Concealer404's SMF KL-Scort *Sponsored by Boss Performance*

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:11 PM

Yep, it's an Escort.

The car (don't be jealous, now):

Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/QUOTE]

This car was bought for my girlfriend to replace her old Tore-Ass. It's a 1993 Escort GT purchased for the princely sum of $700, which turned out to NOT be a great deal. Turns out what i thought was a dropped shifter was in fact a grenaded transmission. The motor, while making good power, turned out to quite obviously not have the 58k miles the car was advertised to have. (Stupid me. DUH.) Try more like.... 258k miles. (lol carfax, thanks.) The valve seals were shot, bushings were toast, suspension was scary, and brakes sucked.

Replaced:
New transmission
New springs and struts
New front brakes
New intake tube
Full tuneup.
New clutch slave cylinder

And it drove ok, and was decently fun. We decided to make it into a fun street car, ending up with a mods list that looked like this:

Leaky exhaust
Tokico HP struts
Megan Racing springs
Pierce Motorsports front 4 point tie bar
Energy Suspension bushings
Energy Suspension mount inserts
Josh_LX delrin endlinks
Pacesetter adjustable STS
MX3 rear tie bar
MX3 front and rear strut tower bars
MX3 leather shift boot
MX3 shifter console
Protege lower console
Black MX3 carpet
Clear corners
MX3 black weatherstripping
MX3 black lower dash
****ty Kenwood head unit
Kicker 6.5" front speakers powered by an old school Punch160 amp

NOW:
Now it has over 280k miles on it, and it still has plenty of power, but it's starting to show it's age in many ways. The transmission is crunchy in 2nd and 5th. The front suspension hardware won't hold torque, and loosens on it's own. The smoking is getting worse. All four strut mounts are shot. The brake system needs an overhaul.

I bought a complete low mileage head in thought that i was going to rebuild the motor, bump the compression a bit, and that she would just enjoy that. Then i found out how cheap it would be to boost it. Then i found out that FE3 swaps aren't that hard. Then SHE HEARD A KLZE.

And that's what she wanted. What girlfriend wants, she gets. She also seems to be jealous of how much fun i have at Autox events, so she wants to do that, too. In her Escort.

I've already purchased a 94 MX3 GS (with 80k miles ) for a donor.

I'm going to be upfront here and say that she could have picked many easier, cheaper, and better platforms to compete in SMF class with, and that i'm not in love with this thing. (I'm a Toyota guy, don't hold it against me.) But, this could be fun.

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:12 PM

Of course, there were two logical choices that i passed over before we decided to do this thing:

1) "XelderX" has proven that the Mazda BG platform can be VERY competitive in SCCA's FSP class. Would have simply involved a suspension and brake upgrade, and dumping in a fresh motor, go to town.

2) It was STILL fun as a street car. BP + boost would have been a great daily driver.

Buuuuutttt.... i'm special. SCCA Street Modified FWD here we come. :spin:

http://www.scca.com/documents/2011%2...lo%20Rules.pdf (Skip to page 107)

The Build:

MOTOR (POWER)
Straight Neck KLZE (less than 20k miles on rebuild)
DE springs and retainers
Ported/polished intake manifold w/ 65mm throttle body
Ebay headers ("M2" version w/ 2.5" outlet)
Corksport 2.5" Power Series Exhaust
King6 manual timing belt tensioner
"HEI mod"
RRacing underdrive pulley
Stoker100 chipped KL31 ecu w/ JE50 vaf

DRIVETRAIN
South Bend TZ stage 2 clutch
Fidanza 9lb flywheel
Mfactory LSD
MX3 GS trans
MX3 GS Shift linkage and stabilizer bar
AWR front and rear mounts, King6Fab side mounts
Corksport stainless braided clutch line
C's Ball Bearing Rally Shifter
Corksport "Bronzoil" shifter bushings

SUSPENSION/STEERING
Pierce Motorsports tubular/adjustable/rodended LCAs
Pierce Motorsports tubular/adjustable/rodended rear control arms
Pierce Motorsports tubular/adjustable/rodended rear trailing arms
Pierce Motorsports 2-point rear tie-bar brace
Pierce Motorsports 4-point front tie-bar brace
Race-valved Koni Yellows
Ground Control Coilovers (650f/550r)
Cusco Camber Plates/Pillowball mounts front and rear
Cusco Type ST front strut bar
Cusco Type AS rear strut bar
Swaybars to be determined
Custom rod-ended swaybar links
De-powered MX3 GS rack

WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES
Drag DR21 15x7 +35mm (temporary. RPF1 knockoffs)
Hankook Ventus RS3s 225/45-15
Centric Premium rotors
Porterfield R4S pads
Corksport stainless braided lines
New calipers all around
New master cylinder

EXTERIOR
Shaved grill
Debadged
Tracer LTS front lip
91 EGT 3-piece wing
Carbon Fiber hood
Rod Millen Motorsports rear hatch wing (if i can find one)

INTERIOR
Rear seat removed per SCCA rules
Pierce Motorsports custom harness bar
Corbeau FX1 Pro Microsuede seats and sliders/brackets
Crow 3" 5-point harness
Crow 3" 5-point harness w/ RCI shoulder belts and Simpson lap belt
MX3 steering column (necessary with MX3 rack)
JDM Mazdaspeed M-Edition MX6 leather-wrapped steering wheel
Prosport wideband
Prosport oil pressure
Prosport water temp

THE FUTURE

I will be using the 2011 SCCA season to dial the chassis/suspension in on street tires. (Hence the DR21/RS3 setup.) In 2012, i will be taking this car on the National Tour in SMF class with a real tire and am planning on going to Nationals.

Changes:

Will swap out stock motor for either built n/a KLZE on MegaSquirt, or slap an M62 on there w/ MegaSquirt. Target power is 240-250whp to compensate for what i know the top-level competition is making.

Replace gas tank with fuel cell for weight savings.

Car will be painted. Dark grey with a purple metallic flake.

Wheels will change to Kodiak Racing wheels, wrapped in 275/35-15 R-Comps.

The car will also receive a kill switch and roll bar to make it legal for SCCA Hill Climb events, and i'll be getting my liscenses for such events as well.

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:19 PM

I know everyone says "Pics or it didn't happen." So....

Master Cylinder:

Centric Premium Rotors

Porterfield R4S pads

Centric driver's side front and rear calipers

Corksport Stainless Braided Lines

Crow Harnesses:

Jim Pierce Special Harness Bar:

Pair of Jim Pierce rear arms w/ swaybar tabs:

Jim Pierce rear arms and rear tie brace.

Jim Pierce front LCAs

Exhaust is here... Thought it was just going to be a cat-back, but apparently it's the whole thing? Nice surprise. Already has an o2 bung in it, so i don't have to worry about that. The fart cannon is a bit bigger than i was expecting, though.

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:20 PM

Better pic of the rear arms:

Mostly complete front arm. (Waiting on pins):

Ooooooooooooo MOTOR! 8000rpms of screaming V6 fury.

Stuff has arrived!

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:21 PM

Picked up the motor on Saturday from TheFallenAngel at Mbolin5's place.

I left with a few other goodies, bonus points to who recognizes the first one!

MBolin5 custom exhaust manifold gaskets:

MBolin5 throttle body gasket:

Mbolin5 KLZE intake manifold gaskets:

More stuffs!

Today's haul

Fidanza 9lb flywheel

LCAs:

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:22 PM

JDM y0 MX6 ECU

Headers, KLDE injectors, PS Delete belt. Not entirely happy with the Ebay headers. (DUH!) Welds look fine, and they're solid enough, but the insides right past the flanges don't line up too well, probably not helping flow. Either way, they're better than stock, and less than half the weight, so i'll live with them for now. For $140 shipped, i'm not unhappy.

Moar goodiez!!!!!

Minty fresh fogs with brackets and harness.

South Bend Clutch TZ Stage 2 Kevlar clutch.

Ported and polished KLZE straight neck intake manifold w/ 64mm throttle body.

Cusco Camber plates/pillowball mounts.

On top of Koni Yellows and Ground Controls loaded with QA1 650lb springs. (Front)

Bawlin'!

Koni Yellows w/ Ground Controls loaded with Eibach 550lb springs. (Rear)

King6Fab manual timing belt tensioner.

Valve Cover Gaskets.

Apparently the guy that was rebuilding the shocks did all 4. Which was nice of him i guess.

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:24 PM

Endlinks!

MFactory Helical LSD! (Taste the rainbow.)

AWR Front mount, 95 durometer.

GM ICM.

Only the finest parts made in China for domestics!

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 03:27 PM

The MX3 destruction well.... sucked. The car was ridiculously rusty, despite only having 86k original miles on it.

It's last days:

Best mod of the day, if you have a mx3.....

V-mounted ac condensor....

These were the "nuts" that were holding the rear trans mount to the transmission crossmember. To get them off, i had to cut off the cross brace that went under the subframe, then walk them off with an air hammer.

You like my nuts?

