Fast Ford - September 2022

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DALE MASTERMAN DAN WILLIAMSON DAN WILLIAMSON REP TO RACE CAR
CONTRIBUTOR SUB-EDITOR SUB-EDITOR FAST FORD PROJECT
RANGER KING CAB FOCUS ST170 SIERRA COSWORTH MONDEO 2.5T

This month we introduce a new face Dan’s ST170 budget build needs a All the 1990s’ underbonnet bling is The Rep To Race Car keeps its cool
and a new project: a Ford Ranger damn good clean, but at least he’s finally saying farewell, as Dan’s taking despite the recent heatwave thanks
that’s set to become a show-stopper. fitted upgrades. More next month. regular trips to the powder-coater. to an Airtec intercooler upgrade.

But we’ll get that sorted at another time; “One turbo here, the The chassis will be
our main objective was to mock-up and see other one over there. modified to allow the
where the new Duratec V6 will sit in the bay.
Doing an engine swap is never an easy job, Yeah, that’ll work” body to sit lower
even when you’re swapping like for like, so the
fact we’re binning off the stock engine and Somebody had already started
fitting a completely different powertrain and the mods with this air filter,
transmission is testament to the skills that
Swallows and The Install Company possess. but that’s nothing compared to
what’s coming next
With everything out of the way, Swallows
raided the spare parts room and grabbed a
V6 to dummy-up where everything is going
to sit, including the two snails that the gang
are going to bolt to it. One thing is for sure, it’s
going to be a tight squeeze, but I have every
faith in Swallows to get it sorted.

The other main factor that we’re taking
into consideration when doing the swap is
that we want the truck to roll super-low, and
that’s one of the main reasons Phil popped
along to help out, as this is his forte and he’ll
be responsible for dropping the body and
tubbing the rear end before the Car Audio
and Security-supplied Air Lift suspension is
bolted in place.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, as
this going to take a lot of fabrication and
engineering to get everything aligned. The
only way is up, or should I say down?

Stay tuned for regular updates in the mag
and on the Fast Car website.

Swallows Racing wasted
no time seeing what the

team has to work with

Dirty old diesel is
already in the bin

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 51

FAST FORD PROJECTS

The RS was keeping good company on
the Fast Ford stand at RS Combe

JAMIE FOCUS RS the wet, and I must say I was impressed.
Then, just a couple of weeks later it was
MOT TIME
MOT time, and now the weather was bright
After awetappearanceat RSCombe,itwas MOT sunshine, and the mercury was recording the
time again for the RS as it reaches six years old highest temperatures the UK had ever seen.
Again, I must confess the Pirellis seemed to
QUICK SPEC Mountune m400R ■ Revo RV019 alloys ■ H&R lowering springs ■ 3M wrap hold up very well, offering plenty of grip while
■ Mountune axle-back and sports cat ■ H&R anti-roll bars ■ Tarox brakes ■ Mishimoto intercooler, retaining low road noise and a decent amount
intake kit, and oil cooler kits ■ Quaife ATB of ride comfort too.

I’ll start on a positive; I think 18, but the torrential downpour did mean it The RS was taken to a local MOT station,
the problems with the tyres wasn’t as busy as previous years. called Fair Test MOTs. And that’s exactly what
are all now sorted. The Pirelli I want from an MOT, a fair test. I put my kids
P Zeros seem to suit the car But that didn’t stop the die-hard Ford fans in the back of this car, but I also drive it like an
well and I’ve been impressed and Combe regulars from enjoying another RS should be driven when they’re not in it,
with their all-round cracking show. My RS formed part of a cool so I don’t want a dodgy ticket from a suspect
performance so far. And with collection of feature cars on the mag stand, tester. I want to know it’s as safe and solid as
this being the British summertime, I’ve been and the convoy to the show with some of the it should be. But when it comes to modified
able to test them in all weather conditions you Bristol RSOC members and Mark Sargeant, cars, you don’t want a pedantic tester who’s
can imagine, despite only having had them who was driving the Rep to Race Car Mondeo, looking for any reason to fail the car just
fitted for a few weeks. was worth getting up early for. because they don’t understand it.
One of the wettest days out recently was
at one of my favourite events of the year, RS Anyway, I bottled it when it came to going Luckily, Trevor Barrett-Cross at Fair Test
Combe. You can read the full report on page on track in those conditions, but the sodden MOTs is a fellow modified-car fan – he owns a
roads on the way home gave me ample sorted Mk2 Focus ST with a full Ken Block-
opportunity to assess how the Pirellis felt in style livery – so I knew I’d get a ‘fair test’.

Indeed, I did, and as expected the RS sailed
through the MOT. The only thing it needs now
is a good clean, ready to enjoy some more
during the summer months.

Trevor gave everything a thorough
check, before issuing a fresh MOT

52 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022



REP TO RACE CAR

KEEP COOL

Tuning the formidable 2.5-litre turbo engine Another logo gets added
begins with an Airtec intercooler upgrade as the spec list grows

Words & Photos JAMIE

QUICK SPEC ■ Mondeo 2.5T ■ Titanium X ■ 19in Rotiform BUC-M alloys ■ Toyo R888R tyres
■ Scorpion Red Power turbo-back exhaust including sports cat ■ custom wrap by 3M ■ PB coilovers
■ Airtec intercooler

T hings are progressing nicely We need to do this because cooler air is ECU pulls the power back to save itself from
with the Rep to Race Car more dense than hot air, and basically you damage. Or, in the worst cases, things start
project and the spec list is get more bang for your buck with cooler air. to melt and get very expensive indeed.
While a performance-orientated intercooler
constantly growing, but there’s will give power and torque increases over a Luckily for our Mondeo project, the
stock replacement on a totally standard car, specialists over at Airtec Motorsport offer
still a lot more we need to do before this car the main reason they are needed is to cope an off-the-shelf intercooler upgrade even
with the increased temperatures and airflow for our Mk4 TitX. These guys have the Ford
is fit for the racetrack. That’s what we’ve of a tuned engine. market (and others) totally covered, and it
made sense to opt for an upgrade that has
been looking at this month, and we’ve ticked In most cases, the factory intercooler just already been tried-and-tested for installation
can’t cope; it can’t cool the air sufficiently, the and performance. Talking of which, Airtec
off one of the first jobs on our list, which was temperatures increase, and – at best – the says this upgrade will yield 5-to-15bhp

an intercooler upgrade.

An intercooler’s job is simply to cool

down the air that comes out of the hot

turbocharger before it enters the engine.

Fitting was
entrusted to
Ford Parts R Us

Before and after, a SlimFast ad in reverse Jamie
contemplates
54 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022 nailing the
new ‘cooler to
the bumper

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
W W W.TE N GTOO L S.C O M

increases on an otherwise standard car, temperatures at the same time. from cooler charge air temperatures –
and even bigger gains can be seen on tuned As soon as ours arrived – complete with perfect, considering we fitted it in this
and remapped engines; something we have summer’s searing 40C heat.
planned for the near future. yellow Airtec logo to match the car’s livery –
we called Mark at Ford Parts R Us and booked Behind the wheel, it does feel a little livelier
Looking at the diddy original intercooler a day on the ramp. The Airtec kit comes with but much bigger power gains will come with
compared to significantly larger Airtec full fitting instructions, and while it is a bit of a a custom remap, something we can look
upgrade, you can see why; it’s over twice squeeze getting such a large ’cooler in place, ahead to now we know the intercooler will
as big. That means it has the extra capacity installation is all straightforward. The new unit cope. Before then, though, we need to bin off
to cool more air, more efficiently – ideal for bolts directly to the radiator crossmember, the standard and restrictive airbox and fit a
tuned engines where more air will need to which does require removing and drilling for much freer-flowing intake system, which is
flow through the intercooler faster to meet the new mounting bolts, but the hardest part why we’re on the phone to RamAir right now.
the engine demand. was just removing all the OE plastic rubbish to More on that next month.
make sure there is enough space for the new
But the size only tells half the story, as intercooler to fit. CONTACT
the whole intercooler has been designed to
optimise airflow. Airtec’s new design features Once it is all home, though, the intercooler AIRTEC MOTORSPORT
even higher-flowing end tanks feeding the bolts in place perfectly and even uses the
60mm intercooler core, which Airtec says has original boost hoses, making installation www.airtecmotosport.com
increased power and torque, and reduced simple and easy. And now we can benefit

Airtec logo says SUPPORTED BY
Mondeo means

business

www.3m.co.uk www.rotiform.com

www.toyo.co.uk

www.scorpion-exhausts.com
[email protected]

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SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 55

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FORDS IN
MOTORSPORT

The latest racing updates from Blue Ovals
competing in various categories all over the globe

IN THE RACE After two solid points finishes, Ash was
looking to bank yet more vital championship
The BTCC reaches the halfway point of the points as he lined-up in P7 for the final race of
season at Croft, and the Motorbase Focuses the weekend.
are well and truly in the championship mix
He launched well and was challenging for
Words JAMIE / Photos MOTORBASE PERFORMANCE sixth at the end of the first lap but contact to
the rear of the number 1 Focus into Clervaux
hree red flag stoppages played NAPA Racing UK car; without taking major on lap two led to damage and a limp back to
risks, any passing opportunities were nigh-on the pits. Great work by the team got him back
T havoc with qualifying at Croft impossible. Gaining one position late on, out, four laps down, and he finished 26th –
recently. For the Motorbase Cammish ended the race in 13th place. but was at least able to gather important data.
Performance team, that meant Ash Sutton
could only manage one flying lap in his NAPA Once again misfortune befell Ollie on Round 15 was the worst race of the
Racing Focus ST, which saw him start only the second lap of race one when, while weekend for Ash, but it was the highlight for
Sunday’s race from P7, while Ash’s teammate, running strongly in the pack, contact put him Dan; he delivered an excellent drive from 13th
Dan Cammish, was baulked during qualifying off the track and heavily into the barriers at on the grid to finish in eighth position. Gaining
and lost half-a-dozen places as a result. Sunny Out. Sam, meanwhile, couldn’t make a place on lap one, by the fourth tour he was
Dan would start round 13 from P14. The the progress he’d hoped for and finished the into the top ten, and took ninth on lap six.
Apec Racing with Beavis Morgan duo in the first race in 21st. Then, with two laps to go, he grabbed eighth
sister Focus STs were almost inseparable, with at Sunny In with a good pass.
just 0.058 seconds splitting Ollie Jackson in Round 14 was equally difficult to make
19th and Sam Osborne in 22nd. After such a progress; Ash banked more valuable points Ollie put together another great first lap to
disruptive qualifying session, the difference as he recorded his second P6 finish of the climb into 17th spot from 20th, and after Ash’s
between grid slots was minuscule – Ollie was weekend, while Dan finished in 13th again. incident he gained another place. Although
only 0.8 seconds off pole position in P19. edged back soon after, he regained 16th and
Ash launched brilliantly at the start of the With a lot to do from 27th on the grid took 15th on the last lap and the final point-
first race of the weekend and immediately in race two in his repaired Focus ST, Ollie scoring position. Sam slipped outside the top
moved into sixth place. But it was difficult to produced a sensational start and opening lap 20 on lap one but hit back to move back into
make progress from there, with overtaking to gain no fewer than six places. Racing hard 19th after a few laps. In the end, he had to
proving to be scarce, and he stayed P6 until throughout and dicing with his teammate settle for 20th position.
the chequered flag. Sam in a tightly packed group, both Apec
It was a similar story for Dan in the other Racing With Beavis Morgan drivers took Motorbase heads into the summer break
turns ahead of the other, with Sam eventually third in the manufacturer/constructor
finishing in 19th spot, just ahead of Ollie. standings, while NAPA Racing UK remains
second in the teams championship and Apec
Racing With Beavis Morgan holds 13th place.
The next event is at Knockhill at the end of
July; full update next month.

Regular points
scoring keeps Ash

in the title hunt

Passing was tricky

58 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

IN THIS ISSUE

p60 p61 p62 p63

BRITISH TOURING CARS WORLD RALLY BRITISH GT4 MODIFIED FORDS

Despite incidents and mixed CHAMPIONSHIP Fords are back on the podium where Fast Ford’s dream series headed
results, Croft saw Fords remain they belong, as the GT4 Mustang to Oulton Park, where Fiestas and
strong. Motorbase Focuses stay in M-Sport Pumas are showing their showed supercars its tailpipes at Pumas mixed with old-school
contention for the constructor title. potential to be front-line contenders, Donington during round six. Escorts and RS500s.
with four stage wins in Kenya.

