🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Escort RS

Os Codes Sierra Rs:

Sierra RS Cosworth: Sierra RS500

Os Codes Escort Rs:

Escort RS Turbo, Escort RS2000

👋 Introduction

Sierra Rs Market Position:

Performance homologation special, rally homologation, accessible sports car segment leader.

Escort Rs Market Position:

Hot hatch performance icon, entry-level performance rally homologation.

Sierra Rs Competitors:

BMW M3 (E30), Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth, Audi Quattro.

Escort Rs Competitors:

Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Vauxhall/Opel Astra GTE.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Features:

Cosworth YB 2.0L DOHC turbocharged engine, Cosworth four-valve cylinder head, rear-wheel drive, aggressive aerodynamic body kit, performance suspension.

Escort Rs Turbo Features:

1.6L CVH turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive, RS styling, limited-slip differential (optional/later models), sporty interior.

Escort Rs2000 Features:

2.0L OHC engine (often with twin-choke Weber carburetors or EFI), aggressive styling, performance-tuned chassis.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

Ford Sierra RS models (including Cosworth variants) and Ford Escort RS models (including Turbo and RS2000 variants).

Page Count:

Comprehensive (Specific count varies by edition, typically 500+ pages for detailed workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) / Print (Physical)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals (assembly, disassembly, tuning), fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic, Weber-Marelli), ignition systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, lubrication systems, turbocharging systems (for RS Cosworth and Turbo variants).

Drivetrain Systems:

Transmission (manual and automatic, including Getrag 5-speed for Sierra RS Cosworth), clutch systems, differential systems (including viscous coupling LSD for Sierra RS Cosworth), driveshafts, axles.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front and rear, including McPherson strut, multi-link), steering systems (rack and pinion, power steering), braking systems (front discs, rear discs, ABS for later models), wheel and tire specifications.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, starting and charging systems, instrumentation, body electricals, ECU diagnostics, sensor functions.

Body And Interior:

Body panel repair, structural integrity, interior trim, seating, HVAC systems, body sealing.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, fluid checks and changes.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head repair, gearbox rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, fuel pump replacement, turbocharger overhaul.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, cooling system problems, and transmission malfunctions.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing settings, valve clearances, wheel alignment data, fluid capacities, pressure specifications.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

In-depth diagnostic procedures, including interpretation of fault codes (where applicable via OBD-I or dealer diagnostics), sensor testing, and actuator diagnosis.

Rebuild Instructions:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including component measurements and tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High resolution, searchable text, bookmark navigation, printable pages.

Print Quality:

Professional printing on durable paper stock, clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability in workshop environments.

Paper Type:

Heavy-duty, gloss or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Sierra Rs Cosworth Engine:

Ford Cosworth YB DOHC 2.0L (1998cc) 16-valve turbocharged inline-4.

Sierra Rs500 Engine Enhancements:

Upgraded turbocharger (Garrett T3/T04E), larger intercooler, strengthened internals, revised cylinder head for higher boost.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Power:

204 PS (150 kW) at 6000 rpm (early), 220 PS (162 kW) at 6000 rpm (later).

Sierra Rs500 Power:

260 PS (191 kW) at 6000 rpm.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Torque:

276 Nm (204 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm (early), 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm (later).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (early), Ford EEC-IV engine management with multi-point fuel injection (later).

Escort Rs Turbo Engine:

1.6L (1598cc) Ford CVH DOHC 8-valve turbocharged inline-4.

Escort Rs2000 Engine:

2.0L (1993cc) Ford OHC POHC inline-4.

Escort Rs Turbo Power:

132 PS (97 kW) at 5500 rpm.

Escort Rs Turbo Torque:

180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm.

Escort Rs2000 Power:

110 PS (81 kW) at 5200 rpm (carbureted), 115 PS (85 kW) at 5400 rpm (EFI).

Escort Rs Turbo Fuel System:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) fuel injection.

🔧 Transmission

Sierra Rs Cosworth Transmission:

Getrag 265 5-speed manual (dog-leg first gear).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Automatic Option:

None offered for RS Cosworth models.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential (Ford Sierra RS Cosworth), viscous coupling LSD (Ford Sierra RS500).

Escort Rs Turbo Transmission:

Ford 4-speed manual (early), Ford 5-speed manual (later).

Escort Rs2000 Transmission:

Ford 5-speed manual.

Escort Rs Turbo Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, optional limited-slip differential (Torsen or viscous for later models).

