ESCORT RS1600i - Fast Ford

HOW TO MODIFY:
SOME
cars just have motorsport in
their blood. Way back in 1979
Ford of Germany drew up plans for the sharp and
aggressively-styled RS1600i as they needed a car that
was able to compete in the new Group A and N
motorsport categories. As luck would have it this
coincided with the prototype stages of the third
generation of Escorts, the fi rst of the fwd models.
The first prototype was revealed to the
public at the 1981 Frankfurt Motorshow,
however, the UK didn’t get its viewing
until the 1982 show where it was
released alongside the Mklll XR3i.
Thanks to homologation rules, the
public had the chance to treat
themselves to their very own RS1600i
when the car hit the showrooms in
1982. Initially Ford produced the car
in small numbers as just 5000 were
needed to meet homologation
regulations, but demand exceeded
the supply; the final count for left
and right-hand drive 1600is was
8659. But as ever, all good things must
come to an end and production ended
in 1984.
The RS1600i is now a highly sought-after
collectors’ car so we would recommend
that any modifi cations you make are done
with the option to return to standard, so
as not to destroy the car’s resale value. But
hey, it’s your car.
ENGINE
As ever the 1600 CVH is a hardy little
thing that produces 115 bhp from
the factory. Although there are a few
subtle differences with the RS1600i’s
lump, apart from the fi nned alloy
rocker cover and twin coils on the
nearside front of the engine, inside
you’ll fi nd mechanical valve lifters, as
opposed to hydraulic.
/ MODIFYING GUIDE / RS1600i /
Photos: Gerard Hughes
ESCORT RS1600i RS1600 RS1600i
However, before throwing money
at it trying to wring more power
from it, a good going over and a
service would be a wise move. Then,
assuming you have a nice base to
start with, let the modifying begin.
A Piper exhaust with a 3.5 inch
rolled pipe will cost £288.03 from
ESP Design and Rally Design can
Words: Neil
Photos: Gerard Hughes
With a head start in motorsport over two decades ago, the
RS1600i deserves quality upgrades and careful mods, so
make the most of this sought-after RS.
Original set-up’s pretty good,
so go careful with the mods
sort you out with a Ram Air direct
replacement fi lter for £26.72.
Once you’re getting the gases in
and out, compliment it by throwing
a Fast Road cam in such as a Kent or
Piper item. It’s worth noting that the
RSi has a cam profi le all of its own to
make the most of the homologation
rules, so don’t underestimate the
existing set up. But, adding all of
these things should have you
knocking on the door of a genuine
130-135 bhp, which is plenty to
have fun with, helps your RSi rev
better and gives a highly-desirable
throaty roar.
From here you could fi t a
Porsche 924 fuel metering head
from Bosch along with an XR4i
throttle housing which has a larger
diameter than the 1600i.
Headwork is an option but
because of the RS1600i’s rarity if
you’re looking for something to
modify heavily then don’t bother;
you’ll be paying to get a good
example and probably destroy
what’s already in there, although
you could always store the original
engine and slot a turbo lump in
there. This brings us nicely onto
engine swaps...
ENGINE SWAPS
The most straightforward
conversion to get more grunt from
your RSi is the RS Turbo engine
swap. As we all know the CVH
Turbo is a great, tuneable engine.
Either the Escort or Fiesta RS
Turbo engine will fi t straight in the
RSi’s bay with no problems. If
you’re going for an Escort engine
it will need an EFi converter plate
and EFi inlet manifold to run the
engine management of your choice
or budget.
Oddkidd Creations has carried
out these types of conversions
and recommends Cosworth
management as being the best
compromise between getting good
results and a sensible budget. For a
price guideline you’re looking at
around £300 to drop an engine in and
£1000 for Cossie management. The
RSi gearbox is a good box for this
conversion too.
Naturally-aspirated power is up for
grabs too; a Zetec 16-valve can be
fi tted and will sit in a better holding
position, giving a lower centre of
gravity and leaving less strain on the
drivetrain and driveshafts.
The beauty of the
Zetec is that it is a great solid modern
engine that just loves being revved
(making it perfect for track days).
And by choosing to go down the
16-valve route you can also fi t the
MTX75 gearbox, something that is
capable of doing a genuine 65 mph in
second if you have the power to back
it up.
Where a N/A CVH goes, the
Turbo and Zetec will go, too
Tuning the Zetec
gives you a wide range of options
from cams and manifolds to release
some naturally-aspirated horses or
one of our favourites here at Fast
Ford, the 2.1 ZVH.
Whichever engine you go for
the quality RS1600i chassis will
compliment it on the track or road.
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INTERIOR
Typically retro, the RS1600i Scheel
seats are one of a kind. Some
interiors are a little tried now so a
good quality retrim is recommended
to bring things back to life, although
make sure it’s done tastefully or the
purists will lynch you.
If you don’t fancy that then the
option of stripping it all out and
adding some sporty bucket seats
and a roll cage for that tough race
feel works well, and pays tribute
to the RSi’s motorsport roots. A
Corbeau fi xed back seat will cost
£98.64 from Demon Tweeks.