The good news is that the transmission i pulled out of the car had blatantly been rebuilt. And very recently. Best estimation is that the transmission has less than 10k miles on it. And of course, i'm in the middle of tearing it down right now for the MFactory Helical install.

Will update this weekend with more parts and progress. Have received a LOT more parts recently.

$hane · 06-24-2011, 03:57 PM

Wow!

kung fu jesus · 06-24-2011, 04:12 PM

Very cool. I had two EGTs in the 90s, one i turned into a racecar for SCCA ITA. The BG chasis is VERY good and often often overlooked. If the tranny had a taller gearing ratio, they would have been more competitive against the hondas of the day. I ran a similar suspension, higher spring rates, iirc. Those control arms are very nice! I always wanted to do a KL swap on my street car, using the mx-3 missing link parts, but i lost interest and moved on to different cars.

Thanks for sharing this! It brings back a lot of good memories!

concealer404 · 06-24-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kung fu jesus

Very cool. I had two EGTs in the 90s, one i turned into a racecar for SCCA ITA. The BG chasis is VERY good and often often overlooked. If the tranny had a taller gearing ratio, they would have been more competitive against the hondas of the day. I ran a similar suspension, higher spring rates, iirc. Those control arms are very nice! I always wanted to do a KL swap on my street car, using the mx-3 missing link parts, but i lost interest and moved on to different cars.

Thanks for sharing this! It brings back a lot of good memories!

Yeah, i don't know what the top speed is with the stock drivetrain, but the transmission was actually longer than the MX3 unit i'll be using. I think with enough power, it would have hit around 130mph, but that might be pushing it.

I'm worried that i'll end up having to shift into 3rd gear with this setup on autox courses, but that's a hurdle i'll jump when i get there.

If all goes well, this will be a whirlwind of activity shortly. The car is supposed to be done for an event on July 16th.

Dismantling the Escort this weekend, then i'll have about 2 weeks to build a car ground up. Just about literally!

Thanks guys!

At least now that the 15x10 6ULs are out, i'll have a cheaper option than Kodiaks!

DazedAndConfused · 06-24-2011, 04:25 PM

Thats quite a bit of work. I like!

sr20det_28 · 06-25-2011, 12:02 AM

The LCA are DOPE!

Broketuner · 06-25-2011, 12:38 AM

Wow awsome build thread

DazedAndConfused · 06-25-2011, 01:27 AM

Question for you. I didnt realize corksport made an exhaust for the escort. What size inlet is that on the muffler. The canister looks huge compared to the miata canisters.

concealer404 · 06-25-2011, 08:38 AM

^2.5" inlet. And yes, it's huge. I'm not entirely sure i like the fart cannon, but i'm going to see how it sounds before i decide to replace it with a traditional straight through muffler. (Probably just use a light Thrush Turbo or something) This thing isn't as big as the Apexi N1 i had on my spare exhaust for the MX6, but it's pretty large, for sure.

Thanks guys, i'm about to go head out to work on the diff install some more, so i'll have more pictures tonite. Of the minty fresh transmission being taken apart, and of the parts i'm slacking on taking pictures of.

Piripi · 06-25-2011, 09:15 AM

That is a lot of work. I had a KLZE in my MX3. Great engine. Wish the miata had that torque. Good luck, looks like it will be a fun FF car.

adam777 · 06-25-2011, 10:37 AM

Cool project. In for updates.

DazedAndConfused · 06-25-2011, 12:50 PM

I would offer to buy the exhaust off you just simply for the resonator and canister because I LOVED the way Corksport Drift sounded on my NA. Deep as shit and made it ballsy, but I need ones meant for 3 inch exhaust

Post a link so we can hear how it sounds on the escort when you get around to it.

concealer404 · 06-25-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused

I would offer to buy the exhaust off you just simply for the resonator and canister because I LOVED the way Corksport Drift sounded on my NA. Deep as shit and made it ballsy, but I need ones meant for 3 inch exhaust

Post a link so we can hear how it sounds on the escort when you get around to it.

Corksport still has videos of it on their site (under protege) attached to a BP. Going to be hard to judge based on this car since it'll be a 2.5 V6.

But yes, videos will definitely follow!

Lazyguy · 06-25-2011, 09:40 PM

Hmmm....Lots of rods and nuts. I like it.

Piripi · 06-25-2011, 11:28 PM

There was a blue miata in WA with a KLZE, there were videos on youtube.

nannerpus · 06-25-2011, 11:36 PM

A) This is really cool. Just based on my passing knowledge of SMF, you should have a good shot at kicking ass.
B) I'm pondering an Escort GT myself. Do you know of a good source for buyer information, common trouble areas, etc?

concealer404 · 06-25-2011, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piripi

There was a blue miata in WA with a KLZE, there were videos on youtube.

