Escort Mods

[bikeman1965]

Hi There,

I have just bought an Escort RS2000 Mk 2 4 door. I need some advice on getting some more performance from it . It is basically standard with the exception of twin 45 Webers, and i have replaced all the suspension to Bilsteins as standard suspension was stuffed when i bought it. Being a novice i have lots of questions. Especially regarding more horspower, and the steering (which is heavy), gearbox and diff upgrades.

Not knowing much is difficult, so i would appreciate some thoughts

Thanks

Dave

[RSgerry]

the suspension work is a step in the right direction. have you replaced all the bushes with nolathene? it makes a huge difference to the way the car feels. upgrading the brakes is a good idea...vented discs on the front with good pads and possibly a rear disc conversion (i havent found that necessary yet). the steering will probably remain heavy as chances are the car has a sports steering wheel and wide tyres. dont worry, it feels good at speed, just parking can be a pain. as for performance...how much do you want to spend? you also need to consider what sort of driving the car does. if it is a daily driver, the twin webers might not be practical. they can be thirsty and a pain to keep tuned. if you wanted big power, then go for the cosworth motor option, but big power costs big money. if you are doing a fair amount of freeway / country driving, seriously condsider a sierra 5 speed box. it will make cruising a lot quieter and economical.

[bikeman1965]

Thanks Gerry,
The brakes are worth considering. What did you use on yours? I am going to do some Classic rally events, just fun stuff. Do you know if diff has to be changed to accomodate the 5 speed box. I am not intending to do to much freeway driving so am not worried about cruising aspect.

DAVE

[RSgerry]

bikeman, the diff doesnt need changing to accomodate the 5 speed. a new hole will need to be cut in the transmission yunnel for the gear lever, but thats about it. i have vented discs and Ferodo racing pads on the front of mine and it stops like nothing else. incredibly good fun. i use mine for hillclimbs and autokhanas, so could probably do witha different diff ratio (i think i am running a 3.5 ATM and a 3.7 would be a bit better).