Saw a clean silver ZX2 this morning and thought of your car. Such a cool and unique build. You don’t see these tastefully modded EVER, so a properly build one is a true unicorn.
Damn, who else in the last 20 years was ever relieved they had a local RadioShack? Nice problem solving. And that head bolt problem seems as tedious as it was important. Those cam gears are gorgeous though.
I definitely appreciate how you are willing to provide all sorts of information regarding your build, and the possible mistakes made during it. This opens you up to judgements by the internet people of course, and it's refreshing to see you are not afraid of that. We are not all expert engine builders, and should learn from our experiences both positive and negative. I'm happy you are not afraid to learn from yours, and to help the community learn as well by posting it all in high definition with crystal clear audio! If you're ever in San Francisco, you won't have to pay for beer. :thumbup:
It's beautiful that when your a car enthusiast and you love a car you will never let it go you've had this car for over 10 years!!!!!!!!!! that's a long time!!
This build inspired me to start my channel and document my build on my 93 escort, just wish I had you cinematography skills lol. I used to have a 2001 ZX2 that probably would have turned out like this if it didn't get rear ended and totaled. Love the build, love the channel and what it's become.
I love the timelapses/montages, and i love how well you explain your issues and how you fix them. Beautiful camera work and a sweet, unique car that I never see modded. Love this channel, stay safe on the track.
I'm 41 now. I was probably in my early 20s when I got My first car in the navy was a silver Ford escort zx2 manual. I was stationed in California. I had no clue what I was doing, took a lot of time and patience, my first project. I did cold air, lowered eibach 2.0 springs, greddy exhaust, light weight pulleys, strut brace, wings west ground effects kit, pep boys premium rims you use to see along the walls. Cut the governor black wire... I thought I was so cool, I remember smoking some Asian boys only cosmetic in the Oakland Tunnel, down shift and I was out! One thing I regret that gave out to the end was the clutch! Smh 😦 I really loved that car! Thanks for bringing back awesome memories. I miss that car! Smoked a lot of people lol. It's nice to see the hard you work you've done. I can appreciate that. Ty.
I own a 98 ford escort zx2 with 250k miles, and it still runs strong, mine won't ever be like his, but I will keep it running as I really enjoy the car... that blue paint job though is gorgeous.
UA-cam should have a golden button beside the thumbs up button, because these guys deserve more than a thumbs up. Their videos are superb and on point, you guys are great and please keep up the good work cause I'm A huge fan of you guys.
I bought a ZX2 back in high school to rival my friends Honda’s. I had a great time building that car up with what money I had. I’ve since graduated up to a Focus ST. Love any video that has your zx2 in it. Great throwback to my early days
I have a ZX2 and I also get that no start.. no turning.. the problem is in the steering column sensors .. just move the steering wheel around until it makes contact and starts.
I would like to get one of those KLZE V6 swap it and turbo it. Maybe even a wagon for the extra giggles. It fits with an MX-3 V6 crossmember and an axle mix.
Such a great video again, I love watching these types of videos they are so interesting and educational! thank you! Did you study Engineering or where does your knowledge about cars come from? That is so impressing, I mean you can do everything on your car by your own.. just wow. Keep up the good work!
Gears and Gasoline how sweet! I've been learning from UA-cam videos, Forums, websites, how to's, and everything that you can think of! I only learn from the best so you know why I'm even here :)
Many of us (if not most) learned by doing. I don't know anyone whos heavily into modding their cars thats actually gone to school for it (fabricating, tuning, etc). But they do it. Trial and error, learning from mistakes, and its really about having the proper (and easily attainable) tools to do a job. Clutches, brakes, head swaps, its all straight forward and most cars are decent to work on.. there are of course models you dont know until you get into...buy it, wrench on it, then to find out its a really crappy design to customize XD
Production quality of your videos is always amazing. And I love the ZX2; had one myself for 6 years, lots of fond memories of that car (manual to boot!)
