๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Sierra RS Cosworth Year: 1992-1996 Codes Chassis Code: GF/GL (Sierra facelift generation, 'Facelift'/'Sapphire' models) ๐ Introduction Market Position Positioning: Essential resource for owners and enthusiasts of the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, catering to both routine maintenance and in-depth restoration. Competitive Analysis Advantage: Provides comprehensive, factory-level information often unavailable in generic repair guides. Its detailed nature makes it ideal for preserving and maintaining a performance classic. Key Features Illustrations: Detailed illustrations, diagrams, photos, and enlarged insets Instructions: Step-by-step instructions, numbered instructions, and detailed substeps Electrical: Combined troubleshooting, electrical service procedures, and detailed wiring diagrams Usability: Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Restoration Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as 'highly detailed' and covering 'all major topics') Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Yes (Rebuild, troubleshooting, diagnostics) Cooling System: Yes Starting Ignition System: Yes Emission Controls: Yes Engine Controls: Yes (Including ECU diagnosis) Transmission Transaxle: Yes (Manual and potentially automatic variants) Exhaust System: Yes Fuel System: Yes (Including fuel injection) HVAC System: Yes Instrumentation Warning Systems: Yes Battery Charging System: Yes Audio Systems: Yes Lighting System: Yes Electrical System: Yes (Including extensive wiring schematics) Body Interior Exterior: Yes Suspension System: Yes Driveline: Yes (Including drivetrain components) Brakes System: Yes Steering System: Yes Procedures Included Maintenance: Yes (Step-by-step instructions) Troubleshooting: Yes (Combined with electrical service procedures) Repair: Yes (All diagnostic and repair procedures in great detail) Rebuild Refurbish Restore: Yes (Comprehensive for restoration purposes) Disassembly Assembly: Yes Diagnostics: Yes (Detailed diagnostic procedures) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (From general information to detailed component repair and electrical schematics) Level Of Detail: High (Includes substeps, notes, cautions, warnings) ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Requirements: PDF Reader Searchable: Likely (Standard for modern PDF manuals, facilitating quick information retrieval) Printable: Yes (All pages are printable) Print Quality Quality: High (Implied by 'detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics') Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital format) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve Engine Code: YBG / YBJ (Commonly associated with the Sierra RS Cosworth) Displacement: 2.0 Liters (1998 cc) Performance Horsepower Ps: Approximately 220-225 PS (162-168 kW) for the 1992-1996 models, depending on specific market and tune. Torque Nm: Approximately 300-320 Nm (221-236 lb-ft) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium (95 RON or higher recommended) ๐ง Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual (M85 variant, typically from Getrag) Optional Type: Limited production automatic transmission variants may exist, though the manual is standard for the RS Cosworth. Features Drive Layout: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with optional Limited Slip Differential (LSD) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Saloon (Sapphire), Hatchback (less common for RS Cosworth post-1987, but facelift models predominantly Sapphire) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: N/A for the specific period and models from official contemporary sources, but later facelift Sierras generally saw improvements over early models. Active Features ABS: Yes (Standard on RS Cosworth models) Passive Features Seatbelts: Yes (Three-point inertia reel seatbelts) Airbags: Driver airbag typically optional or standard on later facelift models, not universal. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory Ford radio/cassette player, often with amplifier. Basic analog controls. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on many models, typically electronically controlled. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to basic automotive electronics; no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB were standard. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 6,000-10,000 miles (10,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact Ford recommendation). Spark Plugs: Approximately every 24,000-30,000 miles (40,000-50,000 km), depending on plug type. Timing Belt: Crucial: Replace every 30,000-45,000 miles (50,000-70,000 km) or as specified, due to interference engine design. Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: Typically 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic oil meeting Ford specifications (e.g., WSS-M2C153-E or equivalent). Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Ford specification: WSS-M97B44-D or similar green type coolant. Transmission Fluid: Manual Transmission: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Known Issues Turbocharger: Bearing wear, oil leaks, and wastegate issues are common if not properly maintained. Rust: Prone to rust in common areas: wheel arches, sills, strut tops, rear wings, and around windows. Careful inspection is vital. Engine Seals: Oil leaks from rocker cover gasket, front/rear crankshaft seals, and oil cooler seals. Electrical: Corroded connectors, wiring harness degradation, especially in older, high-mileage vehicles. ECU issues can occur. Suspension: Wear in bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can lead to poor handling and alignment...
Essential resource for owners and enthusiasts of the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, catering to both routine maintenance and in-depth restoration.
Competitive Analysis
Advantage:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level information often unavailable in generic repair guides. Its detailed nature makes it ideal for preserving and maintaining a performance classic.
Key Features
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, photos, and enlarged insets
Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions, numbered instructions, and detailed substeps
Electrical:
Combined troubleshooting, electrical service procedures, and detailed wiring diagrams
Usability:
Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval
YBG / YBJ (Commonly associated with the Sierra RS Cosworth)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Performance
Horsepower Ps:
Approximately 220-225 PS (162-168 kW) for the 1992-1996 models, depending on specific market and tune.
Torque Nm:
Approximately 300-320 Nm (221-236 lb-ft)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON or higher recommended)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual (M85 variant, typically from Getrag)
Optional
Type:
Limited production automatic transmission variants may exist, though the manual is standard for the RS Cosworth.
Features
Drive Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with optional Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Saloon (Sapphire), Hatchback (less common for RS Cosworth post-1987, but facelift models predominantly Sapphire)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
N/A for the specific period and models from official contemporary sources, but later facelift Sierras generally saw improvements over early models.
Active Features
ABS:
Yes (Standard on RS Cosworth models)
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Yes (Three-point inertia reel seatbelts)
Airbags:
Driver airbag typically optional or standard on later facelift models, not universal.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory Ford radio/cassette player, often with amplifier. Basic analog controls.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many models, typically electronically controlled.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic automotive electronics; no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB were standard.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 6,000-10,000 miles (10,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact Ford recommendation).
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 24,000-30,000 miles (40,000-50,000 km), depending on plug type.
Timing Belt:
Crucial: Replace every 30,000-45,000 miles (50,000-70,000 km) or as specified, due to interference engine design. Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Typically 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic oil meeting Ford specifications (e.g., WSS-M2C153-E or equivalent).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Ford specification: WSS-M97B44-D or similar green type coolant.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual Transmission: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Turbocharger:
Bearing wear, oil leaks, and wastegate issues are common if not properly maintained.
Rust:
Prone to rust in common areas: wheel arches, sills, strut tops, rear wings, and around windows. Careful inspection is vital.
Engine Seals:
Oil leaks from rocker cover gasket, front/rear crankshaft seals, and oil cooler seals.
Electrical:
Corroded connectors, wiring harness degradation, especially in older, high-mileage vehicles. ECU issues can occur.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can lead to poor handling and alignment issues.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Ford's significant motorsport heritage, particularly in rallying and touring car racing, with the Cosworth name synonymous with performance.
Model Evolution
Evolution:
The Sierra RS Cosworth initially debuted in 1986. The 1992-1996 models represent the facelifted Sierra platform, with design refinements and updated mechanics. The 'Sapphire' saloon body style became the dominant form for the RS Cosworth from the late 1980s onwards.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Genk, Belgium; Saarlouis, Germany; and potentially other Ford European plants.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motorsport:
The Sierra RS Cosworth platform itself was highly successful in various motorsport disciplines, including BTCC and Group A rallying, cementing its legendary status.