Took my £5000 Cosworth YB Engine to a Professional Engine Builder

1st Video, Picking the Engine up from London 🏰🤴🏼
• I Bought a Cosworth En...
2nd Video, Stripping the engine to a bare block and seeing what’s inside 🪱
• £5000 COSWORTH ENGINE ...
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My Instagram
/ adam_1510
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A Few words on the Cosworth engine from
www.burtonpower.com
An incredibly famous engine, the Cosworth YB Turbo actually began life in 1984 as a N/A Cosworth YAA concept. However, the turbo version was launched in the 1986, 3 door Sierra with 204bhp. The infamous RS500 version of the same car followed in 1987 with 225bhp, a bigger T4 turbo, eight injectors (only four connected) and an engine designation of YBD.
Perhaps the most plentiful Sierra, the Sapphire hit the roads between 1988-89 with a 4x4 version being produced from 1990-92. The engine was subsequently available in two versions for this latter car - The YBJ, which incorporated many of the RS500 motorsport type revisions, plus the green cam covered YBG, meant for the US emissions sensitive market. This had three cats, closed loop lambda control and ran on 95 octane unleaded.
Finally the Escort Cosworth took over from 1992 with the big turbo YBT engine, featuring a T34 and four wheel drive, whilst the series came to a halt with the introduction of the T25, small turbo Escort between 1994-96. This also featured Ford EEC IV management, with wasted spark ignition, twin coils, a different series of injectors and a unique black cam cover.
The most common engine is the original YBB (3 dr and 2wd Sapphire), which can be easily tuned with chip and turbo modifications to increase the boost level. However, the 4x4 head is the ideal base since the early type has less water jackets and is susceptible to blowing head gaskets with serious hikes in boost.
To begin with, you’ll need to upgrade the actuator to -31 (dash 31) type and upgrade the management chip to increase the fuel and boost level too - this will typically be to around 270/280bhp. We would recommend that you also fit a good stainless exhaust such as our Mongoose range, plus a K&N filter.
After that stage, you need to swap the injectors for 803s - commonly known as Dark Greens. To this you’ll need a different chip again, plus a 3-BAR MAP sensor to up the boost to 19 PSI (1.3 BAR) resulting in approximately 320-330bhp.
Beyond this level, we’d recommend fitting a Group A or multi-shim head gasket and for extra security in high-boost applications, and an ARP stud and nut kit.
However, around this level, the standard Garrett T3 turbo will have reached its limit although there are now several paths to take in turbo choice. These though are always a trade off between turbo lag and driveability - hence why going straight to a T4 isn’t always a good move. Popular choice is to fit an Escort T34 or a hybrid T3 along with a larger intercooler. T38’s are also available although these aren’t an off-the-shelf Garrett unit and are seen more as a hybrid. You should see power potential with this to around 460bhp, whilst the T34 will give you power to around 380bhp.
At this point - and especially if you want to use a T4 with power potential to the touring car levels of 540bhp - the engine needs to be purpose-built to suit. The reason is you’ll need extra head work in terms of porting, different cams (although BD14s are the limit on the street), lower compression ratios and long stud conversion. The trick is making the most of the unit whilst producing power without huge amounts of lag. Once you get to this stage, we can advise you on the best way forward, depending on the type of engine you have.
A different route, and still popular way to tune the YB, is to return it to the original N/A application, which involves raising the compression. For this, we stock Accralite forged pistons to increase the ratio to as much as 12.5:1 although they can be machined to lower the CR since they have raised crowns for this purpose.
On top of this modification, the head needs the ports seriously opening out and for ultimate horsepower applications, larger valves installed. The cams too need swapping for non-turbo profiles although they aren’t designed to work with the standard YB hydraulic lifters and therefore need converting to solid lifter type.
The bottom end is fine for this type of aspiration since the rods and crank are both steel. We would recommend however, that the rod bolts are upgraded for high-revving applications. For ultimate power though, we also stock steel H-section rods. Lastly, you will need to swap the turbo inlet manifold for a twin DCOE type allowing either 45/48 side draughts or throttle body fuel injection. In this form, you should be able to achieve in excess of 225bhp+.

