Ford Sierra Sapphire

Cosworth 4WD

This is a revised version of the 2WD Sapphire Cosworth. There were some big changes in the engine and gearbox. In fact the gearbox was totally new. The old one was the Warner T5 but it could not cope with the stronger engine, which now produced 224 bhp from 204. The brand new gearbox was the MT75, which was one of the secrets of the 4WD's success.

The engine was totally rebuilt. There was a new stronger engine block now called YBG, revised head with new manifolds, upgraded turbo, bigger oil pump and 25% larger intercooler. All these changes resulted to an increase in the car's power, now to 224bhp to 6000rpm, but the performance was not increased, because of the losses that the front differential created.

This new engine ran on unleaded fuel, so you can imagine what great engine it was, if you think that the unleaded fuel has less octanes than the 4-star. Again the performance gains could be even higher, but the catalyst that the new exhaust system had restricted it even more.

Was this Cossie fast? Of course it was. 6.6sec for 0-62sec and a top speed of 144mph with four wheel drive made it a very serious opponent. And now with the stronger engine block the potential for even more horsepower was greater. Imagine, four wheel drive and 450-500bhp!!! Ferraris make me laugh…

Some photos…

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