The Ford EYPA is a 1,597 cc, inline-four, overhead-valve (OHV) petrol engine produced between 1983 and 1987. It evolved from the base EY unit with revised induction and emissions tuning to meet tightening European standards. Equipped with a single-barrel carburettor and distributor-based ignition, it delivered 59 kW (80 PS) and 130 Nm of torque, offering reliable performance for mainstream family transport.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Cortina Mark VI (TC) and early Sierra (727), the EYPA was engineered for durability and ease of service in fleet and private applications. Its design retained the robust cast-iron block and chain-driven camshaft of the EY series while incorporating updated emissions controls, including an enhanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and catalytic converter compatibility. This allowed compliance with early Euro 1 benchmarks, marking a transition toward more regulated powertrains.
One documented update involves ignition timing calibration, addressed in Ford Service Action 84E03. Early production units exhibited inconsistent idle quality due to vacuum advance instability under load transitions. In 1984, Ford issued revised distributor curves and recalibrated carburettor settings, improving drivability and reducing hydrocarbon emissions across the Cortina and Sierra lineups.
Production years 1983–1986 meet pre-Euro 1 emissions standards; 1987 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Ford EYPA is a 1,597 cc inline-four OHV petrol engine engineered for family sedans and fleet applications (1983–1987). It builds on the EY platform with enhanced emissions control and revised induction for improved driveability. Designed for durability and regulatory compliance, it balances simplicity with evolving environmental requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Motorcraft 1V carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro to Euro 1 (1987+) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, thermostat-controlled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SG | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The OHV design provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for city and highway cruising but requires regular valve clearance checks to maintain performance. SAE 10W-40 oil is essential for camshaft and lifter lubrication, particularly in high-temperature operation. Carburettor tuning and choke adjustment are critical for cold-start reliability. The cast-iron block is durable but susceptible to core plug corrosion in poorly maintained cooling systems. Post-1987 models meet Euro 1 standards per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679, requiring catalytic converter use. EGR system maintenance prevents carbon buildup in the intake manifold. Distributor recalibration per Ford Service Action 84E03 resolves idle instability in early units.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG-rated 10W-40 (Ford Owner Handbook MK6). Non-synthetic oils acceptable with biannual changes.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1987 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). Pre-1987 units meet national pre-regulation standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020. Output is consistent across model years with minor calibration differences (Ford PT-1983 Series).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-EYPA-206, Svc. Bull. 84E03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
DIN 70020 - Power Measurement Standard for Road Vehicles
The Ford EYPA was used across Ford's TC and 727 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised carburettor tuning for automatic transmission models and enhanced cooling for taxi variants-and from 1987 the facelifted Cortina Mark VI adopted the Euro 1-compliant variant with updated EGR and ignition timing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS ENG-EYPA-206). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('P' for EYPA series). Pre-1987 models use a silver cam cover with a Ford script badge; post-1987 units feature a black cam cover. Critical differentiation from Pinto engines: EYPA uses a front-mounted distributor and chain-driven cam, while early Pinto units use gear drive. Service parts require model year verification—ignition components before 1984 are not compatible with post-84 recalibrated units (Ford Svc. Bull. 84E03).
The EYPA's primary reliability risk is carburettor-related drivability issues on pre-1984 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained applications. Ford's internal field reports from 1985 indicated over 12% of early EYPA engines required carburettor or distributor recalibration before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA historic data shows emissions system neglect as a top contributor to engine-related MOT failures. Infrequent oil changes and thermostat faults increase thermal cycling stress, making timely ignition updates and coolant maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1983-1987) and UK DVSA historic failure statistics (1985-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD EYPA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
