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Joined: Mar 2001
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OP
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I'm new to the car moding, but I am eager to learn. I would like to start somewhat small at first because I am a college student with only limited funds. This is why I am wondering which mods are worth while for the price. I have a I have a 4 cyl Zetec engine with auto trans. I have taken out the resonator, and have ordered the TRUE-REV SPORT INDUCTION KIT ?. I hear that there is a Transgo shift kit for about $40 I looked for this with no luck found several $100 - $140 ones that looked rather difficult to install. If anyone knows where to get this I would be greatly appreciative. Also if you know how much roughly it would be to get it installed that would help a bunch too. I don't have parts, tools or a lift here at college :-)... I am also planning to go with the SVT dual exhaust when funds permit. also do platinum plugs make a noticeable diff? How bout higher octane gas? is it worth it? I use super now but does it really make a diff? SpreeBoy talked of getting a diff accel coil for the ignition... any one know where to get one and if it would be worth it? sorry for being full of questions. But like I said I am new and would like to get some ideas from you experts on what to do to shave a few secs off my 0-60 any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure there is many mods I can do but I'm looking too find out which ones will make a noticeable difference with out draining all my tuition money ;-) to all who respond thanks for your time it means a lot to me.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3
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ok just checked more into transmission. shift kit... results were somewhat humorous. checked with 4 transmission shops, 3 three basically said "YOU WANT TO DO WHAT!!?!?!" and said there was no way in hell I was going to get them to do it. And then there was one garage that would do it but said I was insane, and then when I asked about super charging it over the summer the guy said "damn you really want to blow the f%^#@% up don't you. Then he told me "go buy a different car to mod cause contours suck" Was he right or can I get around these contour problems? You guys are the experts what is your input?
judging from this I guess ford contour transmissions suck. Is there a work around for this? diff transmission? drive train? etc.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,268
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A Superchip will make your tranny work better. It firms up the shifts. It will also help build some power, too. Dont believe the guy who said that Contours suck. There are a lot of modified Zetecs in here that have no problems.
------------------
98.5 Contour-Zetec w/ auto (doh!!)-modified stock airbox
res and muffler removed glasspack added-Knauberized
Pioneer CD-Alpine speakers in all doors-2 pioneer 10" subs
mesh grille-side markers
-Ken V. psycho_bass@hotmail.com My Car
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 586
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juding from the caliber of the shops you went to i dont think i would go back...yes you can put a supercharger/turbo on the zetec, will need to upgrade alot of other parts as well... underdrive pulleys, kkm, exhaust, remove resonator, high flow cat, those are good mods for the car...superchip too...will all add some more gitty up... remember, you have a automatic 4 cylider, not meant for drag racing either...the zetec has much potential if it is done right... dont listen to the critics, cause thats what they do...criticize...the contour is a handling car more than a drag racing car, road races (autocross) is where the tour is king...in a way... good luck with the tour, go to www.teamzetec.com for some others input as well, but welcome to the ceg! ------------------ 96 contour gl "zetec inside" numerous mods
1996 Contour GL
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Joined: Jun 2000
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i seem to have plenty of mods on my zetec atx so.... I have the KKM kit and love it. A little more power at the high end but the sound alone is worth the price. i've got the accel ignition coil on mine, it was cheap not to big of a performance mod, but the car seemed to rev better, same results with my spark plugs and accel wires. The most expensive mod i did were the H&R springs. Well worth it! Car handles better, corners flatter, is much more fun to drive hard. Which means i soon needed new tires. The dunlops i bought are fantastic, and cheap! Basically money buys speed. I spent less than 1500 dollars modding my car. Contiques dont suck, they just have certain advantages other cars dont that other people dont seem to (or want to) notice. Its a good car to start with, thats what i did, now im moving up. Mark ------------------ Black 98 Mystique GS Spree Ztec ATX (arg) Dropped w/ H&R's, KKM intake, Accel Thundersport 300+ plug wires, Autolite Platnium Pro plugs, Alpine CD, Fog to DRL mod, Accel ignition coil, Mobil 1 Oil (good stuff!) Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires....that's it! New WRX on order!!! Pics of Project Mercury here: http://hometown.aol.com/crazyshovl/projectmercury.html DALE EARNHARDT #3 FOREVER
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Joined: Mar 2001
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OP
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ok thanks for the input guys... I will put in the KKM when it arrives prob monday. also which mod should I do next chip or SVT dual exhaust. if chip which one is the best to get? and where can I find it at? if exhaust, is SVT Dual the best to get? and where should I get this. I should get some mad cash in about a week because I came out of retirement and started my illegal biz back up so money should not be an issue soon. Any other recommended mods would be nice. Thanks guys.
