Models · Ford
Ford Escort RS Cosworth buying guide
The Escort RS Cosworth was built from 1992 to 1996 with Cosworth's 2.0 YB turbo engine, first with a large turbo for homologation and from 1994 with a smaller, less laggy one. Most panels are unique to the car, so condition and originality matter.
The versions
- Big turbo (1992 to 1994): YBT 2.0 16-valve turbo, 224bhp, blue cam cover
- Small turbo (1994 to 1996): YBP, 217bhp, silver cam cover
- MT75 five-speed manual
- Motorsport, standard and Lux trims; Lux adds electric windows, opening rear windows and a heated screen
- Monte Carlo (1994): 200 built, 70 for the UK
What to check on a Escort Cosworth
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Head gasket signs
What to look for: With the engine cold, look in the coolant header tank for an oily film and under the oil filler cap for white sludge. Look for coolant on the exhaust side at the back of the engine, and watch for white smoke once running.
Why it matters: Head gasket failure on this engine usually starts at the back, on the exhaust manifold side. White smoke points to the gasket; blue smoke under load points to piston rings, and on the overrun to the turbo.
The MT75 gearbox and clutch
What to look for: On the drive, change through all the gears and listen for crunching or reluctance to engage, and for a whine in second or third. At idle, listen for a rattle. Note whether the clutch pedal feels heavy.
Why it matters: Worn synchromesh shows as crunching; a rattle at idle and extra noise in second and third suggest worn layshaft bearings, and a continuous whine means the box is close to failing. Turbo heat can fray the clutch cable, which makes the pedal heavy.
Fuel pump, fusebox and fan wiring
What to look for: Check the cooling fan cuts in when the engine is hot. Ask whether the fuel pump has been upgraded or checked for flow. Look behind the dash for remnants of a badly fitted aftermarket alarm, and check for rough running that could be water reaching plugs under the bonnet vents.
Why it matters: The standard fuel pump is near its limits, and poor flow can starve the engine of fuel and lead to major engine failure. The fusebox suffers from dry joints, burnt tracks and water ingress, and the ageing fan and fuel pump wiring is prone to failure.
Also in the full guide
- Rust in the hidden places
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Escort Cosworth
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Ford.