The 1974 Ford Escort Mk1
Although the Escort Mk1 is part of the Ford's history here,in Malta, they are very well loved and kept in tip top condition. Most of them are used as the Sunday car and were restored recently.The most preferred engines for us Maltese on this type of car are the 1600 Kent , the 2000 Pinto and not so frequently found is the 2000 cc Cosworth engine.This type of car is also used for Drag racing,hillclimbs and autocross.By using them in these events these cars get more popularity .One of the reasons is that any type of engine can fit,especially Ford Cosworth engine which is one of the engines which derives lot of power especially when the engine is chipped or nitro boosted. An other advantage of this car is that is easy to fabricate a light weight body for example "Carbon Fibre
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The above picture shows the 1600 Kent Engine (left) and the
Something about the Kent
The Kent Crossflow is one of the oldest designed engines that is still responding well to this treatment is the venerable and long-lived Kent Crossflow,first seen was about 30 years ago in September 1967 in the 1300 and 1600 Cortinas.Since then it has powered lot of Fords right up to the transverse engine Xr2 Fiesta, and is still popular.It's design was originated by Sam Heron of the Ford in the US and like most things it's got its good and bad points.One of its good points which endeared it to home tuners is that you can get a decent gas-flow without having to reshape combustion chambers
This Escort was purchased about four years ago from a doctor. He used to use it daily for his patients' visits.Its original spray was dark green ,the interior was quite good and looked a bit funky with the Xr3i front seats.The engine was the original 1098cc(1100)and was in a good working order It had some of the carburator parts modified such as "the jetts" which came from a 1297cc(1300)Gt.The body of the escort wasn't in a bad condition, however the two front mud guards were replaced with two new ones.
Technical Specification & Performance.
Modified Escort 1100
Type:1600 Kent crossflow.
This engine is a four in line type, there are two valves per cylinder and are driven by pushrod and rockers from a chain driven camshaft mounted in the block.
Modifications:
Radiator record to Mexico spec,lightened and balanced flywheel,duplex timing chain,high capacity oil pump,four in one exhaust manifold,the head has been refaced and the valve seats recut.It's got larger inlet valves the inlets for more power,twin WEBER 40 DCOE with open trumpets
Transmission
Type:Front engine,rear wheel drive.
Gearbox:Four speed big-bearing manual from Cortina GT,with quick shift
Internal Ratios:1st,3.337:1; 2nd,1.995:1; 3rd,1.418:1; 4th,1:1
Cluth:Standard Cortina 1600.
Final Drive:3.77:1
Steering:Standard unassisted rack and pinion.
Brakes:Single circuit hydralic with vacuum servo assistance DOT 4 fluid.
Front:Solid discs,Mintex pads,M16 callipers.
Rear:Standard 1100 Escort drums.
Wheels&Tyres
Wheels:Revolution
Tyres:Falken 165/60 R12
Body
Type:Escort Mk1 1100 pressed shell two-door monocoque shell.
Exterior Modifications: Rs front bumpers Escort Rs Cosworth Radiant Red
Internal Modifications:Capri seats front&rear leather trim throughout,heavyduty carpet trimmed in Red.
Top speed:it goes off the clock.(Faster Than a Corvette ZR1 experienced at Halfar.)
Acceleration:0-60 mph in 6secs.
Cost
Cost of original Car:Lm450
Value now:Circa Lm3000
Cost of conversion:Good job I can't count as it always needs upgrades.
Future upgrades:Upgrade of gearbox to a 2000E and Cam to an A6.
For more information Please e-mail me
cosworth@usa.net
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