RSR Escort

[Jonlem]

As many of you may of seen I was building up a ex 309 thundersaloon for some time, typically with starting a business and getting a house and so on the car wasn't getting any nearer to being completed, this wasn't really bothering me until earlier this year when I first spotted one of these cars in the flesh, luckily at around the same time I had someone ask if I fancied selling the Pug and eventually later in the year we agreed a deal on the 309 and I went shopping for its replacement.

The order was placed and 5 weeks later as promised mine was all ready, chassis no 14 :)

The car, or kit is known as a RSR Escort, its a tube chassis with a fibreglass Mk1 Escort body, the chassis is FIA tested and certificated. It is designed and built by SHP Motorsport who were the people who actually built my old 309 originally, its a lovely bit of kit and they were a pleasure to deal with all the way from ordering to the chassis being finished.

These were some pictures they sent whilst it was being built, they mounted the engine and box in the best possible position with the space available, things are tight but everything should work out nicely

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9341_zpsqps0ukbw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9381_zpsm3nazjcr.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9424_zpsqhlnercf.jpg


Once in the workshop the first thing I needed to do was to make sure my seats fitted ! fortunately unlike the Peugeot there was loads of room for any seat !

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9403_zpsq3x3de3c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9430_zpsln6rh6qp.jpg


With that concern over I started to add a few more bits to the car, firstly all the front suspension setup and steering. The car runs a double wishbone setup at the front using uprights from Wilwood, a Escort quick rack and custom EPAS column to help with the assistance, coilovers are custom Gaz items.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9511_zps1h7bkrpt.jpg

Pedal box in and steering column

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9569_zpsgpoikn9x.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9514_zpsc8echc4t.jpg

I need to modify the slug for the Lifeline hub but until I am 100% happy with the seating position I won't be chopping the column down.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9577_zpsquypuhqv.jpg


The car still runs the traditional live axle in the back, they start with a good pigs head and fit much large axle tubes with semi floating output flanges on the end. The axle is 6 linked with the Watts linkage pivot being mounted off the chassis itself, Its a very strong axle which will be running 16T Quaife shafts and Tran-x plated LSD

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0240_zpsa1njslly.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0241_zpsien9xy0b.jpg

The axle hasn't been powdercoated yet as I had to sort out a brake kit for it and expected to need to weld some brackets on, the rear roll bar also isn't connected yet as I'm having some brackets made with nylon bushes

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9908_zpszw8o34xd.jpg

[Jonlem]

Now the suspension was all fitted it was time to get the engine in and some bodywork trial fitted, I'm no where needing the bodywork on the car but it was hard to resist the temptation of seeing what it will look like :d The engine is the Cosworth YB from the Peugeot albeit soon to be freshened up with a new turbo and Syvecs engine management

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9901_zpsdcnvjan1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9899_zps5ibuhwtz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9912_zpsoo8dooim.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9913_zpspcxs6prb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9917_zpsbrkf9aqg.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_9911_zps7dbh23yo.jpg


Next up on the list of things to sort out were the brakes, I use BG Developments for my brake kits and I knew Dave would be able to come up with something nice for the car, I took some parts upto them the other week to see what we could get inside the 15" wheels, in the end we setlled for the new Pro 5000R calipers all round, the rears use smaller pistons than the fronts but essentially the calipers will look the same all round, disc wise it will run a 304x28 floating J hook setup on the front and very similar on the rear although not floating, stopping the car is quite important and if I have learnt anything through the years its not to skimp on brakes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0332_zpsnlppuyvg.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0334_zpsfhxu6syx.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0328_zpsebgqenbe.jpg


The latest thing I have started to look into is the new turbo setup, I've sold the old RS500 T4 turbo, things have moved on a little since 1988 so I have gone with one of the lastest Borg Warner EFR turbos, they are phsycially quite large, however they are twin scroll, internally gated, built in BOV and have a boost solenoid with them so as a package they are quite awesome, I am still undecided which model I'll go with yet, I don't need heeps of power but I am swinging towards the EFR 7670, plenty of time to decide that, the one pictured is a friends turbo that I borrowed for mocking up :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0365_zps3jtwezyy.jpg


So with all that going on understandably I am feeling quite poor, hopefully the brakes won't be too long but between now and then I need to get certain items fitted up properly, sort out the inlet and exhaust manifolds as ideally the next big job is the cooling package and fuel setup. My aim unlike most of my previous projects is not to start with all the small bits but get the major jobs out of the way, having all the cooling package done and fuel system in means I can get the whole lot plumbed in which a friend of mine has very kindly offered to do for me.

