Buyers Guide - Escort RS Cosworth (Escort Mk5)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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.