2000 Ford Escort ZX2 S/R from North America - Comments

Problem: Alternator

Symptoms: Batterie light flickering at high rpms

Solution: Dealer replaced under warranty at 44 000 km.

Note: I had the car for 8 months and nothing except for alternator broke.

Very reliable car; always starts even in the cold Canadian winters. Great handling and performance car for the money. It requires 91+ fuel (S/R edition) to take advantage of the Ford Racing pcm (CWQ3) but will run well with 87 octane. The fuel will show a great difference in the 5200-6500 rpm range. It's very good on gas (500 km with 46 liters) under hard driving. A lot of space to store stuff. A lot of rims choice (because of 4 X 100 bolt pattern) and body kits available.

Performance wise you will run about 15.6 - 15.9 on the 1/4 mile, but don't forget this is more of a handling car than a straight line racer.

Dislike:

- May be uncomfortable for tall people

- Not a lot of aftermarket parts

- Ruff ride (with s/r edition suspension) it's not really a downside if you prefer handling than comfort.

- Fragile Transmission (Shift forks). Just don't abuse it with power shifts.

- Weird idle sometimes because of the ford racing pcm (S/R edition only)

Comment: If you have a S/R edition, threat it good and take care of it because you have a rare car in your hands.

Other S/R Info:

Only 2000 Produced (1000 Zinc Yellow, 500 Red, 500 Black)

Factory Installed Performance Parts.

Appearance

B&M Short throw shifter

Borla Muffler

Leather Shift Boot

Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

Silver Gauge Surround

240 KPH Speedometer

Ford Blue Valve Cover

S/R Daizy Wheels

S/R Seats

S/R Floor Mats.

Performance

Iceman Intake

Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch

Visteon PCM CWQ3 (Oct 91+)

Handling

Tokico Struts

Energy Suspension Bushings

Eibach Lowering Spring

205/55ZR15 Goodyear Eagle F1

4 Wheel Disc Brakes.

The S/R is 146/HP and 140/TQ (They dyno between 117-121 WHP)

Sites:

www.teamzx2.com

www.zx2racing.com.

Just a question. I'm not sure if you would be able to help, but recently I noticed that the car while parked or stopped idles really low and eventually stalls out. do you know why this is or how it could be fixed. if you have any info at all please email me @ jsm00th1o@yahoo.com. thanks for any help you may be able to provide.