Aspire brake swap? - advice for a dummy :)

[Safety Guy]

You'll need to change the tie rod ENDS. If your Lazers are the equivalent of our 1991 to '95 Escorts, then they should work.

If you've never done brakes, maybe you'll need help. If you're comfortable in doing most brake work, you should be okay. Watch out for extremely corroded Festiva parts! My first swap was on my rusty '89L. Rust flakes, cussing, delays and sweat everywhere!!

Oh, the difference between auto and manual Aspire rotors is 1.5 pounds per rotor difference, based upon my weighing of PG Plus brand rotors. Not sure if Aus "Festivaspires" had the same differences between auto and manual front brakes. I've gone with new rotors, pads and rebuilt calipers on both my brake swaps.

Karl

[Click_It]

Hi guys... sorry for the huge delay. I had a really bad run of finances after starting this thread but I'm happy to say things are on the up for me now and excited to say I'm ready to go ahead with this project finally!

I have been to a few wreckers (junkyards) over here and got some prices. Using that "Project Festiva" guide I've asked for prices on the following:

• Drivers & Passenger side hub/spindle assembly
• Both calipers
• Both rotors
• Both tie-rod ends (although I found some new ones for a US Escort which I'm going to buy)
• Trailer arm with drums/hub assembly attached including brakelines, cables etc
• 4 x wheels and tyres (4x100mm)
• Aspire front sway bar

Quoted $660 (things cost more in Australia) - the last place I went to didn't like the other yard and said he'll go lower and include extras just to get my business. They rip it all off for you so I just have to make sure my list is complete and they'll make it happen. He was pretty impressed with my plans, said he's never seen anyone do this conversion before and is keen to see how it ends up. Also said he can do the B6T transplant when I'm ready later.

So anyway, he wanted me to clarify 3 things before he gets started:

1st question. Does the CV drive shaft on the Aspire fit straight on the Festiva or is it different? Is it the same spline as the Festiva? (his words not mine, hope it makes sense)

2nd question. He said the front sway bar is slightly different shaped from an auto and manual car. Is either preferred or both works fine?

3rd question. He asked if I need the suspension (springs & shocks) I said i'm pretty sure that's not needed. I already have new shocks on the front, although my rears are shot so maybe I take 2 for the rear if they fit?

[Safety Guy]

Question 1: If you are putting Aspire suspension and brakes on a Festiva, you use the Festiva CVs, not the Aspire's. Just like the control arm/ball joints, they'd be a bit too long.

Getting new Escort tie rod ends is a good idea and should cost less than Aspire ends. At least that's how it is in the States.

Question 2: I'm not sure. Others should know this.

Question 3: You can use the Aspire springs and shocks, but if you want stock Festiva ride height, you'll need to cut the Aspire springs by about one coil. If you need rears and the jy shocks and springs are in good shape, ask for the rears. You might want them to separate the shocks from the rear axle first, so you won't have to. Sometimes the lower shock bolt is pretty hard to remove without breaking something. Tell them to be careful.

Rear Aspire shocks have a slightly higher spring perch, so you'll get a bit more clearance for rear tires.

Finally, carefully check and consider the age of the brake hoses. You may wish to get new ones. If so, buy hoses for an Aspire, so the front banjo bolts will fit properly. (Festiva hoses would have to have a prong bent to fit.) Same with the rotors. I always buy new ones, but maybe the jy ones would be okay.

I've done two suspension/brake swaps but not with the Aspire stabilizer bar, so I'm pretty sure of what I speaketh. Keep in mind there may be differences in U.S. and Aus. models that I'm not aware of, so check everything as best you can and report any problems to us here. Good luck!

Karl

[Click_It]

I've done two suspension/brake swaps but not with the Aspire stabilizer bar, so I'm pretty sure of what I speaketh. Keep in mind there may be differences in U.S. and Aus. models that I'm not aware of, so check everything as best you can and report any problems to us here. Good luck!

Karl

Thanks Karl. In regards to the (rear) suspension question, it's just a bandaid fix until I can afford a real aftermarket solution. Provided the rotors are in good condition I'll keep those and get some "green stuff" pads for the anchors. Gotta start somewhere and by doing this swap it gives me a nice upgrade path to persue as time & money permits.

All I have to do now is wait for an aspire to arrive in the wrecker yard. He said they come in fairly regularly and as soon as a clean one arrives he's going to put it aside and I get first dibs.

Also what you say about the brake lines makes sense. Whilst everything is off I think I'll go source a new one. Peace of mind for later. I'll search the forums on differences between auto/manual sway bar and whether it makes any difference for the festiva swap.

[Festiva_tunner]

Arnie-
What set up are you running on your teins?

[Click_It]

Well good news, I picked up all the parts today. Hopefully I can figure out how it all goes on

Pretty crappy tyres came with the wheels and rego time is 6 weeks away so I might be forced to throw on larger wheels sooner than I'd planned. Want some nice light weight wheels for it. Probably 15"

I might take some progress pics and post them up later (of the aspire swap that is)

[Click_It]

Just had the rotors measured at 16.6mm, basically machining wasn't an option so I went and bought new. Good thing is, DBA just recently shook up the market a bit over in Australia. 12 months ago new rotors would have cost $90 but now only $52 each, less than machining. Got new brake pads too, I had planned on getting Green Stuff but I figured until I get the B6T it's just a waste of money (overkill?) so I settled with some Bendix General CT's. Not the cheapo ones from the auto store, one step up from those, heavier duty but not full performance which I think will be fine considering the light weight of the Festiva. Might get the Green Stuff after I do the engine swap (years away)

Just wondering about the drums... I'm thinking whilst everything is off, I should maybe get new cylinder & shoes. Is that a good idea or am I throwing money somewhere I don't need to? The donar Aspire had 180,000KM (111,000 miles) on it.

I also got brake cleaner & red caliper paint

[Click_It]

Just checking if I bought the right pads. Found a few posts on the web putting down the Bendix GCT's when used in combination with DBA rotors. Hmmmm.

[Click_It]

Bendix GCT's when used in combination with DBA rotors.

Hehe oops, just occured to me you guys probably never heard of DBA (Disc Brakes Australia) over there A fairly top notch brand of rotors over here. Sticking with what I got, Aspire rotors and good quality pads on a lighter Festiva, it's gotta be a good thing.

[Safety Guy]

If you're using good quality pads on good quality rotors, and do a good installation, you should be good to go.

As you surmised about the lightweight of your car, you're using Escort sized brakes on a car that weighs over 500 pounds less! The folks who are criticizing a certain combination may be splitting hairs over high-performance stuff. Not something you need to worry about yet.

Karl

[Click_It]

If you're using good quality pads on good quality rotors, and do a good installation, you should be good to go.

As you surmised about the lightweight of your car, you're using Escort sized brakes on a car that weighs over 500 pounds less! The folks who are criticizing a certain combination may be splitting hairs over high-performance stuff. Not something you need to worry about yet.

Karl

Thanks Karl, that's the conclusion I reached too. Can't wait to get these on the car as the old brakes have been on the brink of death for awhile now. I still have to get the outer tie rod ends, found genuine Escort ones on eBay-Australia for $30 + delivery so I'll buy them today.

[Safety Guy]

Sounds good! Keep us updated and maybe some pics when possible.

Karl

[dragonslit]

so can someone clarify what escort yr. tierod end is acceptable for upgrade???

[timmay89]

I am pretty sure that 1991-1995 escort gt is what you need to use.

[Maxtiva]

X2