I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
I had a '91 Integra 4 door. The Boy had a '95 Tracer sedan (same 1.9 as Escort). Comparing stock to stock, my Teggy would easily do 110 all day. The Boy's Tracer could get up 90, if you had all day.
That said, if The Boy and I were to build a Challenger (we've been thinking about it), we'd go with a Escort/Tracer, just for the sake of easy boneyard pickins'. Plus, it'd be a sleeper. 
Can't you swap a turbo motor from the Mercury Capri XR2 into a S'cort? Junkyards around here (notoriously overpriced) sell the whole carcass for under $200.
pres589 wrote:
I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
All the tricks that work on the sedans and coupes work on the wagons, all the suspension components are the same and interchangeable. ZX2 S/R Tokicos bolt in with the S/R strut bearings ($199 from Ford Racing for the struts). The shifting is completely livened up with new linkage bushings (<$2 from NAPA) and a poly stabiliser bar bushing (<$10 shipped from many online venders). The chassis is largely the same as the Mazda BG cars so if you can't find X for an Escort, search for X for a '90-'94 Protege. My Protege is a mix and match of Escort and Protege parts (I have an Escort GT G25M-R transmission, Escort LX pedal assembly, and a Escort wagon shift linkage among other parts). The MX-3 came with a suspension brace on the rear that fits the Escort. As far as brakes, I don't know if the wagons came with rear drums or discs but if they're drums, you can simply swap out the rear drums for discs off of an Escort GT or a Protege LX.
Earlier it was mentioned that you sit kind of high in the Escort, this is a pretty simple fix too as the more supportive and lower MX-3 seats fit in no problem. Or with a little more effort, Miata seats can fit too, like mine.
Oh also, the wagon chassis remained unchanged from '91-end. Just the front sheet metal changed and in '97 they got 2.0 spi over the 1.9.
Replacement parts tend to be cheaper than Honda parts or Mazda parts too (even though most are Mazda parts anyway, weird). It's just a rusty ole Ferd, right? Not one dem ferrin cars.
This is all off the top of my head so it may not be absolutely correct, but I think it is.
Appleseed wrote:
Can't you swap a turbo motor from the Mercury Capri XR2 into a S'cort? Junkyards around here (notoriously overpriced) sell the whole carcass for under $200.
Yep. Easier done with a GT/LTS/LXE though. Still easy, just gotta change some mounts and wiring.
I wouldn't bother swapping an XR2 though. That's a B6T. BP + junkyard boost will blow that motor away.
pres589 wrote:
I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
Swaybars: Go with EGT bars. Aftermarket bars are available from Suspension Techniques for reasonable prices if you want to go bigger. These cars do benefit from a larger rear bar.
Struts/springs: ZX2 S/Rs are like $200 shipped from Jeg's and they fit. I have Tokico HPs on my car, simply because that's what i happened upon for cheap. A lot of people go with the Dropzone springs, i like my Megan Racings. The ride is still pretty good, and they're plenty firm. I don't know how much further i'd go on a street car, these things are pretty light. MX3 rear tie bar is a nice junkyard score. Strut tower bars are cheap as well. Keep an eye on ebay or any of the forums. I got mine front and rear for $40. Replace the upper strut mounts while you're at it all, they're cheap.
Bushings: ZXTuner sells the complete set for like $90 in polyurethane. Whatever car you buy will need them, i guarantee it.
Brakes: Earlier examples had small weaksauce brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Upgrade to EGT brakes front and rear. You'll gain larger discs up front, and discs in back. Easy.
Shifter: The stock shifter bushings are cheap, but wear out in a matter of weeks. (Seriously.) Corksport makes Bronzoil bushings for $40 for the set. HUGE improvement. While you're at it, get their stainless braided clutch line. It's like $20. Alternatively, get ahold of the Kartboy or Pacesetter adjustable short shifter. I have the Pacesetter unit. It's hard to find, but it's a nice little piece.
Light pressure turbo: What you say will work just fine, but you can likely do it for even cheaper than you laid out.
