New Member Introduction

[oldsalt]

Hi everyone, I'm the proud owner of an E0 1998 Ford Contour in Toreador Red. I bought it for my daughter and she loves it. It's build number 3548 and currently has a K&N Intake filter assembly, Magnaflow 2.5 inch non resonator exhaust, and a B&M short shifter but otherwise seems stock, a thorough inspection of the undercarriage shows no signs of rot or damage so I think I have a pretty good car though the interior needs some work.
This picture was taken shortly after purchase, I have since purchased a replacement jack cover for the drivers side ground effects to complete the exterior. Look forward to getting to know this car better as the months go by, I've already had to have the blower resister and plug replaced (recall) it was burned and fused together.

[98SVTC]

I'm an "Old Salt" too. '69 - '75, if that's what you meant. And, nice car. 98's are the best IMHO.
Karl

[oldsalt]

Yes that's exactly what I mean '83 to '06 for me. And another picture, that paint color is gorgeous in the sun isn't it.

[beyondloadedSE]

Looks like a clean car! Good pick up!

[PDXSVT]

I wish my dad had bought me something like this back years ago.

Any chance of doing an adoption?

Warn your daughter about the stock differentials, sometimes they break during/after heavy use, and she won't want you accusing her of street racing if it breaks.

And why does the old Beach Boys song "and she'll have fun fun fun 'til her daddy takes the t-bird away" come to mind?

[LUCA]

Welcome!

Two issues to note: Add 6 1/2 quarts of oil. The CSVT has oil starvation issues on long sweeping right hand turns at higher RPM's. Not something that you need to have happen unless your daughter would like a 3L.

I'm sure that your daughter won't be ripping it up on those on ramps or anything ( ) but it's something that should be noted.

Also, add extra coolant. The coolant sensor is sensitive and can turn the coolant light on even if the level is at the MAX line. The coolant level in my SVT is at the TOP of the MAX line and have never had an issue.

I hope your daughter is enjoying her SVT.

[oldsalt]

Thanks for the tips and advice I will take all into consideration. I am confident that while she might have a little "fun" with it my daughter will stop short of abusing this car, plus thankfully she has shown a very calm temperment behind the wheel, so far...I'll keep you all posted.

I have noted the coolant level is about a 1/4" above the max mark and has remained there and thus far I have not had any problems but I 'll keep an eye on it. 6 1/2 qts seems like it might be overfull and jeopardize frothing how far above the full hash marks are you bringing it 1/4 inch? Anyone else run this way? I have seen some oil consumption, 2 quarts in 4200 miles, is this typical for this engine configuration? I'm haven't noticed spotting on the ground where she parks so I'm thinking it's headed out the exhuast, just wondering.

[69Boss302]

The extra oil is supposed to help with oil starvation. There have been instances in long, sweeping right hand corners (obviously hard on the gas) that the oil pickup can go dry and thus no oil getting where it needs to be.

An easy fix for that, should it happen and the motor goes, is to buy a 3.0 motor for about $500 and put it in. Bolts right in and if put in an SVT wouldn't need a retune of the PCM to run. But it would be nice.

EDIT: I've never had any oil consumption on these motors and I also use 6.5 quarts.

Stop by the Capitol CEG forums and be sure to say hi the next time you come up to Annapolis to visit the Alma Mater.

[LUCA]

6 1/2 qts seems like it might be overfull and jeopardize frothing how far above the full hash marks are you bringing it 1/4 inch? Anyone else run this way?

LOTS of CEGer's run 6 1/2 quarts. That's why I recommended it to you.

69Boss stated that he runs 6 1/2 quarts, you can add me to that list as I do the same.

Edit: Let me just add, I don't normally run my car hard in the right hand turns. I just like having the extra protection in case...

[LauraSVT]

For my part, I run 6 even, but I don't lay it on the wood in hard right turns.

If I want to run high speed sweepers, I take out the Town Car.