Description:

ZAKSPEED FORD ESCORT BDA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• The Vehicle – pp. 3–4

• Development – p. 5

• Technical Data – pp. 6–7

• Engine – p. 8

• Transmission – p. 9

• Chassis – p. 9

• Suspension – p. 10

• Brakes – p. 10

• Wheels – p. 10

• Drivers – p. 11

• Price – p. 12

• Photos – pp. 13–14

THE VEHICLE

For the 1974 season, Zakspeed rebuilt the Escorts. Major innovations were avoided; instead, the BDA Escorts, which competed in the German Racing Championship and the European Touring Car Championship that season, were refined in detail.

In earlier years, Erich Zakowski obtained the BDA engines directly from Brian Hart. Later, he sourced only the individual components from Cosworth, modifying and assembling them according to his own specifications.

Particular attention was given to the cylinder head of the four-cylinder inline engine. The aluminium engine had proven very sensitive to heat. At water and oil temperatures above 80°C, the engine suffered a considerable loss of power, often resulting in blown head gaskets due to insufficient rigidity of the early aluminium blocks.

This was resolved by using gas-filled rings in the head gaskets to compensate for thermal expansion and by widening the rim of the cylinder liners. For 1974, valve diameters were also enlarged: the intake valve grew by 1.5 mm to 36.5 mm, and the exhaust valve to 30 mm. Bore and stroke—and therefore displacement—remained unchanged.

Zakspeed offered two versions of the refined BDA engine in 1974.

• The aluminium block with higher compression was used in short-distance races and produced 275 hp at 8,500 rpm.

• For endurance races in the European Touring Car Championship, Zakspeed relied on a steel block with smaller valves and slightly lower compression. Although it delivered marginally less power and torque, it proved much more durable over long distances.

The rigid rear axle, now equipped with Bilstein coilover struts with screw threads, coil springs, four trailing arms, a Panhard rod, and adjustable stabilizers, was identical to that of the factory Ford Capri RS. For better weight distribution, the engine and ZF five-speed gearbox—also taken from the Capri RS—were moved as far back as possible. The fuel tank and battery were relocated to the trunk, as usual.

These measures resulted in a 58:42 weight distribution, which significantly improved handling. With proper tuning, Zakspeed gave the Escort BDA a docile and easily controllable driving character. The stiff suspension eliminated the heavy body roll seen in 1973. Steering response became almost kart-like, with the car tracking through corners precisely until power was applied.

The Zakspeed Ford Escort BDA was nearly perfect in all respects for the 1974 season — much to the delight of Dieter Glemser and Hans Heyer.

DEVELOPMENT

For the 1974 season, Zakspeed switched to the BDA engine from the Ford Escort RS1600, as its block allowed for a larger bore.

In 1972, Harald Menzel’s BDA engine had a displacement of 1,785 cc after the bore was increased to 86.5 mm. The hand-forged pistons were supplied by Mahle. The Cosworth camshafts, which directly actuated the valves via bucket tappets, remained largely unchanged. At 9,200 rpm, the small engine produced around 230 hp.

With a vehicle weight of only 841 kg, this meant a power-to-weight ratio of 3.56 kg/hp, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just over five seconds and to 200 km/h in about 24 seconds.

The base for the Zakspeed Escort BDA was either:

• a bare 1300 GT body shell, converted to left-hand drive (as with Alois Roppes), or

• a bare RS1600 body shell, built as right-hand drive (as with Harald Menzel).

Two mechanics required roughly two months for a complete build, as the body needed extensive modification. The front suspension points were retained but heavily reinforced, while new mounting points were added for the rear axle. Fender flares were welded in place in 1972. Non-structural components, such as the steel rear bulkhead, were replaced with aluminium panels.

The front suspension consisted of a lower wishbone, an upper support arm, and nearly vertical Bilstein coilover struts adjustable via an external thread. The rigid rear axle, connected via a Panhard rod, was secured at the differential with four trailing arms.

