chaksq's 2000 Ford ZX2 S/R

[chaksq]

This is my project car. A 2000 Ford ZX2 S/R. The S/R edition is a rare factory performance package from Ford. It includes a number of upgrades, my personal interest being in the upgraded Tokico suspension and Ford Racing ECU. My plan is either to autocross this car or do a full car audio build in the car. I bought the car with a blown transmission. I replaced the transmission and a number of other issues. It still has some problems, and is an ongoing project.

To be honest this isn't me ideal platform anymore. Once I got into the Subaru scene I fell in love with AWD. And it needs more work than I can afford to fix right now (mostly because I got laid off). Regardless I am keeping the car right now, I rather enjoy how it sticks out from all the boring cars I see everywhere.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2429/2621/31071310126_large.jpg
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http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2429/2621/31071310125_large.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/07/31071310120_large-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/07/31071310111_large-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Was this Ford's attempt at a Dodge Neon SRT?

It's an odd looking car. Is it a coupe? A small sedan? A cavalier?

I guess with some work it could be pretty fun - is it very tossable in corners, or does it only go fast in straight lines?

[chaksq]

It's more of a cornering car than anything else, top speed and acceleration aren't spectactular. However it is based off the car Mazda attempted to enter the WRC with (Mazda 323). And this one is outfitted with a custom Tokico suspension. It was actually meant to compete with the Civic SI. My original plan was to autocross with this car.

Mine keeps coming up with stupid issues that just shouldn't be problems so not sure on the future of this project, might just take the engine and suspension and swap them into an older version of the Escort. Or just sell it and buy a Vespa scooter.

[Huffer]

Or just sell it and buy a Vespa scooter.

I like that idea. Love Vespas.

[timothyrmagee]

Not into that thing no disrespect meant....but get rid of it, its not that attractive and a money pit

[DarkPhoenix]

Ford Escort GT or S/R = Cheap fun!! Those cars came with the Zetec 2.0L engine, which if I am not mistaken, takes the Focus SVT engine rather easily. They are fun little cars to drive for auto-x and light as hell. I am going to be doing a little suspension work to my girlfriend's Escort wagon. The car with me in it ( I am a heavy judo player at 265 lbs) weighs a little less than 2500 lbs.

I would say screw the haters and fix it up for auto-x and use the Subaru for all-weather fun and RallyX.

[chaksq]

DarkPhoenix, you nailed it with the S/R. It's cheap and it's fun, corners better than a Legacy will, it's just too heavy. The Legacy however is a great daily particularly where I live up in the northeast we have such awful weather at times. The Escort ZX2 is cheap to repair and because it's so light it's very fun. Plus with the S/R package I have an upgraded suspension and performance while I can still keep the car in a stock class for AutoX which is my current plan. Might have to cancel the registration and store it for a while though, can't afford to keep two cars insured right now. Just as a side note the S/R is actually my second Escort, I used to have a 1996 Escort LX before I got the Legacy.