[trendadue]

I notices the escorts are front heavy. I suspect this is because of the FWD (my escort is my my first FWD vehicle).

What can I throw overboard to lighten up the front? Are there any hidden gems (such as a block of lead in the oil pan)?

Currently I'm thinking of chucking the AC and power steering, Maybe an aluminium head, and/or the heater core. Any other ideas?

 

[Cymmantix]

The 1.9 already has an aluminum head. You can chuck the A/C if you want, and there is a steering rack available without power assist (I believe the Pony models had this).

 

[alscort93]

All front engine cars will be front heavy. That weight on your car is good for the front, traction. If you want to take weight off, remove your a/c and p/s, if you have an autotragic swap it out for a 5 speed. If you're talking about needing to handle better, if you are on stock suspension, good luck, put some new poly bushings in your suspension parts, get new performance struts and spings and sway bars.

 

[LOWETGT]

I recommend a good sway bar kit (Suspension Techniques is what I run). It will help keep the rear of the car planted down in the turns. Like they said, you want weight up front on a FWD. Think of a arrow, it flies heavy end first. The problem most associated with FWD is understeer, but lowering center of gravity and tightening up suspension will help alleviate handling problems. I have done a fair amount of mods on my GT and the rear only comes around when I want it to.

 

[silverton]

my GT and the rear only comes around when I want it to.

you aren't going fast enough then

 

[LOWETGT]

You'd be surprised!!! I believe you are buddies with escort92man, if I am correct. I chat with him on facebook frequently.

 

[trendadue]

Understeer ...

Yes - my concern is under-steer and general handling.

My escort has just over 100,000 mi on it. I don't think anything in the suspension has ever been replaced so it flies like a small boat.

I've thought about swapping a LX-E or GT suspension into it - there are some cheap GTs around that could act as a doner. Might do the engine while I'm at it too.

Say - I noticed the hood is real heavy. I'm guessing the whole thing is made from steel? If so, are there any aluminium or fibreglass hoods available for a 2nd gen LX?

 

[ValleyScort96]

you can get the suspension that is found on the zx2 s/r. which is tokico struts and eibach springs. gt and lx-e suspension is just the same as reg escort iirc.

you can get in contact with piercemotorsports for a carbon fiber hood and hatch combo.

 

[alscort93]

Re: Understeer ...

Say - I noticed the hood is real heavy. I'm guessing the whole thing is made from steel? If so, are there any aluminium or fibreglass hoods available for a 2nd gen LX?

Change your suspension to something new and performance wise, used factory suspension will only last as long as used factory suspension will last. The hoods are not that heavy, I put mine on my car twice, by myself, they are really thin gauge steel. If your suspension has a lot of miles on it change that first, you're always going to have under steer with a front wheel drive car with 175's. You may be surprised what taking the old worn out springs off the car and replacing them with new performance ones will do for you. I'd start with that and replacing bushings and stick some beefy sway bars underneath the car, taking off weight and replacing your hood will not make that big of a difference with 1990's worn out factory suspension under the car.

 

[Jeffescortlx]

There must be some alignment issues going on with your Escorts. My Escort corners and brakes like a F1 car compared to my Mustang.
All my Escort has done is a good set of 15" wheels and tires and cut stock springs (OEM replacement rear struts)

 

[zzyzzx]

I recommend going on a diet. Skipping breakfast seems to work for me.