93 escort project. RWD questions

[tweakers]

ok, so i dont ever come on here and im pretty much gone from feoa, but finally restarting my project thats been sitting for 3 years. my original plan was awd using the 323 chassis but with the power numbers i want its just not strong enough. so i started thinking about build my own car so to speak. i knew if i used the miata chassis i could do some really crazy stuff and my options were alot more open to choices. yet im sitting here with 3 different frame spec sheets ( 93 escort gt, 1995 mazda rx7, and that of a of a 94 miata) everyone looks like its going to be a pain in the butt to do and the likely hood of working seems extremely faint. so after much thought i figured i could ask on here, and hopefully receive better answers or opinions. i know ive heard rumors of people turning their escorts rwd, though never seen any build threads on the sort. Am i just hearing things? If not, What are people using? should i still trying to get my hands on the rear axle from a 323? or is that stuff just weak junk?

I really need some answers. im sitting here dreaming of either a turbo miata 1.8l or LS1 dropped and driving in my project car lol

[atomicEGT]

not worth the effort. start with something RWD.

[tweakers]

wow, way to kill it....

[atomicEGT]

I thought about doing the same thing. Use 4WD Protege front and rear subframes, S13 knuckles/tension rods/LCAs, ST205 rear diff, Miata center tunnel, etc... makes no sense unless you have lots of money and time.

[tweakers]

well im not going awd, just rwd. i mean i swear the more times i talk to people of the similar family (escort/ mazda) i hear some story of someone doing the same, most of the time its with a miata rearend. i could use a miata. the distance from bolt hole to bolt hole that holds in the rear dead axle is 950mm, on the miata its 800mm. and looking hard at the drawing it looks wider (front to back-ways). so i could fabricate some kind of adapter plate. but if i could use the 323 rear end, as and bolting assembly and gut is and install the miata pumpkin... then id have a bolt-in assembly. the hardest part about that would be attaining the 323 rearend.

My project is mint.... and i mean mint... i got more than enough time and hopefully soon. a decent cash flow. i just dont want to head down one path missinformed, ya know

[tweakers]

From my perspective the rear end will be my hardest part to get right

[Mazda_Powered]

You'll need to either make a custom front subframe, or run the 4WD subframe. I'm sure you could figure out why the 4WD subframe would be best for clearances *transfer case and driveshaft* cough cough....so other than that and figuring out a way fabricate mounts, cooling system, plugging the front wheel bearings so you don't lose your front tiiiires. That's the basics

the rear end? bahaha. oh god. where to start? 4wd rear spindle knuckles will make life simple. The subframe? custom. The gas tank? fuel cell. Exhaust? It might fit...no it wont lol.

the FWD floor/frame patterns are veeery different from one another.

[94greenpro]

i always thought of using miata subframes in a protege for a drift beater. Mind you theres tonnes of work invloved but would be awesome.

[Turpro]

Good luck with your build. Just fyi, 323 and escort chassis is the same so its the same strength.

[mx-3_4evr]

not worth the effort. Start with something rwd.

this^

[tweakers]

Trust me im all over the custom front subframe and the stuff under the hood, not too worried about it. fuel cell, already knew, exhaust..... that will be the last thing i do. I plan on spending and fabbing the hell outta this car.... anyways, so it would be in my best interest to obtain the entire rear axle from an awd 323? then go from there? Does anyone know where i might be able to get one? ive got 500 to spend right now

[Mazda_Powered]

ffs...http://mechdb.com/index.php/Kevin's_...G_Tracer_build

[tweakers]

Now thats some decent info right there ^ thanks! ill prolly make a tubular front subframe. just a thought. one step at a time.

[atomicEGT]

well im not going awd, just rwd. i mean i swear the more times i talk to people of the similar family (escort/ mazda) i hear some story of someone doing the same, most of the time its with a miata rearend. i could use a miata. the distance from bolt hole to bolt hole that holds in the rear dead axle is 950mm, on the miata its 800mm. and looking hard at the drawing it looks wider (front to back-ways). so i could fabricate some kind of adapter plate. but if i could use the 323 rear end, as and bolting assembly and gut is and install the miata pumpkin... then id have a bolt-in assembly. the hardest part about that would be attaining the 323 rearend.

My project is mint.... and i mean mint... i got more than enough time and hopefully soon. a decent cash flow. i just dont want to head down one path missinformed, ya know

yeah, no **** you're talking about RWD, but the AWD subframes would make it easier. the Miata rear end sucks, don't bother. get the AWD Pro rear subframe and throw the diff in the trash, then just make mounts for the All-Trac diff. use AWD Pro rear knuckles, there are bolt-in axles. hell, just look up the AWD E153 swap, all the information is there.

also, if you plan to stay with a BP or whatever, get an E153 adapter plate, you can use that with like one of the V6 Taco bellhousings and an R154, which can take real power better than a Miata tranny.

[tweakers]

Okay so where are some places i could find the Protege rear subframe with all the bits and pieces i need?