Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General my new csvt!

Thanks to everyone on this board, you've helped guide me in the right direction to getting a contour! This board is amazing!

I'm picking up my 1999 CSVT tonight - woohoo! This baby is red on tan, tints all around, and only 67K (kms), built 04/21/99, #1969/2760 - I can't wait!

So here's the deal - is there anything I need to look for during my first few weeks of ownership. I've heard of all the water pump complaints, but I'm still uncertain as to whether the 99's were affected by this problem. Any thing else to worry about?

Also, this will be my first MTX vehicle - how does the clutch / shifter compare to other vehicles with MTX? Any tips / tricks on learning to drive standard? I'm not too worried, as I've driven a stick a couple of times - I just need some serious practice on my own vehicle, but I'm a little nervous nontheless!

Thanks again!

I never drove an MTX Tour but many people have described it as 'sloppy'. As for the waterpump problem, it is present in all Contours.

I find the cable shift in the contour is alot different than a car with rod shift. After driving an older MTX car for work purposes, I kinda prefer the rod shift, there's more "feel" if you know what i mean. I hate the feeling (or lack thereof) of being "disconnected" from the car. The MTX75 is nice and smooth, you'll get used to the long throws..but it cna also be a completely stubborn beotch (just wait for a cold winter morning!)

Hey Canada, welcome to the site! You will LOVE your new contour! I have driven 2 SVT's, they rock! The clutch is really tight/stiff, which is good and provides for a more exciting driving experience. As for the MTX to be sloppy, maybe, but who cares, this car is more fun to drive than almost any other car in it's price range. You are about to own one fine piece of machinery!

You'll prolly notice 2nd gear has a hard time sync-ing when it's cold (first started, first time you try to put it into 2nd gear). I live on a hill, so I avoid this by going from first to third. Double clutching doesn't help either. I've also had repeat problems with my right front wheel bearing and my rear sway-bar end-links (breaking). I've owned two '98 CSVTs and both had all three of the above issues.

Enjoy and welcome to the club!

I bought my '98 SVT on Saturday and these cars rock!

One thing that I leaned from Terry at Spring zing is when you first start up your car, put in in nuetral and release the clutch fully. Let it warm up a bit, then give it a couple of taps on the accelerator bringing it to about 2K, each time. Nice quick taps. It helps to get the tranny fluid moving! I was amazed that it worked so well!!!!

Well it is fairly obvious you have never driven an MTX-75. It is one of the slickest, nice shifting MTX's around. Most magazines give/gave it good reviews and say it has a slight notchiness that gives it a wonderful tactile feel.

Just make sure to switch to the "Cocktail" (In the FAQ) for reliability and aiding the syncros.

If you add a short throw the feel and shifting is downright perfect.

You should find that the clutch is VERY easy to engage smoothly. Very direct, quick action.

No slop.

MTX-75 is not sloppy at all. It's got crisp feel, though longish throws. That, with a slick heavy duty clutch makes the car really easy to drive.

Once you get used to it, you can almost drive it as smoothly as an automatic.

If you have no warranty, get the metal impeller water pump. The factory pumps are trash, and WILL fall apart and cook your engine.

2nd gear grind is common, though my 98 SVT has been grind free. Must be luck of the draw.

If yours is giving you a hard time with gear engagements, don't blip the throttle - that does nothing. It's pumping the clutch pedal a few times that will get the tranny fluid moving.

Good luck, and enjoy. Your SVT is a rare car, especially here in Canada.

DITTO :rolleyes: