1987 Ford Escort GT Manual

The 1987 Ford Escort GT is a sport compact hatchback featuring a 1.9L CVH engine with multi-port fuel injection, 5-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, and GT-specific instrumentation. Below are key sections covering specifications, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for this classic performance model.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Exterior Features 3. Interior Controls 4. Engine & Performance 5. Transmission & Drivetrain 6. Suspension & Brakes 7. Instrument Cluster 8. Routine Maintenance 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical specifications for the 1987 Ford Escort GT.

Specification	Details
Engine	1.9L CVH 4-cylinder with EFI
Horsepower	108 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	115 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Curb Weight	2,315 lbs
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gallons
Wheelbase	94.2 inches
Length	165.3 inches
Width	65.9 inches

Exterior Features

Distinctive exterior elements of the Escort GT model.

Front air dam with integrated fog lights
Rear spoiler with integrated brake light
GT badging on front fenders and rear hatch
Sport alloy wheels (14-inch)
Dual exhaust tips
Body-colored bumpers and trim

NOTE: Maintain exterior appearance with regular washing and waxing.

Interior Controls

Sport-oriented interior features and controls.

Sport bucket seats with lateral support
GT-specific instrument cluster with tachometer
Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
5-speed manual shifter with leather boot
AM/FM stereo with cassette player
Dual power mirrors
Rear window defroster

CAUTION! Adjust seats and mirrors before driving.

Engine & Performance

Engine Type: 1.9L CVH (Compound Valve Hemispherical) 4-cylinder
Fuel System: Multi-port electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Redline: 6000 rpm
Fuel Requirement: 87 octane unleaded
Oil Capacity: 4.0 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity: 7.5 quarts

Transmission & Drivetrain

5-speed manual transmission specifications and operation.

Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.58, 2nd: 2.04, 3rd: 1.32, 4th: 0.95, 5th: 0.76, Reverse: 3.67

Final Drive Ratio: 3.85:1

Shift Pattern: R 1 3 5 - 2 4 -

Tip: Allow transmission to warm up in cold weather before aggressive shifting.

Suspension & Brakes

Sport-tuned suspension and braking system.

Front: Independent MacPherson struts with anti-roll bar
Rear: Independent trailing arms with coil springs
Brakes: Front disc (9.0-inch), rear drum (7.9-inch)
Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion
Tires: P185/60R14 all-season

WARNING! Regular brake inspection recommended for optimal performance.

Instrument Cluster

GT-specific gauges and warning lights.

Gauge/Warning Light	Function
Tachometer	Engine RPM (0-7000 rpm)
Speedometer	Vehicle speed (0-85 mph)
Fuel Gauge	Fuel level indicator
Temperature Gauge	Engine coolant temperature
Check Engine Light	Engine management system warning
Brake Warning Light	Parking brake or brake system issue

Routine Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance intervals and procedures.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Oil Filter: Replace with each oil change
Air Filter: Every 15,000 miles
Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 miles
Timing Belt: Every 60,000 miles
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Every 2 years

CAUTION! Use only recommended fluids and parts.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Fuel pump, spark plugs	Check fuel pressure; inspect/replace spark plugs
Poor acceleration	Clogged fuel filter	Replace fuel filter; check air filter
Transmission noise	Low fluid level	Check and fill transmission fluid
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Inspect and replace brake rotors if needed
Overheating	Coolant leak, thermostat	Check coolant level; replace thermostat

Service: Contact authorized Ford dealership for major repairs.

Warranty Information

Basic warranty: 12 months/12,000 miles. Powertrain warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles. Rust-through warranty: 36 months/unlimited miles. See dealer for complete warranty details and limitations.