Engine conversions
There’s a popular way to pluck power from your RS2000, even if you want it to look essentially standard under the bonnet. That’s because the Ford Galaxy 2.3 engine is also an I4, and adds a healthy amount of extra grunt.
You’ll need to choose between using the complete Galaxy unit (which means modifying the cylinder head) or mating the 2.3 bottom end ( also found in some Scorpios) to the RS2000’s head. The latter allows you to retain the RS2000 inlet system but raises the compression ratio to piston-bursting point; doing the job properly means machining the pistons or, ideally, fitting forged parts.
Add cams, ported head and a custom chip or live map, and you could be getting close to 200bhp; much more with forged internals, throttle bodies and stand-alone management.
Turbocharging the I4 is feasible, and capable of kicking out over 300bhp. The problem is you’ll need to build or adapt most of the bits ( such as Vauxhall C20LET pistons, T3 turbo and Nissan 200SX manifold); a fully forged bottom end is advisable, you’ll certainly require an aftermarket ECU, and mapping won’t be a quick job. Add a bigger turbo ( say, a T34 or GT28) and you’ll see well over 400bhp – maybe even 500bhp if you’ve got deep pockets.
But even a basic turbocharged I4 will cost serious cash – money that’s arguably better spent on a cheaper, lighter Zetec turbo, Duratec or even turbocharged CVH. Don’t forget, the regular Mk5 Escort was offered with CVH engines from the factory, so dropping an RS Turbo engine between an RS2000’s inner wings is straightforward if you use the CVH underpinning; you can even get one with PAS bracketry if you pluck parts from an Escort cabriolet or similar.
As for that turbocharged Zetec, you’ll achieve an easy 330bhp, with figures of up to 600bhp available with a forged bottom end and massive turbo. If you’re serious about such a conversion into an RS2000, speak to Escort specialist Odd Kidd Creations ( OKC).