Does anyone know if the standard RS2000 Escort clutch is the same as that fitted to the MK4 Cortina? Reason for the question is that my car is difficult to drive in traffic because the clutch is so heavy. The donor car (Mexico) was the same but Cortinas of that vintage were very light. I've got a new RS clutch ready to fit, but if a Sierra/Cortina clutch would be lighter I'd go for that. I've tried web searches and they all seem to quote the same part no. but my memory suggests that the 'real' clutch was a heavier duty one.

It sounds more than likely that your current clutch cover has gone stiff. This being the case your only choices are to put up with it (you could try changing the cable, but it won't help) or change the clutch preferably fitting a new unit, preferably an LUK unit as they make them for dear old Henry Ford. (and they are at least half the price of a genuine Ford unit.)

You could consider going hydraulic or fit your new clutch and then alter the pedal ratio. Both offer the opportunity of sacrificing range of release bearing movement for better leverage ratio. Done right you have a lighter clutch that works just fine.