Guest Skye Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 (edited) Being a newbie to the mk3 Escort Cabriolet I'm in need of advice as to what is needed to make it handle properly. The car is shocking at the moment with perished bushes, shocks and springs that frankly should never have passed an MOT. The car handles like a big jelly so it's off the road at the moment. Can anyone advise me what to replace, I've sourced shocks and springs but not sure what else is available and where to get it? Wondering if many of the parts can be refurbished with replacement bush kits? Thanks, Matt. Edited May 24, 2014 by Skye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuDaBear Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Bushes and shockers have to be absolutely cream crackered to fail the mot. A set of poly bushes or even decent new bushes will help, I see mixed reviews for flo flex poly bushes, they are a good price for a full car set though. If you can get a s1 escort rs rurbo or escort RS1600i front anti roll bar set up these can really improve the handling. A good tip is to not go too mad with lowering, my cab was dropped about 60mm, I've since fitted -35mm springs which are a lot better ride quaility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mk3cabby2014 Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 try a set of coilovers and you'll be able to set it up a bit more to your prefrence. any clunking noises whilst driving? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skye Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 (edited) lol there's at least 3 different clunking noises, it's bad, real bad. Not a fan of coilovers much prefer a decent shock and spring setup and will be keeping it original height. It has a roll bar fitted already to the front so somebody in the past has done a few mods. Edited May 24, 2014 by Skye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mk3cabby2014 Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 youll have to buy new decent original parts or find a good one in the breakers. mines got a anti-roll bar im sure its standard, the rs ones just different which makes it handle better. correct me if im wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuDaBear Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 youll have to buy new decent original parts or find a good one in the breakers. mines got a anti-roll bar im sure its standard, the rs ones just different which makes it handle better. correct me if im wrong. Yeah the Rs front anti roll bar is better than a standard cabrio/mk/xr3i set up. The Rs item offers additional adjustability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Ollie Posted May 24, 2014 Admin Share Posted May 24, 2014 hi I have poly bushed all the under side of mine and fitted slightly lower springs on mine 30mm . as stu has said don't go to low or the ride is to harsh although it looks much nicer. I also fitted the RS1600i anti roll bar and fitted a strut brace to the front it just makes it all nice and tight and you don't get that body twist as bad let us no what you decide to do ollie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skye Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 It has a strut brace fitted too so once I've replaced worn bushes and most of the suspension it should be much better to drive. Is it ebay for a bush kit? I've only seen horrendously expensive poly bush kits on there I just can't afford to spend that much. I'm settling for Lesfjor springs and basic gas shocks for around the £200 mark complete. My preffered setup is H&R springs with Bilstein shocks but I'm on a budget and need to make the car safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skye Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Can anybody advise as I'm struggling to find the correct rated springs for my cab, all I can find is standard escort mk3 springs. Was told by Ford that the springs are rated for the heavier vehicle but nobody seems to make them anymore! Arrgghhhh................. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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