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.....really necessary on the road. Ford recommend the Pinto engine be uprated to about 145 b.h.p., benefiting from the Group 1 Weber downdraught carburettors, bigger valves for the cylinder head and the competition Group i camshaft. In this case the camshaft should be easier to fit and there is no deterioration in road manners in my experience, but that is based on a properly set-up engine. I have tried others that have been nasty, using the same parts, simply because the carbura-tion and ignition were out. Ordinary Escorts can benefit from many of the RS2000 parts, though it's worth pointing out that there is a simpler wheelarch, also in glassfibre, similar in style to those widely used on the rally cars (though the factory arches are aluminium). No X-series equipment is listed for the 1300 and 1600 crossflow engines, but there should be absolutely no problem in obtaining pretty well anything you want from the tuning industry for these well-known units.
The Fiesta? The announcement of tuning equipment is premature here, for no prices could be quoted at press time. What Ford have developed is a kit for the 1100 engine, boosting output by 20%, but since we will have a 1300 standard version, as promised at the Fiesta launch, that exercise seems a little pointless. A 13-in. diameter wheel - with 7-in. rim - is to be offered, carrying tyres of 205 section. However, the chief point here is to allow larger front wheel disc brakes to be installed, utilising the original calipers.
Rather ugly matt black wheelarch extensions are more practical in offering a degree of bump-resistance by their polyurethane construction. Modified suspension (who knows, they might even improve the ride!) is still described as being, "at the development stage."
The Cortina is tacked rather modestly at the end of the publicity material. One paragraph simply says, "an air dam, rear spoiler, 6-in. alloy wheels and gas-filled dampers are available for all versions of this car." Since a rather more powerful Cortina will exist shortly, this may be a case similar to Fiesta 1300, where standard production models will create fresh needs.
Prices? Well the Capri I spoke of earlier would have added £800 odd to the price of the car by the time labour, tyres and paint are taken in. The full wheelarches are approximately £140 a set for RS2000 or Capri; the wheels are £56.11 each and, as with all parts prices, Ford do not add VAT!
On the same basis the V6 engine parts are £111.57 and the suspension approximately £250, for the RS or Capri. The engine components for RS2000 amount to some £400 and the high ratio rack is £97.77.
I hope that I have given readers some idea of what costs are involved in apparently quite simple changes. Compared with the prices that were quoted for the body parts in Germany, the British made panels are bargains. You need an excellent dealer bodywork establishment to make the best of such parts, the other handling and engine pieces being much better known but needing equal sympathy and enthusiasm from the dealer to make the trouble and expense fully worthwhile. Are RS dealers up to the quality of the parts? Frankly some are not and I would strongly advise purchase and subsequent dealings only with those who have proven they know what they are doing. The dealer concerned does not have to be in competition, though that's quite a good guide, if they prepare the car themselves. No, the reputation you are looking for is conscientious workmanship and interest in your continued custom. -J.W.
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