Buyers Guide - Escort RS1600i (Mk3)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Escort RS 1600i Buyers Guide Posted by admin on February 20th, 2011 escort RS 1600i

Tech Spec

Body Type: pressed steel monocoque Escort three-door hatchback shell with Ford Motorsport front and rear spoilers.

Colours Sunburst Red, Caspian Blue, Stratos Silver, Diamond White, Black and Graphite Grey.

Engine Type: CVH Capacity: 1596cc Bore/stroke: 79.96 mm x 79.52 mm Compression ratio: 8.3:1 Max power: 115 bhp @ 6000 rpm Max torque: 106 lbf.ft @ 5250 rpm Cylinders: four, in-line Cylinder head: alloy Block: cast iron Installation: front-mounted, transverse Valve gear: two valves per chamber, single overhead camshaft Induction: Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection with overrun cut-off.

Transmission Type: front-wheel-drive Gearbox: five-speed Ford B5 Internal ratios: 1st, 3.15:1; 2nd, 1.91:1; 3rd, 1.27:1; 4th, 0.95:1; 5th, 0.83:1 Final drive: 3.84:1

Suspension Front: independent with MacPherson struts, leading link TCS location and separate anti-roll bar, 22mm lowering Koni dampers with progressive rate coil springs Rear: independent with transverse arms, locating rods0, 22mm lowering Koni dampers with progressive rate coil springs

Steering Type: unassisted rack-and-pinion

Brakes System: servo-assisted Front: 240mm ventilated discs Rear: 180mm drums

Wheels & Tyres Wheels: seven-spoke RS alloys, 6×15 Tyres: 195/50 VR15 (UK cars only) Interior Trim: Recaro front seats in Ascot fabric trim, 60:40 rear-split seat Grey leather covered sports steering wheel

Performance Max speed: 118 mph 0-60 mph: 8.7 sec

What to look for

Identity You’ll find the chassis numbers on the front slam panel and stamped directly on the driver’s side floorplan. On the floorplan it’s hidden under the cut-away carpet and if there’s any fresh paint or welding in this area then walk away. The CVH should have a finned motorsport cam cover and twin coils to the right of the engine (these are sometimes replaced due to expense…but shouldn’t be !!) The interior should have schell roll top seats and a 4 spoke RS steering wheel. Make sure all aux lights are there as well. Check the V5 form..it WILL state if it’s a 1600i or a made up vehicle !!!

Bodywork Bottom line is you need to check for rust. Check the battery tray, chassis runners (especially the rear section), front and rear wings, bulkhead, plus give the scuttle panel a good prod. Another problem is crash damage. Look for mismatched panel colours, overspray, large panel gaps and wonky filled patches. Check the car under artificial light for signs of bad re-painting. This is where street lights are gold mine. Make sure the aux lights and front and rear spoilers are in good order, difficult and expensive to replace.

Engine The CVH is about as tough as they come, especially with the RS’s non-hydraulic tappets version. Blue smoke from the exhaust indicates worn bearings or bores and/or stem seals (replace with Total Seals). Timing belts will have needed to be changed fairly often (36k) and the injectors can become blocked. Servicing is crucial and so are regular oil changes.

Transmission The B5 box can get tired, sloppy linkage and the synchromesh wearing on 1st and 2nd. Check the clutch as well, third gear pull away, checking for slippage and juddering.

Suspension Three-stage adjustable set-up..yep, that’s right !!! Should all feel tight and responsive. Check for leaking dampers, snapped/saggy springs and worn bushes.

Brakes The Escort RS is prone to warping its discs. A lack of feel through the pedal is not unusual, but watch for shuddering through the steering wheel. If they’ve been upgraded, ensure there are receipts.

Interior Rare, rare, rare seats !!!! One of a kind and really expensive if not impossible to replace..so make sure the condition is spot on..did I also mention n they are RARE ?? RS steering wheel as standard, different door panels and centre console. Make sure all look good.

Electrics Make sure all switches are working. Bosch K-Jetronic injection system can be a prob. Make sure it is running smoothly, no juddering or jumping (hiccups !!) and no starting probs. Twin coils MUST be in good order, very difficult to replace.

What to pay

Below £2000 Look carefully at cars in this price range. They will need a lot of tidying and quite a bit of money spent on them. You could end up with a bargain or a complete rust bucket. Also look out for fakes…if in doubt, double check the chassis numbers and contact the RS Owners Club. They can verify if its real or not.

£2000 – 3000 Spend this kind of money and you’ll have a good example on the drive. It’ll be straight and honest, but don’t expect it to win any awards. There’s likely to be a average miles and history. Basically, it’ll be a good used buy that looks respectable and drives well. Beware of wolves in sheeps clothing though !!! Maybe modified.

£3000+ Pay this money and you’ve every right to expect an excellent example in return. Cars will be very clean with FSH, few owners and low mileage. Concours spec with loads of reciepts.

REMEMBER: THESE PRICES ARE JUST A GUIDLINE.

Facts

The ‘K’ in K-Jetronic stands for “continuous injection” – German for continuous is KONTINUIERLICH. In the US it was known as the CIS-Jetronic (Continuous Injection System). This is because the system fires the injectors continuously, unlike the other electronic systems, one at a time. Germany fitted Phoenix rubber from the factory and the UK fitted Dunlop D4’s.

Contacts and Insurance

HPI A phone call that could save you a lot of grief by confirming the identity of the 1600i 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 If you’re a 24-year-old writer living in Newent, Gloucestershire with four years NCB and a clean licence, you can insure your standard £2000 RS16i for £525 fully comp with a £450 excess. If you fit a performance exhaust, roll cage and bigger brakes the premium will be £630 with a £500 excess. Quotes provided by Sterling on 08700 777888