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Ford Escort ZX2

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Comments

  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    I think the Maxima is a great car. My grandfather has the sport suspension package and i5 spd., it really has a nice feel to it, and great steering. If I were forced to get a mid sized sedan, the Maxima with the sport options would be it, though topped out in options it gets pretty pricey.

    floridian: wish your son good luck for me! ;-)
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I had a customer in my shop today (yesterday) who claims he spent several thousand on his Spitfire 4. He also owns a Miata and the late great RX7. His only gripe with the Spitfire beyond the money he spent rebuilding is the obvious reliabilty. It truly was a lovely example of a terrific restoration.

    One thing that is kind of strange about my Dads new sedan is that in length it doesn't seem that much longer than my ZX2. Granted it obviously is however when they are parked side by side it sure doesn't look that much longer. I know he doesn't have the sports package on his and it does have cloth rather than leather seats. However it does seem pretty loaded with options.

    Foridian,
    I don't mind the Tib so much as I can't get comfortable in the damned things. In most every regard the Tib is superior to our beloved ZX2s. However the dash didn't seem logical, and for the life of me I couldn't get me head clear of the sunroof. I also wasnt too crazy about the visibilty. To be fair though this may have been caused by the funny angle the seat was in to clear the sun roof lip. On the positives for the tib, better tires smoother Acceleration, a few more HPs, better suspension and marginaly better seats. There is also far more useable space in the design than the ZX2. By the way don't be surprised if your Tiberion thrashes the ZX2. THey measurable faster cars, off the mark. PArtly due to the tires and in part due to the engine.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    photog: My Tib "feels" faster to me but it's hard to tell as #1 has tweeked his ZX a little in the form of a cat-back exhaust, hot pack coil, K&N type intake and a some sort of air flow sensor modification. The Tib has more HP in stock form but is heavier. His ZX is A/T so that's probably a wash between the two. I think the difference will be in the drivers ability to get off the line quickest. Reaction time will be in his favor as "old dad" is not the "boy racer" he once was LOL. We'll see . Mom , by the way thinks we both are nuts !! LOL

    Floridian
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    tib is markedly faster? It certainly didn't feel it, even in the 5 spd, and from 0-60 times I've read up on it is typically slower. In a stoplight race I would confidently take on a tib.

    I've absolutely got to disagree with that whole statement. These cars are extremely close and comparible. In the tib, the seats and driving position are better, and the brakes are a bit better and not nearly as mushy, and like every other car the engine is smoother then the Z - In what sense is the suspension better? how else would you say it's superior? I'm just curious because I guess the tib never impressed me like that.

    I won't go into the material quality of the tib.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    I'm with Freddy on this one Photog. The Z is a hair quicker 0 -60. The Tibs extra weight (only 200 lb or less) seems to eat up the extra 20 ponies. I wonder if the Tib has a taller gear ratio? Probably does. Floridian's estimation that it will be very close is probably very accurate, but my money is on the Z. I think Hyundai stole, or borrowed the Tib's suspension geometry from Lotus or Jag and it is quite good on paper. The Z is better than you think - held back by junk tires. Let's all get toghether at the Grill for a burger and then go race 'em. : )
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    I said the Tib "feels" faster. Only the timing lights will tell for sure. For instance, after a couple of days driving my Sonoma 4 cyl A/T ANYTHING feels like a rocket! LOL. It'll be a couple weeks before we can duke it out @ Gainesville. If I don't beat the #1 son at least once I'll never hear the end of it for sure.

    Floridian
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I was under the impression that the Tib was markedly faster. As it seems I maybe under some paper illusions. I am thinking now I might run over to Manassas Hyundai some time soon, and test drive one again (only without the Sunroof). It's obvious I will have to do some more research before I glue my foot to my mouth again. Given how quick everyone has been to correct me...

    The suspension on the one AND ONLY ONE I drove did feel more "reactive". I do know the ergonimics left me cold, in fact that was one of things that I remember most clearly. THe visibilty was also somewhat troubling to me...

    In other worlds, I have heard the engine performance is no where near as efficient as our beloved ZX2s. In particular it's inabilty to get the most of it's higher HP.

    I will keep mute on the Tibs specs until I can again test drive and check out the specs again.