But remember, the car is
collectable as is the interior, so put
any removed items in proper
storage. Believe us when we say
you won’t fi nd another interior
down your local scrap yard.
The RS1600i steering wheel is
still a highly sought-after item with
RS enthusiasts, but if you don’t
fancy retrimming to freshen it up
you can pick up an OMP steering
wheel from as little as £43.67 from
Demon Tweeks.
If you’re looking for a more
modern feel grab yourself some
alloy pedals at £19.95 and a
matching gearknob for £24.99
from ESP Design or an alloy
handbrake handle for £34.99.
/ MODIFYING GUIDE / RS1600i /
Stripped, cage and buckets go
with 16i’s motorsport heritage
Don’t skip the Scheel seats
if you’re going aftermarket!
Most modifi ed RS1600is keep the side and bonnet stripes intact,
otherwise they become just like any other tuned MkIII Escort
EXTERIOR
Keep it simple and clean, that’s the best way
to get those admiring glances in the RS1600i.
A spot of de-locking at the local bodyshop is a
good starting point; it gives added security
against thieves and helps massively when
going for the more modern smooth look,
especially as RS1600is don’t have side
repeaters either. While it’s in you could get any
suspect rust spots checked out and treated.
If you want to freshen the front up, ESP
Design stocks clear indicators for £21.99. We
found some Ford spotlamps available at GMS
Capri spares for £55 a pair, if yours are looking
a little past it.
We would avoid any lairy bodykits, huge
spoilers and bonnet scoops because you may
damage any re-sale value (grab an RS Turbo if
that’s your bag), but if you do want some
more show to match the go and are adamant
about changing the look of your RS1600i why
not try the S1 bodykit, and a tasteful way of
letting the heat out from under the bonnet
would be to get some louvres pressed in.
WHEELS & TYRES
The standard wheels suit the car
perfectly, and is one way of letting
people know what you’re piloting. If
yours are looking past their best
you can get them refurbished by
Lab-Tab on 0121 3281697. However
if you need to go up in size to
accommodate that monster brake
conversion or just want a more
modern look then help is at hand.
The best all-round compromise
would be 16s as these will fi t
straight on and you could retain the
good handling characteristics while
upgrading to some quality brakes.
We have seen RS1600is on 17s
and these won’t be a headache to
fi t, just bear in mind you may get
some rubbing on full lock or when
carrying a heavy load, depending
on how low it is to begin with.
You could opt for 18s but they’re
not recommended as they’ll
require arch work, will severely
compromise the handling and ruin
the general drive of the car.
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BRAKES
Like most fast Fords the brakes on
the RS1600i are its Achilles heel,
partly due to the fact the RSi was
designed as lhd so a cross linkage
was needed to link the rhd pedal. But
don’t despair you can soon get more
bite from your brakes.
Oddkidd Creations can supply
you with a brake support bar for just
£9 which runs along the bulkhead
and will help eliminate the fl ex
when braking.
A lot of owners seem content to
dump the 7 inch drums at the rear
and upgrade to 8 inch items and
adding Cosworth discs and some
spaced out S2 Turbo callipers, or
ideally some of the beefi er 4x4
Cosworth front callipers. Bear in
mind that 4x4 rear discs and callipers
can be adapted to fi t too, and these
Taped-over lights and competition
mudfl aps add motorsport cred
without mucking up the classic
RS1600i’s looks
/ MODIFYING GUIDE / RS1600i /
can be sourced for reasonable prices;
check out our classifi eds section.
It doesn’t end there though Hi-
Spec Motorsport offers a range of kits
dependant on your wheel size and
budget. The 285 mm x 24 mm Billet 4
kit is priced at £480 plus VAT and can
be squeezed under the standard
wheels. Moving up in size to 300 mm
x 28 mm you’re looking at spending
£675 plus VAT, although remember
16 inch wheels are needed. The
daddy of them all will need 17s and is
a monster 325 mm x 30 mm kit
costing £730 plus VAT.
Don’t forget that whichever option
you choose, get yourself a set of
braided brake hoses throughout and
some aftermarket pads, Hi-Spec
stocks them starting at £36, depending
on brand and compound.
Cossie callipers bolt on for
better stopping power
TRANSMISSION
The RS comes with the B5 box similar slapping through the cogs. If you’re
to the XR3i but with a lower fi fth gear keeping power to sensible levels then
ratio. Although not a bad unit, high the gearbox should be more than up
miles and abuse can take its toll. to the task.
Beware using fi fth below 40-45 mph For the clutch a Sachs uprated or AP
as the gearbox will suffer.
paddle clutch for £249 are viable
While new boxes can’t be found on options as these are more than up to
the market any more, second-hand the job and give the bite most people
boxes change hands for £100-150 are looking for. If you’re going on the
and refurbishing kits are available. hunt for big power the sensible option
We recommend using an uprated would be to fi t an RST box, the bonus
clutch and perhaps a quickshift kit to with one of these is they come with
give a more positive feel when LSD as standard.
