EXPERT VIEW

KEVIN VAITES

Kevin Vaites, co-owner of Nottinghamshire Escort specialist, Montescort, currently owns a RS1600 MkI among others. He says: ‘ These days, everyone is putting Zetecs and Duratec engines in them, assuming that they don’t have an original RS or Twin Cam. Prices are so high for genuine RS parts that there is no question that this is the cheaper route to increased power, though Pinto-powered cars are a bit easier to deal with. Most popular of all, however, is just firming up the suspension and steering to more modern standards with a quicker rack, new dampers and polybushes. Ford Capri components are the traditional solution, but they are getting gradually more expensive, unfortunately.’