I know you guys get this a lot, but it still blows my mind you’re only at 200K subs! Your content is informative, passionate, beautifully shot and gives a lot of your viewers much needed inspiration. I look forward to these every week :)
its been that long since the last build video on this car? i honestly didn't believe you so i went back in the history. seems like just yesterday that i was watching your escort build. glad to see its getting some love again
Dude! The car looks pretty dope.!! All the work you've been doing on her so far and the mini heart attack you had when you saw coolant in the engine oil, you fixed it though, this video made my day.! Take care man. Love from Hyderabad, India.
Back in 1998-99 when seeking my first car after highschool I too was gonna purchase the ford escort zx2. Love the headlights and tailights. I like how yours has the lip kits and volk wheels. Sorta reminds me of nissan silvia...especially with thr blue
Im so proud of you fellas! I love watching you and have enjoyed since who knows when? Im happy to see a good mixture between mini documentaries and videos where you feature yourselves in! Keep it up! Your quality has significantly improved from before, you deserve a lot more attention!
I cant believe you have a zx2! these cars were actually really sporty back in their day. I actually had one about 10 years ago myself but it couldnt keep transmissions. just stock they run damn good. ours really caught people off guard by how I ran. I'm pretty sure yours will run awesome!
i had a 2000 zx2 as my first car. 5 speed no ac. i never modded it but your editing style was so euphoric! the first time i ever did a photo shoot was on my iphone in the Spokane Wa. mall parking garage a lot like the one you were in and it was raining with snow on the ground. i miss the sound of that ztec 2.0 when id redline it with wheel spin. i used to "rally" it in my uncles cow pasture too haha amazing little cars
Loved the video- I love the blue on the ZX2. Makes me miss my old one that much more. Good Luck with all the work- Im sure your work will be excellent.
I love sleeper builds! My 91 Miata has a rather big turbo for its engine and has around 300hp (weighs 2070lbs dry/stock). My 2004 Cavalier i just sold was a complete LSJ motor swap with an upgraded blower. Keeping them nearly stock looking and seeing the faces of even blown V8's losing sub 120mph runs is great! This is a cool car with very simple upgrades and its an awesome color (love the wheels too!). Making me want to go wrench on my Miata again right now lol
That's awesome! And a gorgeous color too. After driving a family members ZX2 I always had the thought of what would it be like really done up. I would have left the interior and HVAC though. Nothing worse than leaving a boiling hot car show in a boiling hot car lol. I guess it's all just part of the experience
Amazing video as always guys!! You should look into uploading more videos at 60fps, the smoothness of the video would really compliment the good cinematography.
nice job on the push button starter setup, and for cleaning up the wiring. For the firewall holes, i hope you put in some sort of gasket or body panel gasket, but really quality work.
From the side i almost thought it was an s15
From the thumbnail it looks like a s15
Tuner_fan me tooo
i was like why is he calling a s15 and escort? lmao
Hellolife but u do see though now right, from thumbnail
Me too lol that's why I clicked
Very Creative shot around 5:40 :) Great work Ben(s)!
hEaDGaSkET?!? 😬
Excellent work as usual, Bens!
Albon you watch these gods aswell? Respect! :)
:D Nice one, I can't even read "head gasket" without hearing Marty's voice in my head ^^
From the side on the thumbnail it looks kinda like S15. Very nice car :D
Kessuga™ I thought it was an S15 😂
and from the front a Lexus sc300
I guess it's an SC15 😂
Look again, it's a carbon copy of the 1997 Pontiac GP GTP
Your escort is completely different from ours
Are you european?
Marios Pantouvanos
Brazilian. But I think here in Brazil we had the same escort as you guys in Europe, with a few drivetrain differences
Yeah, yours are cooler :/
Gears and Gasoline Yours look pretty sweet though!
Not the ford escort I am used to seeing
I want to own my car for 10 years bro. That’s insane how much dedication you have for this build. Mad respect
Saw a clean silver ZX2 this morning and thought of your car. Such a cool and unique build. You don’t see these tastefully modded EVER, so a properly build one is a true unicorn.
Damn, who else in the last 20 years was ever relieved they had a local RadioShack? Nice problem solving. And that head bolt problem seems as tedious as it was important. Those cam gears are gorgeous though.