EVERYTHING, i repeat EVERYTHING is dirt cheap for these cars. New or used, it doesn't even matter. Tie rods are like $7. Complete control arms with bushings attached and assembled are like $60 a corner. Pony manual steering rack for $120, etc etc etc...
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/1594157329.html
You guys aren't helping. Must-fight-urge-to-buy-Escort-wagon.
digdug18 wrote:
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/1594157329.html
That is berkeleying badass. My only complaint is the color. Needs to be black, silver, or grey.
In reply to digdug18:
Doesn't that generation of American Escort have some unique issues with handling? Camber curves in the toilet and such?
pres589 wrote:
In reply to digdug18:
Doesn't that generation of American Escort have some unique issues with handling? Camber curves in the toilet and such?
Positive front camber FTW?
93celicaGT2 wrote:
pres589 wrote:
I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
Swaybars: Go with EGT bars. Aftermarket bars are available from Suspension Techniques for reasonable prices if you want to go bigger. These cars do benefit from a larger rear bar.
Struts/springs: ZX2 S/Rs are like $200 shipped from Jeg's and they fit. I have Tokico HPs on my car, simply because that's what i happened upon for cheap. A lot of people go with the Dropzone springs, i like my Megan Racings. The ride is still pretty good, and they're plenty firm. I don't know how much further i'd go on a street car, these things are pretty light. MX3 rear tie bar is a nice junkyard score. Strut tower bars are cheap as well. Keep an eye on ebay or any of the forums. I got mine front and rear for $40. Replace the upper strut mounts while you're at it all, they're cheap.
Bushings: ZXTuner sells the complete set for like $90 in polyurethane. Whatever car you buy will need them, i guarantee it.
Brakes: Earlier examples had small weaksauce brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Upgrade to EGT brakes front and rear. You'll gain larger discs up front, and discs in back. Easy.
Shifter: The stock shifter bushings are cheap, but wear out in a matter of weeks. (Seriously.) Corksport makes Bronzoil bushings for $40 for the set. HUGE improvement. While you're at it, get their stainless braided clutch line. It's like $20. Alternatively, get ahold of the Kartboy or Pacesetter adjustable short shifter. I have the Pacesetter unit. It's hard to find, but it's a nice little piece.
Light pressure turbo: What you say will work just fine, but you can likely do it for even cheaper than you laid out.
EVERYTHING, i repeat EVERYTHING is dirt cheap for these cars. New or used, it doesn't even matter. Tie rods are like $7. Complete control arms with bushings attached and assembled are like $60 a corner. Pony manual steering rack for $120, etc etc etc...
Well guys I ended not buying either car. Found a 92 civic sedan down the street for $800. The escort guy never did call me back but after seeing this post I wish he did. I do plan to turbo the 1.5 thats in the civic. I've read that can be done fairly cheap too. Thanks
dankspeed wrote:
93celicaGT2 wrote:
pres589 wrote:
I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
Swaybars: Go with EGT bars. Aftermarket bars are available from Suspension Techniques for reasonable prices if you want to go bigger. These cars do benefit from a larger rear bar.
Struts/springs: ZX2 S/Rs are like $200 shipped from Jeg's and they fit. I have Tokico HPs on my car, simply because that's what i happened upon for cheap. A lot of people go with the Dropzone springs, i like my Megan Racings. The ride is still pretty good, and they're plenty firm. I don't know how much further i'd go on a street car, these things are pretty light. MX3 rear tie bar is a nice junkyard score. Strut tower bars are cheap as well. Keep an eye on ebay or any of the forums. I got mine front and rear for $40. Replace the upper strut mounts while you're at it all, they're cheap.
Bushings: ZXTuner sells the complete set for like $90 in polyurethane. Whatever car you buy will need them, i guarantee it.
Brakes: Earlier examples had small weaksauce brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Upgrade to EGT brakes front and rear. You'll gain larger discs up front, and discs in back. Easy.
