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Orion
Nelson - 15/6/02 at 08:28 PM

I have the opportunity to get an E-reg Ford Orion 1.6 for pretty cheap. What can I use from it? DO I really need to get running gear and stuff from an escort because i'm have real trouble finding one!!

stephen_gusterson - 15/6/02 at 09:09 PM

quote:
I have the opportunity to get an E-reg Ford Orion 1.6 for pretty cheap. What can I use from it? DO I really need to get running gear and stuff from an escort because i'm have real trouble finding one!!


I think you wont be able to use anything from it. Its a front wheel drive car. The axles and hubs and engine are all wrong.

its not essential to use an escort. However, i recon you could save lots of time and get a nice compact car by using one as it allows the book to be followed more closely. As soon as you use different engines or axles it all gets complicated.

If you really cant get an escort, the sierra is the next choice. you can use the engine if you make the bonnet taller and the hubs if you get an adaptor for the top strut mount. You could also use a capri rear axle but it will be wider. the sierra has a trailing type set up that you cant use at the rear. as far as i know if you are building a true locost and dont make it a live rear axle, you have to design your own.

robin hood make the 2b and mk engineering make the indy, both of which as chassis kits would give you a huge leap to start the project with a sierra. someone will probably sigh with releif if you take their sierra away!

atb

steve

Jon Ison - 15/6/02 at 09:16 PM

Cortina or Capri will make a good doner for a chassis built pretty much to book..... one of the 1st things to learn is to use the book as inspiration, not as a bible.....just got back from newark, dint count but around 15/20 cars there, all owners used the book, not any two cars where alike...thats what locost is all about.....the locost pitch got much more attention than the westfield gezzers next door too.....seen one westfield you seen em all.....

Nelson - 15/6/02 at 09:25 PM

Thanks guys.

So, if I built the chassis as it says in the book, will the sierra parts fit straight on, with little modification? Engine, suspension, steering and axles mainly, gearbox too? Does anything have to be greatly changed?

Jon Ison - 15/6/02 at 09:35 PM

without going into loads a waffle, the sierra needs different front suspension, totaly different rear suspension, the engine box will pretty much go straight in, all the above applys to a "as book chassis" may be worth you finding a local fellow locost builder, go look at what he as done and how he done it.....what ever route you take, make sure you know what your running gear set up is gonna be before you start building.......i'm not trying to put you off ere, just save you time n grief later in the build

Nelson - 15/6/02 at 09:41 PM

What about escort suspension steering, etc with a sierra engine (more power) preferably 2.0L and a type 9 gearbox?

Oh, and what type of sierra am I looking for, model years would be very helpful.

Sorry about all this, but as my status says, I am a complete n00b!

Jon Ison - 15/6/02 at 09:52 PM

it realy is worth trying to get a look at some completed cars, at the end of the day nothing is impossible, i was chattin today to Liam, you will find him on the list, he is building a 4WD V6 locost, just some routes are harder than others, others may disagree (feel free) but i think the easiest susspension /running gear route for an home built chassis is, Cortina front uprights, and a live rear axle, don't have to be ford, but live, since Cortina uprights are used and the Cortina has a live axle, then for me the Cortina is the donor to find, not the escort.......there my 2P's worth, and if you want 2ltr pinto power then find a 2ltr Cortina.....job done

interestedparty - 16/6/02 at 10:34 AM

At the outset of any car build you in effect choose which problems you (hope) you are going to overcome. If you didn't already know what would be involved in using Sierra bits, especially the rear end, you might be better off selecting the problem of finding the right donor eg 2ltr Cortina, rather than selecting the problem of using an unsuitable donor because one happens to be handy.
The importance of finding the right car to start with cannot be overstressed. I've learned this through experience. The experience wasn't bitter, just time-wasting and expensive.
John