P3PPY said:I’m in the market for sub-$1k cars right now. I’m reluctant to go this old — what’s the big appeal on the motor that everyone else seems to understand?
Summarized: Miata engine. It revs and makes more than enough power to toss around the excellent chassis on which this car is based.
I just sent you a pm.
Because apparently I don’t have enough 90s cars yet.
In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :
Reply sent. Very cool.
I have actually seen 2 of these over the years, both had automatic transmissions.
BTW, I believe Mercury also sold a version of this...if memory serves, and if they did the Mercury would be extremely rare.
In reply to Carsandbikes :
Yup, the Tracer LTS...I've seen 2 or 3 for sale nationwide in the past year. One with rollover damage though 
Sale pending to a fellow GRMer. Woot.
Wagon rear sway bar is your best friend. MX-3 Recaros bolt right in as well.
The BP loves boost, there's bolt OE turbo bits from JDM cars, MS P'N'P is still available for them, intake/exhaust cam swaps and limited slips available for the G series box. You can legit do a turbo car for challenge money.
So many possibilities 
So I thought I’d post an update on this car, just for fun.
I knew when I picked it up there was a good chance the rust would render it a parts donor but I was hoping I could squeak a winter’s worth of beater duty out of it or somehow cover up the rot with absurd flares and take it to the challenge.
Well, when I put it up in the air and saw the, um, flexible condition of the mounting points for the rear control arms I decided to bail and keep it parked until I find a better shell. What that will be, I don’t know yet. So it will sit behind the shop, waiting patiently for its turn in the project que.
Don’t worry, I did take it for a good hoon around the field before I parked it, and will probably air up the tires and warm it up to do it again occasionally to keep the Mazda juices flowing. The car deserves that much at least.
In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon (Forum Supporter) :
I have an idea.
1. Lift car up
2. Create tube chassis from scratch
3. Lower remains of car onto tube chassis
Bonus points if you convert it to RWD in the process
BlueInGreen - Jon (Forum Supporter) said:So I thought I’d post an update on this car, just for fun.
I knew when I picked it up there was a good chance the rust would render it a parts donor but I was hoping I could squeak a winter’s worth of beater duty out of it or somehow cover up the rot with absurd flares and take it to the challenge.
Well, when I put it up in the air and saw the, um, flexible condition of the mounting points for the rear control arms I decided to bail and keep it parked until I find a better shell. What that will be, I don’t know yet. So it will sit behind the shop, waiting patiently for its turn in the project que.
Don’t worry, I did take it for a good hoon around the field before I parked it, and will probably air up the tires and warm it up to do it again occasionally to keep the Mazda juices flowing. The car deserves that much at least.
Glad to hear it is still kickin'. And I agree: the rust is more than I'd want to fix. This car just needs a clean Escort wagon shell. Ford should've built them like that from the factory.
In reply to Powar (Forum Supporter) :
I’m definitely leaning toward involving a wagon and a turbo.
In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon (Forum Supporter) :
I'm just curious if you would be interested in selling it. I have a 1993 4 door LX that would be an ideal shell for this car - so I'm just curious if you would sell? I would make a good home for it.
In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon (Forum Supporter) :
Just curious if you still have the Escort LX-E. If you do still have it and are interested in selling it. I am interested. Just let me know. Thanks.
Just curious if you still have the Ford Econobox LX-E. If you do still have it and are interested in selling it. I am interested. Just let me know. Thanks.
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