In the old days, a race driver would pump the pedal while approaching the corner. This primes up the system - any space between pad and caliper/rotor is removed, and the fluid is already filled into behind the piston under slight pressure. Then, when the driver goes to brake, the pedal is firm and responsive. If your brakes are in good working order, you should also notice this on your Escort. If even after pumping there is too mush travel and the pedal is soft, there is probably air in the system.

Who makes Escort master cylinders? Girling? Maybe the manufacturer could suggest a larger master cylinder that would fit.

I run S2 calipers on the front, and 4x4 Cossie setup on the rear - my pedal is fine. That is with Orion master cylinder. The rear bias adjusters don't help - they also increase pedal travel. They are in the process of being removed, and a F/R split with bias valve is going in instead, using stainless lines.

I'll let you know how I get on.