Pumas show thier
potential on the

gruelling Safari Rally

STAGE WINS ON THE SAFARI

The M-Sport Pumas endured a gruelling Safari Rally Kenya, but four
stage wins shows they have the pace to compete at the front

Words JAMIE / Photos M-SPORT

T he Safari Rally in Kenya has always representative roads on Friday morning; said, “We knew going in that this rally would
been one of the toughest events on Sebastien Loeb showed his class and took be a challenge, perhaps the biggest of the
the WRC calendar, but it’s a rally M-Sport’s first stage win on the opening stage season in terms of ultimate durability. The
where M-Sport and Ford have enjoyed of the day. Retirements plagued the rest of conditions exceeded our expectations,
enormous success in previous years. Friday and Saturday’s running, but there was especially the fesh-fesh, which was effectively
Sadly, that wasn’t the case this year, with a welcome return to form on Sunday when a lottery and perhaps a bit over the limit
the intense event proving to be the ultimate M-sport recorded another three stage wins; of what these new Rally1 cars can handle.
endurance test for the new hybrid Puma two more for Loeb and the first WRC stage Despite this, we have to look at the positives.
Rally1 cars. win of the season for Adrien Fourmaux. These are new cars, and we learned some
But despite the results charts showing Three of those stage wins came with one-two very valuable lessons. The ultimate pace
M-Sport’s best finish was Craig Breen in finishes for M-Sport Pumas too. of the Puma was there, with both Seb and
sixth, it wasn’t all bad news; the Puma clearly Adrien taking stage wins as well as having
demonstrated it had the pace to compete at The final Power Stage brought more three cars claiming Power Stage points.”
the sharp end, recording four stage wins and reasons to be cheerful, with Loeb going
seeing three cars score Power Stage points. second-fastest and Gus Greensmith and The M-Sport team now heads to Estonia for
The event began in the desert just Fourmaux finishing not far behind in fourth the next round of the WRC. The cars are still in
outside Nairobi, before returning to more and fifth respectively. action as we send this issue to press, but we’ll
have a full update next month
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 59

FORDS IN MOTORSPORT BRITISH GT

SOUR START, weekend’s finale with no success penalty to
SWEET FINISH serve. Signoretti started the race and kept
the car firmly in the top five before handing
Matt Cowley and Marco Signoretti claimed over to Cowley, who immediately lit up the
another GT4 Mustang podium in round six of time-sheets when he rejoined. He was within
the British GT Championship the top three with just a handful of laps to
run, and then blew past the Newbridge Aston
Words MIKE RYSIECKI / Photos LEIGH JONES Martin Vantage on the penultimate lap to
snatch a hard-earned second-place finish.
here were two chances for British the rest to overcome both that time penalty
from Donington and their additional silver Marco Signoretti was thrilled: “Definitely
T GT teams to score championship class weight load. His pace was sufficient for a lot better than the morning. It was so hairy
points at the end of June when teammate Signoretti to be able to rejoin a for the first few laps, it was actually pretty
Snetterton hosted rounds five and six of the car’s length ahead of Team Parker Racing’s difficult navigating but I kept my nose clean.
2022 campaign. Porsche 718 Cayman after the driver change. I picked a few off and that put us in a better
Sunday’s timetable saw a pair of 60-minute position, and then once we settled in, we had
sprint races following May’s three-hour race Sadly, there was late race drama and good pace. When Matt took over, he chased
at Donington where Academy’s Matt Cowley a post-race penalty for Team Parker for down every car in front of him. It was so good
and Marco Signoretti claimed their first win avoidable contact with Academy’s leading to watch.”
of the season. The downside for all podium Mustang. With just nine minutes remaining,
finishers is the success (time) penalty to be Signoretti had things fully under control until When asked if he set about the second
served during the next race’s pit-stop. unwelcome contact from the Porsche at race with renewed vigour, Matt Cowley
Academy Motorsport and the Mustang Brundle corner spun the Mustang, putting responded, “After the disappointment of this
won at Snetterton last year, although doing it out of the race with left-rear suspension morning’s race there was definitely a bit more
so again in race one would require them to damage. The stewards responded by issuing determination. Because I did the second stint,
overturn that maximum ten-second success the over-optimistic Porsche driver with a ten- I didn’t need to worry about tyres. I got in the
penalty. In Saturday’s qualifying for the first second stop-go points-nulling penalty that car and just used everything we had. We got a
race, Matt Cowley pulled half-a-second over would be applied post-race. bit of luck going our way, and with such a great
the chasing pack and subsequently improved team, we are always up on the podium when
his time further with his second flying lap, to As calm and professional as always when nothing interferes with us”.
put pole beyond doubt. under fire, Academy Motorsport set about
In the race he made a great start and drove repairing the Mustang for race two. If there Next time the GT4 championship heads to
a flying opening stint as he pulled well clear of was any upside to the first race injustice, Spa at the end of July; full update next issue.
it was that their Mustang went into the
Mustang team is getting
used to the podium

Ford keeps AMG at bay

60 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

MODIFIED FORDS

Modified Ford seven-second lead over second-placed Dan
Series is where Minton in his beautiful X-Pack Mk2 Escort.
Blue Ovals meet Richard Rudd, in one of three RSR Escorts
running on the day, secured the remaining
for battle podium step.

HOTTING UP The remaining class wins were taken by
Piers Grange, Kester Cook and Alex Boam.
It’s all to play as the season reaches the mid- Boam had to carry out significant repairs in
point, especially as some DNFs for the front- the paddock after receiving a heavy shunt
runners mix up the results at Oulton Park towards the end of race one. Unfortunately
all of the hard work proved to be in vain as the
Words and pics JONATHAN FLETCHER Fiesta’s engine expired in race two.

lready at the halfway stage of the Blue Ovals from Fiesta STs to RS500 Sierra The second race began with Cockell and
Cosworths, with everything in between. the EsCos making an early break for a second
A 2022 season, the Modified Ford win, with Minton and Grange in pursuit. All
Series headed to the picturesque Series organiser Paul Nevill was was going to plan until the steering rack on
circuit of Oulton Park in Cheshire for rounds unfortunate enough not to even leave the the Cossie began to pump out fluid; with the
nine and ten at the end of June. assembly area for race one, when his Escort’s spray hitting the hot exhaust, retirement was
As a circuit that rewards the brave but master cylinder cried enough and dumped the only option.
punishes the fool hardy in equal measure, we its contents. Hopefully a quick fix will see Paul
were guaranteed plenty of action. Especially return to the track in time for the next event. Minton took over the reins leading the
when, on the back of another successful pack, with Grange moving up to second
event at Donington Park, the series dedicated The familiar front-running Escort Cosworth overall. Hot on their heels was the Mustang-
to fast Fords drew a grid of 29 cars for the of Dave Cockell set the pace in qualifying, powered XR4i of Ashley Shelswell. Having
latest event. Racers took to the track in securing pole by nearly five seconds, and started on the last row of the grid following
dominating the first race of the day with a a DNF in race one, Jack Gadd carved his way
through the pack with outstanding pace in his
RSR Escort to close on the leading pack.

Looking to have the win wrapped up,
Minton was unfortunately unable to take the
chequered flag; a DNF due to suspected fuel
pump failure dealt out a cruel blow.

One man loss is another’s gain, and the
demise of Minton promoted Grange for the
overall win, with Shelswell second, and Gadd
taking third place.

With the top three also taking first place in
their respective classes, Richard Rudd, John
Edwards-Parton and Mac McCarthy took class
honours to round out the day’s proceedings.

Next up the Modified Ford series heads
to Snetterton, but we’ve also heard a little
rumour that many of the cars will attending
Ford Fair at Silverstone on 14 August, where
you can get up close to the cars, chat to the
drivers, and, of course, watch them strut their
stuff on track too.

Justin Fuller’s Puma leads John Alex Boam had awful luck
Edwards-Parton’s XR2

David Mathias
in RS500

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 61

FORDS IN MOTORSPORT NATIONAL R ALLYING &
HISTORIC TOURING CARS

Words and photos PAUL LAWRENCE

COMPETING IN AN RS200 Steve Harris uses his 700bhp
as it’s meant to be – and
ost Group B Ford RS200s are now rough and tumble, but he joined the Ralli22 that’s full-pelt
group at the Shelsley Walsh hillclimb and
M living in semi-retirement, but Steve posted fastest time in the 700bhp monster. “I got it five or six years ago. It was bit of a
Harris is different from most barn find. It was brand-new and had never
owners. He still uses his RS200 the way it was He said, “We thought we’d come and turned a wheel. And they wanted to sell it so
intended when they were built for Group B have a play. It’s a replica of the car that Mark I stepped in. It’s an animal. There’s not many
rallying in the mid-1980s. Rennison ran in the late 1980s but it is based Group B cars that do rallycross now. They’re
on a proper RS200 Evolution. sensible people but there’s a few daft people
It’s usually a rallycross car, where it gets like me!”

IN HONOUR
OF MCRAE

H aving a Ford Focus World Rally Car Ex-McRae X4 FMC in the hands of Graeme Sherry
in your garage is pretty special, but Words and photos PAUL LAWRENCE
if you are a Scot, you want one with
a Colin McRae story.
That’s just what Graeme Sherry has done
with the car best known as X4 FMC, rallied by
McRae in Portugal in 2001. For the balance of
the season it was driven by Francois Delecour,
which included a big accident in Australia. It
was rebuilt and later used by Markko Martin
and Francois Duval.
“I’ve had it just shy of four years now,” says
Sherry, who uses it sparingly on suitable
occasions, including with the Ralli22 group.
“I was lucky: I actually went to buy another
one. And that was sold before I got there. Paul
Benn said he had another one, but it would be
two years before it was ready as he wanted to
restore it. And so I waited two years, and I got
the car.”

62 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

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FORDS IN MOTORSPORT

NAME STEPHEN SAWLEY
CAR MK2 ESCORT
RACE SERIES MSN CIRCUIT
RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

MOTORSPORT FUTURE PLANS
SPOTLIGHT
“I think I need a bit more
The Mk2 Escort has still got what it takes on power to get to the front, or
the rally stages, as Stephen Sawley proves preferably an R5 Fiesta.”

Words & photos JONATHAN FLETCHER FAVOURITE RACE
SERIES AND WHY
HISTORY OF THE CAR Escort receives well-
deserved mid-stage “The MSN Championship is
“I bought the car from guy the first one I’ve done, and
who said he raced it once and pampering is a bit kinder on the car
it tried to kill him. To be fair, than the gravel stages, but
when I first drove it, it tried to we finished every round in
kill me too. But my friend Ian our first year coming from
Peak, who’s rallied for years, circuit racing.”
helped me set it up, and it
became a different car. I also WHAT GOT YOU
fitted power steering, which INTO RACING AND
made a big difference. We’ve HOW DID YOU GO
placed second and third ABOUT IT?
several times in our class;
the best result coming 15th “I first started racing
overall out of 100 cars against motorbikes at a young
modern R5s, which I was age, and later on got into
pleased with.” circuit racing. I competed
in circuit racing in a Honda
64 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022 Civic, with great results and
lap records along the way.
I then sold the Honda to
allow me the chance to give
rallying a go.”

MOTORSPORT SPOTLIGHT

Mk2 can still hold its own on rally stages

Stephen gives it
some stick

Vauxhall haters, TECH SPEC
look away now
MK2 ESCORT

ENGINE 2.0-litre Vauxhall XE 16-valve, big-
wing sump, QED throttle bodies, Omex ECU,
Rally cams, vernier timing gears, large custom
exhaust

POWER 210bhp

WEIGHT 1150kg

TRANSMISSION Quaife five-speed Type-9 dog
box

SUSPENSION Front: large Jumbo Proflex
dampers with billet stub axle, adjustable TCAs,
tension struts with drop-link anti-roll bar, Word
Cup crossmember, high-ratio steering rack with
adjustable electric power steering; rear: Proflex
coilover dampers with remote cannisters
mounted to back of the axle, Watt’s linkage
six-link setup, wide Atlas axle with 4.6 LSD, two-
piece large half-shafts

BRAKES Front: AP Racing alloy four-pot
callipers, alloy Group 4 hubs and studs, AP
Racing discs; rear: disc-braked axle, hydraulic
handbrake, dash-adjustable bias pedal box

WHEELS & TYRES 13in Minilite alloys with
a variety of tyres in medium, soft and hard
compounds

EXTERIOR Fully seam-welded shell, 15in rear
tubs, Group 4 alloy arches, Kevlar arch guards,
polycarbonate windows, sponsors’ livery

INTERIOR Full weld-in Custom Cages roll
cage with X-diagonals, door bars and forward
triangulation, OMP seats, full harnesses,
bespoke wiring, trip meter, floor trays, suede
steering wheel, shaped alloy fuel tank in boot

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 65

FORDS IN MOTORSPORT SNETTERTON 300

TRACK GUIDE 300

SNETTERTON

We guide you around one of the most comprehensive tracks
the UK has to offer

Words ALEX NEVILL & JAMIE Photos FAST FORD ARCHIVES

netterton is one of the best tracks handling of your car it’ll be a reasonably light You can use the marker boards to your left
amount of braking for the corner. as a reference; you want to be hard and late
S to test at in the UK. It has a bit of on the brakes, but not too late as any issues
everything: fast corners and slow The first apex is the most important; aim making the apex of the corner will ruin your
corners, long turns and short turns, big for the tightest part of the kerb on the inside exit speed.
straights and small ones. Every part of a car is (but don’t necessarily hit it) and you want to
tested at Snetterton. It might not offer the start feeding in the throttle as soon as you Gently turn into the corner, trying to roll as
same thrills as somewhere like Brands Hatch know you’re going to make the apex. much speed as you can into the apex, about
or Oulton Park, but it’s still a big challenge to three-quarters of the way around the turn.
nail a lap here. From there let the car run out slightly, From here, it’s hard on the throttle and out
before cutting back in for the second apex to the left of the circuit on the exit, before
1 - RICHES where the inside kerb widens. By that point, moving back over to the right for Palmer.
you should be flat on the throttle.
After dashing up the Senna straight from the 3 - PALMER
start line or pit lane exit, the first of the 12 The car will run out to the left of the circuit
corners on the new ‘300’ layout is Riches, a on the exit, which is exactly where you want it Palmer needs a similar technique to Riches,
fast double-apex right-hander. It’s a corner to go. Just make sure it doesn’t run too wide, although it’s a slightly different corner. It’s
where you’ll need to build up your confidence as the grass has a habit of spinning cars into roughly the same length but there’s only one
and speed with each lap. the Armco on the inside. apex and it’s a slower approach.

Usually, on a track day there’ll be boards 2 - MONTREAL Brush the brakes before turning to slow the
to your left that’ll count down the distance to car, and then aim for the start of the kerb as
the corner, so you can use these as reference From the exit of Riches, it’s a short burst down your apex and hug it for most of the corner.
points for your braking. to the Wilson hairpin (also called Montreal, as If you’re finding that you’re struggling with
the corner’s modelled after the hairpin at the understeer on the exit you can try a slightly
Depending on your confidence and the Montreal Formula One circuit).

