Model Page
Ford Escort RS1600i
Production Run: |
8,659 |
|---|---|
Production Date: |
1982 - 1984 |
Engine: |
Ford CVH 1,596cc In-Line 4 |
Built: |
Saarlouis (Germany) |
0-60: |
8.7 secs |
Max Speed: |
116mph |
The RS1600i was the model that was used to revive the Ford RS Brand, the last RS Ford having being the Mk2 Escort RS2000 in 1980. Ford of Germany had wanted to build a new track car based on the Escort to compete in the newly created Group A category.
The RS1600i was based on the XR3, being developed using the same engine and body shell. Development time and costs were restricted and therefore the modifications made to the car were not as widespread as would have been liked. The model was developed by Ford of Germany’s Motor sport division and work began in early 1979, and it was not until 1981 that the LHD RS1600i was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The RHD version did not appear until 1982 at the Birmingham Motor show.
RS1600i
The car used a development of the 1,597 CVH engine. Unlike the engines used in other FWD Escorts, the unit was modified and fitted with Bosh K-Jetronic fuel injection – the first time fuel injection had been added to a production Escort. The engine had the same block as the standard CVH but was modified from the head up. The hydraulic tappets found on usual CVH engine were swapped for stronger solid mechanical items and the inlet ports enlarged with a corresponding increase in the exhaust port bore. The inclusion of these tappets made the engine significantly more tuneable. Changes continued with a re-engineered camshaft profile and a newly designed exhaust manifold. The compression ratio was increased to 9.9:1 up from the standard 9.5:1. The standard ignition setup was replaced with a twin coiled distributor less ignition. The engine received a finned Motorsport aluminium cover to smarten up the appearance of the engine bay.
The modified engine developed 115 bhp, an increase over it XR3 cousin’s 96 bhp output and 10 bhp more than the 105 bhp developed from the unit fitted to the XR3i that was introduced in 1983. The unit could have produced additional power but the output was deliberately kept down to get around insurance related problems in Germany.
RS1600 Engine Bay with the CVH
Updates continued to the mechanicals of the car, the suspension setup used the same basic configuration as other Mk3’s with MacPherson struts on the front and independent rear suspension with front anti-roll bars and tie bar configurations. However the front suspension differed in the fact that it utilised two longitudinally mounted support arms with separate anti roll bars this having the effect of reducing torque steer. This setup also allowed for the castor angle to be adjusted – a feature that was included for Motorsport purposes. The car was fitted with Koni dampers that allowed for the owner to adjust the stiffness of the suspension and the ride height was lowered by 1 inch from the XR3. Disappointingly, the brakes from the XR3 were deemed sufficient for this application and were carried over directly without modification. Finally a five speed gearbox was fitted that included revised gear ratios to increase its suitability and performance.
Inside the car was fitted with reclining Scheel sports seats and RS Four spoke steering wheel, but otherwise was pretty much the same as the Escort Ghia. As per usual with the RS range a Custom pack was available - this option included tinted windows, a tilt and slide sunroof, electric windows and central locking.
Excort RS1600i
Based on the XR3 body shell the car looked similar but was easily identifiable by the bold side stripes and a bonnet stripe with a gradient. In the UK the right hand drive specification car was only available in six colours namely Diamond White, Caspian Blue, Stratos Silver, Sunburst Red, Graphite Grey and Black. Left hand drive models did not have this restriction and the model could be finished in any colour Ford made available. The cars were fitted with a front spoiler and rubberised rear spoiler helping to keep the car firmly planted at high speeds. The model was finished off with 15” seven spoke alloy wheels.
The RS1600i received minor modifications during its production run, cars built after May 1983 received chassis modifications taken from the XR3i - namely a revised suspension geometry and a new front cross member.
Ford had originally planned to build only 5,000 cars to meet homologation requirements, but as there was strong demand a total of 8,659 cars were eventually produced before production ended and the car was replaced by the RS Turbo Series 1 in 1984.
The Facts
Engine: |
Ford CVH In-Line 4 |
|---|---|
Capacity: |
1,596 cc |
Valves: |
8 |
Compression Ratio: |
9.9:1 |
Fuel System: |
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection |
Maximum Power: |
115bhp @ 6,000 rpm. |
Maximum Torque: |
109lb/ft @ 5,250 rpm. |
Transmission: |
Manual 5 speed. |
Top Gear: |
20.6 mph per 1000 rpm. |
Brakes: |
Servo Assisted Solid Front Discs / Rear Drums |
Kerb Weight: |
919kg |
Max Speed: |
116 mph |
0-60: |
8.7 secs |