    Well at least I woke everyone up...
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    off subject a little but I have been meaning to ask you if while in the British Army if it was a ranger outfit ? On a trip to Gibralter from Morocco across the straits while stationed there we saw a British Ranger brigade go thru some close order drill, very impressive !! Also have you ever seen the British demo team that takes down the gun carrages, carries them over obstacles and reassembles them again in VERY short order. I think they were Navy. They also put on rat line climbing, hoisting sails demos etc. I think they used to travel all around the world putting on these shows but I've never seen them in the States.

    Floridian
  • eweygrineweygrin Member Posts: 33
    My mother in law is giving some serious thought about buying an 01 ZX2. SHe does not have much money and is on a limited budget.m I went with her to dealer this weekend. It seems like you get a lot for the money withthese cars. THere is a 1,500 rebate right now. Are these cars going to be discontinued soon? Salesperson claims they will be around for 2002. Please enlighten me.

    Anyone have a regret about these cars. She is also looking at Focus but costs 3,000 more.
  • tsulltsull Member Posts: 1
    I'm considering purchasing a ZX2. Would appreciate any information on reliability as well as safety. Crash test ratings are missing for frontal crash and side rating is mixed. Any further infomation? Thanks.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    It's just my opinion, but I think the Focus is still a little new and has bugs yet to be fixed. There will be a lot of minor engineering changes in Focus over the next few years to correct problems that are just now being reported. I doubt any of these "new car" bugs are major, but I generally avoid a car the first two or three years it's on the market.

    The ZX2 is near the end of it's production. There are conflicting reports on future availability, but
    if they are available in 2002, I'd bet that will be the last year. I don't see that as a problem though. The ZX2 is just an assembly of some tested and proven parts from other Ford/Mazda models - nothing really new. Reliability seems to be quite good, especially compared to other domestic low end compacts. Parts will be available for a long time and you aren't likely to need many parts in the first 100,000 miles.

    The regulars in this group agree that the ZX2's most noteworthy attribute is how much car you get for such a low price. It's competitors are typically $2,000 higher in price (or more). If you shop around you can find some amazingly cheap ZX2s. Even at sticker price with a 1500 dollar rebate they are a good deal, but I know you can beat that if you look around.

    Focus will certainly have a better resale value than the ZX2, but if you are going to keep the car
    for a long time, the ZX2 will be cheaper to buy and cheaper to maintain and will out perform the
    Focus as well.

    Of course, your mileage may vary, batteries not included, some assembly required, please
    wash your hands before leaving.

    ra
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    The focus is a better car then the ZX2. It's more solid, a nicer and higher quality interior, more practical, quieter, etc. It isn't any more reliable though, and given everything I've just said, I'd rather drive the ZX2 then the ZX3 any day - it's much more fun, and unlike the ZX3 there isn't a sedan and wagon that look the same.

    tsull - I can tell you that the ZX2 does not take a t-bone accident well, but I'm don't know about front collision.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    eweygrin: according to Blue Oval News.Com, job one for the 2002 ZX2 is July 16. These guys seem to have a lot of inside info so it looks pretty good for a 2002, but Ford being Ford you can never tell. They could "can" the car at any time.

    here in the Southeast (Florida) the dealers are currently advertising "$2000" factory cash back ! That combined with a healthy discount off MSRP from the dealer makes the 'lil ZX2 a pretty attractive deal .

    Floridian
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    eweygrin:
    The current form stops in 2002.
    Odds are that the next ZX2 coupe from Ford will actually be a two-door Focus with a trunk.
    It is possible that it will first be built in the USA (actually Mexico) before it appears in Europe.

    Honda as well as Mitsubishi do this too. The Civic coupe is designed and built in USA, not even manufactured in Japan. And the Eclipse is a pure North American Mitsu product. So there is precedent for Ford if they are thinking of going that way.

    tsull:
    re. Reliability of ZX2s? Well it has had only one recall in 1999: 1999 S/Rs (oll 200 of them) were recalled to put a gear-shift sticker on the console.

    The Focus cars on the other hand have had SIX safety recalls including one where your rear wheel could fall off while you were driving!!!
    Anyway, any new manufactured Focus should have all those problems fixed at the factory.

