Patrick.usn

I live in Spain I am from the U.S. I want to buy 1989 turbo RS then import it to the U.S. when I leave Spain. My last car was a built 400 BHP wrx sti. I am familiar with turbo cars. I am just not familiar with the RS turbo escorts. When I get it I plan on building it to. I'd like to see a 250-300 BHP car when I am done. Is this the right car for me? if anyone can give me advise on buying one or starting a project with one I would appreciate it. The one I am looking at I a 89 with 140,000km. It's black the body is super clean. It is around 3500 euro. The guy says he has a full maintenance record. If any one could give me some advise it would be much appreciated, thanks.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Do you know the spec of the one you are looking at? That would help give an idea what it is putting out now. The Rs turbos are mechanically fuel injected and can be temperamental. To over come this people do a conversion from a fiesta Rs turbo or fit after market system. For the power you are looking for people will suggest a zetec turbo engine. The escort is very different then your last turbo car. It may look clean but fords of that era suffer bad from rust.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Do you know the spec of the one you are looking at? That would help give an idea what it is putting out now. The Rs turbos are mechanically fuel injected and can be temperamental. To over come this people do a conversion from a fiesta Rs turbo or fit after market system. For the power you are looking for people will suggest a zetec turbo engine. The escort is very different then your last turbo car. It may look clean but fords of that era suffer bad from rust.

Patrick.usn

http://www.milanuncios.com/ford-de-s...-152313409.htm

This is another one

http://www.milanuncios.com/ford-de-s...-151439054.htm

Patrick.usn

I am not sure what spec I don't know how to tell?

Patrick.usn

This is ideally what I am looking for.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Did not play that video but I think it's a zetec engine?

RSmark84

This is is highly likely to be an XR3i not an RS turbo. The bumper inserts give it away and also the car you suggest is 89? If so it has the XR3i seats fitted. Recaros was only an option for the C to D 86-87 plate models. Standard thereafter.

Patrick.usn

There were a few different year cars I was looking at. Aren't the RS turbos very simular to the Xr3i? What are the major differences? I looked it up to my understanding better brakes and a limited slip diff.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

More a less the same, main difference been a turbo. If you went with right hand model you might get a better one in the UK?

nigel b

you would be best off with a lhd if you are taking back to the states
untill you find a suitable car with a spec you will be just guessing

RSmark84

Off the top of my head:

Bumper inserts black RS red XR.
Rear spoiler is painted on RS non painted on XR
Side skirts and arches 'body rockers' as called by Ford on RS not fitted on XR
Vented bonnet on RS standard bonnet on XR
Recaros standard on RS from late 1987 option on late 1986 to early 1987. none fitted to XR.
15' alloys fitted to RS, 14' 'dogleg' alloys fitted to XR until 1989 then 14' Lattice alloys from then on.
Bigger brakes all round on RS, thicker front anti-roll bar.
Tailgate decal, RS turbo and XR3i as per model.
XR had side body mouldings as standard, RS turbo had them as option, Red XR black RS as per bumper inserts.
The engine, and its management. Both had Bosch fuel injection but they were different.

Chas

I will probably change my tune in time to be honest but the KE-Jetronic system does not deserve the bad reputation it does. The fact is that the system is not really understood by many (but the literature is plentiful) and the systems are now getting on a bit does not help.

I've had many cars with K-Jetronic before and not really had an issue as have 924 Turbo owners which runs a very similar system to the RST.

If it were me I would buy an RST on condition over anything else.

Patrick.usn

So I contacted this guy

http://www.milanuncios.com/ford-de-s...-151439054.htm

He said it is an actual 87 RS Turbo thats what is an the title. He sent me a ton of pictures if you PM me i can email them to you. It does not have Recaros which is a minus. Like I said I will most likely be building the existing engine/or doing a swap. Also putting on larger brakes all the way around. I just bought a set of RS7 Softlines 17 inch x 7.5 which will also be going on it.

mat_rss2

250-300 is certainly achievable even with the 1.6, all depending how deep the pockets are Patrick. A super strong built 1.6 matched with a decent aftermarket management will see 250+, or zvh engine will see 250 pretty easily when built right, but hey ho, its how far you want to go at the end of day

RSmark84

something dont add up with it. Has been been resprayed since the XR3i bumpers(front and rear) have been fit or are they currently on the car if so what happened to the RS turbo bumpers?

You need to ask him what the VIN number is and while you are at it ask him to tell you the engine number, Found above the alternator.

Currently as it stands, its an XR3i until its proven otherwise.

boeb

Also is that not 86 spec rear seats and door cards but 90 spec head cloth and front seats ...dunno if euro spec changes to ours as mind opening rear quarter windys available in hotter climate areas


Just looked again...think spec savers is overdue lol...looks dark roof cloth and fronts

Patrick.usn

I will ask him thanks for the help.

Patrick.usn

I will pm you my email. I will forward the photos he sent me. On the link I sent you it looks like there are two different cars or something. None of them seem to match? In the email they are all definitely the same car. I will contact him tommorow for the vin. Do you know where I can look up the VIN? He is willing to drive it across the country to have me look at it so. He has been very cooperative with all my questions. I told him if it is not what he says it is I will turn him away.

RSmark84

Morning, Got your PM. I dont know my password for the email. The RSOC will know of the VIN.