[@Adam151082]

Huge thanks to Gordon from Engine Services for letting me video inside his workshop. I really enjoyed watching him work fellas 😊👍🏼

[@Mark-gj8js]

That is one knowledgeable guy right there

[@fredastair3338]

Properly interesting that one Adam . Just my opinion my friend but I'd say 400 450 tops mate is a lot you know for a rear wheel drive cozzie ya knas Adam , ya talking 175 + mph and getting that much power down will be tricky ya don't Wana write it off do ya lmao . 4-450 is enough to frighten yasel ma mate I know haha , and enough to see most fast cars off too.

[@Mike_5]

Old school people who know what they are talking about (Both of you!)

[@craiglemon5026]

Yep, me too! Very interesting and informative! 👍 Nice collection of old skool calendars too! 😂

[@JohnHonda101]

A propa gadge doing a propa job.

[@gw9568]

This is a master class from Gordon what a knowledgeable modest gentleman,they just don’t make them like that anymore 👌

[@gwylio]

No it's not.

[@RatchetMonkey]

Thumbs up to Gordon for letting you in and going through it all and allowing us to come along for the experience. All bang on info.

[@GB-vn1tf]

I've always liked watching a man that knows what he's doing working with confidence in his knowledge in front of his customer and able to explain precisely what and why he's doing. Most guys don't like being watched by the customer but doing it in front of a camera is confidence, I think you'll be happy with the results of his work. 👍

[@chrisblay]

Used to take heads for skimming and blocks round to a very similar engineering workshop years ago. Not so many of them around nowadays. This really reminds me of the old ways things were done and it’s great to see a master of his craft at work.

[@w3dal]

Fecking legend. Doesn’t need any extra work. Just loves working on cosworth’s

[@VeX-hr8yr]

Gordon is a true gent looking forward to watching the progress

[@carlbayley9053]

Im from newcastle, this bloke knows his shit, best video in a long time for me

[@justinwinslade9401]

Could watch guys like this for hours. Used to love going round a old boy’s workshop I knew who was just the same and would make anything from scratch after mugging over it with a cuppa tea first.

[@dave_s_vids]

This was amazing! Such a knowledgeable chap and so pleased he was happy to be filmed.

[@kevinkatz7027]

The worst thing you can do is machine work when it's not needed... This guy is spot on...

[@Rockape501]

Gordon is a legend. A master of his craft

[@nickacelvn]

A breath of fresh air to see a master at work.

[@tomupchurch4911]

The fact that it built up that much dirt on the outside before ever being opened up is a testament to Cosworth excellence.

[@angleruk3190]

This video taught me I know absolutely nothing about engines 😅 big respect to this guy you don't learn that stuff overnight , amazing work !

[@Fintoman]

What a nice guy Gordon is to show you his trade and know how. Top man.

[@matthewdoherty6179]

Love this. Nothing like watching a proper mechanic at work and especially on a cossie engine

[@katluke]

This series on your engine re build and re manufacture is great content,could watch it all day 👍🏻

[@rikgay857]

Total respect to Gordon...I haven't got a clue about car mechanics but this is quality. Great to see a master at work.

[@shanehornby1693]

Good on Gordon 👍🏻 if there’s any young people maybe still at school watching and you’re undecided what career to choose please give engineering a serious thought👌🏻

[@shaundadson8302]

Shame all these type of people/firms and their knowledge are disappearing now. Getting increasingly difficult to get work like this done now and nice to see a proper engineer at work.

[@upurkilt7246]

I love listening to these old skool engine builders and engineers all day. Its fantastic how much you can learn from them and the wealth of knowledge.