    I agree with everyone else above: for the price, the ZX2 provides great value. Forget about resale value, and concentrate on using it and enjoying it. By the way, because of the engine's power, estimated MPG is lower than of other econo-cars. It's still good at an ave of 22-33.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    I don't know how much longer I'll be with you. I'm now actively seeking a Miata, and as soon as, and if, I can find the right deal on the right car then I'm trading my ZX2. I'll be getting it used so I can keep the payments close to what I'm already paying. My Z has treated me well, except for the gas mileage but I'm ready for my roadster! I admit that I'll miss the low torque of the Z, not many of these four bangers have the same punch at lower rpms.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    freddy:
    If you do the deed, then congrats. It's a different driving experience definitely. And it's still part of the "Ford family"!
  • basia1basia1 Member Posts: 1
    I have owned a zx2 for 3 years now- 1998- I have been having a lot of problems with sounds coming from the engine. There is a squeek that comes from the vents when I hit 70 and there is an awful noise- like someone running their nails down a chalk board!- that comes from the front when I turn the AC and heat on. I have taken it to the ford dealership and they look at me like i'm crazy- any takers???
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    That noise when you turn the AC on just sounds like a loose or worn belt. The 70 mph vent squeak could be a piece of paper of something similar in the ventilation system somewhere. Hows that for an uneducated guess? You might consider finding a professional mechanic and getting away from the dealership.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Sorry I was off line with this funny DSL Connection longer than I had intended. The strange part is I am scheduled to lose it again pretty soon...

    News update:
    My girl friend says if she where staying she would probably buy a ZX2. Quite a complement considering she is German and loves sports cars. We are running up to the Shennandoah on Friday to do some waterfall shooting. So I have promised to let her have a drive in the mountains on those lovely bends. So long as she doesn't drop it off over the edge of a Mountain I am not too worried.

    Front end collisions...
    You forget Freddy what happened to my first ZX2. A 75mph impact into an almost non-moving vehicle, that just pulled off I95 south, 10 miles north of the North Carolina State Line. Granted the car lost about three feet from the nose back, and she was completely totaled. However I walked away with only minor whiplash. So to my way of thinking the crumple zones did exactly what they where intended to do. Save my life... I guess you could say the ZX2 is a pretty safe car.

    Floridian...
    I was curious about your mention of "Ranger outfits" within the British Army. As former "serving officer of the crown" I couldn't recall any outfit with word "Ranger" in their description. Guess what I still can't find one. To the best of my knowledge Rangers are an American Army outfit. If memory serves they are a product of WWII and where trained by British Army Commandos originaly at the request of the American Government. I do know that the American Rangers are a VERY VERY GOOD outfit. And short mission specific special forces are probably one of the best combat units the American Military can put in the field.

    I have heard of several "gun teams" used for demo purposes the Royal Navy and Royal Marines have and had them. As does or did the various Artilery units of the Regular Army. Saddly in my travels I have never seen one of the public demos which I understand to be be quite good. At the moment I unaware of any regular demo teams, however the British Army though quite small does have quite a few odd ball public display teams. So It is quite possible I have simply overlooked them.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    photog: That British unit I saw in Gibralter was in 1962(giving my age away here) so it could be that it was named something else. They could have even been some elite guard unit stationed at the Gibralter Garrison, none the less very impressive close order drill with the trade mark British "foot stomp" at the end of each movement.

    Floridian
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Floridian,
    You could be right about it being a colour guard, or maybe a local specific regiment. My time in a uniform wearing the rust brown beret was during the mid 1980s. During the 60s there where numerous units exclusive to the Med.

    To bring around to the ZX2 again though.
    I am for the life of me trying to envision a ZX3 with a trunk. The whole design of the Focus seems centered around that top heavy frame.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Photog, this is a little off subject again, but have you checked out the Mazda Protege 5 Wagon. If I were going to trade today, I'd give it very serious consideration. It is certainly a better machine than the ZX3.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    ralex2 It IS a nice ride but the one I drove stickered out to almost 20K and the "Robber Baron" dealer wanted another $2000 on top of that. My god, do they have no shame ? I think the Elantra GT is a better deal and a whole lot less money too. The Elantra GT I drove was just as nice, build quality top notch and the dealer willing to deal from the get-go too.