Yep, that's "CodingParadox." (Well, at least he's the current owner.) That's an SSM car, i've spoken with him a few times, he was trying to figure out how to rev the KLZE to 9000rpms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazyguy

Hmmm....Lots of rods and nuts. I like it.

I would expect no less on a Miata site!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nannerpus

A) This is really cool. Just based on my passing knowledge of SMF, you should have a good shot at kicking ass.
B) I'm pondering an Escort GT myself. Do you know of a good source for buyer information, common trouble areas, etc?

The biggest problem will be the loose nut behind the wheel, i think. Looking at the fastest (in my opinion) FSP vs. SMF car on the Tour, there's really not a whole lot of difference in times. The FSP car is a Protege LX (same thing as my car, just two more doors) and isn't allowed the same prep that i am. The SMF car is a light turboed EF Civic SI. But he's not prepped as far, either.

Step 1: Tighten the loose nut behind the wheel
Step 2: Lose weight. (The car even though projected weight will be around 2100lbs, will still be a little heavy compared to the competition. ) Ideally i'd like to see 1950lbs and ~230whp. But once i'm dialed in, i'll have a bit of an advantage over the competition in my suspension design. Don't know of anyone else that has done this yet, as SMF is a fairly new class. We haven't seen an all-out assault yet.

As for buying an EGT, you'd want to check around ClubProtege for the common areas. Or just ask me what you're worried about. It can be in this thread or PM if you like, i have no preference, and don't care about a friendly threadjack from time to time.

But the main problems:

1) Rust (rear strut towers especially)
2) Dropped shifter (shifter base rusts out, shifter drops, linkage binds, not a good time)
3) Intake leaks (cause the car to run like shit)
4) Secondary IACV. They like to leak. They're expensive, they're a bitch to get to, and they leak coolant into your number 3 cylinder. Bypass it.
5) Neglect. These were "disposable" cars. Nobody took GREAT care of them. You're better off buying a rough one with the knowledge that you'll be sinking another $500 or so into it. As long as the motor compression tests well, and the trans is good, the rest is cake, and REALLY cheap. Watch for shoddy previous repairs.

In regards to #5, i had a fun time when it was time to re-do the brakes the first time. I ordered 4 new rotors, a full set of pads, and passenger side calipers. Imagine my surprise when the caliper/rotor didn't work together on the front. Turns out that a previous owner at some point had wrecked the car, and the shop that "repaired" it put an early Escort LX hub and rotor on that corner. Which is.... about an inch smaller, but uses the same caliper. That was a head scratcher.

concealer404 · 06-28-2011, 11:34 AM

No update this weekend. Spent 20 hours fighting a massive electrical problem on the MX6, still no love.

If any of you geniuses want to take a look and see what you think, here's a thread with most of the detail i have:

http://www.mx6.com/forums/1g-mx6-gen...u-call-me.html

freedomgli · 06-28-2011, 11:37 AM

Love that generation Escort GT. Looks like a lot of work but I really like what I see so far. Keep us posted with regular updates.

DazedAndConfused · 06-28-2011, 11:38 AM

I checked the corksport video on youtube for the escorts. It is almost too damn quiet! I liked their exhaust for the newer protege's though. Sound like apexi N1 a bit

concealer404 · 06-28-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused

I checked the corksport video on youtube for the escorts. It is almost too damn quiet! I liked their exhaust for the newer protege's though. Sound like apexi N1 a bit

Yeah, but i think most of those videos are with turbo BPs. A cat-less n/a KLZE should be a bit louder.

DazedAndConfused · 06-28-2011, 11:52 AM

I think it will sound awesome man. No doubt in my mind actually. The v6 should really give it a higher pitched apexi sound.

kung fu jesus · 06-30-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nannerpus

I'm pondering an Escort GT myself. Do you know of a good source for buyer information, common trouble areas, etc?

Quote:

Originally Posted by concealer404

As for buying an EGT, you'd want to check around ClubProtege for the common areas. Or just ask me what you're worried about. It can be in this thread or PM if you like, i have no preference, and don't care about a friendly threadjack from time to time.

But the main problems:

1) Rust (rear strut towers especially)
2) Dropped shifter (shifter base rusts out, shifter drops, linkage binds, not a good time)
3) Intake leaks (cause the car to run like shit)
4) Secondary IACV. They like to leak. They're expensive, they're a bitch to get to, and they leak coolant into your number 3 cylinder. Bypass it.
5) Neglect. These were "disposable" cars. Nobody took GREAT care of them. You're better off buying a rough one with the knowledge that you'll be sinking another $500 or so into it. As long as the motor compression tests well, and the trans is good, the rest is cake, and REALLY cheap. Watch for shoddy previous repairs.

