Hi all,
After seeing a few photos of FBs slightly lowered and with some lightly dished rims I am really tempted about looking at getting an FB at some point. I currently have an FC which will be lightly tuned to around 300bhp but the hastle I have had to fit lots of different parts and issues with electrical and the expense of fitting the ECU and fuel system etc I am tempted to go carbed.
The car won\'t really be used in the winter, so it will be more of a summer car to drive around in and enjoy the awesome rotary noise :)
I know that the 12a isn\'t made anymore and it will become harder to find good parts to build engines with that are useable which is why I am thinking about staying with a 13b but carbed.
Am I correct that the later models had a 13b rather than a 12a?
What are the key issues with the FBs? I am guessing rust? :(
What are spares like to get hold of?
the yanks had a 13b FI the FB never had a 13b carb but you can easily fit a FC 13b and carb it
rust is ever more the killer, lift the rear seat and check the side panels, rear arches, bottoms of doors, but get it set up right and its 850kg of supper fun!
as for spares you can upgrade most bits you would want to replace and there are still cars that appear on eBay
Thanks for the info, I kinda figured rust might be the issue, I think if I ever do get an FB I am going to probably strip it and then sort the shell out, there are companies out there that can also fill the bodywork with a special sort of foam between the panels which means it can\'t rust and makes the whole car more rigid.
With regards to the engine, does the FB have the same engine mounts as an FC then? What about the gearbox and driveshaft?
Fordies folks love a dead rotten rusty bucket Ford escort,capri etcc seen from their both eyes, they\'ll buy it lots fastest that a bullet\'s fire from the case and restore to running good condition
most FB\'s can restore back to good/C again if at a good hand with sheet metal/welding
have a look at classic ford mag and read it,think that escort\'s a FB car.
most folks in Uk have a one eye, looking down at any classic mazda car and call it rust bucket!!
mazda\'s no worst than a bloodyboring fords
if that me dreaming aboot how to save a FB, find a common Rx8, scrap it and move all running gear into a FB.. how\'s that............. oh!.knowing it\'ll cost money/time
The FB is a fun little car. The performance isn\'t what a TII or FD is but it can be a challenge all the same.
Rust can be an issue and you will find it like to hide but its all doable. I\'ve learnt a lot welding the underside of the car back together.
Engine wise the 12a just wears out. Parts are hard to find like housings, plates and rotors. I swapped to a 6 port 13b engine because I could buy the bits to make it work. The Yanks only got 13b engines in the FB but the Sump from that engine (GSLE) is easily available so you can put a 2nd gen engine in reusing the front cover off the 12a.
The 2nd gen EGI gear box can be swapped in too if you swap the selector end off the gearbox. No prop shaft change too :D
There is still a huge following in Aus and USA for 1st gens so suspension bits are available for uprating anti-roll bars and springs and dampers.
An FD or renesis engine would be a lot harder to fit because the mounting points are completly different. I have thought about in the past though.
I\'ve had my 1st gen for quite a few years now as a daily driver on LPG and it still gives me a smile when I drive it ! Just a proper oldskool drive.
Shaun
The guys have said it all above. I miss mine dearly.......and will have another soon
Hmm I will have a think about it, it might be the case of selling on the FC in a few years time and then get a caterham style track car and get a 6 port fitted with nice shiny Webers out the side :D
Mitch, I might know of someone who will sell you a reasonable FB... as and when you\'re ready give me a prod ;)
FB\'s are a very nice steer - even with standard power they are no slouch :D
Speaking from experience about the catering tray/caterham, if you\'ve never driven one before, please do it and see what its like before you part with the money. It\'s quite a lot different with your booty 2 inches from the ground and no roof. You do feel vulnerable.
if your after a little project thats in good condition - will only require exhaust, fuel pump and box / engine