66 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

BOOK YOUR NEXT TRACK DAY WITH JAVELIN TRACK DAYS
WWW.JAVELINTRACKDAYS.CO.UK 01469 425040

MONTREAL SNETTERTON 300

2

8

BRUNDLE AND NELSON

7 WILLIAMS 5 4AGOSTINI 9

OGGIES HAMILTON BOMB
HOLE
6

3 PALMER 11

1 MURRAYS

RICHES 10

CORAM

later apex for a straighter exit, but bear in indicating the corner either side of the circuit, Dab the brakes before you turn and aim
mind that your mid-corner speed will be which you can use as a braking reference. You for the start of the inside kerb as your apex.
slower as a result. can carry a fair amount of corner speed into From there hold the car in tight until you
the turn, as it’s quite a short corner. reach the tyre bundle on the inside, by which
4 - AGOSTINI point you want to be letting the car run out
Use as much of the inside kerb as you can to the left. You’ll know you’ve got the corner
Agostini is the next corner, which is a horribly here to hook the car in tight, and don’t let it right when your left-hand wheels are kissing
awkward hairpin. Whatever you do through run out to the exit fully until after the slight the exit kerb.
here it’ll always feel quite under-whelming kink in the road.
and slow, so it’s important to stay disciplined
and don’t let yourself overdrive the corner. 7 - WILLIAMS 7 - BRUNDLE & NELSON

Use the marker boards on your right as Williams follows almost immediately After taking a well-earned rest down the
your reference for braking, and from there afterwards. It leads onto the long Bentley Bentley straight it’s time for one of the
aim for about halfway around the inside straight, so it’s important to keep your trickiest sections of the circuit, starting with
kerb for the apex. This line offers the best momentum up through the corner and get a the Brundle and Nelson complex. The key
compromise between getting the power strong exit. with this section is to prioritise the exit of
down on the exit and the shortest line/
highest minimum speed on the entry and
apex of the corner.

The key with this turn isn’t to try to find
time, it’s about trying not to lose time.

5 - HAMILTON

The circuit starts to get fun again with
Hamilton, a short and fast left-hander that
demands commitment from the driver. There
is usually a tyre bundle by the apex to stop
you cutting the corner, and you want to aim
for that, but you definitely don’t want to hit it.

This is one of the corners where you need
to be committing to the throttle early; as soon
as you can tell the car will make the apex, you
need to be back on the throttle for a fast and
stable run through the corner.

6 - OGGIES Snetterton is one of those tracks
that has a bit of everything
Oggies is the only corner you can really attack.
You’ll want to position the car on the left-hand
side of the circuit quickly, which isn’t easy as
the car will be fully over to the right after going
through Hamilton.

From this point there are usually boards

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 67

FORDS IN MOTORSPORT SNETTERTON 300

Snetterton has been
a home to BTCC for

50-odd years

Nelson, as that’s where time can be found. part it’s an acceleration zone, so the key is to 10 - MURRAYS
On approach you can use the boards on make sure that you aren’t having to fight the
car through the corner. There aren’t really any Finally, the braking zone for Murrays starts
your right and the bridge as reference points visual markers around this corner, but you’ll towards the end of Coram, so you’re still
for your braking; you’ll want a late apex right develop a feel and a rhythm for the corner turning when you hit the brakes. With that
towards the end of the corner at Brundle so after a few laps. in mind you need to be softer on the brakes
that you can keep the car fully to the left for than usual, but still hard enough to get the
your approach to Nelson. 9 - CORAM car slowed down properly for the 90-degree
left turn.
You’ll need to use some throttle through The penultimate corner is Coram. The two
Brundle to keep your minimum speed up, but most important things here are your vision Visually there are usually some orange
honestly it doesn’t matter how much throttle and your sense of balance with the car. You floppy markers to the driver’s right that
you use at this point. The harder you are need to be looking long around the corner provide reference points for your braking, but
on the throttle here the more you’ll need to to find your apex, which is about halfway you can’t depend on them; the nature of this
slow down for Nelson, and whatever you do around where there’s an access road on the braking zone means they can often be wiped
through Brundle just make sure you don’t do inside and a painted kerb: you want a wide, out by your fellow drivers.
anything that’ll compromise your approach arching line into it as hugging the inside of the
to Nelson. corner throughout the turn will be too tight. Once you’ve got the car slowed down,
It’ll slow the car and make the corner even the apex/exit of the corner is identical to the
Between the two corners is an extremely tougher for you. technique needed at Nelson. When you’re out
short straight, at a guess probably 20 to 30 of the corner, keep to the right of the circuit for
metres, so it’s very difficult to coordinate your Your balance with the car will be crucial. the shortest run to the finish line, especially
entry to the corner. Once that’s done your The length of the turn means it won’t be flat, if on a qualifying or timed lap. If not, ease
apex is the corner of the inside kerb (Nelson is so there will be points where you’ll need to lift the car over to the left as you head up Senna
a 90-degree turn) and from there you need to off the throttle slightly, but too sharp a lift will Straight; you want to be on the left side of the
be accelerating hard up to the Bomb Hole. cause lift-off oversteer. track ready for the right-hander at Riches, but
it pays to get over to the left before the pit-
8 - BOMB HOLE You’ll also be constantly making small lane exit emerges, so any cars venturing onto
adjustments on the steering wheel, and if the track don’t disrupt your rhythm.
The Bomb Hole is flat for most race cars but in they aren’t small enough, you’ll upset the
road cars with less grip you’ll probably want to balance of the car that way too. And that’s a lap of the Snetterton 300
dab the brakes before turning in. For the most circuit completed.

68 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

+44 (0)1295 701076

PERFORMANCE
CLUTCH KITS
&
SINGLE MASS
FLYWHEELS

[email protected]

MALOLDMEALKSESSE&RMVIOCDEEDLS&SREREVPIACEIRDE&DREPAIRED

n•gPerformanece P•aPretrsformadnce Parts • Pe•rforma•ncMe P•OaMrTtOs TPPrreeppaaPrartaiotni/oTnes/tTA•errMsaenOtgTAePdrrreapnargateiodnr/Test Arrafnged o
es• Supplied & Fit•teSdupplied & Fitted • Su•pplied•& AFilt•tleoAdylloWy WhheeeelSslsTyTreyPraeckP•aagAecllsokuyaWgheeesls Tyre Ppackages p

• Modification &• TMroadcifikcaPtiorne&pTararcaktiP•oreMnpo•adraiftiicoant•ionR&S•T/RrSSac/TSkTPPPraeaprrtatsMsration • RS/ST Parots difi
• Cosworth Part•sCos•wPoertrhfoParmrtsance•PCaor•tssworth•PaFrot•srFdordPPaarrttssSCSu•pupMplieOpdTlieP•dreFporadoraPatirotsnS/TuepspltieAsdrranged w

7 101a EnteUUnrnpitit•••r11i1sMCSJ1auoeaoEspdEwnpPinwftloiitaeceewrrawdrtrphptkwri&rowiP,issnwaFeeB.ri0&.tgtUPPetgsTen1aaTscsdrirrtmka4kk1,c,B81kBoVeaetP2icoceoErUkkernwrVp8stVseiwapei6rpreRwpoawwor0troiRistowrRa0ouentao.dkuP1dga.a,,kdcs9rB,Bk.omeBc•••,e.veBuooenARFvverkotl.Selcleoueror/kdyrSlyrkelVsTHPWyeipaUePHyhrw1oateU7srrHe1RttsS0l7osuUJuaDTkTp1dyJip.,r7cTleBieoeP0d.vaueJcrtkTgkleasygmHeosUt1o7rs0pJoTrtu1k

Unit

www.gsmotorsportuk.co.uk

FF TECH

FAST FORD

FACTS AND FIGURES

Swot up on your Blue Oval knowledge with this little lot…

MODEL BUILT BETWEEN ENGINE POWER TORQUE TOP SPEED 0-60 MPH PRICE WHEN NEW PRICE NOW
COSWORTH
SIERRA RS 1985-1986 1993cc YBB 204 BHP 205 LB.FT 149 MPH 6.2 SEC £15,950 £30,000 to £50,000-plus
SIERRA RS500 1987 £19,950 £60,000 to £115,000-plus
SAPPHIRE 2WD 1987-1990 1993cc YBD 224 BHP 206 LB.FT 154 MPH 6.1 SEC £19,000 £15,000 to £30,000-plus
SAPPHIRE 4X4 1990-1992 £20,064 £15,000 to £30,000-plus
ESCORT T34 1992-1994 1993cc YBB 204 BHP 205 LB.FT 150 MPH 6.1 SEC £21,379 £30,000 to £50,000-plus
ESCORT T25 1994-1996 £23,495 £30,000 to £50,000-plus
1993cc YBG/YBJ 220 BHP 214 LB.FT 150 MPH 6.6 SEC

1993cc YBT 227 BHP 224 LB.FT 140 MPH 5.9 SEC

1993cc YBP 217 BHP 217 LB.FT 140 MPH 5.7 SEC

ESCORT

MK3 XR3 1980-1982 1596cc CVH 95 BHP 98 LB.FT 110 MPH 9.6 SEC £5123 £3500 to £15,000-plus
1596cc CVH 104 BHP 101 LB.FT 118 MPH 8.8 SEC £6030 £3500 to £15,000-plus
MK3 XR3i 1982-1986 1596cc CVH 115 BHP 109 LB.FT 118 MPH 8.7 SEC £6750 £10,000 to £30,000-plus
1596cc CVH 132 BHP 133 LB.FT 128 MPH 8.3 SEC £9583 £10,000 to £30,000-plus
RS1600i 1982-1983 1596cc CVH 132 BHP 133 LB.FT 128 MPH 8.2 SEC £10,028 £5000 to £20,000-plus
1596cc CVH 104 BHP 102 LB.FT 118 MPH 9.4 SEC £7854 £3000 to £12,000-plus
S1 RS TURBO 1985-1985 1998cc I4 148 BHP 142 LB.FT 129 MPH 8.2 SEC £16,073 £3000 to £12,000
1998cc I4 148 BHP 142 LB.FT 128 MPH 8.6 SEC £16,493 £3000 to £12,000
S2 RS TURBO 1986-1990

MK4 XR3i 1986-1990

MK5/6 RS2000 1991-1996

MK5/6 RS2000 4X4 1993-1996

COUGAR 1998-2002 2544cc Duratec 167BHP 160 LB.FT 140 MPH 8.2 SEC £21,005 £1000 to £3000
COUGAR 24V

FIESTA 1981-1983 1598cc Kent 84 BHP 91 LB.FT 106 MPH 9.4 SEC £5150 £3500 to £15,000-plus
MK1 XR2 1984-1989 £5731 £2500 to £12,000
MK2 XR2 1989-1992 1596cc CVH 95 BHP 98 LB.FT 112 MPH 8.7 SEC £9995 £1500 to £9000
MK3 XR2i 1990-1992 £11,950 £5000 to £15,000
RS TURBO 1992-1995 1596cc CVH 108 BHP 102 LB.FT 119 MPH 9.0 SEC £12,712 £3500 to £9000
RS1800 2000-2002 £10,820 £500 to £1500
MK5 ZETEC S 2005-2008 1596cc CVH 133 BHP 135 LB.FT 129 MPH 7.9 SEC £11,432 £750 to £2000
MK6 ZETEC S 2004-2009 £13,595 £750 to £4000
MK6 ST (ST150) 2013-2019 1796cc Zetec 130 BHP 119 LB.FT 124 MPH 8.3 SEC £16,995 £7000 to £15,000
MK7 ST (ST180) 2008-2019 £12,595 £1000 to £8000
MK7 ZETEC S 1596cc Zetec SE 101 BHP 107 LB.FT 113 MPH 10.2 SEC
£16,615 £5000 to £12,000
1596cc Zetec SE 98 BHP 107 LB.FT 114 MPH 9.9 SEC £22,895 £10,000 to £18,000
£20,700 £12,000 to £17,000
1999cc Duratec 148 BHP 140 LB.FT 129 MPH 7.9 SEC

1596cc EcoBoost 180 BHP 177 LB.FT 137 MPH 6.9 SEC

1596cc Duratec 118 BHP 112 LB.FT 120 MPH 9.6 SEC
Ti-VCT

MK7 1.0 140 PS 2014-2016 999cc EcoBoost 138 BHP 155 LB.FT 125 MPH 8.7 SEC
MK7 ST200 2016-2019
MK8 ST 2019-on 1596cc EcoBoost 197 BHP 214 LB.FT 142 MPH 6.5 SEC

1497cc EcoBoost 197 BHP 214 LB.FT 144 MPH 6.3 SEC

FORD GT 1966-1968 4727cc V8 360 BHP 330 LB.FT 164 MPH 5.3 SEC UNQUOTED N/A
GT40 2005-2006 £120,000 £200,000 to £250,000-plus
GT 2017-on 5401cc V8 (s/c) 550 BHP 500 LB.FT 205 MPH 3.6 SEC £450,000 N/A
GT
3497cc EcoBoost 647 BHP 550 LB.FT 216 MPH N/A

70 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

FAST FORD FACTS AND FIGURES

MODEL BUILT BETWEEN ENGINE POWER TORQUE TOP SPEED 0-60 MPH PRICE WHEN NEW PRICE NOW
FOCUS
ST170 2002-2005 1998cc 171 BHP 145 LB.FT 134 MPH 7.9 SEC £15,910 £750 to £3500
Duratec ST
MK1 RS 2002-2003 (Zetec) 6.4 SEC £19,995 £10,000 to £25,000-plus

