1998 Ford Escort GTi from UK and Ireland - Comments

Hey I have just bought an escort gti 16v 1.8, it's a lovely looking car and I am well happy with it. But I've noticed that the back slips out sometimes though and the gear box seem to grate when I put it in to reverse, is this a common thing with these types or cars? I'm not great under the bonnet so thought someone could help out?

Also any tips on how to modify it so it looks the part with out screaming boy racer (Or girl in fact!)

Hi lads.98 gti 3 door in red going on e-bay tonight. item number 260160824520.totally standard excellent condition.I've had it over 3 years never let me down. have a look,give me a call. you won't find better.01158772996.

As with every ford, wait a few seconds after dipping the clutch to put in reverse. this helps things to stop spinning so you can engage your gear without crunching.

Hi, I've got a gti, but I would like it to be quicker. Is the bolt on turbos thing true? If so, where can I get one from? Please email me on ice_smooth86@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks!

Alright everyone I've just past my test at 17 and looking to buy a 1998 escort gti. I've wanted this car for years now lol and always knew that the insurance would be a killer. Anyone else here have the escort gti as their first car?? what insurance company are you all with?

HAVE TO FIND THE BEST DEAL!

Cheers for any help.

It's up to you mate, personally I'd probably go for a 1.6 si similar looks and not far behind performance wise.

The gti's are so much more expensive than the 'normal' 1.8 si's that they're not worth it. All you're getting for 4 insurance groups higher is a rs2000 bodykit, cosworth style alloys and some nice seats, otherwise the same car!

Depending how much you've got to spend, I'd probably go smaller for now until your premium comes down, it will be worth it in the long run.

When I was 17 a few years back I got a quote for one, £3k was the best quote I could get.

Hi I have had an 98 4dr gti for 2years now. I find its pretty quick. I have k and n and big bore exhaust. but how can I make mine go that little bit faster for as little dosh as possible?

Push it off a cliff, that will make it go faster for nothing.

Just about to get a GTi tomorrow £2100 off ebay, but 21188 miles (doesn't feel expensive with that mileage). Already got a 16v finesse with magnex same part number so I'll be putting that on it. My pipercross viper won't fit (damn!) What's this about the sierra throttle body/cam?? or bolt on turbo- tell me more.

Hey all, I've had my 1999 Escort GTI for a couple of months now. I don't know of any modifications its had, how would I know if its had any at all? It does 0-60 in about 8 seconds now, 2nd gear is awesome on it. Not had chance to race anyone yet, but they are a smart looking and nippy car.

Hi I own a 3dr in panther black, I have had it for over a year now.

These people who are slagging off all the others obviously either had the Friday afternoon car (workers rushed it to get home for the weekend) or haven't used it to the full potential.

Being a Ford owner all my driving career all 8 Escorts, 1 Sierra Cosworth and a highly tuned 1.8 registered as a 1.4, this Escort GTi is one of the best I have owned, and yes even better than the Sierra.

People say they are slow; they are wrong, a friend of mine has a 1.8 03 plate BMW, he had to get it chipped and a pipercross filter just to keep up; that's saying something. His standard is 120bhp with 114ppf torque, and mine is standard apart from a custom powerflow exhaust. 0-60 is in 7.1 seconds and my top speed is 142 mph on the flat. These cars are comfortable, stylish, fun and cheap to run, meaning I can get 50 mpg. Also they're very fast. One comment about 2nd gear; it does sound great, you can also drive around town in 4th at 25 mph which means less gear change and less hassle.

Overall it is a brilliant car, anyone can say what they like, if they moan it's slow put some 136 Mondeo cam in it; everything you can buy for these are cheap and cheap to install. It's how you change gear and how you maintain the car to keep it running smoothly.

0-60 in 7.1 seconds. So you're telling me that your 1.8 Escort with around 100 bhp that has a listed 0-60 time of 10 seconds is faster than a 200 bhp Golf GTI, a 190bhp Toyota Celica and a 3.2 V6 Chrysler Crossfire. For some reason I'm struggling to believe you; I wonder why?

Your escort 1.8 with an after market exhaust will not do 142 mph, the escort cossie was only listed at 137 mph top speed.

0-60 7.1 er no,142mph er no and 50 mpg... guess whats coming... er NO! And let's face it, no one in their right mind thinks a 1.8 heavy ass BMW is fast either, even a 1.3 Suzuki Swift would leave one standing. You can over estimate your cars performance all you want, but just don't go thinking anyone will believe you.

I've got an Escort GTi and previously I owned and Escort Finesse. Anyone found problems with the wishbone bushes? Both of the cars started swerving and they felt like the wheels were going to fall off and both times they had the same problem.

I love the car, but its not true that it will go 140mph although I have done 120 with plenty left on the rev counter. 1st gear isn't much different than the Finesse. 2nd is good in low revs and 3rd and 4th are great in high revs. What happened to 5th? It's very slack! You stick in 5th and it gets very sluggish. Not good enough for a gti I'm afraid!

Also, does anyone know if there are any perfomance differences in the GTi and the Si? Ie, engine tuning, gear ratios and suspension?