knocking noises.

Brakes
Vented 278 mm discs on the front and 273 mm items on the back can stop the
standard 227 bhp, but if you’re running big power its best to uprate them. They can
also warp, but it takes some extreme driving to do this. Check for warped disks (brake
jugger) and sometimes the front knuckles can be damaged, they will then need
replacing. Check rear callipers haven’t seized and brake sharp in test drive to ensure
car stop straight.

Interior
Recaro-equipped interior is generally hard wearing, but it’s the usual story of the
driver’s seat showing the first signs of wear and tear. Getting replacements will be a
nightmare and if you’re thinking of buying a stolen/recovered that’s missing its
interior, it might be wise to think again – unless of course, you’re going for a bit of a
racer look. Check that the leather (if fitted) isn’t cracked..another expensive thing to
replace/repair. Watch for cracks and scuffs on the plastics.

Electrics
Fuse box is used throughout the MkV range..so is pretty rubbish. If the tracks burn out
(causing major electric failure) then a complete new fuse box is needed. Under
passenger side bonnet vent are two multi plugs. These can fill with water due to the
vent design..another problem area. Watch for poorly alarms/immobilisers, especially
connected to the fuel pump. You can melt a piston because of them. In general, check
everything works…EVERYTHING !!!!

What to pay

£8000 – 10,000
Before you start ranting the Escort Cossies never come up at this price, let’s explain.
To an extent you’re right, but what about sourcing you Escy Cos from abroad? It’s
possible to pick up a sound one in Germany for the above price as they’re just not
sought after over there as they are here. Ok, it’ll have left-hand-drive and you’ll have
to go through the drama of a personnel import, but it’s definitely worth a thought.

£12,000 – 13,000
The bottom price you’ll pay for a half decent Escort Cosworth in the UK. It’ll
probably have high mileage and registered on a k-plate. Cars are most likely to be
finished in Diamond White and Radiant Red. Still, it’s got to be one of the best
motors you can buy for £12,000.

£14,000 – 16,000
You’re now entering Lux territory and this kind of wedge is going to get you a good
one.

£17,000+
It’s a lot of cash, but in exchange you’ll have one of the nicest big turbo Escort
Cosworths around. Concours contenders might break £20,000 barrier as will fully
modded examples.

REMEMBER: THESE PRICES ARE JUST A GUIDLINE.

Facts

Down Low
The Escort RS Cosworth was the first mass-produced car that actually had
aerodynamics capable of creating downforce at the front and rear.

Tall Order
The Escort Cosworth is actually a little bit taller than both the standard Escort and the
Sierra.

Roofless
Only the roof panel is shared with the standard Escort.

Plan B
The Escort Cosworth was only given the go-ahead after attempts to facelift the Sierra
failed.

Secret Agent
The Escort Cosworth project was give the name codename ACE.

Contacts and insurance

HPI
A phone call that could save you a lot of grief by confirming the identity of the Escort
RS Cosworth and whether it’s stolen, a write-off or has outstanding finance. Costs
£39.99 from HPI on 01722 422422, £36.99 from the AA on 0800 234999. Don’t just
take a dealers word as well.

Clubs

RS-Ford
www.rs-ford.co.uk

RS Owners’ Club,
PO Box 4044,
Pangbourne,
Reading,
Berks RG8 7XL
Tel: 01189 841583
www.rsownersclub.co.uk

Insurance
This is a total mine-field when it comes to this car. Your best ringing around a lot
(and I mean a lot !!) of insurance brokers to hunt down the best price. Don’t cut
corners though, and make sure you know exactly what you’re insured for.

Author: Wayne Phillips – Thanks Wayne!