MK2 ST 2005-2011 1998cc 212 BHP 229 LB.FT 144 MPH 6.5 SEC £17,995 £1500 to £7000
MK2 RS 2009-2010 Duratec RS 5.9 SEC £24,005 £18,000 to £25,000
RS500 2010 5.4 SEC £35,450 £30,000 to £60,000
MK3 ST 2012-2018 2522cc Duratec 222 BHP 236 LB.FT 150 MPH 6.5 SEC £21,995 £6500 to £20,000
MK3 ST TDCi 2015-2018 8.1 SEC £22,945 £12,000 to £20,000
MK3 RS 2016-2018 2522cc Duratec 301 BHP 325 LB.FT 163 MPH 4.5 SEC £31,000 £25,000 to £30,000
MK4 ST 2019-on 5.7 SEC £29,495 £22,000 to £35,000
2522cc Duratec 346 BHP 339 LB.FT 165 MPH

1999cc EcoBoost 247 BHP 250 LB.FT 154 MPH

1997cc TDCi 182 BHP 295 LB.FT 135 MPH

2261cc EcoBoost 345 BHP 347 LB.FT 165 MPH

2261cc EcoBoost 276 BHP 310 LB.FT 155 MPH

MONDEO 1996-2000 2544cc Duratec 168 BHP 162 LB.FT 139 MPH 8.0 SEC £19,190 £500 to £3500
ST24 1999-2000 7.8 SEC £22,945 £750 to £2500
ST200 2002-2007 2544cc Duratec 201 BHP 170 LB.FT 141 MPH 6.8 SEC £21,745 £1000 to £5000
ST220
2004-2007 2967cc 223 BHP 203 LB.FT 155 MPH 8.7 SEC £22,145 £500 to £2500
ST TDCi Duratec-ST

2198cc 153 BHP 266 LB.FT 137 MPH
Duratorq TDCi

MUSTANG 2015-on 2263cc EcoBoost 312 BHP 319 LB.FT 145 MPH 5.8 SEC £31,745 £22,000 to £30,000
ECOBOOST 2015-on 4951cc Coyote 415 BHP 391 LB.FT 155 MPH 4.8 SEC £35,745 £27,000 to £35,000
GT

RS200 1984-1985 1803cc BDT 250 BHP 215 LB.FT 140 MPH 6.1 SEC £49,995 £150,000 to £200,000
1986 2142cc BDT-E 500 BHP 350 LB.FT 140 MPH 3.07 SEC unquoted £225,000 to
RS200 £275,000-plus

RS200
EVOLUTION

RS1700T 1983 1778cc BDT 200 BHP unquoted 140 MPH unquoted N/A N/A
RS1700T

PUMA 1997-2001 1679cc Zetec SE 123 BHP 115 LB.FT 126 MPH 8.8 SEC £14,550 £500 to £3000
1.7 2000 1679cc Zetec SE 152 BHP 119 LB.FT 126 MPH 7.9 SEC £22,750 £8000 to £15,000
RACING PUMA

SIERRA 1982-1985 2792cc Cologne 150 BHP 161 LB.FT 130 MPH 8.0 SEC £9656 £3500 to £15,000-plus
XR4i 1985-1988 8.4 SEC £11,914 £3000 to £9000
XR4X4 1989-1993 2792cc Cologne 150 BHP 161 LB.FT 125 MPH 8.2 SEC £14,706 £2500 to £9000
XR4X4 1990-1993 9.7 SEC £17,330 £2000 to £6500
XR4X4 2933cc Cologne 150 BHP 172 LB.FT 129 MPH

1998cc I4 124 BHP 128 LB.FT 119 MPH

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 71

FF TECH

MK2 FOCUS RSM O D I F Y I N G G U I D E

It’s one of the most tuneable fast Fords ever built, so let’s take a
closer look at how to put your own stamp on the Mk2 RS

Words JAMIE Photos FAST FORD ARCHIVES

E ver since it arrived back in 2009, And then, with accessible aftermarket power potential, the Mk2 Focus RS is the
the Mk2 Focus RS has fired up a engine management kits coming to the model that really kick-started the current
tuning war the likes of which we market, a whole new level of engine tuning trends of aggressive WRC-style bodykits, lairy
began; 500bhp quickly became 600, then rear wings and custom graphics packages.
hadn’t seen since the Cossie’s 700, and now there are numerous Mk2 RSs
running well over 1000bhp. Of course, at The Mk2 Focus RS can be anything you
heyday in the mid-Nineties. these performance levels we’re well beyond want it to be: add some subtle tweaks for
the realms of bolt-on upgrades, but with an an OEM-plus comfortable fast-road cruiser,
Having seen fantastic results from tuning army of specialists supporting the five- take a motorsport-inspired approach to
cylinder Duratec found in the Focus, it’s not all create a devastating track weapon, or let your
the Mk2 ST, specialists couldn’t wait to get one-off custom parts either. imagination run wild and create a truly unique
show car that’s as individual as you are. And
their hands on the even more powerful To cope with all that grunt, the factory it doesn’t matter if your vision requires a
brakes and suspension will also need some useable and mild-mannered 300bhp or a rip-
full-fat RS model. The factory 301bhp was serious work; again, there’s plenty of options your-face-off 1000bhp-plus, if you really want
to choose from. And, along with the brutal it, you can have it. Here’s how.
lifted to 350-to-370bhp almost overnight,

using modified versions of similar upgrade

components available for the ST, and it wasn’t

long before tuners were looking to break the

500bhp barrier. That came and went, but still

our thirst for power wasn’t quenched.

72 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

MODIFYING GUIDE MK2 FOCUS RS

Stock seats
are great, but
there’s plenty
of options for
upgrades

Custom dash faces work well Cage and a track weapon may see any unnecessary
bucket seats weight removed and a roll cage and four-point
TRANSMISSION give cabin a harnesses added. It’s a case of horses for
motorsport feel courses, but thankfully there’s loads of feature
The M66 six-speed ‘box is a tough unit and will cars that appear in Fast Ford regularly to give you
cope with most things thrown at it. We’ve seen INTERIOR some inspiration.
it handle some crazy bhp figures, especially if
the mapping is kind and the car isn’t used for The RS was well specced as standard and
hard launches and/or aggressive shifts. came with the legendary Recaro Sportster CS
bucket seats. What you do in here will be all
Gary Lendon at Collins says even the down to personal tastes and the style/intended
driveshafts are much tougher than the ST’s use for the car. Show cars may go for a custom
and don’t cause any concern on most modified retrim with lots of carbon fibre additions, while
machines. Of course, crazy power levels and/
or hard use on track will be a different story. Coilovers offer plenty of
For the ultimate transmission in a Mk2 Focus adjustment to fine-tune the
you’ll be looking at the Quaife QKE45Z M66
sequential gearbox; it’s fantastic, but by the suspension settings
time you’ve added up all the bits, don’t expect
to see much change from £10,000.  

The factory clutch and dual-mass flywheel
is perfectly fine for those first levels of tune
up to around 420bhp, but for anything more
you’ll need an upgrade. Helix Autosport offers
a few upgrades, including organic and paddle
clutch options, while the Xtreme Clutch twin-
plate upgrade uses two organic drive plates
to support over 800lb.ft of torque yet remain
comfortable enough for road use. This kit
costs around £1600.

The stock clutch
needs upgrading for

450bhp-upwards

SUSPENSION wishbones. The RS is kinder than the ST thanks
to the RevoKnuckle, but polyurethane upgrades
The RS’s RevoKnuckle design was revolutionary are a wise investment. Many tuners suggest
and holds the key to why these cars can put so adding an anti-lift kit when replacing the rear
much power down through their front wheels. bushes; these have a revised location to offer
They aren’t without their problems, though. Gary extra caster and anti-lift properties.
Lendon says Collins has seen the RevoKnuckle
joints fail, and they are no longer available new. Lowering springs from Eibach or H&R can be
Some specialists are looking into refurbishing had for £200-to-£250 and offer the first step in
them, but rust on the pressed-in ball-joint seems improving handling performance. But for better
to be the biggest killer, so try to maintain a control you’ll want to add matched – and ideally
corrosion-free undercarriage if you can. adjustable – dampers, and these days that
usually means turning to a coilover kit.
One area that Darren Evans at BD Performance
says makes a big difference for minimal effort is Bilstein’s B16 kit (£1600) is reported to be
adding a set of Powerflex polyurethane inserts ideal for fast road use, while dedicated track fans
for the upper and lower engine mounts, plus the might want to invest in KW’s Clubsport two-way
gearbox mount. All three only cost around £100, kit (£2300) with separate bump and rebound
and simply push into the voids in the OE rubber control. BC Racing is another popular choice,
bushings to offer additional support and prevent combining practical performance with a sensible
excessive engine movement. budget; the BR series is available for less than
a grand.
Talking of bushes, the Mk2 Focus is known
for destroying the rear bushes on the front

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 73

FF TECH

ENGINE the fuel pressure rather than just the flow rates. Bolt-on mods
Gary explains, “This helps keep the desired spray will take power
The RS shares the same basic 2522cc, in-line five- pattern of the injectors to ensure smooth idle and to around
cylinder, Volvo-sourced, turbocharged Duratec as low-speed running, but still deliver enough fuel 420bhp...
the ST, but there are some significant differences when needed.”
that allow the RS version to produce more power.
The RS’s block is substantially stronger, meaning The downside is that you’ll need a high-pressure
the block mod required on a tuned ST isn’t fuel pump, and the RS500’s 6-bar item costs a
necessary on the RS until you’re chasing big power. whopping £1800. Luckily, there are alternatives:
BD Performance offers an external fuel pump
One thing that is worth looking at is the inlet setup using either a single or twin Bosch 044 fuel
manifold. BD Performance’s Darren Evans says, pumps and a separate swirl pot (the twin pump kit
“We’ve seen these fail, and when the plastic inlet costs around £1300 and will support over 500bhp),
cracks it implodes; this can cause small pieces of while Collins has an alternative in-tank pump to
plastic to be sucked into the engine and damage that found in the RS500 for £949 (but you can get
pistons, bend valves, and cause all kinds of £450 back if you exchange your original unit).
mess.” And when a performance replacement
not only bolts straight on but drastically improves From 420bhp upwards, things start to get a lot
the underbonnet aesthetics, as well as giving a more complicated; this is the level at which we find
noticeable increase in mid-range torque, it’s a the limits of the stock internals and the factory
bit of a no-brainer. Collins Performance’s Gary turbo doesn’t have much more to give either.
Lendon says they have tested several aftermarket Forged conrods and pistons can be had for £1200-
upgrades and found the Anembo Engineering to-£1300, but if you want to really bombproof the
version to yield the best results, but it is the most bottom end, a block with a set of ductile steel liners
expensive too. fitted costs £1600; these have been proven to
withstand over 1000bhp.
In the search for more power, an air filter or
induction kit, exhaust and remap will see an But seriously
increase to around 340-to-350bhp. The Mountune/ big power is
RS500 airbox lid works very well, looks OEM, possible from
and will support over 400bhp. As for the exhaust a built engine
system, there are several options depending on
how loud and aggressive you want the car to be,
but you’ll need either a sports cat or de-cat if you’re
planning on anything beyond 370bhp.

Gary says the stock intercooler can cope up to
around 340-to-350bhp, but it is a restriction; an
upgrade here (coupled with big boost pipes) will
take the same mods to around 360-to-370bhp.
One of the most popular is the Airtec Stage 2 item;
it’s only £50 more expensive than the Stage 1, and
both Darren and Gary recommend it for power
levels up to around 420bhp.

Beyond this, the standard fuel system starts
to struggle. To crack 400bhp you’ll need bigger
injectors and a beefier pump, but there are a
couple of ways to approach the issue. One option
is to fit Bosch injectors, with prices ranging from
£450 for a set of 550cc items through to £550 for
a full set of 1000cc units. These can be coupled to
a high-flow 340 litre-per-hour fuel pump at around
£750.

The other way to address the fuelling issue is
to follow Mountune’s approach when developing
the Ford-approved MP350 tuning kit that was
fitted to the Focus RS500, and that is to increase

74 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

MODIFYING GUIDE MK2 FOCUS RS

TURBO

The stock turbo won’t get anywhere near 1000bhp. And
nor will the stock head and cams. A set of Newman fast
road cams will set you back £600 but will lift power to
over 450bhp when coupled with breathing and fuelling
mods. The cylinder head will flow enough for 500bhp
with a mild port job, but for over 600bhp you’ll need
larger 1mm oversize valves too.

The RS’s turbo has the exhaust housing cast into
the exhaust manifold, therefore it’s not quick or easy to
swap to a larger blower. Instead, companies like Turbo
Performance offer hybrid versions that take your original
turbo and tweak it to offer far more power potential.
Turbo Performance’s Mark Arnold says, “We offer two
hybrid options for the RS: our Stage 1 turbo has the
compressor housing machined to accept a larger 67mm
billet compressor wheel, complete with cut-back blades
on the turbine wheel and 360-degree thrust bearing.
That’s good for 450bhp and costs about £850. Our Stage
3 will take power over 500bhp, adding an even larger
71mm compressor wheel with a larger K24 turbine shaft.
That one costs about £1100.”

For anything more, you’ll need a turbo with physically
larger housings. The Garrett GTX3076 is a popular
choice at £1500 and will see an RS producing well over
600bhp with the right supporting mods, but there are
plenty of turbos to choose from these days. They would
need a separate manifold and most likely an external
wastegate setup too, so you’d need to factor-in those
costs. For enormous power RSs, sometimes the turbo
itself needs to be so large it cannot fit in the space
between the back of the engine and the bulkhead.
That’s where sidewinder style manifolds come in; these
reposition the turbo to above the gearbox where there
is more space available, but obviously require lots of
modification to plumb everything in correctly.