[@M.M.M.81]

Gordon’s knowledge is next level top bloke

[@stevenconnor4221]

Superb. Ex manual machinist tech here to.. superb timing I was trying to say to a few younger techs they need to learn imperial I got the scolded look 😂 From them, it's no hard I had to learn it. Born in the year of decimalisation. To be honest machining in imperial size down to a thou or grinding to tenths of thou is much better than the metric equivalent.

[@hydorah]

Well, Gordon's an amazing fellow. Good choice of engineer!

[@JohnWicksdogwalker]

Well that 45 minutes went by in the blink of an eye! A thoroughly enjoyable watch 👍 It was that compelling that when I read other people's comments about calendars, I thought 'Calendars?, what calendars...?!' 🙄

[@paulriggers1558]

proper old school engineer, with a proper set of calendars on the wall, good man

[@sahhull]

Im an actual motor engineer of some 35 years experience. I worked as a technician at BP Chemicals oil and fuel testing. We built 'test engines' measuring components before and after test. Our test micrometers and scales were calibrated every time before use. All measuring was done in a room at 20 degrees C. I rebuilt, balanced, ported and polished my Buick engine. aka. I did the work. I went with steel crown pistons. Bored out the block and put a liner in. A cylinder had a crack in one of the bores. Awesome having access to a fully kitted out machine shop. The only thing I didnt do was spray the car. I can spray but its nasty. Adam. As an engineer/machinist. You should have been able to do this work yourself without too much headache. All you'd need is the specs.

[@lys823]

A wealth of knowledge built up over the years

[@alro2434]

Like his special short handled ball-pien with the anti-shock/anti-vibration handle @ 23:37 for removing cam drive pulleys!!! Also, looks like no half-moons on the back of that head for the cam's bore, so only really special special, if any, line boring for this one. Also, also, it's a really nice valve spring compressor, so probably has a good spring checker too, but didn't let on!

[@michaelhall549]

Brilliant bloke, he sorted a Rover v8 for me many years ago! top job....

[@thetezz0001]

I wish you the best bro im really enjoying your content especially lately keep up the good work proper old school KZbin i love it mate hope your channel continue to grow you deserve it

[@andybuckland7660]

Great vid , love his cossy posters

[@neilobusk]

When you have sooooo much work to do........and dont need social media..👍👍👍 top man.. and we love the calendars..... N x

[@liammudie8471]

All the right questions asked, worth his weight in gold that bloke. Toppa vid mate

[@paullinfoot6017]

Loved this video Adam , Gordon is one of the nicest blokes you could ever wish to meet , and i think this is easy to see during this video , and he is well known around the country for is quality of work . I have had the pleasure of knowing him for many many years . looking forward to the next stages of the engine build . Ps, 500 bhp and RWD is the way to go , don't be a big girl and go 4x4 , lol

[@Omnihil777]

Damn, when this craftsman goes into retirement, all this knowledge, all this experience, will be lost, like tears in the rain (to quote Roy from "Blade Runner")

[@np4694]

Love to watch an old school engineer in a well used workshop, top work.

[@SuperForestfighter]

Best video I’ve watched in ages. Gordon seems like a great guy. Clearly a knowledgeable guy yet humble and modest. First class Adam. 👍

[@MrJasjoiner]

Wow, great insight to the strip down. Gordon certainly knows his stuff. cheeRS Adam

[@ModernClassics81]

Great video Adam, also Gordon has done a great job explaining the engine build process. Love the strategically placed cosworth picture 😂

[@thelordofdarkness141]

Great stuff good to see someone like Gordon explain stuff

[@mrbeancounter90]

Gordon is like a Jedi master of engine blocks.

[@andywilliams445]

Best blog I've seen for years

[@tolsonryan]

Fantastic video! I could watch this type of stuff all day. It's good to see a master of his craft explain the process without overly complicating things. His type are a dying breed nowadays, I hope he has somebody to pass his wisdom on to.

