Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Keeping the Zeke...

Well, for those that saw it I had a post last week about a black 2000 SVT that I came within a gnat's a$$ of buying. But, since I just bought a house 2 months ago I really don't need a car payment too. So I'm keeping the Zetec. And, I'm getting the upgrade bug again. I've got some 225/50-16 Yokohama AVS Intermediates on the way. In the next few weeks I hope to get the new CTA intake, larger rotors/better pads, UDP, and further down the road maybe some struts/springs. I'm also looking to completely redo the exhaust. I'm not looking for all out power, but I want to make it take to corners like white on rice. I'll at least have the tires on in the next week or so, and I'm hoping for the CTA intake a bit later. Looks like beer money is gonna be diverted for a while.

Your better off. You've got quite a plan there Andrew, make sure to keep us updated along the way. Right now my current plans are adding the BAT suspension kit and turbo. I'm trying to wait until just before winter to the suspension as its slowly wearing out. I'm aiming to order a turbo kit next month sometime, if not this month. I don't think I have the cash yet though, but when I do...

Ordered tires this morning...talked to Luke at the Tire Rack. He discouraged the 225/50-16's due to possible rubbing on the shocks/fenderwell. I ended up buying 205/55-16 Dunlop SP Sport 8000's...$94/each. I think those will be worth it. A couple more paychecks, and it's brake time. I already have the KKM, so the intake is not a priority.

On of the guys here in Colorado is running 225's on his E1 wheels and said he hasn't noticed any rubbing...better to be safe than sorry I guess. Thats the reason I went with 205s also, didn't have 215's only 225 & 205. And the fact that 225s are a little too much traction/weight off the line. Definately get your brakes done first thing, after my recent upgrade I feel much safer driving. I made a trip up to a 14,260 ft. mountain peak this past weekend and the brakes worked great the whole trip, up and down. I'm more concerned about getting a turbo before I get that CTA intake, we'll see.

I've done a little looking around...I think I've settled on BAT's Big Brake Kit A. 278mm drilled rotors, and Mintex 1144 Comp pads. $479...and I can install it myself. All I need is my next paycheck (as if you couldn't tell, I don't have much in the way of bills right now ).

God I'd love to be like that...

No doubt man, I'd love to have no bills for a while. The kit you want Andrew is basically what I have on my car right now...except your pads will be better than mine.

I'm wanting to improve my brakes' capacity for long mountain descents without overheating. Which changes help this? Slotted rotors? Some particular kind of pads? Of course I'll use high temp fluid.

My brakes are about due for routine wear replacement anyway...

Rotors, pads, and fluid can all help out. I'm using stock fluid(for now) with Raybestos pads and powerstop crossdrilled rotors(278mm). These are the larger rotors like the SVT has, and coupled with the crossdrilling lended great braking characteristics on the way down the mountain. Good semi metallic pads are helpful. Stainless steel brake lines would help even more I think. HTH.

It's only by working my ass off...I have no outstanding debt (except for a small house payment). That plus the usuals (utilities, insurance, gas, etc...). I've been working a lot of overtime at the hospital, so I've got a stash to put into the car that was otherwise going to be a down payment on a new car...