As you may of noticed this is only a dry build but I will probably build it until its 90% complete, I don't want to have to be drilling holes anywhere once its painted or making up hoses etc, all this can be done in advance meaning once painted its quite a simple task to put together.

I'll try and keep the thread updated a little more frequently than the last !

[Iain]

Holy crap I have never heard of these but I'm glad you're sharing the pics on here. Properly awesome.

[bazzap8389]

Wow! That looks absolutely amazing james. I look forward to seeing it finished!

[Royston]

Crumbs................I like it! :)

[Dar]

Very nice indeed! Please keep us updated.

[boffer8]

Lovely build, some lovely pictures of these floating around facebook as well.

Look forward to seeing how well this all builds and the suspension set up should mean its some beast out on track.

[Jonlem]

Lovely build, some lovely pictures of these floating around facebook as well.

Look forward to seeing how well this all builds and the suspension set up should mean its some beast out on track.

thanks. There are a few already out there, one with a powertec v8 that runs in Time Attack, another is Jims Xe powered one. A very serious bit of kit and he can pedal it too

http://youtu.be/pzWmVC_245g

[Jonesfach]

Very nice. Thanks for posting on here.:)

[8valve-craig]

Tart.

[NovalutionGSi]

I have a slight tightening in my trousers......

That frame is a work of Art. cant wait to see the whole car finished.

[HouseAtreides]

:wtf: My bottom jaw is still hanging in awe of what I've just witnessed. Truly epic. Thanks for sharing, and look forward to updates! :thumb: And I must say, I, too, used BG Developments for the brake kit on my current turbo build, and they were a pleasure to deal with: Dave and Alex were both very helpful in communicating exact dimensions and available caliper/rotor options via email and telephone due to distance. Your brakes, however, are more akin to something that NASA would produce than the APs I ordered lol.

[novarally]

Love it James, a great choice.

[toymex]

You know my opinion James ,it's going to be rapid ,I keep having to stop myself although I would be more likely to get a Ludlow space frame as he is good friends with Andy who does. my engine etc

[Jonlem]

I have a slight tightening in my trousers......

That frame is a work of Art. cant wait to see the whole car finished.

Erm, well thankyou !


:wtf: My bottom jaw is still hanging in awe of what I've just witnessed. Truly epic. Thanks for sharing, and look forward to updates! :thumb: And I must say, I, too, used BG Developments for the brake kit on my current turbo build, and they were a pleasure to deal with: Dave and Alex were both very helpful in communicating exact dimensions and available caliper/rotor options via email and telephone due to distance. Your brakes, however, are more akin to something that NASA would produce than the APs I ordered lol.

David has always been very helpful and he really knows his stuff when it comes to this sort of thing. The calipers I have used are only the new generation of AP calipers, I've only seen a few cars with them so far but out of the available options it only seemed right to use the latest stuff available :)


Love it James, a great choice.

Thanks Colin


You know my opinion James ,it's going to be rapid ,I keep having to stop myself although I would be more likely to get a Ludlow space frame as he is good friends with Andy who does. my engine etc

Thanks Jezz, hopefully it will do the business, what I like about the kit is the crucial bit is right, how you put it together is upto the owner and you get to put your own spin on it as such, I've picked up more than enough contacts through the years to hopefully spec it well, some things I'll just have to plan for in the build as they wont happen immediately and others depending on finances I'll just do once and for all. Its been a good year with Dales car, well up and down but having seen 1st hand how just some good electronics alone can prevent some rather expensive failures that is one thing I will certainly be trying to add into the build.