[@paulgilbert3542]

Great video, I was a machinist back in the day and absolutely love this detailed strip down and going through all the parts, measuring etc etc Awesome

[@37ANDYDOC]

I really enjoyed that !!! Great to see a amazing engine builder at work 👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@rickydub6950]

Cracking vid. Gordon's knowledge is gold. Lucky man having him let you in and getting to see the process 👍

[@bazji]

A joy to watch a guy who knows what he’s talking about. More vids of Gordon please

[@Yorks-em]

Exceptional video Adam, Gordon is a wealth of knowledge

[@andrewchesters5683]

Really interesting, knowledgable fella, joy to listen to and watch

[@mclarenformula5042]

That was great Adam be looking forward to the coming episodes

[@davidsmith1066]

Brilliant to watch skilled tradesmen 👍❤️

[@edm9527]

What top bloke Gordon is, a man who sees to know his stuff, a great find

[@tonykeast9966]

Pure gold. Content like this is exceptional. Gordon's knowledge and experience is priceless but the patient decent way he can deliver it in this video is really rare. Totally amazing video Adam, slick editing over the page 3 calendar on the wall! Who was it? Jo Guest or Linda Lusardi? Sam Fox? 😂😂 😎👌

[@neilt7145]

Gordon has impeccable taste in Calendars 😂

[@andysautomotiveadventures9587]

Took me a while to cotton on 😂

[@coastalrider1155]

Are you from Troon Tony

[@tonykeast9966]

@@coastalrider1155 I am that Tony. More recognisable with my crash helmet on...

[@johnleckieWATP]

He could be a KZbinr himself.

[@D3URY]

Proper old school engineer good job Gordon and great video Adam look forward to the next one

[@hongkongstuey]

Great video!!! A master at work showing every bit of knowledge he's learnt over the decades of engine machining and building

[@MattyEngland]

Great to see someone who actually knows what they're doing with a engine. Just seen Lee from barum engines gap some piston rings at 0.007" total. Guy is a liability

[@twin40dave]

Wow, Gordon defo knows his stuff. I could listen to him explain while watching these hands on disassemble. Please tell me he's got his own KZbin channel 🙏

[@peternufc1981]

Awsome these videos Adam like Gordon’s knowledge and you kept up with him with some of it too good watch

[@ianht4402]

Absolutely brilliant video Adam. Proper guidance from your engineer, with your spot-on questions highlighting what we want to know. Good one Gordon and Adam.

[@jameshudson2587]

I wondered why the car kept appearing and I’ve just cottoned on after 38mins 😂😂😂

[@jeffdavies688]

I was wondering too...until i saw your comment....double D,s and all that stuff...lol

[@mikeymike3240]

Hi Adam, you really lucked in with this engine man, I wasn’t fully expecting it to be as good as it is. 😊. There’s no substitute for excellence, that gentleman is a versatile font of knowledge 😮😊 Best video yet Adam , i could listen to that gentleman for hours, man just think of the knowledge and wisdom lost when he retires 😮

[@andybayliss3333]

What knowledge that man has , great video

[@allanfenwick8249]

What a pleasure to watch - briliant expert and what a wealth of knowledge. A dying breed sadly!

[@BobSmith-yy8ng]

Good video Adam, Gordon certainly knows his onions!

[@clfsti]

Skill like that will sadly get lost .

[@gdfggggg]

Top quality content. I watched the whole vid. Takes me back to my mechanic days. I’m a builder now but still fix my own vehicles and buy the odd motorbike to sort out. Excellent 🤘🏻👏🏻

[@BobSmith-hz6bd]

I did stop watching your vids a few months ago but I’m back now after these latest ones. Definitely a step up in quality and production. This series is excellent.

[@johnneagle6072]

Brilliant video, many years of knowledge there. Good to see gordon taking the time to pass on some of that knowledge to everyone.

[@scraparoouk7421]

What a good video could listen to Gordon all day

[@rageracing5614]

Cracking video this, great to know there’s a resource like this in the north east.

