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Post by granias on Mar 3, 2023 21:05:37 GMT -5
Just curious about suspension and tires this is my first zx2 got it cheap with a bad clutch and timing belt broke got it all fixed up but the suspension is shot and the 185 tires dont seem to be wide enough in mho. Just wanted to see if anyone has tried like a 0-35mm offset and ran wide 225 or bigger tires. And what suspension would be good is it worth it to buy yellow racing or just FCS?
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 4, 2023 4:14:33 GMT -5
You can easily run up to a 205/55/15 on the factory wheel, just unnecessary to do so unless you'd like to, I did it for many years.
With a good quality tire (205/45/16) I hold double the factory HP to the road in my turbo car, our daily drivers just get 185s
Check rockauto for suspension, I've ran everything from the cheapest shock you can buy to the most expensive kit they have listed, these are all factory replacement parts and are more or less equal. If you are after any kind of performance suspension it's going to come from aftermarket companies like FEAL or BC Racing
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Post by granias on Mar 5, 2023 14:08:48 GMT -5
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 5, 2023 15:07:02 GMT -5
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Post by granias on Mar 5, 2023 19:13:21 GMT -5
Oh yeah they are generic pictures I already contacted them lol. Before I spend 1k on something it better fit. But these inverted ones look cool as well yellowspeedracingusa.com/collections/all/products/inverted-pro-street-coilovers-1998-2000-ford-escort-zx2 I need to find somewhere that still carries the brake calipers these one were seized up and it took us a good bit to free it up. I'm gonna keep the rear drums for now just put new ones on drums and shoes. I just got done replacing the clutch with a stage 3 and also the bushings in the shifter linkage. I hit a deer right after I replaced the clutch so I did my best body work and fixed the hood and replaced one head lamp but I ordered both. I need the plastic piece that helps support the headlamps and front bumper.
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 5, 2023 21:22:35 GMT -5
Rock auto has both the older EGT (Escort GT) style, search for 1996 Escort 1.8l rear disc calipers if this is what you need. And they have the S/R or 3rd gen escort style rear calipers, just search 2003 Escort 2.0l rear disc calipers if this is what you need
Pretty sure they have brackets too if that's what you need. Although ebay may be cheaper easier to find.
That plastic piece would be called the "header panel'. Unsure if rockauto has them anymore, when I looked last I didn't see any but it's been a while since I checked. Ebay again may be the best bet, can also try local junkyard or if no ZX2s nearby search car-part.com for something that may be relatively close to you
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Post by granias on Mar 5, 2023 22:25:30 GMT -5
Yeah I bought this 1998 ZX2 with 130k miles on it for 400 dollars needing a radiator and a clutch. I remember these being semi popular during highschool as they were still relatively new then. I'm very very impressed by it. Being a 4x4 truck guy I'm finding it really fun not to be so top heavy and corners feel like it's being glued to the ground. I want to make as cool looking and fun to drive with reasonable longevity for my daughter. And yes ebay had that piece. Is it really worth the work to do a rear disc conversion? The car is already pretty light and doesn't have abs. Only other thing I'm fighting is it feels like the parking brake really doesn't want to set and I feel like I've nearly maxed out the adjuster. That's why I was going to do the brakes on the rear Detroit auto has it all for 100 new drums and everything including wheel cylinders.
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 6, 2023 6:41:17 GMT -5
Rear discs not really necessary for street use, especially for longevity the drums will certainly last longer and be cheaper in the long run.
Our daily driver ZX2s still have drums in the rear
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Post by granias on Mar 6, 2023 9:45:05 GMT -5
Found the header panel on Amazon after what you told me the correct name lol. Garage-Pro Header Panel Compatible with FORD ESCORT 1998-2003 Headlight Mounting Panel ABS Plastic ZX2 Model Coupe a.co/d/cAhDtUFgoing to be use these next the mount near the tranny is out. OMNI5 K2100 Fits 1997-2003 Ford Escort 2.0L MANUAL Engine Motor & Trans Mount Set 4pcs : A2651, A2649, A2912, A2843 a.co/d/4V50Wb6Rear struts FCS 1332318 Complete Strut Assembly a.co/d/aOODvCaFront struts FCS 1332315 Complete Strut Assembly a.co/d/75AcID4Are the struts the same left and right?
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 6, 2023 10:10:03 GMT -5
Good find on the header panel, first I've seen on on Amazon lol
I'm happy with the FCS kit, that's what's currently installed in my daily
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Post by granias on Mar 6, 2023 16:23:09 GMT -5
How can post some pics so you can see before and afters?