Sam they killed all the Radio Shacks around me, here in FL 😞
Jonas Raab by now they did indefinitely
Jonas Raab yea, but there “special” discounts are stupid. It’s almost like there trying hard to not look defeated.
It’s still a shame that there going...
Jonas Raab was he well off?
This car is the reason I found you guys. Glad you are bringing it back!
I definitely appreciate how you are willing to provide all sorts of information regarding your build, and the possible mistakes made during it. This opens you up to judgements by the internet people of course, and it's refreshing to see you are not afraid of that. We are not all expert engine builders, and should learn from our experiences both positive and negative. I'm happy you are not afraid to learn from yours, and to help the community learn as well by posting it all in high definition with crystal clear audio!
If you're ever in San Francisco, you won't have to pay for beer. :thumbup:
Still the only UA-cam channel I watch without fast forwarding, great content every week.
Wow with those rims and with it lowered like that it actually looks like an exotic sports car! It’s really sharp. Plus you can’t beat that ford blue!
It's beautiful that when your a car enthusiast and you love a car you will never let it go
you've had this car for over 10 years!!!!!!!!!!
that's a long time!!
Not really a fan of gutted dashboard,but overall,the car looks sick
This build inspired me to start my channel and document my build on my 93 escort, just wish I had you cinematography skills lol. I used to have a 2001 ZX2 that probably would have turned out like this if it didn't get rear ended and totaled. Love the build, love the channel and what it's become.
hmh... whats up with these wierd looking escorts? is this an american thing?
Your courage to take on wiring/electrical astounds me. That stuff just terrifies me.
Finally another hands on car content creator
Joseph Kim thought I’d let ya know, you have a hair on top of your profile pic.
Love reading the updates on the forum! Nice to finally see some video of where it's at!
I love the timelapses/montages, and i love how well you explain your issues and how you fix them. Beautiful camera work and a sweet, unique car that I never see modded. Love this channel, stay safe on the track.
I'm 41 now. I was probably in my early 20s when I got My first car in the navy was a silver Ford escort zx2 manual. I was stationed in California. I had no clue what I was doing, took a lot of time and patience, my first project. I did cold air, lowered eibach 2.0 springs, greddy exhaust, light weight pulleys, strut brace, wings west ground effects kit, pep boys premium rims you use to see along the walls. Cut the governor black wire... I thought I was so cool, I remember smoking some Asian boys only cosmetic in the Oakland Tunnel, down shift and I was out! One thing I regret that gave out to the end was the clutch! Smh 😦 I really loved that car! Thanks for bringing back awesome memories. I miss that car! Smoked a lot of people lol. It's nice to see the hard you work you've done. I can appreciate that. Ty.
Following this build for a while now. Motivates me to put my car back together and hit the track as well.
I own a 98 ford escort zx2 with 250k miles, and it still runs strong, mine won't ever be like his, but I will keep it running as I really enjoy the car... that blue paint job though is gorgeous.
Finally. I’m one of your OG subscribers bc of the escort since I had one. I definitely appreciate this vid. Can’t wait to see it finished!
Love all of your vids, and definitely informational. Inspires me to have the “built not bought” approach. Keep up the good content!
UA-cam should have a golden button beside the thumbs up button, because these guys deserve more than a thumbs up. Their videos are superb and on point, you guys are great and please keep up the good work cause I'm A huge fan of you guys.
good knowledge of cars and engines from the owner. good man
I bought a ZX2 back in high school to rival my friends Honda’s. I had a great time building that car up with what money I had. I’ve since graduated up to a Focus ST. Love any video that has your zx2 in it. Great throwback to my early days
It’s so good to see this car back on the channel!
We in the community appreciate all you guys do and with great builds come great pains. Keep wrenchin!!!! Love from stl.
More videos like these you indirectly teach us a lot even though no actual diy format was used
Cleaner welds than most "exhaust shops" 👌
I don’t expect to be fast but I do expect to have fun... The time and dedication you have is awesome.