    Floridian
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Good value, but oh so ugly. I agree that the Protege is overpriced. I'd put 16K + into one, maybe 17, but 20? No way!
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    A friend of mine just got the protege. She got it fully loaded, 5 spd, and paid 500 bucks more then I had paid for mine, while the extra options she has would have cost me more then that. It's a really nice car, well put together and a nice ride, and for the price I think it's excelent value. The ZX3 goes for a little bit more then that with the same options. The actual overall performance of the car isn't bad for an econo sedan, but isn't anything special. It's a nicer car, but I'd still rather drive my Z.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    We were speaking of the 2002 Protege 5 Wagon. I can tolaerate hatchbacks and wagons, but sedans don't do it for me. Its as if they are ugly for no reason whereas hatchbacks and small wagons have a utilitarian justification for any styling infractions.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Whenever I do get around to getting that second car. I have a feeling that the Protege would be a little out of my price range.

    I am with you Ralex regarding true sedans. If I had a family with kids, or perhaps had a need to drive around business clients I would perhaps consider it. Even then though I would probably spring for a Luxury SUV. To me sedans are at best an evil requirment for some. For my part I am always forgetting to lock the rear doors, whenever I have had to drive one. When my first ZX2 was being repaired following that first accident I had that Escort Sedan. At "South Of the Border" at the North Carolina/South Carolina State border I called into use the toilet. Unfortunatly I left the right rear passenger door unlocked. The result I lost a cheap "point and shoot" camera. Granted it was my own stupity for leaving it in the open, and the camera was only cheapo. IF it tells you anything I didn't even discover it missing until I was in Myrtle Beach.

    Granted some sedans maybe faster and more agile than our beloved ZX2s, however they are to me a waste of money.

    If I can get a second car my priorities for it are as follows.
    1. Cheap to own, maintain and insure.
    2. Be able to carry a large box without breaking it down.
    3. Cheap to buy.
    4. Preferable Automatic.
    5. Be extremely reliable.

    However the way my bills of have been building up over late I may have to push my plans back even further.

    Funny note here...
    My girlfriend wants me to shoot some nudes of her. She was even interested in posing for that idea I had for a shoot involving my ZX2 and a topless girl. THen I reminded her how many people would probably see that photo on my web sight. Suddenly she changed her mind, and asked for it to be a private shoot. Not that I blame her as it could get rather embarrasing for her if I posted such an image in public. Damn it why do I have to be a gentleman?
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    I think my next car is going to be a 1999 5 spd midnight blue Miata with all the options except A/C, including a hard top.

    I know this because I put a deposit down on it today, and should be picking it up sometime next week. :-) Until the keys are in my hands though, I'm going to assume the deal can still fall through. I'll still check in here till my Z is officialy gone.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    A wise attitude to keep freddy... As things can and do go wrong. Still we will miss you in here, but congrats on the new toy...

    Point of interest...
    My beloved zx2 performed flawlessy in the Shannandoah on friday. Despite having the AC blasting out, loaded with two adults (one at 210lbs and another at 130lbs) and being fully loaded with camera gear (about 95lbs). Still on the run upto to the park, the car did manage to drink about a quarter of a tank of gas. This run on RT211 run is roughly about 15 miles of steep climbing, and you alternate between 2nd and 3rd gear. All the while trying to mantain a speed of 35 to 45 miles per hour. Many cars have a rough time with this run; and you are constantly passing them puttering along at about 25 miles per hour. I suppose this is where that 130hp ZETEC engine comes in to it's own. With it's ability to deliver constant power to the wheels. To be honest if I had felt more confident of the roads and the other drivers; who invariable are weaving in and out of both lanes. I could have easily punched the car up to 50 or 60mph. Though that probably wouldn't have been the wisest course of action.

    All in all it was an almost perfect day. About the only thing that went wrong was when I took off my boots to wade across a small but deep stream. The result I slipped and ripped off about 3 quarters of my big toes toe nail. Christ talk about seeing red. Then of course I had to hobble back up about 3 miles of trail. All th while bleeding profusely into my boot. THe bleeding has since stopped and I have bound and cleaned the wound. Now however whenever I put my foot on the gas I see stars.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    ouch

    that's why I stay in the car ;-)
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Ouch doesn't begin to describe what I felt when I banged up my toe...

    I would love to have taken my car down to the waterfalls. However for the trails we where on; a donkey would have had a rough time of it. Though the sight of girlfriend with my car on top of a waterfall would have been a cool photo op. Somehow though I can't quite figure out how to get the car to the waterfall.