^ good info.

corksport was very helpful to me way back then. i remember i wrote the VIN down off a protege LX i saw wadded in the junkyard and registered that through mazda motorsports for the parts discounts. they won't support the mazda-based fords.

06-24-2011, 03:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
$hane Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chitaco Posts: 4,354	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort Wow!
	__________________ My sig is not worthy The Anti-Style Bar Empire - Saving Lives since 2010 2001 SE 398/3000 http://ilmadikz.tumblr.com/

06-24-2011, 04:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
kung fu jesus Ninja Messiah Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: RDU, NC Posts: 5,894	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort Very cool. I had two EGTs in the 90s, one i turned into a racecar for SCCA ITA. The BG chasis is VERY good and often often overlooked. If the tranny had a taller gearing ratio, they would have been more competitive against the hondas of the day. I ran a similar suspension, higher spring rates, iirc. Those control arms are very nice! I always wanted to do a KL swap on my street car, using the mx-3 missing link parts, but i lost interest and moved on to different cars. Thanks for sharing this! It brings back a lot of good memories!
	__________________ I ♣ baby seals.

06-24-2011, 04:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
DazedAndConfused Esteemed Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Swag Posts: 5,322	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort Thats quite a bit of work. I like!

06-25-2011, 12:02 AM	#13 (permalink)
sr20det_28 Spicy! Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 241	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort The LCA are DOPE!

06-25-2011, 12:38 AM	#14 (permalink)
Broketuner Hardparker Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ventura County, so cal Posts: 3,005	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort Wow awsome build thread
	__________________ '01 IS300 the fun "adult/family" car *SOLD* '99 10AE #5722 MSM front end, 949 twindisk & BRK, JIC FLT-TAR, autokonexion fastback, chaser Scoote2 hood & a little more than the usual weight reduction

06-25-2011, 01:27 AM	#15 (permalink)
DazedAndConfused Esteemed Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Swag Posts: 5,322	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort Question for you. I didnt realize corksport made an exhaust for the escort. What size inlet is that on the muffler. The canister looks huge compared to the miata canisters.

06-25-2011, 09:15 AM	#17 (permalink)
Piripi Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Downtown LA, Kailua Hawaii Posts: 469	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort That is a lot of work. I had a KLZE in my MX3. Great engine. Wish the miata had that torque. Good luck, looks like it will be a fun FF car.
	__________________ 99 Black NB. 06 WRX Wagon stage II. EMB-145XR

06-25-2011, 10:37 AM	#18 (permalink)
adam777 Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 967	At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort Cool project. In for updates.

06-25-2011, 12:50 PM	#19 (permalink)
DazedAndConfused Esteemed Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Swag Posts: 5,322	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort I would offer to buy the exhaust off you just simply for the resonator and canister because I LOVED the way Corksport Drift sounded on my NA. Deep as shit and made it ballsy, but I need ones meant for 3 inch exhaust Post a link so we can hear how it sounds on the escort when you get around to it.

06-25-2011, 11:28 PM	#22 (permalink)
Piripi Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Downtown LA, Kailua Hawaii Posts: 469	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort There was a blue miata in WA with a KLZE, there were videos on youtube.
	__________________ 99 Black NB. 06 WRX Wagon stage II. EMB-145XR

06-25-2011, 11:36 PM	#23 (permalink)
nannerpus ┐('～`；)┌ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas. Posts: 6,261	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort A) This is really cool. Just based on my passing knowledge of SMF, you should have a good shot at kicking ass. B) I'm pondering an Escort GT myself. Do you know of a good source for buyer information, common trouble areas, etc?
	__________________

06-28-2011, 11:37 AM	#26 (permalink)
freedomgli Supporting Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 12,191	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort Love that generation Escort GT. Looks like a lot of work but I really like what I see so far. Keep us posted with regular updates.
	__________________

06-28-2011, 11:38 AM	#27 (permalink)
DazedAndConfused Esteemed Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Swag Posts: 5,322	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort I checked the corksport video on youtube for the escorts. It is almost too damn quiet! I liked their exhaust for the newer protege's though. Sound like apexi N1 a bit

06-28-2011, 11:52 AM	#29 (permalink)
DazedAndConfused Esteemed Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fort Swag Posts: 5,322	Re: At request: Concealer404's SMF Escort I think it will sound awesome man. No doubt in my mind actually. The v6 should really give it a higher pitched apexi sound.

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