Jason's 97 Ford Escort Sport
Current state
Right after I bought it
Bought this last year off my in-laws, to replace my IS300 I sold. A seemingly crazy downgrade, but I'm sick of car payments and expensive gas. This is my daily driver, but I can't help but try to improve it's performance some.
I'll be getting it setup to do autocross events, if not for competition at least for fun. Some exterior/interior changes will be in order as well, but nothing flashy or expensive.
Dropped a fresh JY motor in it. No fancy hybrid stuff, just a 98 SPI w/ 50k miles. Check out http://car-part.com for junkyard parts/motors etc.
Of course, the fuel rail was swapped over from the 97, but otherwise it was pretty much bolt in.
I left the auto trans, maybe at some point I'll get around to swapping in a five speed. For now, the auto will do fine until it pukes or annoys me enough and I have too much money laying around.
Current state
Suspension
ZX2 S/R Tokico struts
Eibach Pro-Kit springs (1.2" drop)
21mm Escort GT rear sway bar
Polyurethane swaybar bushings+new link hardware all around
New ball joints, tie rod ends
Rebuilt & painted front brake calipers & new pads
Wheels/Tires
15x7 +35 MB Motorsports Weapon wheels
195/55/15 BFG g-Force Sport tires
Cosmetic
Gunmetal headlight housings+removed reflector
De-badged (most were falling off) except blue ovals
Hacked bumper grill + mesh
Not shown here (need new pics):
Engine bay/painted parts
K&N + Dryer duct cold air induction in driver's fenderwell
Added trunk release button to dash
Coming up:
*Cat-back exhaust + header
*5spd...collecting parts soon
*Filled engine mounts (pour-in urethane from McMaster-Carr)
*Redo headliner & visors (major UV damage to fabric on these)
*Window film
*Rear disc brakes
*Tracer bumper
*GT side skirts
*Shaved body moldings (these are rotting off too)
INDEX:
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: 6/05 Headlights
Page 3: 6/05 Old GSR Wheels + interior
Page 4: 12/05 New wheels
Page 5: 12/05 New suspension
Page 6: Autocross log
Be sure to check out FEOA.net, lots of good tips there.
