Help Design my Spring Project MPG Car - Cash Prizes

[omgwtfbyobbq]

r ya being sarcastic? and if so, r ya ever not?

[ZugyNA]

Originally Posted by XFi

[SIZE="4"]If you can think of anything that would make this competition better, please post your suggestions. Thanks...

Up the prize to $2500 and I'm in.


* grill block

* airtabs in the right places...around the back and in front of the front wheel openings

* full moon hub caps..don't waste $ on light wheels

* LRR tires

* cover rear wheel opening

* loose the rack

* remove pass mirror and replace with wide view interior mirror

* airtabs on a streamlined shield under the front of the car

* lower the car the easy way:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...up?Ntt=springs

lowers maybe 1/2" to 3/4"... inexpensive...reversable

Do it right...then I'll copy what you do. ;-)

[GasSavers_landon]

XFi, where did you get the ratios for the IB5? I've got a '97 Escort and I'm trying to find some different ratios. Right now I'm thinking I need an early '90's Pony box. Swap 2nd, 3rd, 4th & final into mine. Got a link?

[XFi]

Been surfin for a while, but can basically only find these ratios...

http://www.escortfocus.com/html/specifications.html

The IB5 was in the 2.0 SPI manual vehicles (others listed).
If you look at the bottom - the 86 Escort 4spd has a final drive of 3.39. That would be nice if it is compatable. I know they had some concerns with the diff bearings wearing prematurely, but it may fit. (MTX-II? or IB4?) I'm still trying to find info on the Pony Transaxle to see if it's gears are a direct swap in or not.

I have run across some other sites here and there with IB4 of IB5 ratios such as...
http://www.fordexp.com/sections/history.asp?yrmk=82e, but they are few and far between.

Let me know if you come across any comprehensive listing, as I am still looking (stumbling around).
Thanks

[XFi]

landon...you know the gear and final drive ratios of the 'pony'? Have your seen it from any reputable source?

I just ran across an old post at focaljet.com...

http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-...cort-pony.html

...that stated: 'I had an '86 model, and the gearing was very tall--IIRC, the final drive was 2.85'.

Wow, if that is the case, that final drive - even with our .79 5th gear - would have a ratio slightly taller than a VX/CX trans. Then get one of the .70 5th gears from a SPI Focus (also saw .756 quoted for focus 5th gear) and It would start getting insane! I LIKE IT!!!

Going to scope out feoa.net for info.

[2TonJellyBean]

I'm not sure how fast you "need" to go or how flat the terrain is or how much you need to start/stop but unless it's a steady speed flattish commute, I'd be tempted to give weight reduction some serious attention.

[XFi]

Originally Posted by 2TonJellyBean

I'm not sure how fast you "need" to go or how flat the terrain is or how much you need to start/stop but unless it's a steady speed flattish commute, I'd be tempted to give weight reduction some serious attention.

Absolutely! This car will be a stripper! I will probably leave in the back seat for utility, but most panels, all carpeting and sound deadening material will be removed. I plan to get a little crazy with this one. Since I drive so much, I think I will leave in the radio this time.

I wonder what the weight savings of the rear and rear side glass would be. Do you know if anyone on the site replaced glass with plexiglass? Hmmmm...

Been thinking about saving weight and rotating mass by replacing brakes/calipers with a retro year escort set up that is smaller.

Off the subject (sort of)...I was thinking of adding more weight with a Solar Panel installed on the roof to off set the 50% reduction underdrive pulley I am thinking of. They are kind of heavy, but I think the benefit of the pulley would off set this.

[GasSavers_landon]

Originally Posted by XFi

landon...you know the gear and final drive ratios of the 'pony'? Have your seen it from any reputable source?

My source isn't very reputable unfortunately. The numbers I have are from the freeware program called Cartest. It has ratios for a '92 Escort. I assume the Pony would have the highest gearing. Anyway, this is what I've got:
3.42
1.70
1.15
0.87
0.73
3.41

This program also says my fifth gear ratio is 0.72 so I'm not going to stake my life on any of this.

[DarbyWalters]

Plexiglass will save plenty of weight...rear and side windows...leave windshield and front passenger doors glass.

[XFi]

Originally Posted by landon

My source isn't very reputable unfortunately. The numbers I have are from the freeware program called Cartest. It has ratios for a '92 Escort. I assume the Pony would have the highest gearing. Anyway, this is what I've got:
3.42
1.70
1.15
0.87
0.73
3.41

This program also says my fifth gear ratio is 0.72 so I'm not going to stake my life on any of this.

Cool, Thanks...
I did run across some info to verify the 2.85 final drive ratio in the 1st Generation Escort Pony IB4 Trans....
http://www.car-part.com/
If you puch in 86 Escort Transmission...it brings up two choices for the four speed transaxle...3.52 or 2.85 ratios.
I am going to try to find out if the IB4 Final Drive will fit in the IB5 (and that the axles are the same, etc). I may end up purchasing one and taking it to the transmission shop.

Good to know that atleast we can step down to the 3.41 with the 2nd Gen Pony. Thanks

Originally Posted by DarbyWalters

Plexiglass will save plenty of weight...rear and side windows...leave windshield and front passenger doors glass.

Wonder how the best way would be to install this (adhesive and screws?) or if any body/glass shops have ever done this. I'm not to sure about the rear door windows, but the others I would do. (I would miss the r. defrost-oh well, must sacrifice).