Sidewinder manifolds allow Hybrid turbos are
massive blowers to be fitted good for 500bhp

ECU Plug-and-play engine
management upgrades have
The standard Bosch ME9 ECU is a very unlocked so much more potential
powerful piece of kit, and there are plenty of
software upgrades for it; Mountune and Collins the 4in MAF-less crossover pipe at £450 (big turbo
Performance both have tunes that will take power upgrades can cause the factory MAF sensor to
to circa 420bhp and can be flashed directly to have issues, so the Syvecs system removes it and
the ECU yourself, via the mTune handset or iFlash operates using a MAP sensor instead), and flex
system. Revo and Motorsport Developments fuel sensor (£180) if you want to run exotic blends
offerings need to be installed by an authorised to hit those headline power figures.
dealer, and up to 600bhp is possible from the
factory ECU. As a rule, up to 420bhp can be achieved fairly
easily with bolt-ons and a reflash of the ECU at
The biggest game-changer in recent years home; from there up to 600bhp is possible on the
has been plug-and-play stand-alone engine stock ECU with a built bottom end and big turbo;
management systems such as the Syvecs system but for anything over that you’ll be looking at a
offered by Devil Developments. Replacing the custom build with a stand-alone ECU to support it.
Bosch ME9 unit completely, this integrates fully
with the rest of car but is fully mappable and
means you can make use of extras like flex-fuel
sensors to determine the ethanol content of the
fuel being used and automatically adjust the
engine mapping to suit.

Syvecs systems also boast an excellent torque
biasing traction control system, which is how
we get 1000bhp cars that are still compliant and
practical enough to use on the street. All in, it
costs around £3000, but you’ll also want to add

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 75

FF TECH Dropping to 18s is BRAKES
recommended for
WHEELS AND TYRES The stock 336mm front and 300mm rear
track cars brakes work surprisingly well on most road
Simply painting the factory 19s black is often enough to make cars, especially when fitted with some
a significant difference; just make sure you add black wheel upgraded pads, decent fluid and braided brake
nuts if you do. The standard offset is quite high at ET60, and lines. They do look ugly though. Big brake kits
one of the first upgrades many owners do is fit a set of spacers are available for those using their RS on track,
to get the wheels filling the arches properly; 20mm on the rear or owners who just want something more
and 15mm on the front usually does the trick. That effectively visually appealing peeking out behind the
reduces the offset to around ET40-45 on the stock 8.5in-wide spokes. Mountune’s Clubsport big brake kit
rim, so bear that in mind when looking at aftermarket options. uses a six-pot Alcon calliper and 365x32mm
And there are plenty of options that will fit the 5x108 PCD and floating discs and is one of the best options
63.4mm centre bore, from the likes of Rotiform, Bola, BBS, Rota available, costing £2250. Similar kits from AP
and so on. Racing, EBC, and PB Brakes are also available.

Mountune has already done the calculations for you with its At the rear, decent pads coupled to grooved
exclusive OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT wheel from its Clubsport discs and some quality brake lines are all you’ll
range of chassis upgrades. Not only will the wheel design clear really need.
the Clubsport big brake kit, it’s also wider than the originals
at 9in and has an optimised offset of ET58 to fill the arches
without fear of introducing any unwanted torque steer.

Dropping to 18in is common for track use and means you can
fit the tough-as-nails Compomotive MO6, but most people tend
to shy away from upping to 20s unless it’s a show car because
the lower profile tyres required can ruin the ride. It goes without
saying that you should always fit decent tyres and shy away
from anything in the budget sector. It’s an RS, after all.

WRC rear wing ensures the RS has presence

Mountune’s Clubsport big
brake kit is one of the best

EXTERIOR canvass for you to express yourself. CONTACTS
There’s a wealth of styling upgrades available
The Mk2 Focus RS was the car that kick-started AIRTEC
the lairy graphics craze that took the fast Ford too; subtle touches such as splitters and side
world by storm; its aggressive shape lends skirt extensions from Maxton Designs and www.airtecmotorsport.com
itself nicely to custom designs, and we’ve seen Triple R Composites are affordable tweaks that
everything from modern interpretations of work well, but there are plenty of sexy carbon BD PERFORMANCE 
classic race liveries right through to comic book fibre parts to spend your money on. For an ultra-
heroes on the side of Mk2s. Of course, you don’t aggressive appearance, big WRC style rear wings store.bdperformance.co.uk
need to wrap an RS or paint it a unique colour and wide-arch kits are readily available too.
to make it stand it out, but it does offer a blank BURTON POWER

WHAT WE WOULD DO… www.burtonpower.com

JAMIE, EDITOR: DAN WILLIAMSON, COLLINS PERFORMANCE
CONTRIBUTOR:
“The first thing I’d need to do collinsperformance.com
is tap into that phenomenal “Can I be controversial?
engine potential. I’d be aiming Instead of heroic mods I’d tone DEVIL DEVELOPMENTS 
at around 600bhp from a fully it down with satin grey wrap,
built motor with GTX3076R deleted rear wing, motorsport www.devildevelopments.co.uk
turbo, running Syvecs rims (ideally 19s on spacers)
management. I’d love to whack that lot through a and ST badges to confuse people. A Clubsport HENDY PERFORMANCE
Quaife sequential ‘box, but the £10k cost means cockpit would need lowered stock Recaros (vital,
that’s the stuff of dreams. As for styling, I’ve as far as I’m concerned) and functional cage. www.hendyperformance.co.uk
always liked the look of de-liveried race and rally Top-quality coilovers ride better than standard, so
cars, so I’d go for a rally look – stripped and caged they’d be matched to Powerflex bushes, uprated MOTORSPORT DEVELOPMENTS 
interior, massive WRC rear wing, roof scoop, ARBs and a big brake kit with track-day pads. I’m
plastic windows, and WRC front bumper – but not interested in 1000bhp, so I’d be content with www.motorsport-developments.co.uk
finished in plain Frozen White. A set of 9x8in bolt-on mods and 420bhp, as long as the turbo
Compomotive MO6s in anthracite with sticky spools quickly and doesn’t run out of puff. Add a MOUNTUNE
track tyres would complete the look.” quickshift, and it’s ready for B-roads. ”
www.mountunestore.com

OC MOTORSPORT

www.oc-motorsport.co.uk

REVO

www.onlyrevo.com

SCC PERFORMANCE

www.focusrsparts.co.uk

TURBO PERFORMANCE

www.turboperformanceltd.com

WAYSIDE PERFORMANCE

www.wayside-performance.co.uk

76 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022



FF TECH Engine oil additives can
help soften rubber seals
TECH Q&A to prevent leaks

CHEMICAL There are even
FIXES additives to help stop
diesel engines from
We ask the experts at LIQUI MOLY how their smoking
products for fixing leaks, oil consumption, high
exhaust emissions and noisy tappets work and
whether additives are merely magic potions

N agging problems such as finding intensive, and expensive to repair. There are,
oil drips on your driveway, though, a range of additives that promise to
having to routinely top up the help reduce those emissions, stop the
annoying leak, and quieten those rattly
fluids, listening out for annoying tappets. Yet we don’t really know how they
work, and instead just blindly put our trust in
rattly tappets, and always having to cross your what it says on the side of the packaging of
each product. So, the following questions aim
fingers and toes at the annual MOT test in the to get to the bottom of it all.

hope your car will pass the emissions are all Hydraulic Lifter
Additive can help
too often things we have to live with, because prevent sticky lifters

the solution is often time-consuming, labour-

A brittle crankshaft oil seal is one of the main get to the brittle oil seal? It can, indirectly. If the oil gets too thin, it does not
causes of an engine oil leak, but it’s often a lubricate the moving parts properly. This means
major job to fix, so is there an oil additive you can Of course, they are diluted by the motor oil, but they the engine experiences increased wear. If you are
recommend that helps to soften a leaky seal? are highly concentrated, so they are still effective. mainly looking for wear protection, there are more
And remember, these chemical agents are specialised additives like CeraTec.
Motor Oil Saver is the product to use. This is an permanently circulated together with the motor oil,
oil additive that is simply added to the engine so they permanently treat the sealing. Surely it’s better to overhaul a worn engine instead
oil (take care not to exceed the maximum filling of patching it up with an additive such as Viscoplus
level). It’s suitable for all commercial motor oils Are there any similar products for curing oil for Oil?
in petrol and diesel engines with and without leaks from the gearbox, differentials, and other
a diesel particulate filter (DPF). It has been components that contain oil? High oil consumption may have several reasons.
tested for use with catalytic converters and Oil dilution is just one of them. Dirty and/or seized
turbochargers. Yes, Gear Oil Leak Stop can be used on gearboxes, piston rings are another reason. Of course, you
even on rear diffs if they do not have a multi-disc may dismantle the engine and clean the piston
How long does it take for Motor Oil Saver to clutch. Power Steering Oil Leak Stop can be used rings manually, but it is easier and cheaper to use
work? on power steering systems, regardless of the type an additive like Engine Flush Plus, which does the
of power steering fluid. same job. Additives are useful chemical tools,
Approximately 400-to-500 miles to take effect. offering great opportunities when applied correctly,
One 300ml can is sufficient to treat up to five Is there a cure for an engine that’s burning oil but like all tools they have limitations. And, like all
litres of engine oil. The product can be added at because its piston rings are worn? tools, they cannot magically heal broken parts.
any time. After adding, run the engine until warm.
To guarantee a lasting effect, we recommend Worn piston rings allow more oil to pass between Numerous radiator stop leak additives have been
adding the product again after every 18,000 miles the piston rings and the cylinder. Fuel dilution and available for decades. How does yours work?
as a preventative measure. water condensation in the oil make the oil thinner,
allowing even more oil to get into the combustion Our Radiator Stop Leak contains tiny plastic
How does Motor Oil Saver help to make a brittle chamber and be burned. Viscoplus for Oil puts an particles, which circulate in the system. At the crack
seal supple again and ensure an oil leak is end to this. It stabilises the loss of viscosity of the the pressure difference lets them agglomerate
reduced or stopped? oil and improves the seal between the piston and [cluster], so they seal it up reliably. It may be used in
the cylinder. a preventative manner, too.
It contains chemical agents that soften the brittle
sealing and rejuvenate it. The sealing material So Viscoplus for Oil helps to keep the engine oil Sounds good, but when the engine is switched
contains softener, which the motor oil washes thick enough to reduce the risk of it getting past off and the pressure difference at a crack (leak
out over the course of time – which is why the worn piston rings. Is that correct? spot) becomes the same as the rest of the cooling
seal becomes brittle. Motor Oil Saver contains system, won’t those plastic particles move away,
softeners in a concentrated form. They make Yes, if you have an issue with oil dilution, Viscoplus and the leak will start again?
the sealing soft and flexible again, which takes remedies the adverse effects of oil becoming
approximately 500 miles to show any effect. thinner and thinner. Oh no, the leak is permanently sealed, regardless of
whether the system is under pressure or not.
Surely the chemical agents in Motor Oil Saver Can Viscoplus for Oil help with any other types of
will become diluted in the engine oil and won’t engine wear? Can those plastic particles you mention block

78 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

up the heater, thermostat or anywhere in the Radiator Stop Leak LIQUI MOLY ADVERTORIAL
cooling system where there’s a restriction? contains tiny plastic
particles that block Gear Oil Additive
The plastic particles are so tiny that they any holes to fix leaks can help cure a
circulate freely without the risk of blocking notchy ‘box
any valves. Leaky seals can be
costly and labour- CONTACT
Can a notchy manual gearbox be fixed intensive to replace
with an additive, or is the only solution to LIQUI MOLY
strip and change components such as the
synchromesh? www.liqui-moly.com
SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 79
Yes, Gear Oil Additive is far easier and cheaper
than a rebuild. It is added to the gear oil and
contains MoS2 [molybdenum disulphide]
particles as a solid lubricant, which form a
protective layer on the metal surfaces and
reduce friction. Gear Oil Additive can also be
used preventatively to protect the gearbox from
wear and tear, and to reduce the temperature in
the gearbox.

How can this solid lubricant stick to metal
surfaces and not simply float around,
suspended in the gear oil?

The lubricant floats in the oil and becomes
effective when metal grinds on metal. In such
a situation, most of the oil is simply squeezed
away but not the MoS2.

How much Gear Oil Additive is needed to try to
fix a notchy ‘box?

For one litre of gear oil, 20g is sufficient, and
50g is suitable for 2.5 litres of gear oil.

How does Hydraulic Lifter Additive work in
reducing the top-end noise caused by sticking
hydraulic valve lifters?

It cleans holes and ducts in the oil circuit and
dampens the noise generated by contaminated
and sticky hydraulic lifters. The product can be
added at any time. After adding, run the engine
until warm. To guarantee a lasting effect, use
the additive after each oil change.

It sounds like Hydraulic Lifter Additive is an
engine oil cleaner. Is that correct?

It is much more than just an oil cleaner. In fact,
it contains a polar viscosity improver with
cleaning properties. This viscosity improver
makes the oil stickier, so it stays much longer
on the surfaces.

Can Hydraulic Lifter Additive reduce noise
from other areas of the engine that are
affected by oil?

It can improve the function of timing chain
tensioners filled with oil pressure, which can
result in the reduction of timing chain noise.

What about worn hydraulic valve lifters
(camshaft followers)? Can it help to fix these if
they are noisy?

Well, it might help a little bit, but if parts are
worn out, it is better to replace the lifters.
Otherwise, you risk damaging the camshaft.

If a diesel engine fails the emissions test
at the MOT, are there any additives you can
recommend for helping it to pass?

A quick remedy is Diesel Smoke Stop. Added
to the diesel fuel, this additive accelerates the
combustion of the soot and reduces black
plumes. It’s compatible with all conventional
diesel and biodiesel fuels, and engines with
turbochargers, but not for engines with a diesel
particulate filter (DPF).

