Buyers Guide - Escort RS Turbo (Escort Mk3)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Author: Wayne Phillips

Tech Spec

Body Type: pressed steel monocoque Escort three-door hatchback shell with Ford RS bodykit including front spoiler and tailgate spoiler.

Colours Diamond White.

Engine Type: CVH Capacity: 1596cc Bore/stroke: 79.96 mm x 79.52 mm Compression ratio: 8.3:1 Max power: 132 bhp @ 6000 rpm Max torque: 133 lbf.ft @ 3000 rpm Cylinders: four, in-line Cylinder head: alloy Block: cast iron Installation: front-mounted, transverse Valve gear: two cylinders per head, operated by belt driven overhead camshaft Induction: Garrett T3 turbo, intercooler, Bosch KE-jetronic fuel injection

Transmission Type: front-wheel-drive Gearbox: five-speed Ford manual with 218mm clutch, viscous limited slip differential Internal ratios: 1st, 3.15:1; 2nd, 1.91:1; 3rd, 1.27:1; 4th, 0.95:1; 5th, 0.76:1 Final drive: 4.27:1

Suspension Front: MacPherson struts, tie bar arrangement with separate 16mm anti-roll bar Rear: independent with transverse trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers and 12mm anti-roll bar

Steering Type: variable-ratio rack-and-pinion

Brakes System: vacuum servo-assisted dual circuit hydraulic Front: 240mm ventilated discs Rear: 203mm drums

Wheels & Tyres Wheels: seven-spoke RS alloys, 6×15 Tyres: 195/50 VR15

Performance Max speed: 132 mph 0-60 mph: 7.8 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.

Bodywork Bottom line is you need to check for rust. Check the battery tray, chassis runners (especially the rear section), front and rear wings (the kit can hide some bad rust), 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.

Engine Even though the CVH is about as tough as they come, turbocharging is still going to take its toll. Blue smoke from the oil in the chambers is a sure sign of wear and could mean either piston rings, valve stems, pistons or cylinder bores are up the duff. Blown head gaskets area risk with modified boost pressures and cam belts will have needed to be changed fairly often, so ask for some history. Even if its receipts for changed parts. All goes to verify things..no matter how little.

Transmission The Series One gearbox was basically a beefed-up version of the XR3i’s. Some people fit a cheaper XR box when the RST’s original gives up. The only problem with this is that the car will then be missing the vital LSD that the S1 came with. Other points of concern are sloppy changes which could be the result of a slack linkage, plus the synchro mesh isn’t adverse to a bit of stripping.

Suspension The competition-derived set-up is more than adequate for fast road use, and aftermarket stuff will detract from the car’s originality and value – unless that’s what you want. Be cautious of cars that have been lowered too heavily, as their suspension geometry will be out so much that the ride will be ruined and you’ll go through tyres like you’re driving on broken glass.

Brakes The Escort RS Turbo is prone to warping its discs. A lack of feel through the pedal is not unusual, but watch for shuddering through the steering wheel.

Interior Shabby Recaros are a big turn off. Getting replacement trim is expensive and timeconsuming (If you can find any !!!). But if you’re angling for a full leather retrim it’s not going to bother you that much – of course, you don’t want to tell the person selling the car this. Also check the carpets…a sure tell-tale sign if the mileage matches the condition etc. This part is quite often missed by people when “tidying” the car for sale.

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 fair few miles and owners on the logbook too. Basically, it’ll be a good used buy that looks respectable and drives well.

£4500+ 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. Watch out for messed around cars where the vendor’s trying hopelessly to get his money back. Concours class winners are expected when you reach these prices upwards.

REMEMBER: THESE PRICES ARE JUST A GUIDLINE.

Facts

Biggest Rims It is possible to fit quite large rims to the S1. 18’s have been done. However, this will require some severe arch mods (inc, trimming of the kit). Your better off sticking to the 15’s or going up one to 16’s. Just get the org. wheels refurbished or polished…they look the biz.

Engine Tech Ford took the 1600 CVH and bolted on its own KE-Jetronic fuel injection (unlike the K-Jetronic found on the XR3i, on which it was based). A T3 blower and intercooler were added and the internals of the engine beefed up to cope with the pressure of the forced induction.

Price When New Back in 1985 you were expected to part with £9,250 + £470 for the Custom Pack.

Contacts and insurance

HPI A phone call that could save you a lot of grief by confirming the identity of the Escort RS Turbo 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 (unless he has a signed, recent doc from one of the above..then you can call them to confirm).

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