‘The Mk2 Escort is a revered automobile, particularly a Mexico, therefore there’s a strict rulebook for what’s acceptable or unacceptable in modifying one.’
Andy Devine, the proprietor of the Mk2 Ford Escort Mexico you would possibly see talked about across the phrases above, is not any stranger to the UK’s basic Ford scene. After 30 years of possession, it’s protected to say that his automobile – the Mexorcist – is much faraway from most modified examples you see on the streets or at exhibits.
“Means again, I made a decision I wished to provide the automobile a bit extra energy together with a couple of extra upgrades,” Andy explains. He selected a Cosworth YB engine, but it surely didn’t keep unique for lengthy. “After a quick stint of use and blowing it up on the drag strip, I had already unleashed the thirst for extra modifications.”
As you’ll be able to see, Andy caught along with his alternative; the two.0-litre DOHC 16V Cosworth mill nonetheless resides within the Escort’s engine bay. Nowadays, nonetheless, its modification checklist is intensive.
Highlights embrace Arrow solid connecting rods and WRC-spec Cosworth solid pistons to attain a 9:1 compression ratio. Aggressive BD15 and BD14 Kent Cams camshafts management the consumption and exhaust valves, with the engine respiration by a customized Jarno Composites consumption plenum, a drive-by-wire throttle physique, and a bespoke side-exit exhaust constructed with 3-inch Vibrant Efficiency tubing.
I can’t neglect the twin-scroll BorgWarner turbocharger with twin 3.5-inch downpipes, the Emtron ECU, or the Julian Godfrey billet dry sump.
One in all my favorite touches is the twin-charge cooler system, taken from an F10 BMW M5 and hidden forward of the entrance wheels.
“That should have price BMW hundreds of thousands in R&D, so why not reap the benefits of all that work?” says Andy. “Dyno and onerous highway use confirmed it was an incredible resolution, solely reaching a constant 32-degree inlet temperature. It may well go far decrease through the use of ice within the twin water tanks.”
The extreme engine construct is just a part of what makes Andy’s Escort Mexico so outrageous. You solely must look on the exterior to see how modified that’s too.
“It has taken eight years from the purpose of beginning once more with a automobile that I blew as much as the place the automobile is right now,” Andy reminisces. “The thought was all the time to have the automobile ‘look’ prefer it was rendered, i.e. barely unreal. Like a Scorching Wheels automobile from once I was a child. Even the ‘badges’ on the boot lid at the moment are stickers.”
The acid-dipped and restored Mk2 shell was fitted with a multi-point Customized Cages roll cage, the load of which has been offset by the aluminium doorways, carbon fibre bonnet and boot, and even the substitute roof. Mixed with the stripped-out inside, Andy’s Escort ideas the scales at lower than a tonne.
Zakspeed Group 2 broad arches characteristic, as does an SHP Engineering Mk1 Escort entrance splitter tailored to suit the bodywork’s elevated width.
Behind the Zakspeed wheel arches, you’ll discover a chassis that has been tubbed to accommodate a set of billet aluminium BBS E48 recreations. The Picture Wheels lips and barrels take the specs to 16×10-inch in any respect 4 corners, with centre-lock adaptors and Toyo Proxes R888R semi-slicks to complete them off.
GAZ Gold suspension is paired with StanceParts air cups to permit Andy to elevate the automobile and defend the entrance splitter on rougher roads, or for negotiating pace bumps and steep entry. The brake system options AP Racing discs and callipers entrance and rear, an AP Racing hydraulic handbrake and an adjustable pedal field.
To package deal issues extra effectively, the Escort’s boot ground was raised to permit the oil cooler, oil pump and air cup system to stay out of sight above the Varis-style rear diffuser in a removable cradle.
Contained in the automobile are a pair of Recaro Profi SPG XL seats with TAKATA Racing harnesses and a complete host of bespoke carbon components, together with the dashboard, firewall, ground trays, and door playing cards. The Escort runs an air-shifted 6-speed Quaife sequential transmission and an AP Racing clutch.
“I actually wished one thing totally different from some other Mk2 Escort on the market,” says Andy. “One thing that may have purists’ eyes out on stalks, however attraction to the broader automobile neighborhood, each younger and outdated.”
Andy’s dedication to the construct is definitely essentially the most spectacular characteristic, as are the talents he discovered alongside the best way. “I’m not a fabricator or skilled automobile builder,” he explains.“Over time, I’ve needed to study all the pieces from welding and fabrication to 3D design and 3D printing. All components of mechanical meeting.”
While not essentially to everybody’s style, the bespoke touches stand out essentially the most. Particulars just like the Mustang-inspired, resin-cast and 3D-printed taillights, and the Arduino-controlled steering wheel panel that communicates with the remainder of the automobile by way of a VIM3 board.
To not point out the 3D-printed Arduino connectors permitting Andy to daisy-chain parts all through the automobile, or the bespoke housings for the deconstructed Honda E headlights.
“As you’ll be able to see, there’s lots crammed right into a tiny house. I didn’t need one thing that was quick however seemed an absolute mess. I wished a really quick monitor automobile that can also be a present automobile, so all of the complexity needed to be hidden away,” he says.
I’ll let Andy shut this one out, as, when requested, he had an opinion on his place within the basic UK Ford scene, which I believe rings true.
“I believe I’ve moved so far-off from the basic Ford rulebook that we’ve gone full circle, from haters turning again into folks now loving the construct.”
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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