Project Type-R will be a 2 litre Zetec-R powered Fiesta RS Turbo. Initially normally aspirated for insurance reasons then rebuilt and turbochaged at a later date. The shell is a 1991 FRST, not just any old FRST shell, but Fiesta Frenzy honcho Ian Howell's old car.
The car used to run a 2.1 16v Zetec with a T34, producing a dyno proved 348bhp and the car was laser timed at 155mph. Ian has now fitted the engine into a new car so the Fiesta shell became available.
This project began when Paul was offered a good deal by Mark Stewart from mwstewart.co.uk on his Zetec-R engine. The unit had been installed in his XR2i 16v for a short time and Mark had made the neccessary modifications to enable a straightforward fitment into the Fiesta engine bay.
The original plan was to source a base model mk3 or mk3.5 in good structural condition and replace the standard engine with the Zetec. Looking around it became apparant that a good car was going to be fairly expensive and unless it was a performance model, many more parts, such as the bodykit and anti-roll bars, would need to be purchased.
Myself and Paul were considering variours options, when I was informed by Ian that he intended to break his Fiesta. Ideas began to form and after many phone calls and emails between myself, Paul, Ian and Sunny, the shell was collected and now sits empty, ready for work to progress.
The car in it's current state is a bare rolling shell with glass, carpet, dash, bonnet, doors and a tailgate from another car. The wheels shown are 15" TSW Evos which will be replaced by 17" Inifinitys (currently on Paul's van) when the car is finished. Suspension wise it rolls about on standard XR2i kit until Avo coilovers are fitted.
Within the next couple of weeks work will commence on the engine installation. The first step is to source the following parts:
Gearbox Most likely an Escort RS Turbo series 2 unit with limited slip differential.
ECU and loom These were removed by Ian with the engine so suitable replacements are needed. XR2i 16v, Si 16v or RS 1800.
Fuel tank and pump This was also removed and sold by Ian. Any tank from an EFi Fiesta should suffice.
This page will continue to be updated as the project progresses.
The intended spec (subject to change) is detailed below.
| Engine: | 2.0 16v Series 3 Zetec R |
|---|---|
| Transmission: | Rebuilt Escort RS Turbo Series 2 gearbox with LSD, Uprated bearings and main shaft. |
| Exhaust: | Bespoke J&P |
| Wheels: | 7.5 x 17" Smiths Infinity |
| Tyres: | 205/40 ZR17 Avon ZZ-1 |
| Suspension: | Avo Coilovers, 20mm rear track increase. |
| Brakes: | Escort Cosworth front discs and calipers. |
| Exterior: | Modified arches, Fibresports Escort Cosworth front bumper, Espace splitter, modified RST rear, mk3.5 wing mirrors, shortened ariel, side strips removed, delocked flush tailgate, swage line on bonnet removed, bonnet pins, single wiper conversion, rear wiper removed, WRC style rear spoiler, stick on front number plate, Type-R decals, late spec Ford ovals. |
| Interior: | Sparco Evo 2 fixed back race seats, Willans 6 point 3" harnesses with QR buckles, rollecentre rear cage with harness anchor bar, Momo gearknob, Momo wheel, 1992 spec black carpet, pillar trims and dashbord, XR2i 16v door cards, air / fuel ratio meter, battery tray in boot. |
| ICE: | Nope! |
| Thanks to: | Mark Stewart for the engine and all the mounts and fabrications, Ian Howell for the shell and other bits and bobs, and Sunny for sorting the deal out! |