That's a relief I was worried FCS wouldnt be a good brand. How are they as daily drivers? I really hate using eBay for the front turn signals but it looks like I'm gonna have to.im trying to figure out how to get the driver window glass to stop rattling I'm gonna have to tear the door apart I think. Then comes seats lol. Is the short shift kit worth it?
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Post by granias on Mar 6, 2023 16:29:49 GMT -5
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 6, 2023 17:22:55 GMT -5
i bought all 4 gabriel loaded shocks for the wifes daily because of the known brand name. stepped out on a limb to try these FCS one out because ive never heard of them and so far theyre great, and i am not easy on these cars lol
yours looks like its in great shape, the clearcoat on the black paint peels on all of them and ive not seen a black ZX2 with less than that in a long time haha
youll likely have to pull the door cover to get at whatever may be rattling in the window as theres not much outside besides the seal up top there. are they power or manual windows?
EDIT: forgot about your short shifter question, i have ran a TWM in my turbo Z for many years and its excellent. however my daily is stock and im too cheap to buy another for this car. perhaps there are cheaper options available now but idk. if you wanted to make the car feel "sportier" id definitely do it...would your daughter care for it? idk maybe if shes into the whole sporty zippy little car thing then yeah. if she can already drive a stick and appreciates it she may like it, who knows?
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Post by granias on Mar 6, 2023 19:10:03 GMT -5
Well she wanted a Lotus Eclipse if that tells you anything. And up till I hit that deer it was lol. Just grateful didn't do more damage than a head lamp and that header panel. She loves it a lot and wants it wrapped in liliac colored carbon. It's already a grippy little car and fun but I want to make it grip as much as possible so she can join me on the track. Idk if I will lower it. This is the short shifter I found. www.fidanza.com/products/short-throw-shifter-891946We are putting AH03 rims on it and I'm gonna do a fender flare for her
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 6, 2023 19:34:59 GMT -5
fidanza is good stuff, i would highly recommend their aluminum flywheel for the car, really changes the feeling and engine response. i can only imagine their shifter would be a great product as well but i have no first hand experience with it as far as grip, some 200 treadwear 205 width tires are more than enough, if the suspension is up to the task of course so yeah id say shortshifter is a go then can lower with springs but will be mostly for looks, same with wider tires. but if track use is possibly in the future and if its in the budget a real coilover setup is honestly the only answer. having recently on my turbo Z gone with FEAL 441+ setup its completely changed the car. you can contact FEAL and work out a spring rate and shock dampening that would suit expected conditions and would be adjustable for street/track use or just dialing in preferences
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Post by granias on Mar 6, 2023 19:40:58 GMT -5
I might have aver killed it then cause I went with 225 tires those rims are 8 inch wide with 15 offset. My math should place the inside of the tire at the same and push the outside out by 2.5 inches.
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Post by granias on Mar 6, 2023 19:41:33 GMT -5
These are the tires I ordered Set of 4 (FOUR) Fullway HP108 All-Season Performance Radial Tires-225/50R16 225/50/16 225/50-16 92V Load Range SL 4-Ply BSW Black Side Wall a.co/d/ia4UiHF
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 6, 2023 20:44:48 GMT -5
those will be fine, theyre not sticky rubber (380 treadwear) so the extra width will help lol
ill be going wider tires than my 205s in the turbo car eventually when hp increases. but currently with 220whp these bfgoodrich geforce sport comp2 (340 treadwear) tires are holding just fine. but i am talking street use, not track
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Post by granias on Mar 6, 2023 22:00:26 GMT -5
Lol all I have to say is anything is better than these 195 65 15 Douglas all season tires. I'll put the other headlight in after I get the header piece in. I was looking at a turbo kit wish I could find a turbo manifold but they seem few and expensive so I might have one made or make it myself. After this is done I am putting a twin turbo on the 6.2 in my truck so I can keep up with the car.
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Post by dareall on Mar 10, 2023 6:41:40 GMT -5
225 40 16 toyo proxes is not really a good fit 205 50 16 fit better and no longer scrape or catch on the fenders
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Post by granias on Mar 15, 2023 20:18:00 GMT -5
Dareall I was thinking of rolling the fenders or doing a wide body on it. Has anyone you know done it?
