COSWORTH MK2 ESCORT
When you have 500 bhp of YB power, there’s no need for lightweight panels or race car interiors — just plenty of grip to handle it.
Is this ultimate B-road build?
Certain cars have that look about them that you know mean business. You can immediately tell from the unmistakable stance, big rear tyres and purposeful details that let you know it’s no show pony; it’s the real deal. This Escort falls firmly into that bracket and there’s good reason it fits the bill, because it’s the latest offering by renowned classic Ford specialists, Escort-Tec.
Darran and Mark are behind the company that’s famous for supplying parts, as well creating meticulously-detailed builds, having had a hand in a number of high-calibre cars over the years. So when the pair recently got in touch to let us know they had completed a new build for a customer that wanted a ludicrously fast road car, we were keen to see their take on it.
Sure enough, they delivered, as this build shows all the sure signs of a typical Escort-Tec build; clean, well-executed and purposeful. The finish is immaculate and there’s modern technology mixed with every trick in the book to ensure the car handles, grips and drives as well as a road going Mk2 Escort with over 500 bhp can…
Clear brief
“The customer came to us having seen the cars we had built in the past,” Darran explains, as he takes up the story. “His brief was very simple: a Mk2 Escort powered by a YB with no less than 500 bhp. He wanted to be able to go sideways in the dry; a seriously fast car that could be driven quickly, so it also had to handle and stop. And that’s exactly what we built.”
Although the brief was simple, accomplishing it would prove harder, as there had to be a fine balance because the owner also
requested that the car was not only usable, but pleasant to drive. That would prove to set the tone for the entire build, as efforts were made to ensure it was no hardcore racer but a composed road car with soundproofing and a usable powerband.
“It was us that helped him build that vision and then make it a reality,” Darran reveals. “We sold him the shell, which was a nice example to start with. We then helped him develop the idea and sold him all of the bits required, as well as building the car for him.”
The base of the build centres around the YB engine that Darran helped to spec and engine specialist HT Racing completed. It features a long-studded block, steel rods and forged pistons with a custom compression ratio, along with a ported head with HT’s own specification camshafts. Coupled with a 4x4 inlet manifold and custom Nortech exhaust manifold to mount the BorgWarner EFR turbo whilst a Maxx ECU controls the package.
“It’s a high compression engine that’s very responsive on the road,” confirms Darran. “It’s the nearest a turbo engine could be to an NA and likes to rev, thanks to the lightweight flywheel, and it spools really well on the BorgWarner turbo.”
The clever ECU also allows adjustable maps, which are altered by the flick of a switch — quite literally. “It’s wired to the original Ford foglight switch, so when it’s off the car makes 347 bhp. When the switch is turned on, it’s at 501 bhp.”
“WE SPECCED A HIGH COMPRESSION ENGINE THAT’S VERY RESPONSIVE ON THE ROAD IT’S THE NEAREST A TURBO ENGINE COULD BE TO A NORMALLY ASPIRATED ONE”
Sorted shell
To take the power, the shell was modified to accept a larger transmission tunnel so a Tremec gearbox could be fitted. Elsewhere, it was fitted with a multipoint, gusseted roll cage and
the rear was adapted to suit the four-link set up. This would house the Atkins Motorsportbuilt Atlas axle, complete with ZF LSD, uprated half shafts and a turbo-suited 3.75:1 ratio. “It’s geared to do 161 mph at the top of fifth gear on the rev limiter, not that you would ever want to do that,” reckons Darran.
The package is completed with beefy AP Racing brakes up front, which sit behind the custom 15-inch Image Wheels split rims measuring a wholesome 9.5 inches at the front and 10 inches at the rear. This larger diameter meant there could be a fighting chance of fitting wide enough rubber to put the power down, although that proved tricky.
“Finding a wide 15 inch tyre that was street legal was still an issue, as no-one seems to make them anymore,” recalls Darran. “But then someone suggested these Avon semi-slick 245/40R15 tyres used by Caterhams and they do the job.”
With the bones of the build in place, before the car was sent for paint, it was sent to Pro Alloy Motorsport to have the beautiful bespoke intercooler and radiator made, as well as the header and fuel tanks. To ensure there would be no high running temperature
“IT’S GEARED TO DO 161 MPH AT THE TOP OF FIFTH GEAR ON THE REV LIMITER”
issues even after a hard drive, the front panel was modified so a wider intercooler and radiator than usual could be tucked in place, and a twin fan set-up was shoe-horned in.
With the car fitted out with McRae-spec wide arches and finished in Porsche Rivera Blue chosen by the owner, it was just a matter of completing the finer touches and that’s where this build excels. To create a clean and fresh look, many items were sourced from brand new old stock, such as the quarter bumpers, whilst the glass came out of a genuine 19,000-mile example. It also helped that all of the panels used were genuine Ford
items and everything on the car is steel, as the owner didn’t want any ill-fitting plastic, Perspex or fibreglass parts.
With that in mind, inside, there are factory door cards and the car has been fitted with Dynamat soundproofing in several places to create a nicer environment, despite the associated weight increase. “It’s not a car that needs to lose weight, as it has so much power, so that was never an issue. I think the car weighs in around 1200 kg,” says Darran.
To further enhance that road car-feel, nothing has been solid mounted to reduce vibrations, so the fuel tank and engine are fitted using rubber mounts and to ensure an easier driving experience, the hydraulic clutch and electronic drive-by-wire throttle mean the pedals are nice and light.
“It’s a lovely build that’s had money spent in the right areas to create a very nice and usable car,” confirms Darran. “The owner’s sole intention is to now use it as ludicrously fast road car that will put a smile on his face whenever he drives it.”
We can guess that’s mission accomplished then…
“IT’S NOT A CAR THAT NEEDS TO LOSE WEIGHT IT HAS SO MUCH POWER, THAT WAS NEVER REALLY AN ISSUE”