Bro, I LOVE that color and have always liked that body style. Hell of a build.
I have a ZX2 and I also get that no start.. no turning.. the problem is in the steering column sensors .. just move the steering wheel around until it makes contact and starts.
Glad to still see this car around, I came back around to the Z's. Picked a S/R up with 63k and a focus SVT swap in it. Keep the videos coming!
Every time I heard Escort I remember and miss my 1993 Mk.4 Ford Escort 1.8 s I had untill last year
Winged Thoughts what happened? Sell it? Wrecked it? Scrapped it?
Why don't you have it anymore?
I would like to get one of those KLZE V6 swap it and turbo it. Maybe even a wagon for the extra giggles. It fits with an MX-3 V6 crossmember and an axle mix.
PGTMR2 do the wagon so sleepy sleeper that kicks the shit out of everyone else 😈
I wonder if the stock hubcaps would hold on? :D
That car is seriously amazing. Just proves how capable the escort is
Such a great video again, I love watching these types of videos they are so interesting and educational! thank you! Did you study Engineering or where does your knowledge about cars come from? That is so impressing, I mean you can do everything on your car by your own.. just wow. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! Lots of watching videos on UA-cam to get the knowledge!
Wow this is so amazing, huge respect.
That is really amazing! Any particular channels/video series that you recommend?
Gears and Gasoline how sweet! I've been learning from UA-cam videos, Forums, websites, how to's, and everything that you can think of! I only learn from the best so you know why I'm even here :)
Many of us (if not most) learned by doing. I don't know anyone whos heavily into modding their cars thats actually gone to school for it (fabricating, tuning, etc). But they do it. Trial and error, learning from mistakes, and its really about having the proper (and easily attainable) tools to do a job. Clutches, brakes, head swaps, its all straight forward and most cars are decent to work on.. there are of course models you dont know until you get into...buy it, wrench on it, then to find out its a really crappy design to customize XD
I love how much this channel has changed and how much you guys have grown can't wait to see the track day 😊
Dayyyum son! This is immaculate. I'm not sure what's cleaner your car or your video. Both so crisp.
Looks great Ben. Glad to see it still alive.
-Dubbs
One of my favorite channels now
Production quality of your videos is always amazing. And I love the ZX2; had one myself for 6 years, lots of fond memories of that car (manual to boot!)
Subscribed. Gotta support a fellow American Escort fan. Super excited to see your track day vid.
YES ! Glad you brought it back out in your UA-cam content.
Such a badass build, this really is one of the very best channels out there🤘
I know you guys get this a lot, but it still blows my mind you’re only at 200K subs! Your content is informative, passionate, beautifully shot and gives a lot of your viewers much needed inspiration. I look forward to these every week :)
Nice video.
Reminds me of the struggles I have with mine.
Keep it up dude 👍🏿
Coulda talked ish about Ford quality, but why; this could happen to anyone. IMHO respect to all you do and how you show the true love of cars.
I'm just ready to see this car in the truck already. Doll that seem more than all that work put into it. It's about time
The most underrated car channel ever. Keep up with the good cinematography
its been that long since the last build video on this car? i honestly didn't believe you so i went back in the history. seems like just yesterday that i was watching your escort build. glad to see its getting some love again
Absolutely enjoying every second of your videos.
Congrats on 200k, you deserve it👍
Dude!
The car looks pretty dope.!!
All the work you've been doing on her so far and the mini heart attack you had when you saw coolant in the engine oil, you fixed it though, this video made my day.!
Take care man.
Love from Hyderabad, India.
We miss the ZX2 BENNN
This guy can talk about how amazing the toyota prius is. And I would still watch the whole video.
You guys really make the best videos on youtube relating to cars imo! Really inspirational! good work yall. goodluck on the track too!!
i guess he had a friend filming the whole time, what a nice friend.
Originally subscribed to follow the escort build stayed for everything else. 😎👍🏽
dude i love this car. glad to see it back.
Mad props on the build. Nice video.
Back in 1998-99 when seeking my first car after highschool I too was gonna purchase the ford escort zx2. Love the headlights and tailights.
