Escort RS 2000  

Available :- 1991 to 1996
 

The Mk5 Escort RS2000 was launched in November 1991. Ford had big plans for this to be worthy successor to the Mk1 & Mk2 Escorts. Ford launched the RS 2000 into it's own one make motorsport series. The events covered rally stages & race circuits around the UK. But lack of commitment from Ford brought the Series to a close after 2 years of running. It was proven over time that the RS2000's all new I4 engine was a hard package to tune, works cars had engines developed by Mountune Race engines in Essex, UK. The RS2000 had a very chequered career but did win a few rally events in Ireland & Isle of Man. 

The last development of the Mk5/6 RS2000 was the Escort Kit car for Formula 2 rally championships where is won the FIA F2 British rally championship in 1996.

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As a road car the Mk5/6 RS2000 has proven it's self to many owners to be a fantastic package & very underrated. A Future classic in the making with true motorsport pedigree.

Build (approx) : 6000 - 2wd, 500 - 4wd

Engine

At  the time other Mk5 Escort were still using CVH engines because the new Zetec 16 valve engines were not introduced until 1992. Instead of using CVH , Ford chose the 'I4' 8 valve DOHC engine used in the Sierra and Scorpio as the base for the RS2000 engine. Fitted with a new Ford developed 16 valve head this engine produced 150hp. As opposite to other Ford overhead cam engines, this engine used chain driven camshafts. Tubular exhaust manifold was quite good design when compared to usual Ford cast iron manifolds. 

• DOHC 16v, iron block, alloy cylinder head.
• Bore and stroke 86,00 x 86,00 mm , 1998 cc, compression ratio 10,3:1.
• Electronic fuel injection, Ford EEC IV engine management system.
• Max power 150 hp at 6000 rpm, max torque 190 Nm at 4500 rpm.

Transmission

Transmission was based on the 'MT75' gearbox designed for rear wheel drive Fords. In the RS2000 it was used as a transverse version called 'MTX75'. Gear change quality was much better than in the old 'B5' box and it even had synchronous reverse gear.

• 5-speed manual MTX75 gearbox, front wheel drive.
• 220mm single plate clutch.

Body and interior

RS2000 used the same basic body shell as other Mk5 Escorts. Front indicators were moved to the front bumper which also included fog lamps. The front grille and bumper were also modified. Colour coded side skirts and rear spoiler were standard in the RS2000. Bonnet had two unique 'bumps', one of which was needed to clear the engine cam cover on the drivers side.

Recaro seats were the most notable feature of the interior. Standard equipment also included a tilt and slide sunroof, electric windows and central locking. Lighting on the Dash was a unique orange glow with red detailing, almost all Ford had a green lighting. Red detailing was introduced on the Steering wheel and Gear knob.
 

Chassis

Suspension changes for the RS2000 included stiffer springs and dampers, 20mm rear anti-roll bar and variable- ratio power-assisted steering. Wheels were 6x15in with 195/50 tyres. For the first time in production Escort history, Ford fitted four wheel disc brakes to the RS2000. Anti-lock brakes were standard.

Suspension and steering

• Independent front suspension, McPherson struts with L-shaped lower arms, 16mm anti-roll bar.
• Independent rear suspension, torsion beam axle, trailing arms, 20mm anti-roll bar.
• Power-assisted rack and pinion steering, variable ratio.
• 260 mm ventilated front discs.
• 270 mm solid rear discs.
• Servo-assisted with ABS.

Note : later cars & 4x4 had Rear Drum brakes as the ABS systems on these was more advanced and rear disc brakes were deemed over the top.

Facelifts

• The first facelift for the MK5 Escort range came in late 1993. Majority of the changes were safety and styling related. Bonnet was now flat and a new 'oval' grille and side skirts were fitted.
• In 1993 came another facelift that included driver's side airbag and immobiliser system.
• January 1995 saw the last facelift for the RS2000. Bumpers were changed, and a wider honeycomb front grille was fitted. Front indicators were now combined with driving lights.

Performance

• Maximum speed : 133mph (213km/h)
• 0-60 mph : 8,3s
• 0-100 mph : 22,2s
• 1/4 mile : 16,4s

RS2000 4x4

In 1993 Ford introduced a 4x4 version of the Mk6 RS2000. It used the same 16v DOHC I4 engine as the front wheel drive car. Power was split 40/60% front and rear by a viscous coupled centre differential. Up o 500 of these cars were built.