Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General What is the Whole Truth on SVT Engine??

Can someone please enlighten me on the situation with the SVT engine and transmission? I am looking to buy, and I am seeing a lot of SVT's with factory replaced engines and transmissions. Is this a "silent recall" item? For something that seems to be a frequent and major problem, I haven't heard anything but tremors about it (just the way Ford wants it)! I would very much appreciate the blow-by-blow description of this issue. And as a new visiter, would suggest that a clear and thorough report be posted in a high traffic area of this site (such as FAQ)...and forgive me if it already is. Thanks!

I dunno.. is it ???

This is just my opinion but many of people have added a lot of stuff to their cars. Many really put the car through it's paces or beat on it. My SVT has been a dream. It's nice to drive a fast car but I don't put it to it's limits like I used to do to other cars when I was younger.

The main problems have been oil starvation, but that's usually taking a HARD right turn at high RPMs (5500 I believe). The other problem has been the water pump failure at around 50k or 60k miles. I know the older SVTs have this problem but most of us that own the newer ones, like the 2000, haven't reached 60k yet. But it is a $60 replacement to do ahead of time and peace of mind. Do a search and you will find a lot of talk on the water pump.

I wish I didn't have to let mine go. Good luck.

Best precautionary purchase any Duratec owner should make is the Dual Mode Dampener. It replaces your stock crank pulley and lessens crank vibration, reducing crank whip...the real reason that Duratec engines are prone to failure.

I bought my SVT 98 brand new, took really good care of it with no problems. Kept up with scheduled Oil Changes, etc. Waterpump went out like clock work at 50,000. Any thing else was just hard drving and stupid errors.
"Cough" replace radiator "cough"
But I now have 65,000 miles with no Major Problems. Many Mods to it... so I can't complain.
I still love my car.

Try to get AS MUCH INFO on the person who owned the vehicle before you buy it. Mine was owned I'm going to presume by a "kid", the thing has taken a beating from what I can tell. It's had the tranny rebuilt at 46k and the motor is in the process of being rebuilt, due to a spun bearing at 51k. It's a fun car, but if it hasn't been taken care of and treated decent, you're probably going to have some problems. This has just been my experience (i've had the car for 3 months and it's been in the shop about 2 of those).

Paul

I've had no problems with my car. Well, let me take that back. I put some mods on my car that caused some problems. But, the "stock" part of the car runs just fine.

The engine problem has been uncovered as a lack of oil in the pan at high RPMS, 5000 or greater. The transmission issue is due to a couple of small gears. That, when stressed(one wheel burn outs), do not handle it well.

So, what can you take away from what I said above?
Keep the oil filled half a quater over fill line. That should cover you if your going to race around and if you really like doing burn outs get an LSD.

It's a ton of fun to drive!

My engine kicked the bucket at 86k. Not a single mod on it (including the paper air filter). Maintained well. Never raced or over-abused.

I have a Dual Mode Damper on my new engine. FWIW.

my motor toasted at least one crank bearing -
Ford aint doing S H I T!

I still love the car - just hate the problems