I like how yours has the lip kits and volk wheels. Sorta reminds me of nissan silvia...especially with thr blue
Keen to see more about the zx2. Love you guys and your work, keep up the amazing work
Im so proud of you fellas! I love watching you and have enjoyed since who knows when? Im happy to see a good mixture between mini documentaries and videos where you feature yourselves in! Keep it up! Your quality has significantly improved from before, you deserve a lot more attention!
That is a sharp and beautiful escort. Blue was always the best color for them too.
I cant believe you have a zx2! these cars were actually really sporty back in their day. I actually had one about 10 years ago myself but it couldnt keep transmissions. just stock they run damn good. ours really caught people off guard by how I ran. I'm pretty sure yours will run awesome!
That's the proove that you can make EVERY CAR look good
This is the cleanest escort of this generation that I've ever seen! It's actually beautiful!
Woahhh never thought an Escort would look this good
Finally good to see you working on your own rides now.
Glad to see an update on the Z cant wait to see track footage!
Thanx.. Very nice video.. I miss this car.. Thanx 4 da update on where it currently stands. 👍
I need to build up my 2000 zx2 s/r like that cuz that looks amazing and is very well done. Props to you for keeping the z alive
Also is that an s/r gauge cluster I see or am I wrong?
i had a 2000 zx2 as my first car. 5 speed no ac. i never modded it but your editing style was so euphoric! the first time i ever did a photo shoot was on my iphone in the Spokane Wa. mall parking garage a lot like the one you were in and it was raining with snow on the ground. i miss the sound of that ztec 2.0 when id redline it with wheel spin. i used to "rally" it in my uncles cow pasture too haha amazing little cars
damn channel grew so fast congrats bro your content is a1
Always love your videos. Never thought I’d really like a zx2 escort either. You’ve built one amazing FF track car here.
Your channel is sick. Do more videos like this!!!!! Super informative.
Absolutely love this channel. Such quality content!
Everything is so clean and new.
Glad to see you back at the old Z again.
Bruh it felt like it was just a week ago that you hit 100k, now you almost at 200k
Props to you for doing something different that you like! Sweet looking car dude!
Loved the video- I love the blue on the ZX2. Makes me miss my old one that much more. Good Luck with all the work- Im sure your work will be excellent.
I used to own one of those. this should be a good series.
Incredible video and camera work. Looks amazing!
Very cool! I like that you went a road less traveled. Bravo.
I never thought I would say this about an escort that thing is badass
I love sleeper builds! My 91 Miata has a rather big turbo for its engine and has around 300hp (weighs 2070lbs dry/stock). My 2004 Cavalier i just sold was a complete LSJ motor swap with an upgraded blower. Keeping them nearly stock looking and seeing the faces of even blown V8's losing sub 120mph runs is great! This is a cool car with very simple upgrades and its an awesome color (love the wheels too!). Making me want to go wrench on my Miata again right now lol
Im pretty sure i was your 200K Subscriber. Congrats my dude!!!
And badass car!!!!
So much time and effort ! Awesome vid
That's awesome! And a gorgeous color too. After driving a family members ZX2 I always had the thought of what would it be like really done up. I would have left the interior and HVAC though. Nothing worse than leaving a boiling hot car show in a boiling hot car lol. I guess it's all just part of the experience
Awesome video, Ben. Having seen this makes me appreciate riding in it this past weekend! Looking forward to your follow up videos.
Amazing video as always guys!! You should look into uploading more videos at 60fps, the smoothness of the video would really compliment the good cinematography.
Eyy, some of my shots made it in :D glad I could've helped haha
Haha yeah, it's been a few months
nice job on the push button starter setup, and for cleaning up the wiring. For the firewall holes, i hope you put in some sort of gasket or body panel gasket, but really quality work.
Another fantastic video! Keep it up guys
Really nice build hombre👌 you nailed it with a great color too! Thanks for posting your work, I'm now subscribed to see what more is to come 👍
Randomly watching this video and see the Dyno at my work. Nice video
A man of many talents...