RS Motorsport :: Classic Speed Restored

A few years ago I purchased an escort mk2 auto coupe from this nice old lady who no longer could cope with the lack of power steering and air con any more and "upgraded" to a Volvo.

I've driven the car as a daily driver up until about a year ago, when i had to get something that could cope with the huge amount of kilometres I was needing to cover to get to work.

I've just moved into my first place that actually has a proper lock up garage (powered and all!) so I've decided I should stop playing the waiting game and start turning this car into what I've intended from day one.

Hopefully by the time I'm finished I should have a nice streetable fun car to drive that performs well at track days and the occasional hill climb and doesn't attract all the attention of the hoons and police.

So far I've pulled out the interior and heater unit and I must say I'm very impressed with the body of the car, I've never actually seen one of those plastic weather protectors in the doors completely intact and perfect. I'll have to post a photo of it if no one believes me!

ahhhh yes mate a good base, so...what are you going to do to her?

Thanks sean that's exactly what I thought when i found her!

First on the list is a 5spd sierra conversion and some rust repair while I have the interior stripped out. Not sure if I'm going to put the heater back in, is it illegal not to have a front window demister?

The car has the original engine still in it (I crapped myself when I found out), so later on that'll be coming out for a freshen up, some stronger internals and then some kind programmable of fuel injection for small pink turbo.

Of course there's also the suspension upgrades, body resprays, superlites, I could go on forever.

Keith

oh yes my baby has superlites, good choice...i put my car over the pits and they didnt check the heater at all but i heard that you should have it connected....mine barely gets hot, more like warm which is fine but it certainly helps demist the windows.

Thought I should post an update for anyone that's interested...

I've now taken out the original engine from the car along with the massive anchor that's stuck to the back of it (auto box), and that's taking a well earned break until I can afford have the engine rebuilt.

Currently in the bay is an old 2 litre I had running from my old unlicenced escort. I've had Broady from the car club, give it a little once over with a new cam and some compression testing, it'll put along nicely.

Bolted to the back of the engine is my new pride and joy type 9 5 speed gearbox with the proper quick shifter taking user input side of things.

The only thing that's stopping me from starting her up now is an absolutely nackered battery and some wiring. Of Late I've been working through some issues with dodgy engine bay wiring.

Unfortunately the funds account says no to a new battery, so it'll have to wait until after the 15th of Dec before I can get the battery in and start trying to start the old girl. It's been a while since I've driven a manual escort and I'm salivating at the thought!

Cheers to everyone at the club who've given me advice, its all helped!

Oooh It has a gearstick and 3 pedals now!!! its like having a new toy and no batteries for it. BAH!

A couple more happy snaps as the car sits right now.


Another gearstick and pedals photo. After owning this car for almost 3 years as an automatic, I just can't stop staring at the new additions!


Side shot in the garage, it's current engine came out of the white car in the foreground


In the garage still.. Hopefully not long till she backs out on her own steam


Stupid starter motor with its stupid wires that are all negative, except one stupid wire and for some reason 2 stupid big black wires, all of which are stupid....


engine bay mug shot, brand new clutch cable, 3 core radiator and runabout engine all there.


Just a rear shot, really its just a plug for the club sticker on the rear quarter. Hey you're still reading these comments, don't expect them to get better

Keith,

I've got a battery you can borrow if you like, it is old but still very good, I swapped it out when I thought it was one of the causes of some EFI dramas which it wasn't.

My number is in the club mag if your interested.


Craig

Hi Keith, well done so far on the project. Im doing the change over from mk 1 1300 auto to a 2.0 manual and ive hit a stumbling block. The connection that the clutch cable goes through at the fire wall. I see that you have overcome this . How and where can i get that little piece. any help would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Prowler

keith that looks like it's going to be a great car when finished. Always handy starting with an auto tunnel for the type 9 conversion to. I look forward to keep reading about it's progress.

Steve

Thanks for the comments guys, I'm going back into the garage this evening so hopefully I'll have some news. Engines turning over but I think my dizzy cap's carked it. Will have to put the lecky one back in. (If it ever cools down!)

Prowler, the little clutch spout was made up and installed by Racetune here in WA. Roley really is a nice guy, I went back in after having that and the plate for the gearstick made up, and he gave me some free bits and pieces.

quick update.

Installed the lecky dizzy using a trial and error method, and I've got spark! But the carby remains bone dry. Shall have to put some fuel in the tank tomorrow and see if she'll sing for me.

Craig that battery you've loaned to me is fantastic, turns over the mighty 2 litre with ease!

No more happy snaps from tonight though as the car looks exactly the same as it did before