    I was more impressed by the cars performance on the run upto to the Mountain range.
  • 2000zx2guy2000zx2guy Member Posts: 15
    Hey Photog! We all know; What goes up - must come down. How did she perform going down that mountan?, and I am of course talking about the Z....
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Nothing quite like flying around mountain bends with a smashed up toe in the dark. In reality I drove down the mountain fairly slowly as I was in quite a bit of pain and extremely tired. I was tempted to even let my girlfriend drive. But as it was around 1:30am, she had fallen asleep, and I didn't have the heart to wake her up.

    I will say this much though...
    For sheer driving pleasure few things can compete with decent roads, steep hills, intense bends, magnificent scenic vistas and a performance oriented sports coupe, such as my beloved ZX2.

    Tell you what though I would love to do that run in a Miata or a similiar type of roadster. That would really be a blast to do.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    photog: I would love to take either of those cars on run like that.

    Well, if things go as planned (do they ever?) The car should be mine tomorrow. Then I have to leave it at the shop to have a dent in the fender fixed, which the seller's covering. Then I have to drive it home with the hard top on :-( where I'll get my buddy to help remove it. :-) I'm ecstatic, same as when I ordered the Z. My girlfriend is thrilled, and normally she doesn't care at all about cars.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Good Luck Freddy,
    Let us all know how you fair with your new toy...
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    This is it. I picked up the car today and absolutely love it! I can't even express how much fun it is. My Z was great while I had it, but I have a feeling it won't be missed.

    Cheers!
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I drove by a Chevy dealer today, believe it or not I was again looking the Aspire. At any rate I started looking at this lovely white Camaro SS. Then the salesman started talking to me; evil little S#$@ pressed every button that he could to make me fall in love with the damned thing, and he did bloody good job at it as well. He was so very convincing and I was almost ready to lay out whatever vestiges of credit I had left for it. Then I started thinking about monthly payments, what my insurance company would do to me, my abilty to afford such essentials as groceries and rent. Then there is the intangible odds of resisting the urge to take her up, plus the fact that there are about 1000 other monetary priorities in my life right now that take precedence over another sports car, that I can't afford. Happliy this beautiful German girl I am madly in love with entered my thoughts, and this brought me back to reality. At the rate I am going with this girl I may end having to learn German.

    DAMN IT DAMN IT DAMN IT that was like torture...

    I still don't understand my belated fantasies about this over priced, high maintence, fiber glass muscle car. I have this lovely little ZX2 that I swear is the best little road demon on the streets. What's next dellusions about getting Jaguar?

    Still again good luck Freddy...
  • smokeyjoesmokeyjoe Member Posts: 13
    Hi All,

    I am a proud new ZX2 owner (just got a golddust colored one last Monday....it replaces my 1997 Escort). Anyhow, I am noticing that whenever I drive the car for an extended period of time (say over 15 minutes), it develops a squeak in the engine. Whether I am in gear or not, and regardless of what RPM the engine is running at, it is the same constant (LOUD) squeaking noise which sounds like a belt or something. When I pop the hood, it is almost inaudible, but as soon as I close the hood back up it immediately comes back. It must be echoing under the hood to make it sound louder than it is.....but it is still annooying!

    Anyone else have this problem? Any thoughts as to what it may be? All input is greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks!

    Joe
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    Yeah, payments are a problem, but the two year old Miata cost me exactly the same as the new Z did. I don't think I'm going to spring for a new car again, used is a much better value.

    later!
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Freddy,

    Congrats on the Miata. I know how much fun you are having and it's killing me. Just out of curiosity, how many miles (km) on your Miata? I think when I trade I will probably do just what you have done. I don't see myself springing for a new one.

    Joe,

    Take your mechanic for a ride with you. Could be a number of things, but when he hears it, he'll know what it is.

    Photog,

    Pick one: (a) cars (b) love
    Either one is dangerous. The two together can make your head explode.
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    photog:

    Just remember your ZX cannot get preggo !! Nuf said.

    Floridian
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    65k km on it, and looks and drives like new. I paid $22k for it and priced out a new one with the same options at $33k. (canadian bucks of course).
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    If my rough etimates are right, that's about 40,000 miles on the odometer and a a price of just over 14,000 Bush dollars. Sounds like you found a sweetheart of a deal. I doubt if I could find a deal like that down here. Of course all things balance out. I at least have a longer summer.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Sounds as if you pulled a winner Freddy... Alas for me I will be making do with faithful ZX2.

