Mk2 rear suspension for 200+ bhp

[notcossiepowered]

I'm currently trying to cost up a Mk2 Escort project but need a rough guide on sorting out the rear suspension. The car will run a 2l turbo (not cossie, hence the user name) that runs 200bhp as standard, but will most likely end up at about 300bhp. Plans are to buy either a full runner or solid rolling shell, but I'll assume to get the spec I want I'll have to do all the work myself (or rather, pay someone to do it).

5-linking, Watts linkage, etc I would assume need be done, but what would it cost (rough guestimate is fine) to build the right rear-end to handle the intended sort of power, if the shell is good and rot isn't making things more difficult? What other strengthening would be needed as well? This will be for a road and occassional track day car, if that helps.

Cheers!

Jason.

[robrs2]

Are you any good with a welding set for a start, as most of the cost is fitting the gear. Mr 2quick4u is the best for rough ideas of cost. i'm doing a 2.0 pinto turbo and it aint straignt forward if you want 200bhp+ that will last.

[Retromotorsport]

biggest question??? Are you going to arch the car. if not your fighting tyre contact patch/power ratio's. If you going wide the the sky is the limit. Parts are the pricey things, Atlas, coil overs front and rear, LSD, Wheels, tyres, cage, arches, paint, trim, etc.
As for the shell prep, a full GP4 shell= 5-7k
If your going very low, and bigger than 13" wheels, then budget for chassis rail raising, tubbing, axle tunnel raising, diff tunnel, the list can go on and on.
The further you go then start costing for a trailor as you are not going to want to drive it for long distances.
Think hard on what you want to do with the car and also have a look at Mavericks car in the "old skool banter" section.
At the other end, as a road going fun weekender, then i would say around 5k will get you all you need, 6 link,cage, standard atlas and LSD,coil-overs, brakes,wheels and a bolt in cage

[notcossiepowered]

Thanks for the replies guys!

Yes I have seen Maverick's and that is just sex on 4 wheels!! I'm not really going to need quite that level of work as it's not going to be a racecar at the end of it (although it would be nice, I just don't have the funds). I'm aiming for it to be a week-end car and it will be used on the road quite a bit, so I don't want anything too extreme. £5k is about what I was hoping it would cost, so thanks for confirming that for me. I will be arching the car, probably tarmac arches, as I want to run wider wheels but not too wide to keep things sensible. If that adds a bit more to the cost, then I'll just have to budget a bit more for them.

As for power, I'm going to use a Nissan SR20DET from either a Sunny/Pulsar GTi-R, or S14 200SX. There a pros and cons with each, the GTi-R is a stronger engine (bucket and shim tappets, thicker rods, bigger under piston oil squirters, wider big-end bearing shells etc) but there are differences between the blocks and the 200SX, having the engine mounts already set for RWD, might fit easier (and they're still very strong). It would also give me the option to use a 200SX 5-speed, although if that's too awkward, I'd investigate the custom bell-housing and T5 route. It's a conversion that's been done a couple of times in Australia, as Cossie engines are a bit rare over there, so I know it can be done. It's just unfortunate I have to sell my current car (GTi-R, hence my fondness for the engines) to help finance the project...

Thanks again for the help guys!

Jason

[notcossiepowered]

Oh and as far as my welding skills, I did a 6 week evening class in welding last year, which just taught me how to burn holes in sheet metal and very little else...

[Retromotorsport]

Glad you don't mind arching it, as without the grip whats the point of the power... use the gearbox for the engine, a hybrid prop is cheaper than a bellhousing. Due to a minor accident i will just be manning the phones tomorrow, so give me a call if you want to ,,, 01279 452799

[andypipe]

Aye Aye Captain!

[Retromotorsport]

P**s off Andy, the patch over the eye will come off, your allways going to be ..... you know what goes here!!!!

[andypipe]

Sorry mate, couldn't resist. Hope the eye gets better soon