Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance Tracking down a good engine and transmission...

Since I have ran into a little extra change and the zetec still needs fixin.

I'm thinkin about tracking down an engine + tranny...aka longblock.

I need some places to look...other than car-parts.com. Also, would u guys suggest looking for a 98+ or stay with a 96-97?

As for a tranny, is there anyway for people to test the condition of them? I want to make sure that when I purchase one that everything in the tranny is in top condition.

My little zetec may come back better than ever...

Geez no one has any advice, opinions, questions, or comments?

Edit:

The thought has also crossed my mind about just finding another Contour...but really, how much trouble is it finding a Contour in good condition? I know they are everywhere but how many aren't beat to sh!t. I'm kind of looking at that as an option as well. Just don't wanna pick up another problem car...

well check ebay for engine or see if u can buy a parts car ebay/

For the tranny, if you have an ATX, the newer the better. They made improvements to the CD4E each year. Ebay has rebuilt CD4E's for around $800 without core.

Why the aversion to car-part.com? LKQ in AZ has various low-mile Focus Zetecs for a whopping $350. For that price, you could buy two and mix and match. Right here. I just did a search for '00 Ford Focus engines.

HTH,
Ben

EBay and LKQ are the two best options.
Go for a 95-97 engine (no VCT, better intake manifold).

I was just asking for other places because I already know about car-parts.com.

I was thinking about staying with 96-97 engine but how many low mileage 96-97 engines are there left? I wouldn't imagine very many...and I'm not sure if there are any differences between the two other than VCT.

Guess I'm gonna have to start searchin...

A direct fit for your 96 Zetec is a 95-97 Zetec. If you use a 95 Zetec you will need to use your 96 engine harness and one or two of the sensors from your 96. I know some are putting in newer Zetec engines, but I have not done that and I do know for sure that 95-97 is a direct fit. The CD4E tranny brings up another issue. 95-96 is the same. In some books the 97 is also the same, but in others it is not. I have yet to put a 97 tranny in a 96 or 95, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Typically when a model is changed, the last year of the old design and first year of the new design get confused by a lot of parts suppliers. I think this is one of those cases. You can not use a 98-up Cd4E in a 95-97 Contour.

I have several low mileage engine available, but I don't have any trannys. If you're interested you can give me your zip code and I will give you an estimate with shipping for one. Shipping is a killer though. Otherwise you may want to try local salvage yards to see what they have or get a whole parts car.

I have an MTX tranny so that is not an issue right there.

its not legal as far as I know to put in an older engine then what you have...so that rules out a 95 engine anyway. Plus its ODB1.

I was looking on car-parts.com and LKQ and I have not seen any 96-2000 Contour zetecs for less than $450...most are in the $600-$800 range.

Where are you guys seeing engines for $350? Unless you are looking up shortblocks...in which case I can't get that because my current head needs work.

If you're doing this much work, might as well do some performance upgrades (if money/time permits).