[@mixmaster09777]

Great video, and what a knowledgeable fella. Looking forward to the next video. Cheers Adam

[@jamieplimmer9836]

That honing oil container looks 30 years old. Love it

[@DavidVizard]

Hi everybody, David Vizard here. I enjoyed this video which showed a lot of useful stuff for resurrecting a YB Cosworth. During 1989 I was a consultant engineer to Mountune Racing Engines and Kent Cams. Built several of these engines for production saloons which culminated in a 277 hp build that ran just under standard boost and utilized all standard parts and just ran away from the competition. It outpower the typical (and winning) Mountune motors which at 244 hp outpowered everyone else's. If any of you want to learn advanced engine building then you will definity want to check out 'PowerTec 10' on KZbin. You won't be disappointed as this channel reveal speed secrets that are sometimes not even know by the worlds top engine builders and designer. DV

[@mark4lev]

The word ‘legend’ doesn’t do you justice David. I spent hundreds of hours reading your articles in ‘car @ car conversions’ . Also HT racing were very good with pintos, they were in ‘fast car’ magazine a lot in the early 90’s

[@nickrider5220]

How reassuring to have such an experienced builder/engineer go through your engine. Loved this video 👍

[@83craigshag]

Dude knows his stuff

[@mechtechmechanical1571]

this old boy knows his onions ,few and far between these days

[@peterlarkin762]

21:55 1995, a fine year:) Excellent video, keep em coming!

[@sprograt]

Thanks Gordon and Adam for a really good informative video, I've learnt a few things after watching this video.

[@davemuzzer5000]

What a fantastic video. Really enjoyed this one. And Gordon really knows his trade. Looking forward to the next one.

[@AlJay0032]

That was a very convincing pro that you went to.

[@davidsimpson9849]

What a belter of a video could have watched that for another few hours 👏 👌

[@johncone9516]

Thanks for the video, things have come a long way since i started in the motor trade working on Ford V 8's, 100E & 105E's in the 60's.

[@henrytudor7058]

A pinto with beefy crank and a nice cozzie head, 5 grand jesus, what are we talking 200,300 horsepower must be love❤

[@paulcurrie9252]

Cracking episode, so much info in just 45mins. Looking forward to the next stages, hope to see and hear more from Gordon too 👍

[@charlietraquair6866]

That was so interesting, I could watch him working all day

[@badgersalesman5595]

Adam I am blown away by your knowledge of engines. Absolutely brilliant mate ❤

[@Dangerous_Brian]

What a pleasure to watch a Master Mechanic at work - so impressive!

[@leigh7222]

Great video - loved the 1999 calendar - took me back to my old days in the motor trade

[@markmall7142]

Adam aways a good idea to clean the engine down before disassembly. Makes for cleaner hands,tools fit easier ,remain clean and when doing a final clean your parts washers solvent remains in reasonable condition.

[@Lozzman7575]

Gordon looks such a genuine guy 👍

[@danieljordannicol9937]

I absolutely loved this video. Such a genuine bloke who really knows his job inside and out

[@AndrewPayne]

Brilliant episode, loving the series!

[@danpoxon2425]

Great video Adam 👌🏽the bloke seems a knowledgeable guy keeps up the good work lads

[@NickB_Yorkshire]

Really enjoyed that Adam. I’m an engineer as well and anything like this is fascinating. Gordon certainly knows his stuff. A master craftsman 👍🏼😁

[@Stinky-pinkys]

Great video mate these old school builders are a dieing breed ! Proper knowledgeable 👍

[@StingR_93]

I imagine if Gordon and Paul linfoot got together they could built an evil cosworth 💯👌

[@Kevin-cs4eg]

They already have 😂😂😂

[@StingR_93]

@@Kevin-cs4eg learn something new every day 👍

[@213davidhunter]

Great episode!

[@R55LSD]

Used Engine Services my being local can't fault them glad you've went there.