    I liken my odd lusting for a Camaro to that of a pretty girl who is not your normal type. You may be content in your relationship with one girl. However every once in a long while you get a strange desire for something very different from your normal "cup of tea". Such is the case with my ZX2. I love it dearly and still get the "gee whiz wow feeling" everytime I start her up. However when I see this overpriced high maintence muscle car, I get these strange urges to have one myself. THankfully they are controlable, or at least are until I get a massive pay raise. Christ I better hope that Kirsten isn't reading this forum otherwise I will be in real trouble. Thank god she doesn't surf the net very much.

    Damn it I think I have the "love bug bad". I know when she goes back to Germany at the end of August I will be in real trouble...
  • floridianfloridian Member Posts: 219
    Photog: you're done, just give up ! I'm married to one (for the last 46 years)and she can STILL wrap me around her 'lil finger at will. Ain't LOVE "gland" LOL ! Buy that ring and reserve that gal before she gets away. Also, NEVER mention that we/you beat their butts in WWII LOL.

    Floridian
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    She loves me, loves driving my ZX2, and is going back to school in September.

    WWII is a long dead discusion with her. She is fact from Dresden, where we basically melted the city center, in what myself and many Brits consider to be an allied (Mainly British) War Crime. Whats even worse is that a very distant cousin of mine on my Dad's side, was a Navigator in one of the Lancaster Bombers that hit Dresden. THough she says with pride none of her family where [non-permissible content removed], half my family is Jewish. So I am not too sure how my brothers family will react to the knowledge that I am in love with a German.

    Odds are good this relationship will fade after August, given the geographical distances. I just know one thing I am doomed already.

    Perhaps I should trade in my ZX2 and get Golf just to please her family? There again probably not most of the German cars I like are in fact made in the states and cost several thousand dollars than I could afford.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I saw a really classy looking non standard ZX2 today in the parking lot out side the mall. It was Ivory with a light choclate brown paint on the lower side of the body. The interior was the priaire Tan, with non standard leather seats. It was in fact similar to what the Subaru outbacks paint scheme looks like. The sun roof had been enlarged to make it quite a bit bigger than mine. The car also had the white on black instruments, with woodgrained interior. The exhausts where also twin pipes, versus the normal single. The looked to be slightly lower than mine. Leading me to believe they replaced the shocks and/or struts. The wheels where a thick 5 spoke configuration, like I have never seen before. While the tires fitted where Goodyear F1s. I would love to have snapped off a couple shots of it. Alas I was in hurry to pickup something before the mall closed and I didn't have time. When I came out it was gone.

    All in all a very nicely done mod.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    Hi guys,
    Don''t know if you noticed, this thread was missing for a while. Mr. Shiftright found it in the archives and put it back to 'live'.

    photog:
    non-standard modded ZX2- funny paint job? He must have spent some cash on that.
    Do you think the wheels were the 14 inch chrome ones? I've seen quite a few of those, although it could also have been one of those fancy ones.

    If I ever get the extra cash together I'm going for the 15x7 Kosei K1s (I think that's what they're called) since they are lighter and wider than the stock wheels. And 205/55 tires to go with them.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Photog, struts won't lower the car. He had to change the springs. Wish you had gotten a pic. It sounds like a great color scheme.

    Rick, 15 x 7 wheels won't work unless you do a little body work. I'm pretty sure Ford mounts the 205's on 6 inch wheels. Just not enough clearance for 7s on the rear end. Might be alright in conjuntion with a home made "bump stop" to limit suspension travel, but that's kind of cheesey.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    In retrospect I am really sorry I didn't get a photo of that odd mod ZX2. It really did look pretty good. I have no idea what the guy had under the hood of his ZX2. But the two colours on it really stood out in my head. Again as I was in hurry I couldn't gaze at it for more than a minute or two. I suspect the wheels may have been 14 inchers but they where very clearly non Standard.

    I would also like to have known more about the seats, which looked to be a very different design to the normal fair. They looked similiar in style to those found in the benz roadsters. I think the model range that comes to mind is the SLK 300 series, But I could be mistaken. I do know they looked very convertable.

    One thing is certain the owner must have spent a small fortune doing all the mods. I will be keeping my eyes open for it and if I see it again I will snap a photo of it.
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