OCTANE CARS
Jesse Crosse introduces his Sierra RS
After the excitement of being reunited with my former long-term test Sierra RS Cosworth after 30 years – as described in the feature in
Octane 174 – had abated a tiny bit, I couldn’t wait to get it back to the workshop. This is the only known remaining car from the original Ford Great Britain press fleet of ten Sierra Cosworths and I’m keen to make it closer to standard condition.
W hen I handed the Cossie back to Ford in 1987, it was sold to Brodie Brittain Racing, where the power was upgraded from the standard 204bhp to 300bhp. Its third owner took it with him when he emigrated to Australia (see Letters) and the engine underwent further changes. Today, it is equipped with a colossal turbo, enormous intercooler, uprated ECU chip and high-capacity injectors.
The plan is to replace the turbo with an original Garrett T3, complete with standard intercooler and plumbing, and return the engine to original mechanical specification and sort out the calibration. Various other aftermarket bits are also scheduled to be swapped for standard items.
W hen I drove the Cossie earlier this year it became obvious that the clutch was in need of attention so, once the deal was done, I collected it on a trailer and delivered it to my friend and Sierra Cosworth expert, Richard Upton, at ITG Motorsport in Bucks. Richard fitted a new Helix clutch and changed the oil, and the RS500 grilles in the front spoiler were swapped for original three-door
‘WITH THE CLUTCH SORTED, I HAD A CHANCE TO OPEN THE CAR UP A LITTLE AND, AS EXPECTED, THE TURBO LAG CAN BE MEASURED IN LIGHTYEARS’
Sierra Cosworth foglights. The aftermarket aluminium cambelt cover was also replaced with an original black plastic cover – fortunately, Richard had these rare items among his stash of Cossie bits and pieces.
With the clutch sorted, I had a chance to open the car up a little and, as expected, the turbo lag can be measured in lightyears. Now I’m looking forward to fitting a fresh T3 turbo and rediscovering the responsive, punchy engine that makes the Sierra RS Cosworth such a fantastic car to drive.