How much Diesel Smoke Stop is required and
is it a one-off fix?

For 50 litres of diesel, 150ml is sufficient (a ratio
of 1:333). Pour the contents of the can directly
into the tank before filling up with fuel. For the
optimum effect, add every time you refuel.

FF TECH

BUYER’S GUIDE

RS TURBO
SERIES ONE 

The original and by far the best, the Series One Escort RS Turbo
is rocketing to the top of collectors’ must-have lists. Here’s how to
buy your own strike of white lightning 

Words DAN WILLIAMSON Photos FAST FORD ARCHIVES

WHY YOU WANT ONE… IDENTITY VITAL STATISTICS

■ Cooler than a snowman surfing on an Don’t buy an RS Turbo without checking its MADE 1984 to 1985
iceberg, the so-white Series One hits the 1980s’ identity. Not just an online vehicle history check PRICE WHEN NEW £9250
fashion spot. Park it alongside a Ferrari, and (which is, of course, important for any expensive (+ £470 for optional Custom Pack)
the prancing horse will be overridden by the old motor) but a thorough inspection of the entire POWER 130bhp @ 6000rpm
Blue Oval. car. If you can, find an Escort expert and take TORQUE 133Ib.ft @ 3000rpm
■ Motorsport homologation – and significant them along to help. TOP SPEED 128mph
racetrack success – means the Series One has 0-60MPH 8.1 seconds
secured its place in Ford history. Series Ones were (and still are) faked/rung/
■ It has to be said: the Series One is the most reshelled a lot even by fast Ford standards, so
investable of all front-wheel-drive Escorts, and
you’ll certainly not lose cash by enjoying this don’t be fooled by something dodgy. 
fast Ford. Begin with the VIN plate on the bonnet slam

WHY YOU DON’T… panel, making sure it tallies with the digits on
the log book, the stampings in the floor beside
■ RS Turbos aren’t exactly fast. A stock the driver’s seat (beneath a flap in the carpet)
130bhp Series One is left for dead by modern and the body-coloured build plate (also on the
hot hatchbacks, and making it faster simply slam panel). The VIN should read WF0BXXGCAB,
hammers down the value. followed by two letters relating to build date and
■ Your neighbours won’t be impressed by your numbers that correspond with the engine code
£30k Ford Escort; they’ll see it as either an (also seen on the cylinder block).
Essex boy-racer’s ride or just some old banger
with an outdated registration plate. The shell itself should be a late-model Mk3
■ RS tax is real, and you’ll find yourself (built from May 1983-onwards) with single-bolt
splashing out huge sums of money for simple front strut tops and longer rain gutters on the
stuff like bits of trim you’d see in an Escort van. roof: no RS Turbo had the shorter early gutters. A
genuine Series One should also include a double-
HOW MUCH TO PAY skinned battery tray, triple-skinned steel in the
engine bay (feel it through a hole pressed into
PROJECT: £8000 TO £15,000 the chassis at the inner wing) and unique front
anti-roll bar mounts. Ensure there’s a roughly-
Beware of ‘barn finds’, which for this money hacked cut-out in the front panel for the radiator
may be rotten, half-stripped of the good bits, or (replicas tend to be too neat), and that there are
decidedly dodgy. Don’t splash out if the identity factory-fitted captive nuts on the bulkhead to
is questionable. attach the ECU.

GOOD: £15,000 TO £25,000 All RS Turbos had an Orion-type rear anti-roll
bar with factory-made mounts, which tend to
Useable Series Ones are now serious cash, look awkward when added afterwards to a fake.
so expect to see mileage of 100,000 or more, There should also be a unique rivet in the spare
along with sensible modifications and maybe wheel well for a filler neck stabiliser, plus a pair
some missing factory-original parts. Don’t get of grommets in the rear valance just below the
spendy on a fake or replica. back bumper.

CONCOURS: £25,000 Bronze tinted glass was standard on all Series
TO £50,000-PLUS Ones, along with opening rear windows. The
majority were specified with the optional Custom
Show-worthy S1s have rocketed in value Pack, which included electric front windows and
on the heels of three-door Cosworths, and central locking (easy to retrofit) plus bronze-
low-mileage examples have sold for north of
£60k. For that much it needs to be mint and tinted glass sunroof – harder to add to a replica. 
completely standard, but £35k should bag an It’s also worth checking the date stamps on
RS with about 70,000 on the clock. 
the windows and wheels match up with the car’s
80 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022
build date. 
And if you find a Series One reputedly factory-

finished in any colour other than Diamond White,
be very dubious. Only three non-white Series
Ones were built by Ford – all in Black. A few RS
Turbos were repainted in different shades (such
as one in Mercury Grey, red Datapost racers, and
a blue car from TV show CATS Eyes, which ended

its life in a lake), but none were Ford-produced. 

B U Y E R’S G U I D E R S T U R B O S E R I E S O N E 

HISTORY larger (48-litre) fuel tank, INTERIOR RS four-spoke
repositioned fuel pump, and wheel here
AUGUST 1980 smoother upholstery. If you’re paying top dollar for an RS
Turbo, it’s vital to see an immaculate has replaced
Escort Mk3 begins production OCTOBER 1984 interior. Even though most of the cabin the original
at Halewood (UK) and trim was shared with the Mk3 XR3i XR3i-type
Saarlouis (Germany). Escort RS Turbo announced at (Monza upholstery with blue piping), it’s three-spoke
. Paris motor show, developed hard to find in mint condition because
by Ford Special Vehicle it’s not hard-wearing; naturally, it’s very Ensure the door cards aren’t damaged
NOVEMBER 1980 Engineering (SVE) for Group desirable and equally pricey. or cut for speakers. Beware of cracks,
A motorsport homologation, splits and warping in the dashboard, or
Escort XR3 launched in UK, as requiring 5000 examples.  Only the RS Turbo’s Recaro front seats you’ll need to spend a four-figure sum
front-wheel-drive three-door differed from the XR3i’s (albeit wearing – and a long time searching – for a mint
hatchback with 95bhp 1.6 CVH 15 DECEMBER 1984 the same cloth), but they tend to wear replacement. Inspect the parcel shelf
engine, Weber carburettor, out on the bolsters, sag on the bases too; speakers and sagging knocks down
four-speed gearbox and sports Saarlouis production begins and collapse underneath. The winders the value.
suspension. of Escort RS Turbo, based also loosen, although repairs are
on XR3i but with Garrett T3 straightforward. Check the driver’s seat Several Series One owners have a
FEBRUARY 1982 turbo, Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel hasn’t been replaced with a passenger- second interior (one for shows, one for
injection, viscous-coupling side Recaro to disguise wear.  the rest of the year), so try to get those
XR3 continues with five-speed limited-slip differential, rare parts included in a deal. If not, gather
gearbox as standard. RS1600i-type front tie bars, spares when you see them and store
Orion 12mm rear anti-roll bar, them in a safe place. 
OCTOBER 1982 Diamond White paintwork,
colour-coded bodykit, driving If your RS Turbo has the optional (but
XR3i and RS1600i production lamps, 15in alloy wheels, usual) Custom Pack, check the electric
begins at Saarlouis, both blue decals, and Recaro windows and central locking work
based on XR3 but with Bosch seats. Standard or extra-cost properly because motors tend to pack up.
fuel injection. SVE-tuned Custom Pack available. Indicator stalks and dashboard switches
XR3i has 104bhp, revised are fragile, but they’re shared with base-
suspension, brakes and cabin. 20 DECEMBER 1985 model Mk3s, so don’t tend to be overly
German RS1600i has 113bhp, expensive or hard to source.
unique front suspension, Escort RS Turbo Series One
6x15in alloy wheels, new front production ends, after 8604
and rear spoilers, decals and built, including 5576 UK sales
Scheel seats. (all but three factory Black
examples were white).
MAY 1983

New Escort Mk3 bodyshell
including revised front
suspension mounting points,

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 81

FF TECH

S1’s CVH can be old and
rattly or highly-tuned.
Or both...

TECH SPEC

RS TURBO SERIES ONE 

ENGINE 1596cc in-line four-cylinder, eight-
valve, SOHC CVH with cast-iron block and
alloy head, Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection,
Bosch-Motorola management, Garrett T3
turbocharger
TRANSMISSION Front-wheel drive with B5
five-speed manual gearbox with 4.27:1 final
drive ratio, viscous-coupling limited-slip
differential, 7.9in single-plate clutch
SUSPENSION Front: MacPherson struts,
Girling gas-filled dampers, XR3i coil springs,
separate 16mm anti-roll bar with RS1600i-
style tie-bars, solid inner mounting bushes;
rear: transverse trailing arms, telescopic
dampers, XR3i coil springs and 12mm anti-
roll bar
BRAKES Front: 239mm ventilated discs
with heavy-duty pads; rear: 203mm drums
with heavy-duty linings
WHEELS & TYRES 6x15in seven-spoke Ford
RS alloys and Michelin MXV 195/50VR15
tyres
EXTERIOR Three-door Escort hatchback
body with bronze tinted glass, opening rear
quarter windows, long-range driving lamps,
body-coloured front spoiler, wheelarch
extensions, side skirts, XR3 rear spoiler and
Orion grille. Finished in Diamond White with
RS graphics (except three built in factory
Black). Custom Pack added manual tilting/
sliding glass sunroof, electric front windows
and central locking
INTERIOR Recaro front seats in grey Monza
trim with XR3i rear bench, door cards and
three-spoke steering wheel. Optional ECU1
stereo

82 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

B U Y E R’S G U I D E R S T U R B O S E R I E S O N E 

ENGINE head gasket or cracked head; beware an engine WHAT DO I NEED
running hot or with oil in the coolant. If the antifreeze TO KNOW?
CVH engines weren’t particularly durable or refined looks fresh, it’s perhaps disguising a head gasket
when new; 30-odd years of thrash and boost means fault, or – finger crossed – shows signs of recent HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO
most have been rebuilt and/or are now knackered. servicing, ideally with a new genuine-Ford water INSURE?
So unless you see recent receipts for reconditioning, pump. Ask the seller to show receipts.
expect everything to need close examination.  Not a lot, presuming your RS Turbo
Poor running is a typical Series One trait, and is driven just for pleasure, and kept
Excessive noise will be most obvious. Typically, often attributed to the RS Turbo’s Bosch mechanical out of harm’s way for every other
you’ll hear tapping from the top end, usually from the fuel injection (MFi) setup, particularly the fuel day. Any Series One is suitable for a
hydraulic lifters (oil changes are best every 3000-to- metering unit, which is expensive to replace, tricky limited-mileage/agreed-value classic
6000 miles) but possibly also a worn camshaft if it’s to adjust and easily slips out of calibration. Common car policy, so speak to a specialist
clattering inside the cylinder head. They’re not major complaints are misfires, sluggish performance and broker for a surprisingly cost-effective
problems, but beware of knocking from the bottom end, difficulty starting when warm. But there are loads premium and even track cover. 
caused by worn crank/bearings – very bad news.  of other potential culprits, such as dirty or faulty
sensors and relays, a tired actuator limiting boost, WHERE DO I FIND ONE?
Check for blue smoke from the exhaust – at start-up air leaks and collapsed hoses resulting in low power,
it’s probably valve stem seals (typical of a CVH) but and tired wiring causing chaos. It’s reckoned there are fewer than
under load more likely failed pistons/rings or turbo; 1000 surviving Series Ones, so there’s
remove the inlet hose and check the turbo for play in the Check the wiring loom for damage, chafing, bad usually a selection on the market at
shaft. Oil splashed around the engine bay could be from joints and corrosion – which at best will lead to any given time. Check the usual places
a leaking cam cover, but be suspicious if it’s blowing out dodgy electrical gadgets or poor starting; at worse – such as eBay or owners’ groups
of the oil filler cap; a rebuild may be impending… an underbonnet fire. New looms can be pricey but on social media – but keep an eye
on classic car dealers and specialist
White smoke is also a worry, suggesting a blown worthwhile for safety and reliability.  auctions, especially if you’re looking for
Inspect the fuel pump and carrier to make sure a low-mileage concours car. 

they’re not rotten or held together with cable ties. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO
Look beneath the bulkhead for evidence of fuse box RUN?
repairs or burnt-out relays, and remove the glovebox
to view the wiring beneath the battery tray. More than enough to justify the
standard performance; nowhere
Don’t be surprised to find evidence of a near enough for the cool factor. Fuel
supposedly-standard Series One having been put economy isn’t great if you enjoy the
back to stock after a lifetime of modifications; boost (don’t use E10, obviously), and
original-looking examples are most valuable, but model-specific parts are victims of
if you enjoy driving, a chip and stainless exhaust ever-frustrating RS tax. 
still make sense. Better still, an EFi (electronic
fuel injection) conversion is more reliable, but will WILL VALUES RISE OR FALL?

certainly harm an RS Turbo’s value.  They’ve risen rapidly during the last
couple of years, and they’re still
White lightning: climbing, albeit at a slower pace. If you
gold-plated want one, don’t hang around, because
this bubble ain’t gonna burst. 
money-maker
SHOULD I MODIFY IT?

Not if you want to keep your investment
safe, although tuning makes an RS
better to drive. Whatever you do, don’t
make irreversible changes – find a
basic Escort to modify instead. 