Shifter: The stock shifter bushings are cheap, but wear out in a matter of weeks. (Seriously.) Corksport makes Bronzoil bushings for $40 for the set. HUGE improvement. While you're at it, get their stainless braided clutch line. It's like $20. Alternatively, get ahold of the Kartboy or Pacesetter adjustable short shifter. I have the Pacesetter unit. It's hard to find, but it's a nice little piece.
Light pressure turbo: What you say will work just fine, but you can likely do it for even cheaper than you laid out.
EVERYTHING, i repeat EVERYTHING is dirt cheap for these cars. New or used, it doesn't even matter. Tie rods are like $7. Complete control arms with bushings attached and assembled are like $60 a corner. Pony manual steering rack for $120, etc etc etc...
Well guys I ended not buying either car. Found a 92 civic sedan down the street for $800. The escort guy never did call me back but after seeing this post I wish he did. I do plan to turbo the 1.5 thats in the civic. I've read that can be done fairly cheap too. Thanks
If it's relatively clean, do a full detail, and sell it to a Honduh Fanboi for $3k.
I gave up trying to find a clean EG around here. They're all price statospherically high, because the demand is unreal. I want to build another Honda so badly, but the cost of entry for anything in the area is outrageous.
BTW: I support a junkyard F-series swap instead of a turbo D15.
93celicaGT2 wrote:
dankspeed wrote:
93celicaGT2 wrote:
pres589 wrote:
I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
Swaybars: Go with EGT bars. Aftermarket bars are available from Suspension Techniques for reasonable prices if you want to go bigger. These cars do benefit from a larger rear bar.
Struts/springs: ZX2 S/Rs are like $200 shipped from Jeg's and they fit. I have Tokico HPs on my car, simply because that's what i happened upon for cheap. A lot of people go with the Dropzone springs, i like my Megan Racings. The ride is still pretty good, and they're plenty firm. I don't know how much further i'd go on a street car, these things are pretty light. MX3 rear tie bar is a nice junkyard score. Strut tower bars are cheap as well. Keep an eye on ebay or any of the forums. I got mine front and rear for $40. Replace the upper strut mounts while you're at it all, they're cheap.
Bushings: ZXTuner sells the complete set for like $90 in polyurethane. Whatever car you buy will need them, i guarantee it.
Brakes: Earlier examples had small weaksauce brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Upgrade to EGT brakes front and rear. You'll gain larger discs up front, and discs in back. Easy.
Shifter: The stock shifter bushings are cheap, but wear out in a matter of weeks. (Seriously.) Corksport makes Bronzoil bushings for $40 for the set. HUGE improvement. While you're at it, get their stainless braided clutch line. It's like $20. Alternatively, get ahold of the Kartboy or Pacesetter adjustable short shifter. I have the Pacesetter unit. It's hard to find, but it's a nice little piece.
Light pressure turbo: What you say will work just fine, but you can likely do it for even cheaper than you laid out.
EVERYTHING, i repeat EVERYTHING is dirt cheap for these cars. New or used, it doesn't even matter. Tie rods are like $7. Complete control arms with bushings attached and assembled are like $60 a corner. Pony manual steering rack for $120, etc etc etc...
Well guys I ended not buying either car. Found a 92 civic sedan down the street for $800. The escort guy never did call me back but after seeing this post I wish he did. I do plan to turbo the 1.5 thats in the civic. I've read that can be done fairly cheap too. Thanks
If it's relatively clean, do a full detail, and sell it to a Honduh Fanboi for $3k.
I gave up trying to find a clean EG around here. They're all price statospherically high, because the demand is unreal. I want to build another Honda so badly, but the cost of entry for anything in the area is outrageous.
BTW: I support a junkyard F-series swap instead of a turbo D15.
It is rust free so might do that. I'd love to hear your arguement for the F series against d15 turbo..It's not the rods is it?