If you have photobucket upload pics onto here. ifs free, quick and easy.

Patrick.usn

RSmark84

To be fair it looks very good in those pics. Keep that exhaust if you buy it! worth a lot of money nowadays. If it turns out genuine sort yourself out with some Recaros. But you'd want to come to England to get some(theyre everywhere for sale here) harder to find elsewhere. Certainly a selling point for RS cars, but they aint that great for fat people. im about 11 stone and fit in them nicely.

Patrick.usn

So I decided that as long as the VIN on the body looks good I am gunna buy it. I really don't care about the engine because its gunna come out. For the swap eventually. As long as it runs and looks as good as it does in the pics I am sold.

Patrick.usn

So I decided that as long as the VIN on the body looks good I am gunna buy it. I really don't care about the engine because its gunna come out. For the swap eventually. As long as it runs and looks as good as it does in the pics I am sold.

boeb

No sunroof but do see opening rear quarter windows
Looks nice in those pics

Patrick.usn

So, the car is being delivered this weekend. It is coming with an extra set of bumpers and some other parts. I did my home work it is a RS Turbo for sure. So does any one have any websites for preformnce parts they would recommend? Also is there a good links for doing a Big Brake swap for this car? or could I do 4 wheel discs wilwoods or something simular on it? For now due to importation laws to the US I cant do a swap while I live in Europe. So for now Im gunna just built up the 1.6L does any one have tips or an idea for a good start on Turbo/forged components inter cooler a management system, injectors? Also what kind of tranny/drivetrain work will I need to do to support 250-300BHP

rs turbo's rule

Try burton power in the UK they've got everything you can think of for an Rs turbo. I've used them for years and they ship worldwide.

How are you going to import the car to the U.S. I thought imports had to be factory standard. I may be wrong but I'm sure I read that somewhere.

Patrick.usn

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/impo...l#Anchor-28852

Section 8.

8. Importing a vehicle that is at least 25 years old.

A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. If you wish to see that form, you may download a copy from our website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import. You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Do you have a big budget? The questions you have could be answered once that's known.

Most people do the cossie brake upgrade. Think there is a sticky in this section on it. Some people also swap the gear linkage for a puma one.

Patrick.usn

I am 2500 pounds under budget on buying the car so far. I would like to start by getting good recaro's with matching door panels for crank windows. I'd say probably around 4500 pounds after the seats. plus I have the extra 2500.

Patrick.usn

So it's official I am a RS turbo owner. Thanks everyone who helped answer all my questions. I am traveling on business right now so I haven't even driven it yet : ( My wife and a friend who's a mechanic bought it for me they both said it looks way better in person than in the photos. The car was very well maintained. It was not a everyday driver either. I will post some good photos next week some time and start a new thread and retire this one. Now its time to find a decent set of Recaros and a RS steering wheel. If anyone could help with this It would be much appreciated.

simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Well done! Keep us posted

Patrick.usn

So....got home for travel today. I got to play with the car a little today. First think I noticed was the lack of power steering....It was weird at first, but after I got it out of the garage on open road it was very fun to whip around corners. The door panels on the drivers side look good but the armrest are shot they sag. The car shudders a little bit when pullin off slow in first gear....don't know I will need to investigate. It shifts smooth tho and the engine pulls hard when you get going. I'm really impressed with it so far....I think it may have engine mods....not sure. I thought it would be slower. O...no rust or body damage is evident.I will post more pictures this week.

wildheart

iTrader: (4)

You should do a road trip with it to Ford Fair at Silverstone over in the uk and pick up some goodies for it

Patrick.usn

When is it and what city is it located in? Thats probably going to have to happen. I am noticing that it is very difficult to get certain parts in Spain. Like larger interior parts like Recaro's and door panels, the hunt for these items will be the death of me I also discovered at the bottom of the inside of the doors had some rust that was covered up....but I believe it it repairable. The rest of the car is solid the whole underside and behind the numbers look good. There is minor dings and dents here and there but over all its complete and looks good. Maybe redo the paint once the car is complete and the engine is built. More detailed pictures are soon to come.

Twins

iTrader: (18)

Silverstone is in northampton in england, its a well known race circuit,the event is on in early august,you will get all the spares you need there ,i would recommend not bringing the turbo but hire a big estate car to carry all the spare parts

Patrick.usn

I will have to figure something else out or go next year before I leave Europe....I will be traveling for work most likely around that time. Parts for these cars simply don't exist in the USA to my knowledge due to it not be produced there. Anything large will need to be gotten prior to leaving Europe. Thanks for the info though.

Patrick.usn

So went out for a good 3 hour drive today and all seemed well i checked the oil before the drive....when i was out it started running a little rough like when i was building boost a few times the engine kinda bogged down for a moment then picked back up....I checked the oil it felt a little grainy.....found a few very small black specs in the oil that resembled metal shavings. So I am thinking an engine rebuild is in the near future it doesn't knock or make any weird noise but, thats what usually comes next. I am gunna post pictures tomorrow. I am kinda already starting to regret this car. I hope it gets better it is a blast to drive.

Patrick.usn

I started a new thread now that I have purchased a RS Turbo. The link is listed below. Thanks!


https://passionford.com/forum/ford-e...o-project.html