The car’s engine was in fantastic condition
thanks to its few miles (achieved in part by the length of time that it had
been laid up). The Stage 3 upgrades amounted to an RS500 intercooler, low-compression
pistons, green injectors, a fettled T34 turbocharger, and a remapped Level 8
ECU with an MSD daughter board. Graham decided to leave well alone – save for
refreshed service and renewed timing components – and returned the lump to its
natural habitat.
“I
need to build a reliable 650bhp YB”
Inside Job
Interior updates were kept to a minimum,
with the OE Escort Cosworth upholstery joined by a Momo three-spoke steering
wheel, a Group A gearknob, a smattering of Alpine ICE and a Gizmo dash-mounted
boost controller. These finishing touches encouraged Graham to visit his local
MoT test centre, where the car passed with flying colours before a rolling road
session that proved the engine’s 370bhp capabilities. Reserving a pat on the
back for himself, he thanked the friends and family that had helped him
throughout the exhaustive three-year build before heading out to enjoy some
well-earned fast road fun in his fantastic Ford.
The EsCos looked great and handled better
than when it had left the factory. Unfortunately, its revised power output was
less pronounced than Graham had hoped for. “I was a little underwhelmed by the
Escort’s performance, which I put down to a familiarity with the Astra’s not
too dissimilar pace,” he sighs. “Furthermore, my girlfriend and I had decided
to get married and we needed to raise much needed capital to pay for the
wedding. Ultimately, the writing was on the wall for one of the cars,” he
sighs.
The Right choice
The Escort would have certainly raised more
cash than the Astra, but Graham came to his senses, and placed a for sale ad in
the window of the Vauxhall. The following six months were spent overhauling the
YB, and the resulting power plant now features Mahle oversized forged pistons,
steel rods, a knife-edged crankshaft, ARP bolts throughout and a WRC oil feed
setup.
Warrington cylinder head specialist, The
Head Shop, ported and polished the top end and equipped it with new valves,
springs and retainers, bronze guides and Newman race It’s hard to believe that
this EsCos was once lying neglected on someone’s drive specification camshafts.
The standard T34 was replaced with a Garrett GT30 turbocharger, accompanied by
a Tial wastegate and screamer pipe, while a Nortech tubular exhaust manifold
joins a bespoke KMS Motorsport three-inch stainless steel exhaust system.
Neat
carbon tailpipe trim protects the flawless Imperial Blue pain
Increased demand on the car’s fuelling
system has culminated in the introduction of Siemens 1000cc injectors, a
Reyland fuel rail, an Aeromotive pump and filter, an adjustable fuel pressure
regulator and an underbody swirl pot that works alongside a Sierra Cosworth
external pump and lifter. There’s a custom aluminium fuel tank too, as well as
a variety of Bailey polished reservoirs up-front.
Graham called upon the services of Will
Pedley Racing when it came to mapping his Blue Oval beast. Will travelled back
and forth to Liverpool from his native West Yorkshire whenever time allowed,
and a series of live road sessions and subsequent data analysis helped him to
fine tune Age33 Job Joiner First Ford This one Fave Ford GT40 Fave mod The
engine What’s next Keep it looking mint and chase even more power! GRAHAM CODY
DRIVER SPEC the Escort to a claimed 540bhp. What’s more, Will reckons that it’s
chucking out an aggressive 500lb/ ft of torque!
Fun Times
Since boosting the power of his superb
EsCos, Graham has been driving the car with serious intent and has made regular
appearances at gatherings of likeminded souls at events around the UK. In fact,
you may well have seen his excellent Escort up close at Ford Fair, although
we’re not expecting it to stay on the road for long.
“I’m amassing all the parts that I need to
build a reliable 650bhp YB,” he announces. “It’s going to take a lot of time,
effort and many expensive parts, but I’m sure that I can squeeze even more
performance out of the car,” he adds.
Immaculately
presented YB pumps out a claimed 540bhp and 500lb/ft
And if the determination that he’s shown to
date is anything to go by, then we wouldn’t be surprised if he manages to
exceed that figure! This EsCos is definitely one to watch.
