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Saff advice - 2 or 4wd

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Old 12-10-2017, 10:53 AM
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Zetec_mk4_XR3i
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Default Saff advice - 2 or 4wd

When I started looking for a Saph 3 years ago, I wanted a 2wd car and preferred a sensibly modded one.

Looked at loads, missed a few and eventually stumbled on an immaculate late 4x4 which I bought as couldn’t pass it up. It’s running stage 3, and is Nouveau Red with 88k.

I love the car but its always been a 2wd that I wanted. I know of a pristine flint grey 2wd but despite pestering the guy for 3 years he won’t sell it!

Recently got in touch with a guy with what sounds like a nice early 2wd in a rare colour with a Harvey Gibbs engine and waiting for a proper chat when he is back from holiday. Sounds promising and the price is reasonable.

The thought crossed my mind to 2wd my car but would ruin its originality so would sell mine, if the 2wd car was all good and we could come to a deal.

Guess I’m just looking for any advice or experience…I’ve driven a few 2wd cars and much prefer the drive/feel of them but I know my car inside out and it’s a peach.

Cheers
Old 12-10-2017, 11:28 AM
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gcfcos
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I always wanted a 2wd but when viewing them 10 years ago they were all thrashed bangers the ones in my price range owned by young lads but the minters owned by old boys were all 4x4s so ended up with one. Will convert it to 2wd one day
Old 12-10-2017, 11:40 AM
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Adam-M
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Why not just fit a t5 gearbox and keep your gearbox handy for when you decide to put it back that way? Least that way you know the condition of your car and the 4x4 engine is better anyway.
Old 12-10-2017, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Adam-M
Why not just fit a t5 gearbox and keep your gearbox handy for when you decide to put it back that way? Least that way you know the condition of your car and the 4x4 engine is better anyway.
Thats what i would be doing as you know your car.

Its only a few parts, gearbox, sump, prop.

You can leave the 7" diff but that will be a weak point so possibly look for a 2wd diff and flanges.
Old 12-10-2017, 05:47 PM
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2wd all the way for me
Old 12-10-2017, 06:13 PM
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2wd ftw
Old 12-10-2017, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Adam-M
Why not just fit a t5 gearbox and keep your gearbox handy for when you decide to put it back that way? Least that way you know the condition of your car and the 4x4 engine is better anyway.
I would do this too.
Old 12-10-2017, 06:41 PM
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People say the 2wd saffs drive the best out of all the cossies but i would be scared of the ass end wanting to step out all the time.
Old 12-10-2017, 07:00 PM
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They're not that bad Glenn, just got to treat them with respect.

A lot better with 6 degree beam and decent diff though
Old 12-10-2017, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Glenn_
People say the 2wd saffs drive the best out of all the cossies but i would be scared of the ass end wanting to step out all the time.
It's all under the control of your right foot mate.

Doesn't do it by itself.
Old 12-10-2017, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Glenn_
People say the 2wd saffs drive the best out of all the cossies but i would be scared of the ass end wanting to step out all the time.
Its only going to happen if you dont treat it with respect Glenn, dry roads with 450 bhp 2wd power is fine, although a work friend of mine who came out with me for the first time did shit himself when i gave it some beans in 2nd gear coming off a roundabout! He was shocked at how quickly it picks up and now describes my car as "The Beast"
Wet roads though is another matter, you Have to drive carefully and smoothly!!
I have had it for a long time and am used to it but I guess if someone who had never driven it before got in it and just planted his foot he would probably get into trouble!!
Old 12-10-2017, 10:08 PM
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I remember driving my mates 2wd when he bought it and instantly regretting buying a 4x4. It was a bit hairy on the bends and took a lot of confidence but if your used to rwd cars it’s not a problem. I had been doing drifting for about a year at our local track by then so wasn’t too bad but if I wasn’t used to a powerful rwd I reckon I would have stacked it that night lol. I’ve always said I would convert mine to 2wd if I could afford all the parts
Old 13-10-2017, 04:15 AM
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When i say i would be worried about the ass end coming out is because i had a 2ltr sierra gt and the back end of that could step out easily.
Old 13-10-2017, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Glenn_
When i say i would be worried about the ass end coming out is because i had a 2ltr sierra gt and the back end of that could step out easily.
I remember when I got my first Capri back in the 90s, it was only a 1.6 laser but on a wet roundabout that thing was bloody lethal lol. My mates dad was telling me back in the day they used to mix up some concrete and fill the spare wheel well with it so that they would not try to turn ends on corners
Old 13-10-2017, 07:17 PM
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Rear wheel drive can be good fun though.
Old 13-10-2017, 07:27 PM
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RWD is more fun, when my saph was standard it would easily step out on dry roundabouts but i put that down to the old Dunlop D40s it was rolling on, now ive got modern tyres and Motorsport Developments 380+bhp Package and it can be lively especially in the wet but is controllable if you show it some respect.
Old 13-10-2017, 10:01 PM
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I've had some bloody good fun in 2wd cossie they are brilliant cars I will always love em. I never had a 4wd cossie I wasn't converted to 4x4 til I got in an R32 gtr

The 800 hp supra I had was lunacy but so much fun by far the most fun mad car I've ever had great fun compete madness
Old 14-10-2017, 07:49 AM
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Convert your car to 2wd then you have the best of the engine with rear wheel drive fun.

