new here, and to Contour's

[SVT#4967]

Like I stated above, I'm new to the site and to Contour's.

I'm not new to cars or too car forums though. So I do search for my questions before posting, I know this is a big thing on most forums...

I've been searching the internet for a little over a week now looking for a good source of info for the Contour when I found this site. So far it looks like a really nice site with some good info. So I decided to join today.

I do have some questions that I think I have found my answer to but I would like to post in the thread that is similar to my problem and see if people think it's the same things. I assume my "trial" period limits me to this sub-forum, just wondering if it's a set time frame or if it depends. I didn't see anything that lists a specific time or anything. just wondering.

anyways, I have a 1998.5 Contour SVT. The color is what I believe is called Silver Frost and the interior is Midnight Blue. It's build 4967 of 6535. It's all stock, no mods.

It's a nice car, have liked them since I first saw one. Got into Honda's so I never really thought about them again until recently when I was looking for something new. Couldn't find the Honda I was looking for when the SVT popped into my head. So I looked around and found one. So far I really like it. Nice ride, smooth acceleration, comfy interior. And I have really missed having a moonroof.

I guess that about covers my intro.

I look forward to learning more about these cars.

[ryanblacksvt]

Welcome to the forums man, and trust me you will like your csvt more and more eveyday, expecially when you are smokin vtec hondas everywhere,lol

[Ray]

Welcome to the CEG, from the Moderators group.

Your approach is on the right track.. searching for answers, etc, is a very big issue on this forum (as is most forums). Your trial period DOES limit your posting to this forum, but you can peruse any others.

The trial period should only last a couple of weeks and/or a couple of posts.
You'll fly by.. and you didn't just find "a" good site for the platform.. you found THE largest, most active, most informative site on the entire world wide web.

Enjoy.. and welcome, again.

[SVT#4967]

Thanks

yeah, I have no doubt that the SVT will continue to grow on me. It's a nice car. Looking at the engine makes me a bit nervous to work on though, for now anyway. Used to the open-ness of the 4cyl Honda's. But I'll get used to it I'm sure.

My plan for now is the SVT will remain mostly stock. As I replace things for maintenance I may start throwing some aftermarket performance parts on but for the most part I like the car as it is.

haha, I figured the search would be an issue. Thats fine, I dont mind doing some digging and research. I find that you come across things you never knew that become helpful later on during your searching.

The only reason I'm somewhat in a hurry is because I want to start driving the car but I dont want to drive it until I fix a couple things first. One thing is when I hit an uneven bump in the road the back end sways back and forth. After doing some reading and seeing a post by someone with a similar problem people are recommending getting an alignment.

anways, thanks for the welcome.

[elraido]

Not a whole lot of go fast mods for the car since it is built more as a corner carver. So along those lines, I would get a suspension upgrade, K&N, and exhaust work. If you need more "go" after that, there is always the 3.0L, turbo/supercharger kits.

[SVT#4967]

and thats fine with me. I'm not much of a speed junky anyway. mild upgrades with some suspension work would probably be more than enough. I've always been more into the handling of a car over the power it makes.

[AliasJerk]

if there ever is a day where a CSVT is parked in my driveway, I probably wouldnt do a single thing to it. Ive driven stock contour SVT's and I see nothing wrong with the way it drives from the factory.

If I ever did any mods it would probably be headers, but thats only if the cats ever fail.

[PurpleMystique]

yeah, I have no doubt that the SVT will continue to grow on me. It's a nice car. Looking at the engine makes me a bit nervous to work on though, for now anyway. Used to the open-ness of the 4cyl Honda's. But I'll get used to it I'm sure.

Having small hands helps. Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with them so get ready to enjoy some busted knuckles from those O2 sensor swaps.

[SVT#4967]

I agree, I love the way the car is in stock form.

yeah, small hands would help. I wouldn't say I have big hands but I don't have small hands either. I know it's going to take getting used to, being used to the open 4cyl bays of Honda's then going to this is a BIG change. My Accord wasn't bad but it wasn't as open as my Civic, I could stand on the ground through my engine bay, between the header and the radiator :D

[andy b]

welcome along

[csvt2200]

Welcome! I've always wanted a 99-00 Civic SI, but when it came down to buying my last car where I almost bought one, Insurance is what stopped me. I'm really glad it did too, because I am in love with CSVT now and would take it over a Civic SI any day. Although they may have a million more parts and are a dime a dozen at that, the best part is when people come up to me and say, "That's an awesome car man, What is it?" :laugh: It's not every day you see a CSVT at every intersection you roll up to...

