WCXM & Tarmac Rally

[MK1_Oz]

I'm confused (just to make a change) and am trying to wade through the clutter of personal opinions to find definitive answers. (yes I have used the search function)

Reasons to Fit WCXM

1. stronger than the standard item and keeps the engine in the car over rough roads
2. reduces engine movement and the associated negative handling impacts
3. ability to fit lower rack mount version (if requried)
4. wank value...bling factor

Did I miss any????

Questions

1. i appreciate the added strength of these items but for tarmac rally where jumps are few and the roads relatively flat IS IT NEEDED?
2. can the standard XM be strengthened?
3. would using the std XM with standard rubber block mounts impact handling or anything else?
4. would using the standard XM but with a firmer mounting media (poly block?) improve anything WITHOUT shaking the life out of the car?
5. is it advisable to modify the XM to chassis mounts so that longer bolts are used that mount through tubes installed within the chassis rail?

I am not interested in chassis mounting the engine.

This is for a Mk1, Pinto, T9, maybe 1-2" lowered.

I just want to put my limited money into the areas that are needed and that will make a difference. I don't want to use various parts just because that is what other people do or that they look nice and shiny in the magazines.

Your help, experience and advise is appreciated.

[MK1_Oz]

Gee I thought this one would get a really healthy debate happening!!!!

[Dan]

this bit of the technical section dosnt get too much traffic but i think really a WCXM is only needed if you want a rally car, or something with alot of power.

the lowered rack mounts only really benifit a car with increased ride hight, so if you use one with it dropped 2" you have to correct the steering arm geometry to avoid bad bump steer.

and you can fit stiffer mounts to a standard xmember which is really all you need for a fast road car IMO

[jpblue]

many say the basis of a good handling escort is the world cup crossmember. I disagree, sort of. I have been using a modified standard crossmember for years, albeit in a circuit car, albeit with no power. However to get what I wanted it is heavily modified, reinforced, additional width to TCA mounting points and alternate engine mount towers. All it cost was a tenner and some hard graft and I have what I expect is equivalent or better...better in that it does exactly what I need it to do, rather than what has worked in others cars before. In my mind you'd be better off spending the cash elsewhere and modify what you have to suit your purpose. If there are no jumps and you dont have massive grippy tyres Id do as described. If your pushing many hundreds of HP, jumps and landings, crashing and bashing then perhaps a world cup X member is the way to go.
I think Seamwelding the standard and or additional strategically placed plating and alternate mounts will be sufficient.

Cheers

JP

[alladdin]

almost all the above mods you dont get with a wc xmem. the main difference is the mounts afaik. you could use std type hd (landrover?) rubbers with added cups over them and it costs almost nowt to try.