Escort Rs2000 Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive.

📐 Dimensions

Sierra Rs Cosworth Length:

Approx. 4467 mm (175.9 in).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Width:

Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Height:

Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 in).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Kerb Weight:

Approx. 1235 kg (2723 lb).

Escort Rs Turbo Length:

Approx. 4070 mm (160.2 in).

Escort Rs Turbo Width:

Approx. 1695 mm (66.7 in).

Escort Rs Turbo Height:

Approx. 1375 mm (54.1 in).

Escort Rs Turbo Kerb Weight:

Approx. 975 kg (2150 lb).

🛡️ Safety Features

Sierra Rs Cosworth Safety Ratings:

Era-appropriate safety standards; later models incorporated ABS. Structural integrity enhanced for performance.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Active Safety:

Powerful four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (later models), performance-tuned suspension for stability.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Passive Safety:

Reinforced chassis, seat belts, energy-absorbing steering column.

Escort Rs Turbo Safety Ratings:

Era-appropriate safety standards; limited electronic safety aids.

Escort Rs Turbo Active Safety:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (early), four-wheel disc brakes (later), sporty suspension setup.

Escort Rs Turbo Passive Safety:

Seat belts, reinforced body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Sierra Rs Cosworth Infotainment:

Basic analog instrumentation, period-correct Ford radio/cassette player. Options for upgraded sound systems.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Driver Assistance:

ABS on later models. Primarily mechanical driver feedback.

Escort Rs Turbo Infotainment:

Analog gauges, Ford radio/cassette. RS-specific interior trim including sport seats and often unique dashboard elements.

🔧 Maintenance

Sierra Rs Cosworth Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. More frequent changes recommended for spirited driving.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Spark Plugs:

Inspect every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), replace every 40,000 km (24,000 miles).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Timing Belt:

Replace every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 3 years (critical due to interference engine).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Engine Oil:

Ford specification WSS-M2C153-E or equivalent API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40. Consult manual for specific turbo recommendations.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Motorcraft Premium Antifreeze/Coolant) with distilled water, 50/50 mix.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Gearbox Oil:

API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic manual transmission fluid (e.g., Ford Specification WSS-M2C200-C).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Common Issues:

Head gasket failure (especially early models), turbocharger wear, coolant leaks from the front oil seal, wiring harness degradation, rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills).

Escort Rs Turbo Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months.

Escort Rs Turbo Timing Belt:

Replace every 60,000 km (36,000 miles) or 4 years.

Escort Rs Turbo Engine Oil:

API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40. Consult manual for turbo recommendations.

Escort Rs Turbo Common Issues:

Turbocharger seal failure leading to oil consumption, carburetor icing (K-Jetronic), ignition module failure, rust, suspension wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Performance Heritage:

Ford has a long-standing history in motorsport and performance vehicle development, dating back to early rally and touring car efforts. The 'RS' (Rallye Sport) designation signifies Ford's commitment to performance and motorsport homologation.

Sierra Rs Evolution:

Developed primarily for Group A touring car racing homologation. Initially launched as the Sierra RS Cosworth in 1986 with a 204 PS engine and RWD. The Sierra RS500 Cosworth followed in 1987 with a homologation special 260 PS engine and subtle aerodynamic enhancements. Later iterations included the Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4 in 1990.

Escort Rs Evolution:

The Escort RS line has a rich heritage, with models like the Mk1 and Mk2 Escort RS1600 and Mexico being rally icons. The Escort RS Turbo (Mk3/Mk4) brought turbocharged performance to the hot hatch segment. The Escort RS2000 was a performance variant known for its responsive engine and engaging handling.

Sierra Rs Cosworth Production Years:

1986-1992 (all variants).

Sierra Rs Cosworth Production Locations:

Ford-Werke GmbH, Cologne, West Germany.

Escort Rs Turbo Production Years:

1984-1990 (Mk3/Mk4 generation).

Escort Rs2000 Production Years:

1975-1980 (Mk2 generation), 1991-1996 (Mk5/Mk6 generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Sierra Rs Cosworth Awards:

Consistently lauded by automotive press for its groundbreaking performance and handling, often cited as one of the greatest sports saloons of its era. Victorious in numerous motorsport events worldwide.

Escort Rs Turbo Awards:

Praised as a benchmark hot hatch, winning numerous 'Car of the Year' accolades in its class and respected for its accessible performance.