Highly valued today its street version, the Escort RS Cosworth said Ford in the World Rally Championship in the hands of Carlos Sainz champions.

He Ford Escort RS Cosworth It began as the street version of a racing car and it ended up as an option in the Escort range, producing three times higher than expected. Something remarkable if we consider that, mechanically, was not an Escort but a Sierra. The Ford Sierra Cosworth will stop producing in 1992 and for the next season, Ford needed a car to continue participating in the World Rally Championship in Group A. The decision was -motor fit the mechanical and Suspensions- the Sierra Cosworth in the body of an Escort.

The engine of the first version of the Escort Cosworth was similar to the last of the Sierra. Designed to extract from it a very high power (227 hp) He had a large Garret turbocharger type T3 / T04B. The second version was changed to 20, the main ones are a smaller turbocharger (Garret T25), the Ford injection and an exhaust manifold different. With this engine, the power down to 217 hp, but gained thrust at low revs Spoiler “whale tail” was optional and, without it, the top speed was slightly higher.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth: Engine and transmission

When looking for a Ford Escort RS Cosworth, keep in mind that some have run and others have led a bad life. In addition, the car was often the subject of modifications to increase power. It is prudent to find an original one and, if modified, unless it is approved. A little noise from the engine tappets is normal, it stops and only just a little cold.

If the throttle in a long march out blue smoke, and a sealing problem (segments or valve guides) may indicate loss of oil in the turbo and that is very expensive. Turbo pressure should reach 0.8 bar and oil pressure to be 5 kg / cm2 cold idling and not lower than 1.8 hot.

The gearbox is very robust, the clutch not. To try, should accelerate and drop to see if there are gaps or noises in transmission; rubber gaskets may be the cause.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth: frame

Given that the Escorth Cosworth may have participated in competition and it is not impossible to find reconstructed copies, an elementary precaution is verifying that matches the frame number on the plate and the engine compartment under the lid next to the driver’s door.

The suspension is robust, but the wear is normal in a car like this, especially in the dampers. The only special precautions in a standard suspension is for cracks or oxide on the supports of the dampers. Whenever possible, it is better avoid cars that have been lowered height. In extreme cases, axle shafts suffer from working at different angles to what was planned.

On the brakes, you have to check the status of the disks, not only wear but a possible warpage that note as vibration when braking. It is not uncommon rear pincers Gripen. Also check that the ABS works (when not come any car behind).

For parts of the suspension and brakes, as tablets, caps or cushions, it is easier and sometimes use cheaper parts preparers to find original parts.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth: body

The first two places to look for rust in the Escort RS Cosworth are the battery holder and the lower spoiler. Hence, although the oxide is not in sight, bubbles indicate there under his painting.

Almost all RS Cosworth Recaro seats and carry few have the leather in good condition. Find an original is almost impossible, an upholsterer that ringworm or replace any cloth is the cheaper alternative.

Escort RS Cosworth find in a junkyard is really rare. However, some parts of the body, exterior and interior, can take advantage of a normal Escort.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth: Indoor and electricity

The fuse box is one of the weakest points because it was exposed to dirt and even moisture; If the connections or cables are damaged, replace it. Neither the ignition is very reliable long-term, especially the coil.

The interior body panels do not usually cause problems, but the elements that are specific to the Escort RS Cosworth are hard to get. Plastic instruments tends to be opaque.

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