Sierra Sapphire Cosworth

[Stevenr]

Bought my childhood dream car this week,love it to bits already.

Genuine 30k from new,it was bought new by Ken Brittain of Brodie Brittain Racing and had a few toys added by them taking it up to around 360 bhp.Not sure how many of those ponies are left these days but it's certainly lively for an old girl.

Not had a chance to take many photos yet because I've been busy learning to drive a Sierra all over again after having the Impreza for the last year.I'll update as I get it to how I want it though.

Edited by Stevenr on Friday 24th April 15:19

[Stevenr]

Quhet said:

Looks lovely, bet it wasn't cheap though.

Show me an 80's RS Ford that is

This one wasn't all that bad to be honest,yes a lot of money for an old Sierra but it won't lose any money in the next few years.

[Stevenr]

wongthecorrupter said:

Greens, 3 bar map sensor, chip, t34 turbo and 25 psi. Not much gets past then

It's got all of the above,a few extras on top of that lot too.

Away out tonight to make the most of the good weather,need to get used to everyone looking at the old Ford again too.

[Stevenr]

E36Ross said:

Seen this on PassionFord.

Excellent cars! I bought my first earlier this year, a 1990 2WD In Moonstone.

Moonstone's a nice colour too.To be honest I wasn't fussed what colour it was as long as it was a good car.
Nearly gave up and bought a mk1 Focus RS but then this one popped up so that was that idea fired clean out of my mind

[Stevenr]

Well last night was the first proper run on the open road and it certainly didn't disappoint.

The exhaust needs a bit of tweaking as it rattles on the underside somewhere but i'm planning a new system anyway.Other than that it's great.

I thought it might feel a bit slow compared to the Impreza but not so sure now,certainly shifts from 50 upwards.

New wheels next week too so that's the first big change.

[Stevenr]

Max M4X WW said:

Stevenr said:

Something not quite right here.That was a photo of a Sierra when I posted it so I'm a bit confused myself

Some editing of the OP required I think

[Stevenr]

I've got a set of Compomotive mo6,as seen on nearly every other Sapphire in the country.They do set the car off well though IMO.They were on my uncle's car but he's fitted the standard sharktoohs to his 4x4 so I'm taking the wheels for mine.

The originals will then be refurbished and have new tyres fitted because I like the look of the lattice wheels too.

Heading to the local useless Ford dealer to see if I can get mudflaps for it,phoned them yesterday but the roaster I spoke to didn't even know what a Sapphire was I don't think

[Stevenr]

They can still get the fronts but the rears are no longer available.Need to search the net tonight for a pair

[Stevenr]

AntiLagGC8 said:

Awesome car, love them!

How does this car compare to driving the Impreza?

Very very different cars.The Impreza is a brilliant car,get in point it where you want it to go and it does just that at whatever speed you so desire.The grip levels are quite daft at times really.The coilovers make it a bit of an uncomfortable bugger on some surfaces but really can't fault the car at all for that.I fitted them not Subaru so it's down to me.

The Sierra on the other hand is a different animal altogether,you actually have to drive it rather than just go along for the ride.In the Impreza you floor it and it goes,the Cosworth you floor it and wait a few seconds then it really does go.Cornering is far more fun if a little slower.

On a twisty tight road the Impreza would destroy the Sierra any day of the week.Long open road I don't think there would be much between them if anything.

Sadly I'm not allowed both of them so the Impreza has to go to be replaced with something a little more sensible and familyish.I sold our Mondeo STtdci to make room for the arrival of the Sierra thinking that maybe we could keep both but nope.Not happening

However,her choice of sensible familyish car just happens to be a Focus ST,think i can live with that

[Stevenr]

Looks lovely.Hoping to get mine to something similar,6 spokes instead of 5 though.

Ordered a new Mongoose exhaust for it this morning.That's the wallet getting a thrashing already and not even owned it a week yet

[Stevenr]

The original wheels are a bit past it really.Got a couple of tyres fitted on Friday and both wheels are buckled so they're for the skip.
I'll find a set in good condition though and keep them with the car.

[Stevenr]

I'm thinking about a set of 16s or maybe 17s.

If I can find a set of Escort wheels for reasonable money I'd go for them because the 18s are going to be too big I reckon.We'll see what like they fit and do for a while at least maybe.

Had it out today and as usual in April in the Highlands we got caught in heavy snow after it being bright and sunny in the morning when we set of.Good fun with over 300 horses going through the rear end though.

[Stevenr]

Had the new exhaust fitted and it sounds far better now,still waiting for the wheels to arrive.
Generally just been enjoying the car really





A friend took a couple of quick photos with something a bit better than my mobile last night,my car looks small these days compared to theirs.

[Stevenr]

There's something very addictive about it that i've never felt with the impreza.Or any other car for that matter.

Wish i could have been in a position to afford one long ago.

[Stevenr]

This one wasn't too expensive really for the miles and history etc.
I think I got lucky to be honest since looking at others for the same money since buying this one.

[Stevenr]

bigkeeko said:

Nice car mate. I had one as well. 4x4. The BHP figures don`t tell the whole story either, as there is not the tank like weight in them of modern cars. Rapid and very underrated machines.

Thank you,she's certainly lively enough for me although I think a trip south to get it on a rolling road and set up properly would make it even better.

[Stevenr]

Bit of an update after some using and abusing.The poor old girl was starting to smoke on overrun,checked the usual things before handing it over to a professional for a full top end rebuild.The smoke I believe was caused by knackered stem seals,turbo seems ok and there's no sign of the bores being worn or damaged so that's a plus.

Before all that happened though,i managed to fit the new wheels,they still need a tidy up but the engine work took priority so I need to save a few more pennies for that once I get the bill for the engine or it'll be for me from my so far understanding missus

A few photos anyway,more to follow once I get it back and cracked on with the rest of the plans.





The squint number plate's been sorted since this was taken.Only noticed it when I looked at the photo



I pinched this photo from a facebook page,it was taken at the McRae rally challenge at knockhill the other week,I took plenty photos of everything else apart from my own one

Edited by Stevenr on Monday 25th May 13:27

[Stevenr]

Terminator X said:

Fell in love with them myself in the late 80's after seeing one in black with black leather interior parked up in Slough of all places! Never owned one in the end as love of all things Scoob took over!

TX.

I'd have another Impreza STI in a heartbeat.In fact I'll more than likely own another one soon enough when funds allow.

I don't think I'd have another 2.5 though unless it's a rebuilt one,too many horror stories although I was lucky with mine and had no problems other than the rear suspension giving up.

[Stevenr]

Thanks for the nice comments,can't wait to get it back now and make use of it.

Thinking about the brakes just now,I have a set of 6 pot calipers and massive discs that came with the wheels but it had new calipers all round late last year when it went back on the road so they're pretty good already.

The 6 pots would look good behind the big open spoked wheels,the standard wheels wouldn't fit back on the car then though.

Decisions!

[Stevenr]

It's home again,getting the abuse it deserves too