[Benn]

thanks. There are a few already out there, one with a powertec v8 that runs in Time Attack, another is Jims Xe powered one. A very serious bit of kit and he can pedal it too

http://youtu.be/pzWmVC_245g

Holy christ that thing is mental, so fast... Love the pass door not beg able to take the speed too...


I didn't know it was a ready made frame, took it you and ash made it and i missed that photo..lol
zing bit of kit and will make sure a fantastic car. Love the calipers too.

[Jonlem]

Holy christ that thing is mental, so fast...


I didn't know it was a ready made frame, took it you and ash made it and i missed that photo..lol
zing bit of kit and will make sure a fantastic car. Love the calipers too.

Some people have questioned why I didn't just build one and the simple answer is that I couldn't build a kit up like that for the money that they are, there is a lot of development in the car and it could be a expensive learning curve trying to replicate it yourself, in fairness some items aren't all that flashy BUT they are functional and it keeps the kit cost effective, the fact there are a few out there, well atleast 5 that I know of doing very well atleast gives me confidence that the product and its parts are more than upto the job, some parts I have already improved, others maybe like the Gaz coilovers I will eventually replace but they are a good starting point and I am quite sure there will be enough to learn about the car before I need to worry about fitting better coilovers.

Ash is building his space framed Mk1 but they are essentially 2 totally different cars and I respect why Ash is having a go at it himself, either way he wouldn't be seen dead in a Ford, not even a plastic one lol

[toymex]

Jims car sounds lovely ,has he been to Brands with it ,it would be interesting to compare his lap times with the intermarques

[tb16v]

That's a bit naughty. Looking forward to seeing this come on. Should be a right weapon

[Jonlem]

Yeah it's awesome. If I didn't have the yb already I would of used a Xe, after all it's more my thing. I don't think it's ever raced over here, just been back at Sonnys for further development from time to time.

[t45_ste]

Awesome piece of kit and very well priced. Wish Id gone down this rour myself to be fair. Maybe the next one.

[Jonlem]

Thanks Ste, Just remembered about your tube notcher ! I totally forgot to ask, I will do in the morning

[M Sutton]

Awesome!!!!

[t45_ste]

Thanks Ste, Just remembered about your tube notcher ! I totally forgot to ask, I will do in the morning


No worries. The cars been 8 years in the making. No rush. Ha

[Jonlem]

I totally forgot till earlier and he said he will sell it, will sort it in the morning.

[staggy_gsi]

Wow......that is beautiful!

[c20tbo]

My old 800bhp all alloy SCS yb is in one of these now......great build

[Jonlem]

Ah ! Thats your old engine is it, the guy lives in the same town I do strangely enough, not met him yet but looking forward to seeing it !

[c20tbo]

Sure is......he's a nice guy, its going to be bloody mental rwd.

[Jonlem]

Small update. Moving units soon so car won't be having much love this side of Christmas, however ! The brake kits are coming along nicely.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/B38B97CB-5E12-4D72-997E-047612CB7BF7_zpspj9udauo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Jatec/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/B38B97CB-5E12-4D72-997E-047612CB7BF7_zpspj9udauo.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/6748B3E0-0015-49C0-8365-7ED4B523DC11_zpsa59narek.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Jatec/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/6748B3E0-0015-49C0-8365-7ED4B523DC11_zpsa59narek.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/F04B4085-A48C-4120-9794-1DCD5BE9EA54_zpsynn245dd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Jatec/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/F04B4085-A48C-4120-9794-1DCD5BE9EA54_zpsynn245dd.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/55840432-11FD-4DDD-BCCD-01E0807F2BEF_zpsvojlnmiu.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Jatec/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/RSR%20Escort/55840432-11FD-4DDD-BCCD-01E0807F2BEF_zpsvojlnmiu.jpg.html)

hopefully some more updates soon

[bazzap8389]

Some nicely machined parts there :)

[AndrewC]

What is it about beautiful engineering? So cool. Even the neat the grooves on the discs...form and function, fantastic

[Will F]

Its such a shame that they will be covered in brake dust/road c*ap/oil within a few miles of being fitted though... nice work James - looking forward t seeing it come together

[Benn]

That brake set up is awesome...............

