Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500 (1987)

The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, while a legendary performance car, does have some common faults that owners and enthusiasts should be aware of:

1. **Engine Meltdown Due to Fuel Pump Wiring**: Over time, the high current circuit can degrade, leading to lower voltage at the fuel pump, which can cause engine failure.
2. **Misfires**: These can be caused by issues with the rotor arm, distributor cap, leads, and spark plugs. Upgrading to a wasted-spark system can help.
3. **Wiring Issues**: Heat and age can degrade engine bay wiring, leading to intermittent signals to the ECU and potential engine failure.
4. **Piston Slap**: This can occur when starting from cold and indicates the need for a compression test².
5. **Turbocharger Problems**: Air leaks and poor maintenance can shorten the life of the turbo².
6. **Old Alarms**: Poorly installed or old alarms can cause various electrical issues.

Regular and meticulous maintenance is key to keeping these cars running smoothly.
*****

Generations
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was a single, special edition model produced in 1987. It was an evolution of the standard Sierra RS Cosworth, created to meet Group A racing homologation requirements. Only 500 units of the RS500 were made, all of which were right-hand drive and sold exclusively in the UK.
*****

Body Style
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 adopted a **3-door hatchback** body style. This design was chosen to meet the Group A racing homologation requirements and to enhance the car's aerodynamic performance.
*****

Trim Level
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was produced in a single trim level. This special edition was created specifically to meet Group A racing homologation requirements, and all 500 units were built to the same high-performance specifications.
*****

Engines
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was equipped with a specially modified version of the Cosworth YBD engine. Here are the key details:

- **Engine Type**: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four
- **Turbocharger**: Upgraded to a larger Garrett T04 turbocharger
- **Intercooler**: Larger air-to-air intercooler
- **Fuel System**: Additional set of four fuel injectors and an extra fuel rail
- **Power Output**: Approximately 224 horsepower in road trim¹²³

These modifications were designed to enhance performance and reliability, making the RS500 a formidable competitor in Group A racing.
*****

Performance
The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth was a high-performance version of the Sierra, designed to dominate Group A racing. Here are some key performance figures for the RS500 Cosworth:

- **Engine**: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
- **Power**: 224 hp
- **Torque**: 203 lb-ft
- **Transmission**: 5-speed manual with a limited-slip differential
- **0-60 mph**: 6 seconds
- **Top Speed**: 153 mph

The RS500 was known for its lightweight design, weighing around 2,660 lbs, which contributed to its impressive acceleration and top speed³. In race trim, the power could be increased significantly, making it a formidable competitor on the track.
*****

Spares
Finding spares for a Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth can be a bit of a hunt, but there are several specialized suppliers in the UK and Ireland that can help:

1. **RS Cosworth Breakers**: Located in Waterlooville, Portsmouth, they stock a wide range of new and used parts for all RS Cosworth models.
2. **PJ Motorsport**: Based in Wolverhampton, they specialize in parts, tuning, and engine builds for Sierra/Escort Cosworth and other Ford RS cars.
3. **Graham Goode Racing**: With over 35 years of experience, they offer performance and original equipment replacement parts for the Ford RS Cosworth range.
4. **Old Classic Car**: This site lists Sierra RS Cosworth RS500 parts and memorabilia being sold in the UK and internationally.

These suppliers should have what you need to keep your RS500 in top shape.
*****

Specialist
**Northern Ireland Ford Cosworth Specialists**
Here are a few specialists in Northern Ireland who can help with Ford Cosworth vehicles:

1. **McKinstry Motorsport**: Located in Banbridge, they have experience working on Cosworth engines and can likely assist with your needs.
2. **Steven Gault**: Known for his expertise with Ford engines, he might be able to help if he's taking on new customers.
3. **AI Autosport**: They have built and worked on Cosworth engines and come highly recommended by many enthusiasts.

These specialists should be able to provide the expertise and parts you need for your Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth.
*****

Racing
The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth was highly successful in racing. It dominated touring car racing in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of its notable achievements include:

- **British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)**: The RS500 went undefeated for three years between 1988 and 1990.
- **Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC)**: It won titles in 1988 and 1989.
- **Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM)**: It secured the championship in 1988.
- **Other Championships**: The RS500 also achieved success in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, New Zealand Touring Car Championship, and the AMSCAR Series.

The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth has a rich and impressive racing history. Here are some highlights:

1. **British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)**: The RS500 was a dominant force in the BTCC, winning the championship in 1988 and 1989. It was driven by notable racers like Andy Rouse and Steve Soper¹.

2. **World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)**: The RS500 made its debut in the 1987 WTCC at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Although it didn't finish the race, it showed its potential by qualifying in the top positions.

3. **Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC)**: The RS500 was also successful in Australia, winning the championship in 1988 and 1989. It was driven by legends like Dick Johnson and Peter Brock.

4. **Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM)**: In Germany, the RS500 secured the DTM championship in 1988, showcasing its versatility and performance across different racing series.

5. **Other Championships**: The RS500 also achieved success in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, New Zealand Touring Car Championship, and the AMSCAR Series.

The RS500's combination of power, handling, and reliability made it a formidable competitor on the track, earning it a legendary status in motorsport history.