How much of the 1999 Escort ZX2 is actually Protege?

[adzamzoom]

I'm new to the site and just bought a '99 Protege ES for $1800 in amazing condition to replace a '99 ZX2 that is on its last leg. I know that my short shifter and strut tower bar are a swap (bougth from cork sport) but how about springs and struts? I have almost new Tokikos and Eibacs (Ford Racing for the ZX2 S/R). If anyone knows that would be awsome. I'd hate to remove the suspention from both just to find out that they arn't interchangable. Thanks in advance!

Previous Mazda rides are 2 Miatas, an RX7 convertable, MX3 and a Mazda5. It's good to be driving a pure bred Mazda again!

 

[njaremka]

you might be able to take some simple measurements to find out.

if the front tower bar is swapable, the front struts MIGHT be. measure the mounting tabs at the hub and see how close they are. you could do the same for the rear, too.

 

[adzamzoom]

Good call. I plan to to swap the stereo and other parts tomorrow. I'll post what I find in case it's of interest to anyone else.

 

[adzamzoom]

So it doesn't look good. ZX2 front strust and lowering springs fit, but the struts don't have the mounting point for the front sway bar, and the rear sway bars are completely different.
My short shifter, and all shift linkage bushings were all a match. The strut tower brace is also a match.
I guess i'll have to get off some cash and buy some Tokicos, Springs and a rear sway.
Does anyone know where I can find a 20mm or 21mm rear sway for a '99 ES? Racing Beat and Cork Sport are both a no go.
Thanks!

 

[boostedprotege]

sell the parts off the ford to fund the mazda parts.. oh n welcome

 

[codex]

I'm pretty sure the ZX2 is based off the 1st gen Proteges, 90-94. The 3rd gen 99 Protege you have is based off of the 93-98 Mazda 626.