TECHNICAL DATA

GENERAL

• Regulations: Group 2

• Seasons: 1973–1975

ENGINE

• Type: Inline four-cylinder (front-mounted)

• Origin: Zakspeed development of the Cosworth-designed BDA engine, based on the 1.3L Kent block

• Block: Aluminium alloy

• Bore: 89.9 mm

• Stroke: 77.6 mm

• Displacement: 1,996 cm³

• Power: 202 kW (275 hp) at 8,500 rpm

• Compression ratio: 12:1

• Max torque: 255 Nm at 6,500 rpm

• Crankshaft: Steel, five bearings

• Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, belt-driven

• Lubrication: Dry-sump system (12 L capacity)

• Fuel system: Mechanical Lucas injection

• Fuel pumps: Two suction, one pressure pump

• Battery: Bosch 12V

• Ignition: Bosch HKZ single-ignition with rev limiter

TRANSMISSION

• Drive: Rear-wheel drive

• Gearbox: Manual ZF 5-speed

• Differential: Limited-slip

CHASSIS

• Structure: Self-supporting steel monocoque with integrated roll cage

• Panels: Steel sheet

SUSPENSION

• Front: Independent, coilover struts with adjustable stabilizer

• Rear: Rigid axle with homologated leaf springs, Bilstein coilovers with screw thread, four trailing arms, Panhard rod, aluminium differential housing

BRAKES

• Front: Independent suspension with wishbones, aluminium control arm, coilover strut, magnesium hub carrier, adjustable stabilizer

• Rear: Rigid axle with Bilstein coilovers, four trailing arms, Panhard rod, aluminium differential housing

WHEELS

• Type: BBS three-piece

• Front: 11.5 x 15"

• Rear: 14 x 15"

TIRES

• Front: Dunlop 22 x 11.5 – 15"

• Rear: Dunlop 22 x 14 – 15"

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

• Length: 3,978 mm

• Width: 1,730 mm

• Height: 1,350 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,400 mm

• Track (F/R): 1,380 mm

• Weight: 840 kg (empty)

PERFORMANCE

• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 5.5 s

• Top speed: up to 245 km/h

ENGINE

For the first time, an aluminium engine block was used. It was bored out to nearly 2 litres and produced around 255 hp at 8,700 rpm. Power delivery was strong across the usable rev range. Its high-revving nature and quick throttle response demonstrated how Zakspeed had turned the BDA into an exceptional racing engine through meticulous fine-tuning.

TRANSMISSION

A ZF five-speed gearbox from the factory Ford Capri RS was installed as far back as possible together with the engine to achieve improved weight distribution.

CHASSIS

The Escort BDA’s base was either a 1300 GT or an RS1600 body shell. Two mechanics took about two months for a full build due to extensive modifications. The car featured a self-supporting steel body with an integrated roll cage.

SUSPENSION, BRAKES & WHEELS

Front suspension: Independent, coilover struts with adjustable stabilizers.
Rear suspension: Rigid axle with homologated leaf springs, Bilstein coilovers, four trailing arms, Panhard rod, aluminium differential housing.

Front brakes: Independent suspension with wishbones, aluminium strut rod, coilover strut, magnesium hub carrier.
Rear brakes: Rigid axle with Bilstein coilovers, aluminium differential housing.

Wheels:

• BBS three-piece

  • Front: 11.5 x 15" (magnesium centre, aluminium rim)

  • Rear: 14 x 15" (magnesium centre, aluminium rim)

• Tires: Dunlop 22x11.5–15" (front) / 22x14–15" (rear)

DRIVERS

Hans Heyer

• Born: March 16, 1943, Mönchengladbach, Germany

• Nationality: German

• Profession: Racing driver

Dieter Glemser

• Born: June 28, 1938, Stuttgart, Germany

• Nationality: German

  • Profession: Racing driver

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