A good 2wd is a rare car now and will be at a higher price than a 4x4 due to limited numbers.
There are less 2wd saffs than 3drs now.......

I guess the 2wd one with a gibbs engine is a crystal blue or mercury grey?
Old 14-10-2017, 10:01 AM
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there is very lityle difference in actual prices in 2wd to 4x4 these days as there both very rare cars. There's a big difference in geometry be tween the 2 cars though so just putting a 2wd box will make it drive like a pig . So if you are going to convert it then do all the front end to steering rack up tights brakes ect
Old 14-10-2017, 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Jay,
there is very lityle difference in actual prices in 2wd to 4x4 these days as there both very rare cars. There's a big difference in geometry be tween the 2 cars though so just putting a 2wd box will make it drive like a pig . So if you are going to convert it then do all the front end to steering rack up tights brakes ect

You still got your cossie jay ? I havnt been on here for ages I did look for your build thread but couldn't find it ?
Old 14-10-2017, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by scoooby slayer
You still got your cossie jay ? I havnt been on here for ages I did look for your build thread but couldn't find it ?
No mate got this







Getting old and fucked now lol so easy reliable motoring now buddy
Old 14-10-2017, 06:02 PM
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Black wheels blahhhhh.
Old 14-10-2017, 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Glenn_
Black wheels blahhhhh.
I was thinking Gold next Glenn






































































































Was I FUCK
Old 14-10-2017, 06:16 PM
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Silver only pal. Lol at gold.
Old 14-10-2017, 06:25 PM
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gold ftw
Old 14-10-2017, 06:29 PM
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Shut up.

You might as well put jps(john player special) decals all over the car.

Anyway whats it with mk2 focus owners splattering all this sticker shit all over there cars???
Old 14-10-2017, 06:33 PM
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lol ,that just might happen



tbh i cant take advice about wheels from a a lad who puts focus wheels on a saff
Old 14-10-2017, 06:52 PM
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1st cossie I ever had was a magenta 2wd saff and I loved it, it was stage 3 but was awesome and great fun. I sold it and bought a white 4x4 saff the was also stage 3 and Hatted it, felt like a totally different car then I got rid of that and bought a moonstone 3dr and although it was 2wd again felt like a totally different car so I have to agree that a 2wd saff is the best drivers cossie by far.
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Old 14-10-2017, 06:54 PM
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spot on rich,
Old 14-10-2017, 06:54 PM
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with gold wheels lol
Old 14-10-2017, 07:50 PM
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2wd saph definately my favourite to drive over a 3 door
Old 14-10-2017, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Glenn_
Shut up.

You might as well put jps(john player special) decals all over the car.

Anyway whats it with mk2 focus owners splattering all this sticker shit all over there cars???
Exactly or 555 down the side lol

Originally Posted by james kiely
lol ,that just might happen



tbh i cant take advice about wheels from a a lad who puts focus wheels on a saff
at least there not gold

Originally Posted by james kiely
with gold wheels lol
What wrong with you James? Dropped on your head when a child ?
Old 14-10-2017, 08:13 PM
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ive never been in a 4wd cossie so I don't know how it handles in comparison to 2wd but when I had my rwd cossie e30 I was always planning to 4wd convert it because the traction off the line was terrible. I just remember my mates 4wd evo8 , the traction in that from a standing start was unbelievable in comparison.
the 50/50 weight balance in the e30 made you look like a driving god though as when the back kicked out you could hold it so easily and it would bring itself back into line without any drama
ive just went back to rwd with my c class estate. ive certainly missed it as it is so much more fun !

Last edited by fuzzy; 14-10-2017 at 08:19 PM.
Old 14-10-2017, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Jay,
Exactly or 555 down the side lol



at least there not gold


What wrong with you James? Dropped on your head when a child ?

sounds like jealousy to me

the gold goes with my earrings
Old 15-10-2017, 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by james kiely
lol ,that just might happen



tbh i cant take advice about wheels from a a lad who puts focus wheels on a saff
Owwwwwwwww nasty












Lol. Could be worse. I could have comps on it like every other cossie ha ha.
Old 15-10-2017, 08:05 AM
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Oi! Nowt wrong with comps Glenny boy!!

Last edited by Gazzonator; 15-10-2017 at 08:07 AM.




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