also where do I get the under drive pulleys and are the ford focus wires the best to get I have seen a lot of talk about them. where do I get them? also what type of plat plugs should I get and where? Thanks again.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,657
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Focus sport wires seem to show the most improvement. There has been some debate about the long term impact UDP's have on your engine, but many people use them so that's up to you. I have an SVT exhaust installed and think it is a worth while mod. I also have the KKM. I think the exhaust is good for performance but you will most likely lose some low end torque, I did. A chip is also a good option, again there have been some issues discussed about their usefulness. Look through the FAQ from this sites homepage for more info. All in all the cheapest way to improve your 'tour is through the engine. Meaning, new plugs, new wires, new DIS coil, new intake. New springs and struts are great for improved handling too! They are just little more expensive. The best place to start is in the 'Mods' and 'FAQ' from the homepage for options for your car. HTH. ------------------ Brad W. 1998 Silver Frost SE brantleyiii@earthlink.net Photopoint Album-(Updated 2/28/01) ------------------ "Just remember, when things look bad, it can always be worse."
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 106
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I know a trick used on the Zx2 zetecs, it costs less than $30, and added as much as 16hp at 6250 rpm... Pots. Basically, what you do is fool the PCM (engine computer) that the air and coolant are colder than it is by putting potentiometers (linear volume controls) inline with the intake air temp and the engine coolant temp senders... this advances the ignition timing, and delivers more fuel to the motor. I've dyno'ed this, and have my results posted at www.zx2racing.com . It's the single largest hp improvement short of headwork, nos or forced induction I found. I know it sounds far fetched, but believe me, it really does work. ------------------ ZXtuner Store 1999 ZX2 S/R 128.5 wheel hp @ 6250 rpm 9.62 sec @ 72.11mph (1/8) [This message has been edited by zxtuner (edited April 07, 2001).]
ZXtuner Store
1999 ZX2 S/R
139.3 wheel hp @ 6900 rpm
9.62 sec @ 72.11mph (1/8)
2310 lbs.
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Joined: Jul 2000
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The Zetec is a force to be reconned with, That is no question. Get a turbo for it and hang on. As far as the ATX tranny, there are MANY options that have popped up as of recently. There are about $2500 of upgrades you can do to it, to make it bulletproof, and also turn it into a "shiftmatic" tranny. Just like those expensive cars with the shift paddles on the steering wheel. Check out http://www.levelten.com? They have all the good stuff for the CD4E. I plan on upgrading the hell out of my ATX when the time comes. All the cars I used to drag where all ATX's, except for 1 Mustang GT. ------------------ Chris Hightower CEG Mod-SquadCEG Keychainer Contour WebChat 98.5 Contour GL Sport Some mods... More to come. Silver, V6, ATX, Moonroof 2001 Lincoln LS8 Fully loaded. http://crush7.dyndns.org/
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Joined: Apr 2001
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> Basically, what you do is fool the PCM
> (engine computer) that the air and coolant > are colder than it is
What are the downsides to this?
Am I likely to kill the engine if I try this (using unleaded 95ron) or will it just use a lot more fuel all of the time?
If not, why doesn't Ford put larger resistances into its meters or advance the ignition further as standard.
Mark
Mondeo 2.0
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