Iconic Status:
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (and its Escort counterpart) represents a pinnacle of homologation special performance cars from the era, renowned for its motorsport pedigree and distinctive styling.
Era Competitors:
Competed against other high-performance rally homologation specials and turbocharged road cars of the late 80s and early 90s, such as the Lancia Delta Integrale, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX, and BMW M3.
Performance Heritage:
Developed with significant input from motorsport and built to homologate cars for Group A rallying and touring car racing, featuring a potent turbocharged engine and advanced chassis dynamics.
Geographic Coverage:
Likely global, with a focus on European specifications given the model's origin and target market.
Estimated Page Count:
Detailed service manuals for this era and complexity typically range from 1000 to 2500+ pages.
Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, turbocharger system, intercooler, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (e.g., MT75), clutch system, driveline components (propshaft, differentials).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (McPherson struts, multi-link rear), steering system (power steering), wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (likely ventilated front), ABS system (if equipped), brake hydraulics, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, dashboard instruments, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators.
Body Chassis:
Body structure, panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system, body sealing, underbody protection.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Trouble codes, diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement.
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnostics and replacement, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and driveline rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled
Displacement:
1,993 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
90.8 mm x 76.9 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 227 PS (224 bhp; 167 kW) at 6,000 rpm (European spec)
Torque:
Approx. 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm (European spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, Garrett T4 turbocharger, intercooler
Engine Management:
Ford EEC-IV engine management system with YBT engine code
Length:
Sierra RS Cosworth: Approx. 4410 mm (173.6 in); Escort RS Cosworth: Approx. 4230 mm (166.5 in)
Width:
Sierra RS Cosworth: Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in); Escort RS Cosworth: Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Sierra RS Cosworth: Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 in); Escort RS Cosworth: Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Sierra RS Cosworth: Approx. 1310 kg (2888 lb); Escort RS Cosworth: Approx. 1320 kg (2910 lb)
Crash Test Results:
Era-specific safety ratings apply; modern crash test data is not directly comparable. Focus on robust chassis and passive safety features of the time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts, potentially with pre-tensioners.
Airbags:
Driver airbag often standard from mid-90s onwards, passenger airbag less common or optional.
Audio System:
Basic Ford audio systems of the era, often with cassette tape player and radio, potentially upgraded by owners.
ABS:
ABS system for enhanced braking control.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) capabilities, typically through the EEC-IV system, requiring specific diagnostic tools or knowledge to access.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; usually around 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) for performance spark plugs.
Timing Belt:
Crucial component. Typically 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-62,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Critical to follow manual or risk catastrophic engine failure.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual; typically a high-quality synthetic oil like 5W-30 or 10W-40 meeting specific Ford specifications (e.g., WSS-M2C153-E or similar).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Check manual for specific Ford specification.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual transmission fluid (MTF) meeting API GL-4 or GL-5 specifications. Specific Ford part numbers would be detailed in the manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify the exact type and recommended change interval.
Turbocharger Wear:
High-performance turbos can experience wear with age and mileage, requiring regular inspection and potential rebuild/replacement.
Cooling System Issues:
Potential for radiator leaks, hose degradation, and water pump failure, especially under hard use.
Susceptibility To Poor Maintenance:
These are high-strung performance engines; consistent and correct maintenance is paramount to longevity.
Ford Performance:
Ford's rich heritage in motorsport, particularly rallying and touring car racing, forms the foundation for the RS Cosworth lineage.
Cosworth Legacy:
Successor to the Sierra RS Cosworth, the Escort RS Cosworth blended the iconic Cosworth YBT engine with the Escort platform for an even more potent rally homologation special, featuring a unique aggressive aerodynamic package and wider body.
Manufacturing Location:
Ford Werke AG, Germany (for Escort RS Cosworth)