[SVT#4967]

yeah, there is definitely no shortage in parts for any year Civic.

My girls brother found a couple 99-00 Civic Si's when I was looking for a car. They we nice and all but I just didn't want one. I think I was more so looking to get away from a red car and away from the Civic. Not that I dont like Honda cause I still love the cars, just couldn't find what I wanted. I'll eventually get another Honda but probably not until I'm ready to purchase the Ridgeline. I really like that truck, checked it out at the Detroit Auto Show the first year it was there and have liked it since.

I also dont like the attention my Civic brings. I can't tell you how many times people have messed with that car. So I'm hoping that the SVT wont draw as much "attention" as my Civic. I mean even my Accord didn't get messed with nearly as much as my Civic. My first Civic I had was all stock and I only had it for 6 weeks before it was stolen.

The SVT isn't something you see as often thats for sure. I've only seen 2 others since I've bought mine. Seen plenty of regular contours though.

[Suspiciously Stock]

Welcome! I've always wanted a 99-00 Civic SI, but when it came down to buying my last car where I almost bought one, Insurance is what stopped me. I'm really glad it did too, because I am in love with CSVT now and would take it over a Civic SI any day. Although they may have a million more parts and are a dime a dozen at that, the best part is when people come up to me and say, "That's an awesome car man, What is it?" :laugh: It's not every day you see a CSVT at every intersection you roll up to...
Where did you get that blacked out grille?

[LUCA]

Welcome to the CEG!

Where in MI are you from? There are lots of CEG members in MI. :) When you are "set free" make sure to stop into the regional forums and post. We have EGL (eastern Great Lakes) and WGL (wester Great Lakes) forums.

Post a picture of your SVT.

[SVT#4967]

thanks

yeah, I've noticed there is a lot of people on her from Michigan.

I live in Macomb county.

Haven't had time to do much with the SVT other than register and insure it. Just closed on my first house last Friday so we are busy with the move. Have to be out of our apartment by Sep 30th so... But when I finally get time to work on it and get some pictures I'll post some up.

[LUCA]

Congrats on the new house. :)

[SVT#4967]

Thanks

we are probably going to rent a u-haul tomorrow and get all the big stuff (beds, computer desk, dressers, entertainment, selves, table, couch, etc.). Been moving all the little stuff in trips throughout the week trying to get ready to just move the big things in one move. Should hopefully be living there by this weekend :D

gotta order a service manual for the SVT so I can start working on it. Does the normal 98 Contour service manual from Helm Inc cover the SVT as well? Also, does anyone know if the Ford dealerships still sell the factory service manuals or are they only available online through places like Helm?

[LUCA]

The dealerships don't have the manuals. You do have to order them through Helm's. In fact, I happen to have the number right here in front of me in case you need it. ;)
1-800-782-4356

[Tony2005]

Welcome :-)

[SVT#4967]

I figured they wouldn't carry them anymore and I would have to order it through Helm. It sucks cause they are local and dont allow pick-ups so I have to wait for it to be delivered. oh well...

the set of service manuals for the 98 Contour will cover the SVT's as well correct?

[SVT#4967]

Thanks :D

My account is now validated!

[LUCA]

the set of service manuals for the 98 Contour will cover the SVT's as well correct?

Sorry, you did ask that question and I didn't answer you.

My leather cover says SVT on the front. The manuals inside say Contour but I have an "Owners' Guide Supplement" that says "SVT Contour" at the top.

Basically the manuals are the same but there is an enclosed supplement and the zippered carrying case says SVT. HTH.

[petar_velichkov]

Welcome aboard!

[SVT#4967]

are you referring to the Owners manuals? The small ones that are zippered up in a nice little leather case? Yeah, I have that. My question is about the Service manuals from Helm. Just want to make sure when I order the service manuals (2 manuals in a set) that they will have info on the SVT or is the regular V6 Contour pretty much the same service-wise as the SVT? Sorry if I sound confusing.

[LUCA]

My bad. When you said service manuals I thought you meant the whole shooting match, leather case and all.

As far as I can tell, yes, they are the same.

[SVT#4967]

yeah, I have all the owners manuals with the case. The guy I bought it from was the original owner and he had all the original paper work and everything on it.

I just want to get the service manuals so when I finally get time to work on it I have the procedures, torque specs and all that stuff.

Thanks