Tag Archives: legit

Motorsport

See Ford Sierra RS Cosworth “Garden Find” Emerge After 16 Years Of Solitude

Sometimes, we come across a car video that legit drops our jaw and this is one of them. You don’t have to be a Ford fan to know and appreciate the RS Cosworth legacy through the ’80s and ’90s. Fitted with high-output four-cylinder engines built by Cosworth, numerous Ford models in Europe became high-performance “Cozzies.” The Sierra RS Cosworth is cherished among enthusiasts, and hopefully, this particular car will be back on the road soon.

First, however, it needs to escape the backyard tomb where it’s been parked for seven years. The YouTube channel IMSTOKZE recently learned about its existence at an undisclosed location in the UK. It was actually the Cozzie’s owner who contacted the crew, giving them an invitation to check out his collection of ’80s Fords. For obvious reasons, the Sierra RS Cosworth is the crown jewel of the lot but simply seeing it proves to be a tremendous challenge, never mind reclaiming it from the yard.

Ford Sierra Cosworth RS Barn Find

That’s because it was boxed on three sides by a fence, creating a space only slightly larger than the car itself. An old Ford Transit served as the fourth wall, effectively removing it from sight but to make extra sure the Cozzie was hidden, thick thorn bushes spread throughout the area. It may have been left outside and open to the elements, but at least it was secure.

And it wasn’t completely left to the elements. The current owner had several covers over the car, though they deteriorated over the years to ultimately expose portions of the white exterior. He purchased it seven years ago and parked it in the yard, having never driven it on the road. Prior to that, the car was in storage with the previous owners for another seven years. All total, it’s been 14 years since this Sierra RS Cosworth terrorized UK streets.

Ford Sierra Cosworth RS Barn Find
Ford Sierra Cosworth RS Barn Find

With the van removed and thorn bushes cut, the camera finally gets in for a close look. The interior has seen better days; nasty mold covers the Recaro seats and some dash panels are missing, possibly for stereo upgrades or other electrical work. Under the hood, the iconic turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is nestled in a bay that’s obviously seen some aftermarket work. In original trim, this mill made approximately 200 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. In its present condition, simply getting it to start is an accomplishment.

Sadly, it’s an accomplishment we don’t reach in this video. There is hope though. With a battery hooked up, the dash lights illuminate and the engine cranks over without issue. It doesn’t fire up, but the clip concludes with a promise of more to come, hopefully culminating in a running Sierra RS Cosworth.

At the very least, let’s get a detailer with a power washer in there, stat.

Check out Motor1’s Rambling About Cars podcast for more classic Ford discussions and other automotive chat, available on YouTube below.

Motorsport

Experience the Thrilling Rev of a Small-Scale V12 Engine

Get ready to witness the most amazing 50cc engine ever created. This genuine V12 engine transforms gasoline into an incredible symphony of internal combustion. With a digital readout displaying an astounding 11,502 RPM, this engine is a mechanical marvel. Equipped with custom headers, it delivers pure mechanical music without the need for higher RPMs.

This impressive engine is the creation of JohnnyQ90 on YouTube, known for his small-scale engines. Previously, he showcased small V8 engines, including a naturally aspirated version and one with a tiny supercharger. Now, it’s time to introduce the 12-cylinder engine. This single overhead cam engine holds 1.5 ounces (45 milliliters) of 15w40 oil and runs on 100 octane fuel.

Mini V12

This liquid-cooled engine features a custom cooling system. Initially, an aluminum fan with black blades was used, but it proved too small for the job. Eventually, an 80mm computer fan was replaced with a 100mm fan, efficiently preventing overheating under throttle. Mounted on an elegant aluminum plate, this engine can reach high speeds without any cooling issues.

And there’s more to this exceptional engine. The earlier version of the V12 had dual distributors for each cylinder bank, but the upgraded model boasts an electronic ignition with a coil-on-plug design. Additionally, a new flywheel has been installed at the back. With the exhaust ports fully open, the engine produces a wild and aggressive sound, reminiscent of Italian supercars. The addition of 3D-printed stainless-steel tube headers further enhances the powerful exhaust note.

The video provides temperature and RPM data for the engine. A thermal camera captures the V12 under load, revealing valve cover temperatures hovering around 91 degrees Celsius. The headers are slightly warmer at 147 degrees, but thanks to the efficient cooling system, the engine maintains a safe operating temperature. The engine idles at 3,100 rpm and reaches an exhilarating 11,502 rpm at full throttle, producing a sound reminiscent of Formula 1 cars from the V12 era.

We reached out to the YouTube channel for more details about the build process. Hopefully, we will soon have additional information to share. In the meantime, we eagerly await more incredible mini-engine creations from this channel.

Motorsport

Tesla Cam Captures Dramatic Tire Blowout and Crash on Highway

Tire blowouts can be terrifying. Two years ago, the author experienced a loud explosion when a Firestone Firehawk tire blew out while maneuvering in a parking lot. Thankfully, there was no damage to the car or wheel. However, the driver of a classic Triumph TR7 convertible wasn’t as fortunate. They lost control of the vehicle after the right rear tire blew out in a dramatic fashion.

In addition to the blowout, the timing of the video captured by a Tesla Model 3’s exterior camera is uncanny. The video, posted on YouTube by ViralHog, shows the Tesla driving on an Ohio highway. As the driver passes cars in the left lane, they encounter a small convertible easily identified as a classic TR7. The moment is caught on camera as the driver’s side rear tire explodes, emitting a puff of material.

Tire Blowout

After the tire explodes, chunks of rubber fly, causing the car to veer left and then spin out to the right. Fortunately, there are no other cars nearby, allowing the vehicle to do a full 360-degree spin before sliding backward into a deep ditch. The camera car stops, and according to the video description, the driver of the TR7 is reported to be unharmed.

This video raises awareness about tire blowouts and safety. To gain more insight, we reached out to Jonathan Benson, an expert from Tire-Reviews.com. He mentioned that while modern tires are more durable than in the past, manufacturers have been focusing on reducing rolling resistance. This lighter construction can make the tires weaker and more prone to damage from potholes. However, Benson emphasized that neglect, such as running tires at low pressure or not noticing uneven wear, is the main cause of blowouts.

Benson explains that a nail in a tire typically does not cause a catastrophic failure like the one shown in the video. There needs to be significant structural damage for such an event to occur. From his experience, the main reasons for blowouts are running tires at low pressure or driving with unnoticed, uneven wear. Unfortunately, blowouts are more likely to happen at high speeds when the tire structure weakens due to heat and centrifugal forces are at their highest.

In just two seconds after the tire blowout, the driver loses control, and within six seconds, the car ends up in a ditch. The video serves as a reminder to thoroughly check tires before hitting the road. Stay safe out there, everyone!