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Escort Quick Rack, 2.4 or 2.9 Ratio?
Rallye_Mark - 23/5/11 at 06:04 PM

I am getting to the point of the build where I will need to think about ordering/buying a Mk2 Escort quick rack for my car.

I've had a look on the search function but only found bits and bobs, here and there...

I have been looking at Rally Design and their quick racks are nice and cheap, but I have read on one thread that they can be just shimmed to prevent lock, therefore reducing the rotation and not increasing the ratio, is this true of the 2.9 or 2.4?

My car (CEC) will be used on the road mainly with occasional track days here and there, so what one should I go for? Someone said that the 2.4's take a bit of getting used to but are perfect once you do.

Cheers Mark

David Jenkins - 23/5/11 at 06:09 PM

I started with the standard 3.whatever rack, which was fine, changed it to a 2.4 and found it a bit scary! Tried to get on with it, but changed back to the old one - and absolutely hated it and put the 2.4 rack back on. I later found out that incorrect ride height and 0 degrees toe-in was what was really making my car twitchy. Once they were set correctly the 2.4 rack was perfect.

I've been using the 2.4 for ages now, and wouldn't change it again. It can be quite heavy at parking speed, but once you're rolling then it's fine. You can handle most corners without having to shuffle your hands.

blakep82 - 23/5/11 at 06:16 PM

someone posted on here yesterday some stuff for sale on ebay.
there was a quick rack on there for £50. i assume it was an escort one. the listing said escort, but the ad itself said sierra. didn't look like sierra to me though, so you could be in for a bargain, but you'll have to look at the for sale threads

here
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/36/viewthread.php?tid=155830

[Edited on 23/5/11 by blakep82]

steve m - 23/5/11 at 06:16 PM

Interesting, 0% toe in, i will try that as my car is very twitchy with ist 2.4 rack

rusty nuts - 23/5/11 at 07:28 PM

quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Interesting, 0% toe in, i will try that as my car is very twitchy with ist 2.4 rack



Think David means that 0% toe in was what was causing the car to be a bit twitchy? You would be better off with a bit more toe in

adithorp - 23/5/11 at 07:42 PM

I've just taken a 2.9 Escort rack off my Fury (2.4 now) if you're interested. It was a new one from RallyDesign and has done 10000 miles. £50+ delivery.
I went for it as I' was advised against a 2.4 for road use and it's been fine, but I found it a slight problem on hair-pins in the Alps last year. So I've switched before I go back there next month.
I've heard there are some 2.9s which are just standard 3.5s with lock stops fitted but this one isn't. Proved by the fact the lock is the same with the new 2.4

ashg - 23/5/11 at 09:23 PM

had a 2.9 swapped it for a 2.4. the 2.9 is nice for cruising/fast road the 2.4 is scary quick at first but fab when you want to drive like a loon. if you havent had a kit car before the 2.9 will feel quick tbh

David Jenkins - 24/5/11 at 06:52 AM

quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Interesting, 0% toe in, i will try that as my car is very twitchy with ist 2.4 rack



Think David means that 0% toe in was what was causing the car to be a bit twitchy? You would be better off with a bit more toe in


Correct!

Zero toe-in is fine for the racetrack (IMHO) but too demanding for day-to-day use. I can't remember what toe-in I've got now, but it's fairly 'conventional' (I suspect I picked the standard Mk2 Escort setting). Now it tracks along the road very reliably, so I only need to move the wheel when I need to change direction!