[Jonlem]

Its such a shame that they will be covered in brake dust/road c*ap/oil within a few miles of being fitted though... nice work James - looking forward t seeing it come together

Brake dust yes but it's not a oily Xe I'm fitting lol

[Will F]

Brake dust yes but it's not a oily Xe I'm fitting lol

I did think that when I wrote it... lol

[cossienova]

Wow what a project always loved these seen a few now. You won't be disappointed with the Borg Warner, I run an sx200 on my yb and its miles ahead of the t4 and gt30 I had before, worth the money for the manifold for sure. 7670 is the way to go, planning on one next. You have a small turbo plenum modified for 8 injectors?

[BRoadGhost]

Having looked up RSR escort on youtube, it's fair to say me likey.

[Jonlem]

Wow what a project always loved these seen a few now. You won't be disappointed with the Borg Warner, I run an sx200 on my yb and its miles ahead of the t4 and gt30 I had before, worth the money for the manifold for sure. 7670 is the way to go, planning on one next. You have a small turbo plenum modified for 8 injectors?

Thanks mate. I've seen some great results using the EFR on other engines, I'm still undecided whether to go with the 7670 as the power delivery will be savage which is good but it's going to be a bit much in 2wd, we'll see which route I go down nearer the time. I've driven a 700hp s15 drift car with a sx300 and it was immense, big capacity though.

Inlet wise yes I have a 8 injector eec4 setup, I'm selling this in favour of a hart plenum as I'm a little tight on clearance with the throttle body and 2nd injector rail, I'll just roll with a set of 1000cc injectors and a Audi dbw throttle body.

[Jonlem]

Having looked up RSR escort on youtube, it's fair to say me likey.

:)

[Southie]

Insane build and looks fantastic, we need plenty of GoPro style videos in action once this beasts up and running ;)

Love the fact you share all your fantastic projects on here by the way.

[Jonlem]

Insane build and looks fantastic, we need plenty of GoPro style videos in action once this beasts up and running ;)

Love the fact you share all your fantastic projects on here by the way.

l will no doubt do a video or 2 !

Novas were where it started for me so I've always got a soft spot for this forum. This is the only place there is a build thread actually !

[Southie]

Hats off to you and even a curtsy then lol

I'll never be able to afford the the types of cars you have/build so to me I really enjoy seeing what you achieve. ;)

[Benn]

Wanna see you and Ash doing this...

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc7/davidt634/SDC10274.jpg

[cossienova]

Thanks mate. I've seen some great results using the EFR on other engines, I'm still undecided whether to go with the 7670 as the power delivery will be savage which is good but it's going to be a bit much in 2wd, we'll see which route I go down nearer the time. I've driven a 700hp s15 drift car with a sx300 and it was immense, big capacity though.

Inlet wise yes I have a 8 injector eec4 setup, I'm selling this in favour of a hart plenum as I'm a little tight on clearance with the throttle body and 2nd injector rail, I'll just roll with a set of 1000cc injectors and a Audi dbw throttle body.

Sounds good wouldn't imagine u will need big power with this their so light! Doesn't Andy Harris now use a rsr? If so that's down in the low 11's on a pinto!
cool, thought it looked like a small turbo inlet, iv got a rs500 on mine but am changing to a hart also, u going to use the bigger throttle body hart or the original size one? They used to cast 2 types, I wanted to use an rs500 tb on a hart but don't seem to sell the bigger type any more.

[Jonlem]

Sounds good wouldn't imagine u will need big power with this their so light! Doesn't Andy Harris now use a rsr? If so that's down in the low 11's on a pinto!
cool, thought it looked like a small turbo inlet, iv got a rs500 on mine but am changing to a hart also, u going to use the bigger throttle body hart or the original size one? They used to cast 2 types, I wanted to use an rs500 tb on a hart but don't seem to sell the bigger type any more.