In reply to 96DXCivic:
yes, the Escort GT did have a turbo option, but only in the original series (1984-1985). It was a 1.6L HO with a MPFI system similiar to that vintage Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, Mustang Turbo GT and the SVO. These cars are incredibly rare and for their time, very quick. These cars were rated at 120hp from Ford, but were realistically turning about 140hp. With todays tuning technology, it would not be hard to churn out 160hp+ from the 1.6 or even adapting the turbo to a later 1.9L HO. Also, the Turbo GT was also much closer to the European Spec Escort in suspension and interior. As far as I know, however, the EXP and LN7 never received the Turbo option. They were forced to make due with just the 1.6 CVH.
as I said, these cars were like the Mustang Turbo GT... very limited production.
One thing that I would like to add, is that the last generation Escort can be Frankensteined from several different sources. The Integra may have an aftermarket from here to Timbuktu and back, but to do something with an Escort wagon, oh that is just too delicious to not be explored.
Pirating from the 1st Generation Probe is a good start. Just because you want to turbo something doesn't mean you have to get it from this supplier or that manufacturer... you can swipe turbos off of just about anything provided that it meets your requirements. I once had an IHI RBF15 turbo I swiped off a wrecked Mitsubishi Fuso truck. I had intended to use it on a 98 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2L OHV engine... I lost interest in the project, but that turbo was later adapted to a Hyundai Accent and raced in as a rally car.
Anything is possible, it just takes more imagination than anything.
dankspeed wrote:
93celicaGT2 wrote:
dankspeed wrote:
93celicaGT2 wrote:
pres589 wrote:
I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
Swaybars: Go with EGT bars. Aftermarket bars are available from Suspension Techniques for reasonable prices if you want to go bigger. These cars do benefit from a larger rear bar.
Struts/springs: ZX2 S/Rs are like $200 shipped from Jeg's and they fit. I have Tokico HPs on my car, simply because that's what i happened upon for cheap. A lot of people go with the Dropzone springs, i like my Megan Racings. The ride is still pretty good, and they're plenty firm. I don't know how much further i'd go on a street car, these things are pretty light. MX3 rear tie bar is a nice junkyard score. Strut tower bars are cheap as well. Keep an eye on ebay or any of the forums. I got mine front and rear for $40. Replace the upper strut mounts while you're at it all, they're cheap.
Bushings: ZXTuner sells the complete set for like $90 in polyurethane. Whatever car you buy will need them, i guarantee it.
Brakes: Earlier examples had small weaksauce brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Upgrade to EGT brakes front and rear. You'll gain larger discs up front, and discs in back. Easy.
Shifter: The stock shifter bushings are cheap, but wear out in a matter of weeks. (Seriously.) Corksport makes Bronzoil bushings for $40 for the set. HUGE improvement. While you're at it, get their stainless braided clutch line. It's like $20. Alternatively, get ahold of the Kartboy or Pacesetter adjustable short shifter. I have the Pacesetter unit. It's hard to find, but it's a nice little piece.
Light pressure turbo: What you say will work just fine, but you can likely do it for even cheaper than you laid out.
EVERYTHING, i repeat EVERYTHING is dirt cheap for these cars. New or used, it doesn't even matter. Tie rods are like $7. Complete control arms with bushings attached and assembled are like $60 a corner. Pony manual steering rack for $120, etc etc etc...
Well guys I ended not buying either car. Found a 92 civic sedan down the street for $800. The escort guy never did call me back but after seeing this post I wish he did. I do plan to turbo the 1.5 thats in the civic. I've read that can be done fairly cheap too. Thanks
If it's relatively clean, do a full detail, and sell it to a Honduh Fanboi for $3k.
I gave up trying to find a clean EG around here. They're all price statospherically high, because the demand is unreal. I want to build another Honda so badly, but the cost of entry for anything in the area is outrageous.
BTW: I support a junkyard F-series swap instead of a turbo D15.
It is rust free so might do that. I'd love to hear your arguement for the F series against d15 turbo..It's not the rods is it?
The F-series is a stronger motor in general, is paired with stronger transmissions, and introduces the possibility of all kinds of nifty frankenstein setups, up to and including 260whp n/a using almost all OEM Honda parts.
Even a stock F23 swapped into that little EG sedan paired with any F or H-series transmission would be maniacal fun. The best part? Not many people are REALLY looking for F-series motors, so the cost of entry is very VERY cheap.