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 16, 2023 20:22:44 GMT -5
you can roll the fenders, front and rear with traditional methods. rear is more work though
widebody, there never was an official widebody kit for the ZX2 however it HAS been done all custom of course (anyone remember NIKE's car? widebody convertible?). many have ran universal over fenders as well (Tim[zxtwou2] comes to mind)
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Post by dareall on Mar 17, 2023 1:29:17 GMT -5
Dareall I was thinking of rolling the fenders or doing a wide body on it. Has anyone you know done it? you wont have a choice when going the size i have or the size you want, the fenders will need to be rolled. The rear doesnt seem narrow until you try to put wide wheels inside so you have to keep an eye on the backspace. Even ford had a backspace issue in 99 with the wheels and tires they put on the sr. The would rub so ford added a 3mm spacer to fix this. The problem did not go away though because the front would rub inside the wheel well too.
here is a pic of the factory wheel for my car compared to the factory sized wheel from an 03
as far as widebody, the zx2 looks good as it is body wise. Fender flares to fit wider wheels is not too bad but it really does depend on the fit and finish. I never recommend something like this because they usually become projects which never get finished. I would rather see people put them together and use them
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Post by granias on Mar 19, 2023 22:17:58 GMT -5
Well I got the rims in and instead of a 45mm offset 5.5 stock they are 15 offset 8 inch Aodhan AH03 black and gold rivet. The height seems to be the real issue so far but I got the tires in gonna get them mounted and balanced put them on the car myself and see what needs to be modded. If it's rolling the fender it shouldn't be too hard but if my math is right I will be right at the current fender and the tire won't go in any farther than the current rim. And now I have an intermittent issue with lean system to figure out lol. Happened while my daughter was driving it said it died at a light no check engine light just a pending code for P0171.i changed the O2 sensors when I did the clutch and I was watching the L/D and it looks like O2 sensor one keeps changing radically then smoothes out so I will change it again and see what happens. I will post more pics after the rims and body roll get completed but this is a daily driver for her so I am doing things on weekends. I was thinking of ordering new quarter panels for the front and rolling them then all I have to do it change them out. The new hood is on order. But I haven't had luck finding a body kit.
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 19, 2023 22:22:06 GMT -5
p0171 normally vacuum leak. check PCV hose ends at PCV and intake manifold. if all good then suspect sensor. but since it stalled on you could be a vacuum leak elsewhere, normally doesnt do that with a bad O2 sensor
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Post by granias on Mar 19, 2023 22:43:02 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip Evil I forgot about the C/A intake I put on. I'll go over it and the pcv valve.
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Post by dareall on Mar 20, 2023 0:17:27 GMT -5
p0171 normally vacuum leak. check PCV hose ends at PCV and intake manifold. if all good then suspect sensor. but since it stalled on you could be a vacuum leak elsewhere, normally doesnt do that with a bad O2 sensor p0171 is not usually a vacuum leak. Changing the sensor is also a wrong move most of the time as the sensor is just telling you there is a problem. The real problem will likely be a broken/cracked exhaust manifold. Probably a break between cylinder 1 and 2 since this car is a 98 it is also not likely the pcv as the pcv for the 98 is a different setup than the one used from 99-03 which is more susceptible to failure than the 98 style
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Apex
Trainee ZX2ner
Posts: 68
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Post by Apex on Mar 20, 2023 9:28:35 GMT -5
My 98 had quite a few dried, cracking, shitty vacuum hoses behind the engine, but they didn't leak until I touched them lol
What does the live data show for actual fuel trims at various RPMs? Dareall is probably right (and usually is), I could see a cracked exhaust manifold causing funky readings on an o2 sensor.
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Post by TheEvilZX2 on Mar 20, 2023 15:15:26 GMT -5
p0171 normally vacuum leak. check PCV hose ends at PCV and intake manifold. if all good then suspect sensor. but since it stalled on you could be a vacuum leak elsewhere, normally doesnt do that with a bad O2 sensor p0171 is not usually a vacuum leak. Changing the sensor is also a wrong move most of the time as the sensor is just telling you there is a problem. The real problem will likely be a broken/cracked exhaust manifold. Probably a break between cylinder 1 and 2 since this car is a 98 it is also not likely the pcv as the pcv for the 98 is a different setup than the one used from 99-03 which is more susceptible to failure than the 98 style personally ive never seen a p0171 in a zx2 that wasnt a vacuum leak.¯\_(ツ)_/¯ maybe once was a bad O2 sensor as the cause....but normally vacuum leak from what ive seen good call on the 98 PCV, forgot he was a 98
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Post by granias on Mar 20, 2023 17:59:55 GMT -5
Found it PCV relocation the valve fell over sideways lol. Something stupid you seem to over look.
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