Andy runs another chassis, it's quite similar though.

I'm using a 65mm electric throttle, benefits being no need for a idle valve, great anti lag and throttle blip when I fit the sequential box ( as no doubt it will happen rofl )

people seem to think big boost pipes are a must but plenty of people have seen over 700hp on 63mm pipe work so rather than waste space using big pipe work I'll just keep everything as tight as possible.

[Jonlem]

Wanna see you and Ash doing this...

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc7/davidt634/SDC10274.jpg

We already have twice lol

[cossienova]

Andy runs another chassis, it's quite similar though.

I'm using a 65mm electric throttle, benefits being no need for a idle valve, great anti lag and throttle blip when I fit the sequential box ( as no doubt it will happen rofl )

people seem to think big boost pipes are a must but plenty of people have seen over 700hp on 63mm pipe work so rather than waste space using big pipe work I'll just keep everything as tight as possible.
Tidy I'm still l8 ecu so have to stick with standard tb for now but will go drive by wire as only hear good things about them. May just get a normal hart then, Harvey Gibbs does my engines and he also told me he's done loads 700+ hp with standard tb.

[Jonlem]

Can't fault Harvey tbh. Knows what he is going and builds a great race engine.

I'm only going dbw as the ecu supports it and it will help in certain areas, can't deny the simplicity of a throttle cable though, not a lot to go wrong lol

[brainsnova]

That makes my brothers mk1 look like a proper rot box now

[Jonlem]

Small Christmas update.

Recieved my brakes from BG Developments end of last week, fantastic service from them :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0179_zpsqhlcnaid.jpg

Front bells and rotors, I have gone with a floating setup on the fronts:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0188_zpsniqt5ocx.jpg

Front brackets :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0181_zps89txykcz.jpg

Rear bells and rotors :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0182_zpsnoncjntl.jpg

Rear brackets :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0189_zpsr2rkvg0r.jpg

Calipers, rears are identical in physical size but use a much smaller piston size, I want

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0183_zps15ylftsv.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0184_zpsyfqw2aeq.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0185_zpswon3aokh.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0186_zpslngxy1zm.jpg


I couldn't resist not bolting one corner together the other morning

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0201_zpsyloh3uuh.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0200_zpstw4pnvvc.jpg


Also my new inlet plenum arrived, mainly for a trial fit to see if I had the clearance to the chassis that I wanted and it would seem I have.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0190_zpsogrwhcxm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0192_zpsxes72mff.jpg


Back into work tomorrow so you can aguarantee the rest of the brakes will be on there by lunchtime lol

[krobinson]

Fantastic, what a car!!!!

[toymex]

Love those calipers ,do they do a smaller version ?

[Jonlem]

Thanks mate. They are .5kg lighter each than the usual alternative and being forged they are also a fair bit stronger.

AP do list a 13" version although max disc width is 25.4 by the looks of it. If you want anything like that let me know

https://www.apracing.com/product_details/race_car/brake_calipers/pro_5000_r_range/4_piston-cp9444-2/3/4/5s0l-front-45.9cm²_piston_area-suits_13_wheel.aspx

[BRoadGhost]

Look how organic the structure of that caliper is; wonderful! ~ Lighter than a solid lump & stronger too.

[Jonlem]

Look how organic the structure of that caliper is; wonderful! ~ Lighter than a solid lump & stronger too.

I nearly went down the traditional setup just because I've used it on other cars but I have plenty of confidence that these will be equally as good if not better.

[Mike]

Look how organic the structure of that caliper is; wonderful! ~ Lighter than a solid lump & stronger too.

Very similiar to a range that Akebono do.

[Jonlem]

As predicted, went into work yesterday, did some work then fitted the rear brakes !

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0238_zpsdsbczanl.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0239_zpsgpforyxi.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0240_zpsvjuwmkpz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Jatec/RSR%20Escort/IMG_0241_zpsmf3lekoi.jpg

[andygtt]

Very impressive build... how is it progressing now?

[brucer]

Yeh, updates needed.