SUSPENSION
Coil-overs drop the car down
on the deck rather nicely
RS Turbo box is a good upgrade
as LSD comes with it
Like the S1 RS Turbo, the 16i’s a real ’80s bad-boy
in the looks stakes. Track mods add class
A great chassis in its day and still
great by modern standards, the 1600i
chassis is different and far superior
from the other MkIII kit as it came
with two longitudinally mounted
bottom arms, Koni shocks and a roll
bar as standard. Unfortunately due to
its age the 1600i suspension may be
tired and could possess almost boatlike
characteristics.
To freshen things up a drop in
the ride height is always welcome,
Roadrunner Motorsport stocks
Eibach 30 mm lowering springs
for £147.
For those more serious about the
handling of their RSi, Rally Design
stocks Gaz coil-over suspension kits
for £437.89. With one of these in place
you’ll be able to adjust the dampening
rate and ride height depending on the
conditions you expect to be driving in.
Rally Design can also supply an
OMP front strut brace at £27.59, one
of these bolted in will stiffen things up
nicely to prevent fl ex and help when
attacking the corners on track or your
favourite roundabout.
To fi nish off, think about kitting out
as much as you can with poly bushes.
20 years of use and abuse will have
taken their toll on the car, so these will
give you a fi rmer and more precise
handling RS1600i.
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MINE ALL MINE...
Not many people have the nerve to go
out and modify an RS1600i. Luckily for us
Adam Allder did, and a damn fi ne job
he’s done too. “It’s there to be done, isn’t
it? If it’s your car you may as well have a
laugh with it,” Adam says.
We couldn’t agree more and this car
looks tough as hell while remaining true
to its motorsport roots. But how did he
make such a mean car?
“Well, I wasn’t always into Fords to be
honest, I’d always liked Cossies but then
a mate had this up for sale going cheap
and I was never going to get Cossie
insurance being young, so I snapped his
hand off,” he explains.
Adam managed to get himself a gem.
With the bulk of the engine work already
done, it gave him the perfect starting
point. The engine in this particular RSi is a
1600 CVH Turbo. “I rebuilt the engine
myself recently as I’ve been through
about four engines and turbos since I’ve
had it,” he laughs.
Well, practice makes perfect and
Adam gave himself plenty of opportunity
for practice. As he explains: “It pulls well
now, it’s still a 1600 CVH but I added a
Piper T2 cam, uprated fuel ECU, Stage 2
T3 Turbo, 4 inch Magnex exhaust and a
Pace chargecooler.”
The more eagle-eyed out there may
already have spotted the cutaway in the
Over 8000 of these
were built: rare, but
not so rare as you
can’t modify one!
/ MODIFYING GUIDE / RS1600i /
front grille, this is to feed as much air as
possible into the cooler.
Moving inside, there’s not that much
to talk about, but we like the stripped-out
racer look which suits the car and its
heritage perfectly. A Safety Devices cage
and some red and black Corbeau fi xed
back seats go along with the whole red
and black theme of Adam’s RSi.
This theme is carried on outside with
the Azev As under the arches as Adam
tells us: “They needed freshening up so I
thought I’d give it a go.” Well, you can’t
argue with the results.
“People who helped and tolerated me
along the way, Barry at Blue Oval has
been great and my girlfriend Hannah has
put up with a lot, oh and my mum and
dad for letting me take over their house,”
he jokes.
Adam is a regular with the Blue Oval
Club in his home town of Aylesbury and
the car has seen some action at Ford Fair
and on the drag strip. “It’s been on the
strip where it did a 15.1-second time but
that was with a knackered amal valve, I
know it will beat that now I’ve fi xed it.
The main problem I’ve got is traction
though, it just spins up as soon as it
come on boost, it can be a handful,”
Adam reports.
So what’s next for this little beauty?
“I’m into car body repair for a living and
reckon I’ve taken the RSi as far as I can
go, so I’m thinking of selling up and
getting a MkI,” Adam sighs.
The lad has good taste in motors, so if
you want to grab yourself a subtle and
well-modded RSi, ring Adam with a
sensible offer on 07725 743845.
Adam couldn’t stretch to a
Cossie; ’16i is next best thing
SPECIALISTS
Demon Tweeks
0845 3306254
www.demon-tweeks.co.uk
ESP Design
0870 7518000
www.espdesign.co.uk
GMS Capri Spares
0191 3771718
http://www.brittnett.net/gms
Hi-Spec Motorsport
01322 286850
www.hispecmotorsport.co.uk
Lab-Tab
0121 3281697
Oddkidd Creations
07050 133596
www.oddkiddcreations.co.uk
Piper Cams
01233 500200
www.pipercams.co.uk
Rally Design
01795 531871
www.rallydesign.co.uk
Roadrunner Motorsport
0115 9781173
www.roadrunnermotorsport.co.uk
TYPICAL PRICES
Brake pads £36.00
Exhaust system £288.03
Grooved discs £77.50
Braided brake hose £38.95
CLUBS
www.rsownersclub.co.uk
www.feoc-uk.com
www.blueoval-ownersclub.com