93celicaGT2 wrote:
dankspeed wrote:
93celicaGT2 wrote:
dankspeed wrote:
93celicaGT2 wrote:
pres589 wrote:
I was actually looking at this era of Escort wagon last night; very clean ones can be had for under $2k with no effort. Which combination of anti-rollbars, struts, and springs are a bolt-in that would yield a decent ride on the street and still handle decently? Would a ZX2 donate it's brakes all the way around, or something else that would give good braking?
Ha, can the shifter be rebuilt to offer better than stock shifts? I've driven one of these cars and it felt like a stick working through a box of notches with rubber bands to connect the whole thing together. If that makes any sense, you know what I mean.
A light-pressure turbo with stock compression and an MS setup sounds great but does that work with the factory 1.9?
Swaybars: Go with EGT bars. Aftermarket bars are available from Suspension Techniques for reasonable prices if you want to go bigger. These cars do benefit from a larger rear bar.
Struts/springs: ZX2 S/Rs are like $200 shipped from Jeg's and they fit. I have Tokico HPs on my car, simply because that's what i happened upon for cheap. A lot of people go with the Dropzone springs, i like my Megan Racings. The ride is still pretty good, and they're plenty firm. I don't know how much further i'd go on a street car, these things are pretty light. MX3 rear tie bar is a nice junkyard score. Strut tower bars are cheap as well. Keep an eye on ebay or any of the forums. I got mine front and rear for $40. Replace the upper strut mounts while you're at it all, they're cheap.
Bushings: ZXTuner sells the complete set for like $90 in polyurethane. Whatever car you buy will need them, i guarantee it.
Brakes: Earlier examples had small weaksauce brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. Upgrade to EGT brakes front and rear. You'll gain larger discs up front, and discs in back. Easy.
Shifter: The stock shifter bushings are cheap, but wear out in a matter of weeks. (Seriously.) Corksport makes Bronzoil bushings for $40 for the set. HUGE improvement. While you're at it, get their stainless braided clutch line. It's like $20. Alternatively, get ahold of the Kartboy or Pacesetter adjustable short shifter. I have the Pacesetter unit. It's hard to find, but it's a nice little piece.
Light pressure turbo: What you say will work just fine, but you can likely do it for even cheaper than you laid out.
EVERYTHING, i repeat EVERYTHING is dirt cheap for these cars. New or used, it doesn't even matter. Tie rods are like $7. Complete control arms with bushings attached and assembled are like $60 a corner. Pony manual steering rack for $120, etc etc etc...
Well guys I ended not buying either car. Found a 92 civic sedan down the street for $800. The escort guy never did call me back but after seeing this post I wish he did. I do plan to turbo the 1.5 thats in the civic. I've read that can be done fairly cheap too. Thanks
If it's relatively clean, do a full detail, and sell it to a Honduh Fanboi for $3k.
I gave up trying to find a clean EG around here. They're all price statospherically high, because the demand is unreal. I want to build another Honda so badly, but the cost of entry for anything in the area is outrageous.
BTW: I support a junkyard F-series swap instead of a turbo D15.
It is rust free so might do that. I'd love to hear your arguement for the F series against d15 turbo..It's not the rods is it?
The F-series is a stronger motor in general, is paired with stronger transmissions, and introduces the possibility of all kinds of nifty frankenstein setups, up to and including 260whp n/a using almost all OEM Honda parts.
Even a stock F23 swapped into that little EG sedan paired with any F or H-series transmission would be maniacal fun. The best part? Not many people are REALLY looking for F-series motors, so the cost of entry is very VERY cheap.
Do you have a link to info on the 260whp na build? Sounds like a good read.
http://www.importtuner.com/tech/impp_0902_k24_vtec_versus_g23_vtec_tech_knowledge/index.html
Samurai07SS wrote:
In reply to 96DXCivic:
As far as I know, however, the EXP and LN7 never received the Turbo option.
The LN7 did not, but the EXP did.
