• Strut bar: There are many cheap ones on various online stores including eBay, and most of them are of poor quality. The best possible upgrade though exists from corksport.com in the MX-3 section. Or one can fabricate an even stronger solid one if one has fabrication skills and access to metal supplies and a welder.

  

• Sway bar from certain 2nd gens: Ford put stronger sway bars on older Escort Wagons and the Escort GT. Can be spotted in any junkyard usually, and are quite easy to upgrade. Upgrading sway bar links & bushings is recommended, as they will often be rubber that has been dryrotted from age.

  

• Ground control coilovers: Sometimes available for fair prices online, but usually retails new for around $ 400. The adjustable drop is 0-2.5" and the Eibach springs that come with the set have the rates of 66 in the front and 35 in the back. The rears are a bit low, and probably should be upgraded to stiffer ones. Front spring is GC 150.64.66 and rear spring is GC 180.64.35, kit is for 97-up Escort and ZX2, part number 4030.01. Making custom seats on the strut for the coilovers is possible by welding & modifying the struts.

  

• Custco camber plates: Available from corksport.com in the MX-3 section. Allows camber adjustment for the front wheels in order to better tune the chassis and handling.

  

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.