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 83

FF TECH

TRANSMISSION EXTERIOR

The RS Turbo was the first mass-market front- Be suspicious of a floppy stick Rotten RS Turbos are still out there –
wheel-drive car with a viscous-coupling limited- usually sold as projects and barn finds,
slip differential, but it wasn’t the same gearbox cope with more than 170bhp, although many have but occasionally masquerading as mint or
used in rally versions. Instead, the Series One’s B5 been swapped for the larger S2 clutch and flywheel.  restored cars. Many rusty or damaged RSs
’box was an uprated XR3i component, with bracing have also been reshelled into second-hand
ribs, stronger bearings, bigger teeth and 4.27:1 Nasty transmission noises tend to mean an standard Escort three-door bodyshells, now
expensive repair is required: rumbling during worth considerably less cash – so beware.
final drive ratio.  driving points to impending mainshaft failure, while
Over the years, many RS Turbos have had broken growling suggests the driveshafts are worn (and Corrosion can attack an Escort virtually
in need to repair before they wreck the gearbox). anywhere. Have a good look around the
gearboxes replaced with cheaper Escort/Orion Happily, clicking on full steering lock means the CV front panel edges, bonnet, front wings, outer
diesel five-speed units, so check the proper parts joints need to be replaced; a cheap and easy job. sills, door edges, A-pillars, rear wheelarches,
are in place. Luckily, second-hand RS gearboxes fuel filler, tailgate, and around the sunroof
are still available, and rebuild kits aren’t too pricey; of any Custom Pack; blocked sunroof drains
it’s also feasible to fit Series Two components tend to result in rusty rear quarters, while the
sunroof frame rusts where the glass bonds,
inside an S1’s casing.  and NOS sunroofs are breathtakingly pricey.
It’s common for the gearshift to feel floppy,
Jack up the car to inspect the floorpan,
often due to a tired gear linkage – an easy repair. chassis rails (particularly towards the
Difficulty selecting gears is more of a concern; it rear), front crossmember, rear valance
could be a simple clutch ratchet fault (cheap to fix) and boot floor. Lift the bonnet to check the
or failure of the synchromesh rings – especially if suspension turrets, inner wings, bulkhead,
the gears are crunching between second and third; battery tray and fuse box area. If possible,
look at the bulkhead from inside the cabin
a rebuild will be needed.  by removing the glovebox. Feel the carpets
Clutch problems may also be to blame, for dampness (raise them if you can, paying
particular attention to the inner sills), lift the
particularly if there’s an excessively low biting back seat and rear quarter panels to check
point or clutch slip under load (floor the throttle in the rear wheelarches for moisture.
fourth gear to ensure the road speed increases as
the engine revs rise). The standard S1 clutch can’t Within the boot, inspect the wheel well
and chassis rails from above – finding rot
OE driving lamps are priced Seven-spoke 15s were here means it’s already quite extensive.
like precious jewels unique to the RS The boot floor is also typically a place to
spot creases or cracks caused by previous

accident damage. 
Take note of the seam sealer on the rear

quarters and the front wings, which should
have a factory-applied finish, which is

difficult to replicate during repairs. 
If you’re intending on a concours

restoration, you’ll need to search hard for
genuine Ford body panels, although good-
quality reproductions are available. The
Series One bodykit isn’t difficult to source,
but check the wheelarch extensions aren’t
cracked. The grille was shared with the first-
generation Orion, while towing eye covers
and decals are available as reproductions.
Bumper overriders were shared with the
Escort Ghia, but tend to be hard to find and

comparatively pricey. 
Driving lamps and brackets are

expensive, so make sure they work and
aren’t broken. Other lights were fitted to
lesser Mk3 Escorts, but don’t be surprised
to see them working erratically because old
Fords are prone to bad earths and corroded
connectors; cleaning the contacts and
treating rust is the usual cure.

A side profile to die for

84 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

B U Y E R’S G U I D E R S T U R B O S E R I E S O N E 

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

Series One front suspension had RS1600i-style It’s typical to find aftermarket suspension Many S1s look better than new underneath
tie-bars with separate 16mm anti-roll bar, plus an already in place. Don’t be dissuaded if you see
Orion-sourced 12mm rear anti-roll bar; if they’re good-quality dampers (such as Bilstein or Koni) KEY POINTS
not in place, start asking questions about the car’s and lowering springs with no more than a 25mm
drop; be concerned if they’re cheap Chinese IDENTITY
authenticity; get ready to walk away. 
Check the tie bars aren’t bent out of shape coilovers, especially if mated to low-rent tyres.  Originality is key. Only genuine Series One RS
Series One brakes were stock XR3i 239mm Turbos are worth big money – be very wary of
because they’re pretty weak, and OE Ford a car with questionable history, specification
replacement joints are no longer available. Listen vented front discs and 203mm rear drums, which or VIN.
for vibrations and clattering from the suspension, were barely up to the job when new. If the car’s still
suggesting something loose such as a snapped on standard stoppers, ensure they’re not juddering EXTERIOR
spring. It may also be a broken steering column through the pedal, which typically means the discs
bush, which is a cheap fix. Rumbling is most likely and pads need to be replaced; but if they’re pulling RS Turbos were enormous rotters, so check the
body everywhere – inner wings, chassis rails,
due to worn wheel bearings.  to one side, a calliper is probably sticking.  floorpan, roof, beneath carpets, behind bodykit
Series One roadholding was reputed among The rear drums may also be seized on or off and so on. Extensive corrosion can still kill a
Series One shell. 
Ford engineers to be unpredictable, mainly due (check by jacking up the back of the car and
to the snatchiness of the LSD. There’s no power spinning the wheels while getting an assistant to INTERIOR
steering, of course, but the handling should feel apply the footbrake and handbrake), or leaking
direct, albeit not up to the standards of a modern from a wheel cylinder. Inspect the brake lines for Mostly standard XR3i kit, the Series One
ST. If the Escort feels sloppy, suspect worn cockpit is tricky to find in mint condition.
components or – worse still – floorpan corrosion. corrosion and the hoses for splits or ballooning.  Recaros tend to sag, and an uncracked
Perished suspension bushes are a common cause Fortunately, brake parts are cheap and easy to dashboard is a four-figure treasure. 
for vagueness, especially in the rear wishbones.
Polyurethane replacements are the solution, source, being shared with lesser models. For keen ENGINE
preferably Powerflex, which are available in drivers, OE-looking upgrades are preferable, and
factory-look black for concours contenders. parts such as Cosworth 4x4 front callipers with CVHs can be rattly and smoky, but beware of
RWD rears fit behind the standard seven-spoke RS heavy knocking noises and blue plumes under
alloys to maintain the concours look. load – suggesting a blown turbo or knackered
pistons and/or rings.  
Ensure the unique
RS suspension is TRANSMISSION
present and correct
Ensure it’s a pukka Series One gearbox with
WHAT WE SAY DAN WILLIAMSON, LSD, avoid rumbling or crunching synchros,
CONTRIBUTOR: and check for clutch slip – a very common RS
JAMIE, EDITOR: Turbo complaint.
“The S1 was always on my
“I must confess the RS Turbo list – behind the RS1600i – but CONTACTS
never really did it for me, but somehow never reached. And
if any fast front-wheel-drive prices now say I’m unlikely FORD PARTS R US
Escort was going to tempt to find an S1 to sit beside my
me, it’d be the Series One. Diamond White three-door 01934 820792
Obviously, the outside would Cosworth. And that’s exactly what it would [email protected]
have to remain in the gloriously do – the RS Turbo can be disappointing to drive
Eighties factory trim, but I’d need to do something unless it’s uprated and updated, yet it’s a truly ODD KIDD CREATIONS (OKC)
about the stock performance; you can’t have a stunning piece of kit to keep in the garage and
car that looks this good, yet will be outrun by your stare at. Perhaps the ideal compromise would be www.oddkiddcreations.co.uk
mum’s three-cylinder Fiesta! a ‘barn find’ (with legit ID, of course) that could
“Unless, of course, you’ve only got one to look at be sympathetically rebuilt as a restomod. Or a BURTON POWER
and never actually want to drive it. In that case, 100,000-miler with period-correct mods, a whole
I’d put it all back to the way Ford intended, wrap it load of boost, and a fingers-crossed promise to www.burtonpower.com
up in cotton wool and wait until I could pay off my myself that it’ll one day be put back to stock.”
mortgage with the proceeds from selling it. But NORRIS MOTORSPORT (NMS)
where’s the fun in that?”
01773 836274
www.norrismotorsport.co.uk

SITECH RACING

01383 428 941
www.sitechracing.co.uk

C&J AUTO SERVICES

01347 824734
www.facebook.com/CJ-Auto-
Services-105819316150992

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 85

MAJOR STOCKISTS

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SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 87

FAST FORD TRIO

WORK, REST
AND PLAY

A thoroughbred Ford fanatic, this keen collector
has a Blue Oval to tick every box…

Words SIMON HOLMES / Photos JASON DODD

W e all love Fords – otherwise we also a Mk3 Escort convertible with Series One as they cost a lot to run, blow engines and get
wouldn’t be reading these bodykit and a Mercury Grey XR2i that he’s stolen. I knew I wanted one even more, so I
glorious pages – but for some of owned for 26 years. But let’s take a look at emptied my bank account and the student
these three for now… loan paid for the insurance,” he recalls.
us, Blue Ovals are in our blood.
SAPPHIRE COSWORTH Indy has enjoyed steadily modifying the
Indy Bhogal, the owner of these cars, car since then and saving as he went. In
Indy’s own journey with Fords began with time, it has evolved from standard to Stage
doesn’t just like Fords, he’s truly passionate the Sapphire pictured here, which he bought 1 and then Stage 3. In 2001, Indy had the
aged 20. Determined to own a Cosworth after car resprayed Moonstone Blue, and in 2009
about them, and in particular Cosworths. experiencing a ride in one, Indy saved for two amber lights returned, along with the RS
years working night shifts while studying so seven-spoke wheels to ‘keep the old-school
He says, “I’ve loved Fords since I was ten he could live the dream. look and feel’.

years old. My dad worked for Dagenham In 1995, he accomplished that and bought By 2017 the engine needed a freshen
this totally standard RWD example, then up and, keen to increase the power, Jano
Motors, so I grew up around them. Later finished in Mercury Grey. at Oddkidd Creations rebuilt it with forged
pistons and steel rods. Together with the
on, I would drop him to work and see the RS “A lot of people told me it was a bad choice,

models in the car park, including the director’s

Sapphire Cosworth.”

Now much older and wiser, Indy still loves

a fast Ford and has built his own collection

to cover all bases, although at home there’s

88 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

Moonstone Saph began life in Mercury Grey RS seven-
spoke 17s:

Sapphire
perfection

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 89

FAST FORD TRIO

Old-school Stage 3
tuning sees 370bhp

DRIVER SPEC TECH SPEC Pukka RS500 parts make this Sierra much
more than just a Cossie rep
INDY SINGH SAPPHIRE COSWORTH
BHOGAL
ENGINE 1993cc Cosworth YB, 205 block,
AGE 46 Wossner forged pistons, steel rods, T34 Garrett
turbo, 440cc injectors, steel head gasket, ARP
JOB Associate director nut and bolt kit, T34 turbo, -31 actuator, 3-bar
specialising in construction MAP sensor, Group A K&N filter, Group A coil,
design health and safety 10mm ignition leads, upgraded breather system,
management RS500-style intercooler, swirl pot, oil cooler,
Airtec radiator, Motorsport Developments
FIRST FORD Current Sapphire fan loom and fuel pump loom, 3in Mongoose
Cosworth exhaust system, Samco hoses, refinished cam
cover, Auto Specialists chrome dress-up kit with
BEST MODIFICATION stainless steel slam panel plates, header tank
and cap, power steering tank and cap, screen
Turbo chatter washer bottle cap, turbo heat shield, timing belt
cover, air filter shield, wiper arm cover, battery
FAVOURITE FORD SHOW OR clamp, brake reservoir cover, bonnet stay, amal
valve cover, throttle cable bracket, idle speed
EVENT? Ford Fair valve cover, MAP sensor bracket, ignition
bracket, actuator cover
TRACK DAY OR SHOW &
TRANSMISSION T5 gearbox, standard clutch
SHINE? Show and shine
SUSPENSION Koni/Leda adjustable dampers
SIERRA RS500 OR FOCUS with uprated springs, polyurethane uprated
bushes throughout
RS500? Sierra
BRAKES Front: standard four-pot callipers with
WRC OR BTCC? WRC 273mm grooved and drilled discs, uprated pads;
rear: standard discs with uprated pads
LESSONS LEARNT FROM
WHEELS & TYRES 7.5x17in Ford RS Accessory
THIS PROJECT? “Take your seven-spoke alloys with diamond-cut finish,
time and do not rush with 4x108 ET35 with Toyo 205/40/17 tyres
modifications. Plan ahead and
leave the boost settings alone. EXTERIOR Resprayed Moonstone Blue, 4x4
Always invest in the best new bonnet, de-locked doors, colour-coded handles,
suspension components headlight protectors, custom exhaust heat-
that you can afford, as buying shield, wind deflectors, RS mud flaps, later-spec
cheap second-hand springs Ford badges
and shocks will always cost
you more in the long run. INTERIOR Leather seats and door cards, dash-
When parts come up for sale mounted gauges, RS ECU cover, stainless steel
for the Cossies, buy and store sill plates, stainless steel electric window switch
away, as parts are very hard to plate
find these days”

THANKS “Fast Ford’s Jamie
for making this dream come
true, Jason Dodd for the
photography, Simon Homes
for the write-up, my wonderful
daughter Amy Bhogal, the
missus (Sonia) for bearing
with all the noises and
headaches, The Bhogals,
Jano at Oddkidd Creations for
the engine rebuild, mapping
and all the friendly advice over
the years, Gary for driving the
three-door down for the shoot
and being a top mate, Ross
for driving the Focus ST down
for the shoot, Ryan Bhogal
at R Bee Detailing for always
being there to help with the
cars, never letting me down
and being a top brother, Enis,
Saleem, Chee at Combined
Motor Services - MOT &
Service Station, Qadeer (Qad)
who has always been there
for me, Sira Motors, Barking
Industrial Park, Hardev Sira
(aka uncle Rav) for all the
paint jobs, Anthony at Burton
Power, Chris and Luke at Elite
wheels, Gary at RimStyle, Auto
Specialists, Paul Dolman for
organising our stand”

