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Ford Escort RS1600i
The Ford Escort RS1600i was the first RS badged Ford Escort since 1980. It was introduced in September 1981, and production continued until 1984. Ford planned to build only 5000 for homologation reguirements, but the car sold so well that 8659 cars were actually built.
The1597cc CVH engine was fitted with a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and unique AFT twin coil electronic ignition. The engine also used solid tappets and different camshaft, these allowed the engine to rev much beyond its street limited 6500 rpm in racing trim. RS1600i engine had great tuning potential, and Group A racing Ford Escorts produced over 160hp.
Gearbox was a 5-speed B5 box with a slightly different fifth gear ratio of 0.83:1, all other Escorts used 0.76:1 ratio. Front suspension was very different from other Escorts, it used two longitudinally mounted supporting arms with separate anti-roll bar. These provided the caster angle to be adjusted, which was required for racing purposes. It also reduced torque-steer effect, which is the problem in powerful front wheel drive cars. Outside the car had a deep front spoiler and rear spoiler, they were both used only in RS1600i. Optional extras were electric windows, central locking, tinted glass and sunroof.
Technical specifications:
Engine:
CVH, iron block, alloy cylinder head SOHC, 8 valves, solid tappets.
Bore and stroke 79,96 x 79,52mm , 1597cc, compression ratio 9,9:1.
Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, AFT twin coil distributorless ignition.
Max power 115hp at 6000rpm, max torque 145Nm at 5250rpm.
Transmission:
Front wheel drive.
200mm single plate clutch.
5-speed gearbox, 3,84:1 final drive ratio.
Suspension:
Independent front suspension, MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar, individual TCA tie-rods.
Independent rear suspension, transverse arms, separate coli springs and dampers, longitunal tie-bars.
Brakes:
240mm ventilated front discs.
180 x 36mm rear drums. Servo-assisted
Performance
* Maximum speed 118mph
* 0-60 mph 8,7s
* 0-100 mph 27,9s
* 1/4 mile / speed 16,7s / 84mph
The Works Escort Rally Programme 1983 RS1600i
In 1980, following the launch of the MKIII Escort, Ford plans were started to produce a rear wheel drive Escort to replace the MK II Works rally cars, the RS1700T, with a full programme expected in 1983. As all Ford rally enthusiasts will know, the development was hindered by all kinds of problems, and ultimately the project in the UK was cancelled.Ford Germany had initiated the development of a MkIII Escort with a view to circuit racing, and produced the RS1600i. Right hand drive versions were completed in late 1982, and homologated on January 1st 1983.Peter Ashcroft announced the decision to run a limited program of Rally events with the GpA RS1600i, for contracted Malcolm Wilson, and the up and coming Louise Aitken. However, due to the commitments of Fords Rally HQ at Boreham with the RS1700T, the program was passed over to MCD of Widnes (later to become Rally Engineering Developments or R.E.D.), fresh from their success with Ari Vatanen in 1982
RED took delivery of the first vehicle on Christmas Eve 1982, and had to have both cars built and ready for the first round of the British Rally Championship, the Mintex, on Feb 25th - a tall order by anyone's standards.
Malcolm Wilson / Phil Short, Gp A Ford Escort RS1600i, HPU 73Y
Louise Aitken / Ellen Morgan, Gp A Ford Escort RS1600i, HPU 74Y
Mark Lovell / Peter Davis GpA Ford Escort RS1600i, KEV 100Y
The RS 1600i competed in :-
Mintex 83
Circuit of Ireland 83
Castrol Welsh 83
Arnold Clark Scottish 83
Ulster Rally 83
Rothmans Manx 83
RAC Rally 83
1984
Swedish 84
National Breakdown 84
Costa Smeralda 84
Czech / Skoda 84
Rallye Antibes 84
RAC Rally 84