Yeah, that's the big problem w/ the Contour/SVT in general because its too big/heavy to run in the classes where it should be competitive. I don't think the problem has ever really been the engine, but more chassis vs. weight. I think the unfortunate reality is that the Focus is a better option, and not just because of the spec focus class. A good friend ran a couple of Foci in SSB a few years back and did decently, and he and another friend are building a spec Focus car right now too. I think if I build my own car any time soon, its going to have to be a Mustang for either American Iron or AV8SS.
Chris, I never got nearly as far down the road as you did in looking into it, but we both decided against it for pretty much the same reasons. Plus, I've been tied up working with a Grand Am Cup / Koni Challenge team for the last 4 years instead of building my own car to run. . . That, and I've been too freaking lazy to finish up even my street car project lately, lol.