The UnNamed Wagon's build thread - Let it begin! Work in Progress
 

Work in Progress, a definate understatement! ;)

This thread is to document the EcoModding of the UnNamed Wagon.
This is the 'build thread' and not the 'contest thread'.

See link for 'contest thread' (Contest runs through the end of Feb '08):
'Win $100.00 in Free Gas! Design Contest: Ecomod my Ride' http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthread.php?t=246


Here is the Car: 1997 Ford Escort 5spd SW
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20071230/hp8yiuxiamf2.jpg

A low mileage (18K) parts car was purchased (from Ebay) for the engine and various other parts:
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20071230/573c8fxeaez1.jpg

First things First...I want to get a fresh PA State Inspection and Emissions Certification on the vehicle prior to modification. Looking over the vehicle (before taking it to the garage), I saw a few items and attended to them:

Emergency/Handbrake Cables Frozen - Replaced with new.
Tires worn out - Replaced with used alloys and tires from parts car.
Rear Coils Springs Broken - Replaced with complete strut assy from parts car.
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20071230/3abvsvqu76ew.jpg

These item are now completed. After the New Year, I will register the vehicle and take it into my local garage to get the Insp. and Emiss.

I also started (not finished yet) the vehicle on a diet and removed almost 100lbs from the vehicle. No longer has the (rear) seat, seatbelts, paneling, carpeting, spare and various hardware/brackets. Above items weighed in at 97.2lbs.
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20071230/erwoa8nulv3t.jpg
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20071230/lf7mdbqt2px5.jpg

I have also already removed the engine/trans from the parts car and have it stored for future use. I will utilize the current engine until I have the trans 'built'. When I install the new trans, I will install the low mileage engine.
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20071230/djpg4wcbext5.jpg
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20071230/1r76ejmcpac1.jpg

This is the first of many posts :) I will try to keep it updated with pics along the way.

Let it begin! :thumbup:

Woohoo! Very exciting. Subscribed.

cool, can't wait to see what you come up with.

Word up! Nice wip...it's too bad you already bought that other car...I wanted to pop a civic vx or some other such engine into my entry, :)

Happy New Year!

Got a chance to do some minor items today...
Replaced the hood latch
Removed, Charged, Cleaned and Replaced Battery

I also had time to remove the low mileage front strut assemblies from the parts car and am going to order and install Lowering Springs for them. I am planning on only installing the front lowering springs as to give the car a very slight 'rake'.
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20080101/abj1zmb9x278.jpg

2" drop - Like these...
http://www.imageno.com/thumbs/20080101/46xlt4k0juj0.jpg

Why not lower both ends? You reduce frontal area that way. You may actually increase it slightly with a front drop.

Indeed, I would vote for lowering both ends about the same amount. You don't want to mess up your handling either.

Will you be installing aftermarket struts (shocks?) to match the drop?

Woohoo another project thread! we need more people posting build logs on here :) They are cool to read and get ideas from.

I see your point in regards to the frontal area, but is there any benefit (under vehicle air flow) of having the vehicle slightly raked?


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The rear springs and struts that I just installed were from my parts sedan. The sedan's springs are softer and rated at 200lbs less than the wagons. The vehicle should be sitting slightly lower in the rear than with the factory wagon springs.

I had a couple escort wagons previously, and in the one I had both front and rear lowering springs installed (set). It seemed to be lower in the back (sag) than the front. I would think that having the vehicle (even slightly) lower in the back, than the front, would be very detrimental to air flow...well, they were cheapo springs...:o

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Thanks for the tip, I didn't consider that it wouldn't decrease (and maybe increase) my frontal area. I will install the fronts first and if it isn't even, I will also install the rears.

Absolutely! :D I'm following yours also!
Mine is not quite as drastic...yet! ;)