90 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

classic combo of a T34 turbo live-mapped white RS500 one year, and things changed. TECH SPEC
at near 2-bar of boost, it’s currently running He remembers, “I kept thinking how nice
over 370bhp and is the best it’s ever been. SIERRA THREE-DOOR
this thing looked, and I always had a soft spot
Indy reflects, “I’ve had my ups and downs for a three-door with all the ‘500 parts, so that ENGINE 2935cc BOB Cosworth V6, T35 Garrett
with the car, but all the major wear and was it; I had to either find one or build one.” turbo, Megasquirt standalone ECU, larger
tear parts have been replaced and it gets injectors, RS500-style intercooler, Airtec radiator,
checked properly every time it gets used.” But with prices on the rise, Indy couldn’t Group-A air filter, -31 actuator, bleed valve, custom
justify spending serious money on one, twin-breather system, custom 3in exhaust
There are plans to respray the car back so did the next best thing and found a system, Samco silicone hoses, custom exhaust
to its original colour, along with plenty more reasonably cheap Sierra that had a solid and turbo heat shields, Auto Specialists actuator
modifications, but it’s certainly not going shell, was structurally sound and came with cover and under bonnet slam panel plates, Auto
anywhere: “The Sapphire is my first love; a few Cosworth parts. Specialists header tank cap, painted rocker covers
it’s been with me for over 27 years and it’s a and plenum
part of me. I’ve never got bored with it and Fitted with a 2.9-litre Cosworth 24-valve
the way it winds up on boost is so old-school; V6 engine that had been turbocharged, a TRANSMISSION Type 9 gearbox, uprated AP
it brings back lovely memories. There are deal was soon done. But it needed a lot of Racing clutch with standard cover
loads of faster cars out there but the way tweaking; there were too many fibreglass
these deliver power is something else.” parts for Indy’s liking, so he got to work. SUSPENSION AVO coilovers, polyurethane
uprated bushes throughout
THREE-DOOR SIERRA He says, “I rang around all the breakers
for a genuine vented bonnet, genuine rear BRAKES Front: Sierra Cosworth four-pot callipers
As things moved on in life with the birth of window trims, alloys, centre caps, seat belts, with 273mm grooved and drilled discs, uprated
Indy’s daughter, sensible stuff came along full interior, RS500 kit, bumpers and so on. pads; rear: uprated pads
such as houses, and car stuff slowed down.
Until Indy was on route to Ford Fair behind a “The plan was to build an RS500 that I WHEELS & TYRES 8x17in BBS wheels painted
could still drive around, have some fun in gold, 4x108 ET35 with 215/40/17 Toyo tyres
and not worry too much about parking
EXTERIOR Respray in Frozen White, genuine
“For me, they’re just the best. They take me RS500 front bumper, fog light grilles and front
away from normal life and problems; splitter, genuine Cosworth grille, seal and badge,
nothing else really can match that feeling” genuine Sierra Cosworth bonnet and vents, RS500
touring car-style door mirrors on custom carbon
fibre base plates, genuine three-door rear wing,
RS500 rear spoiler, Ford RS mud flaps

INTERIOR Sierra Cosworth seats and door cards,
white dial clocks with boost gauge, dash-mounted
gauges, Cosworth gearknob and steering wheel,
RS ECU cover, stainless-steel sill plates, Cosworth
parcel shelf

Genuine three-
door rims

Old-school white dials

Cosworth V6 may yet
be replaced by YB

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 91

FAST FORD TRIO

Focus ST makes for an ideal daily toy TECH SPEC

FOCUS ST

ENGINE 2522cc Duratec five-cylinder,
Dreamscience Mod XRS remap with overrun
mod, uprated turbo, KMS crossover pipe, Focus
RS injectors, spark plugs and ECU holder, KMS
exhaust system with Section 18 4in tailpipes,
sports cat, Group A air filter, uprated recirc valve,
Samco hoses, carbon fibre engine dress-up
parts

TRANSMISSION M66 gearbox, Focus RS clutch,
short-shift gearknob, uprated torque mount

SUSPENSION Eibach Sports springs

BRAKES Standard callipers with 320mm
grooved discs and uprated pads

WHEELS & TYRES 18x8in Bola B1 wheels,
5x108 ET40 with 225/40/18 Toyo tyres

EXTERIOR Zunsport front grille, carbon fibre RS
bonnet vents, lower splitter, blacked fog light
surrounds, carbon fibre-wrapped door mirrors
and wiper arms, wind deflectors, RS tailgate
spoiler, Maxton Design lip spoiler, RS rear lights,
mud flaps

INTERIOR Mk3 Focus ST leather heated and
electric seats, retrimmed leather centre console,
OMP steering wheel, Stack additional gauges,
Focus RS instrument cluster, Focus RS centre
console, LED sill plates, carbon-dipped trim
parts

RS bits give the
ST added bite

it in places, as it would be less precious to me exhaust system, as well as an uprated turbo Comfy enough for
than the Sapphire.” and Focus RS injectors. Inside are the heated everyday, yet still
leather seats from a Mk3 Focus ST, along with entertaining too
The V6 turbo build has also been some other nice additions such as a Focus RS
developed to perform better, and after being instrument cluster, carbon-dipped parts and there’s plenty of time for that, especially as
mapped on a rolling road at 14psi it’s proven a retrimmed centre console. the addiction for Fords runs in the family.
very solid setup.
Overall, it makes the car individual enough He says, “My daughter Amy absolutely
Indy says, “The car doesn’t miss a beat and for Indy, but retains its usability. He explains, loves the cars. She is eight, and one day she
can really put the power down. But I do have “It’s a car I can have fun with and take most will take over the passion and keep them
a Cosworth YB engine all ready to go in and places, unlike the Sierras. I use it daily as it’s a going. She has been a member of the RS
would like a roll cage, so watch this space.” brilliant all-rounder with a lot of power, torque Owners’ Club since the day she was born.
and it sounds lovely on or off boost. It’s easy It’s a family thing, and our dream was to be
FOCUS ST to drive with more driver aids and I can park it featured in Fast Ford, so we feel honoured.”
without worrying too much about it.”
While the three-door is the oldest car in Rarely do we meet owners with passion like
Indy’s collection, the Focus ST is his youngest, In contrast, Indy tells us the Sierras are toys Indy, but we’re sure glad they’re around.
which is why it serves as the sensible car to that are enjoyable to own; he likes that they
commute to work in. are easy to work on and simple to modify,
compared with modern stuff.
He says, “The Focus was bought as a daily
driver, but I still wanted it to be lairy. It’s the “The Sierras are used for car shows, club
newest car I’ve ever bought. I had an Audi TT meets and having fun with on the weekends,
as my everyday car before this, but the engine or going for blasts to switch off from work. For
blew up, so I wanted a replacement that was me, they’re just the best. They take me away
bigger, with more power and turbocharged, from normal life and problems; nothing else
so the ST fitted the bill perfectly.” really can match that feeling,” he explains.

Since owning the car Indy has been keen Indy plans to keep enjoying the cars, driving
to put his stamp on it, treating it to an array of them as much as possible. He also wants an
modifications, including Bola wheels, carbon- Escort Cosworth in Mallard Green, as well
wrapped parts, RS spoiler and bonnet vents. as an Escort RS Turbo in Mercury Grey, but

To go with the looks, there’s a remap and

92 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022



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CVH XR2 XR3 etc £2,095 £2,295 £2,475 £2,695 £695 £795 £895 £995
CVH Escort /Fiesta Turbo £2,195 £2,395 £2,795 £2,995 £695 £795 £1,195 £1,295 retain the original engine
Zetec E1.6 1.8 2.0 £2,395 £2,695 £3,050 £3,295 £695 £795 £1195 £1,295 number, and we can do a full
Zetec S1.25/1.4/1.6 £2,195 £2,395 £2,995 £3,295 £875 £1,095 £1,495 £2,450 digital photographic rebuild on
2.0 DOHC 16V £2,195 £2,395 £2,995 £3,295 £995 £1,095 £1,695 - any of the engines, all at no
OHC 1.6 2.0 Pinto £2,395 £2,650 £3,195 - £995 £1,250 £1,795 - extra charge. All machine work
V4 Essex 1.7/2.0 £2,095 £2,325 £2,695 £2,995 £695 £795 £1,195 £1,295 done on in our own factory. We
V6 Essex 2.5/3.0 £2,150 £2,450 £2,750 £3,050 £795 £895 £995 £1,150 sell a full range of pistons and
2.8 Cologne £2,295 £2,550 £2,895 £3,195 £995 £1,095 £1,195 £1,295 bearings and gaskets, valves all
2.9 Cologne £2,295 £2,595 £2,895 - £995 £1,095 £1,195 -
£2,495 £2,795 £3,195 - £995 £1,095 £1,195 - engine parts. Fitting from
£350.00 all plus V.A.T

ALSO 3.0+, & 3.1 + CONVERSIONS FOR 2.8 SIERRA, CAPRI ETC FROM £2750.00.

1.9 + For all the C.V.H. Escort, Fiesta, Orion, Ginetta, Morgan, Panther, Quantum, Scimitar S.S.1 + any Kit Cars, Based on the American 1900
Engine. BORED WITHIN FORD TOLERANCES. NOT a massively over bored 1600 as all other conversions are. It is the strongest, and most reliable
on the market. FROM £2,150.00 + VAT ALL THE ABOVE ARE COMPLETE ENGINES INCLUDING: CYLINDER HEAD, SUMP, OIL PUMP ETC.

WE PREFER YOU TO SEE THE ENGINE BUILT UP.
All our modified and big engines for small are for normal fast road use. Togive added B.H.P. whilst retaining reasonable economy and
tractability, these Engines can include as Flowed Cylinder Heads. Larger Valves. Modified Cams, ARP Bolts, Balanced and Over bored etc.

1.9+ TURBO BLOCK ASSEMBLIES, INCLUDES CRANK, RODS, PISTONS OIL PUMP: £1795.00

MACHINING: REBORING, REGRINDING, BEADBLASTING, EX. CRANKS, HEADS, PIPER AND KENT CAMS, CARBS ETC. Please email for engine brochure or details

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FORGOTTEN FORDS

SHELBY
G R -1

The Shelby GR-1 would have
been an instant hit, surely?

FORGOTTEN FORDS

T H E B L U E O VA L S YO U ’ V E (P R O B A B LY ) N E V E R H E A R D O F…

This month we unearth a concept car conceived by the great
Carroll Shelby

Words JAMIE Photos FORD MOTOR COMPANY ARCHIVES

C arroll Shelby will forever be tracks like Daytona. The long sloping bonnet never to be built. The exposed metalwork
synonymous with fast Fords, housing a big powerful engine up front, finish and butterfly hinged doors certainly
and his legacy for creating two small seats in a confined cockpit sitting catch your eye.
directly over the rear wheels, and all of the
special versions of the Mustang, power and torque being delivered straight The GR-1 was first shown to the public
the back axle are all hallmarks of a proper at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours
and his hand in the Ferrari-beating GT40 will Shelby creation. d’Elegance in 2004 and a fully functioning
version was unveiled at the North American
live on. But he had one more trick up his The amount of power and torque being Motor Show in 2005. That car was reported to
delivered was far from shy too. Crammed have cost a staggering $2.2million to produce.
sleeve that never made it, the GR-1. Looking under that long bonnet was an all- But it needn’t have cost that much for full
aluminium 6.4-litre V10, and it kicked out a production; reports at the time suggested
back now, it appears Ford missed a fantastic reported 605bhp and 500lb.ft! that minor tweaks to things like the rake of
the windscreen, fitment of a full-size fuel
opportunity by not producing it. It wasn’t all about the power though; tank, and probably downsizing to a V8 engine
arguably, the GR-1 was the best looking Ford would be all that was needed. And estimates
Although Shelby insisted the new car suggest that if it was put into production, the
finished car would cost around $100k.
should not be called a Cobra, it bears plenty
It clearly struck a chord with Ford fans,
of resemblance to the Daytona Coupe; itself even though it never made full production,
because Superformance (the people behind
an evolution of the Cobra to give it a higher, the GT40 and Cobra recreations used in the
film Le Mans 66) announced that it would
190mph-plus, top speed for high-speed be building a limited production line of the
GR-1 concept. These are set to feature a
Unmistakably inspired supercharged V8 (because Ford didn’t make
by the Daytona Coupe any V10s other than for trucks) and will cost
from $250,000. But current US legislation red
tape surrounding low volume production cars
is halting progress. We remain hopeful that
one day, you’ll be able to buy a GR-1 – if your
pockets are deep enough, that is.

SEPTEMBER 2022 FAST FORD 97

NEXT
ISSUE ON

SALE

5 August

INSIDE THE
OCTOBER
2022 ISSUE…

■ Coming up next month we’ll have the
full show report from Ford Fair 2022. The
biggest Blue Oval bash of the year is
shaping up to be another cracker, and
we’ll be there to bring you all the action in
the next issue.

■ Also next month, we’ve got the full
feature on what is believed to be the UK’s
first twin-turbo S550. We’ve seen a
number of supercharger upgrades since
the Mustang finally landed in the UK, but
not many twin blowers. Tech nerds will
love the spec on this car!

■ If there is one fast Ford that’s
guaranteed to get people talking, it’s the
black Series One RS Turbo that used to
belong to HRH Princess Diana. We’ve
recently been granted special
permission to photograph this very
unique car in all its glory, and next month
we’ll have all the details - and dispel a few
myths - about its illusive history.

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*Planned editorial content at time of printing. Actual editorial content of the next issue may be subject to change

98 FAST FORD SEPTEMBER 2022

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