Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches North Central Block heater alternatives...

Hi all! I dropped my car off at my dad's mechanic when I was home on leave last week to have a block heater installed. I guess my dad forgot to mention that I have an SVT and not a standard Contour. When I went back to pick it up the guy says "I don't have the time...and you don't have the money". He would have had to take out the exhaust and a large portion of the engine to put it in. Needless to say...I have no block heater.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? I don't have a garage with my new apartment and it's been sub-zero the past few nights. So far...knock on wood...it's started every morning, but not without a groan or two. Any thoughts on running synthetic oil? What about dipstick heaters? Any ideas would be great!

I really don't see the difference inbetween a regular V6 and a SVT V6, except for the dual exhaust(possibly). I would call up a Ford dealership and see how much it would be to install one, then go from there. They probably would know. I would try to find a SVT certified dealer.

Trouble with that is that there are no SVT dealerships in the entire state of ND. The shop at Weslie Ford here in Minot said they've worked on a few here and there.

If I have time tomorrow, I will call a SVT dealer down here and see whats up.

The guy is jerking you around big time. There should be absolutely no difference in install. Everything externally on the SVT versus the standard V6 is the same with the exception of the oil cooler. Pick a differnt mechanic and have them do it.

Rick

AMERICAN FORD said there is NO difference and you can put one it. Labor time is the same.

The mechanic is lieing to you.

Damn, sounds like a VW dealer when a TDI owner goes in.

He didn't say it wasn't possible, he just said he didn't know how labor intensive it was going to be. I also don't want to pay $$$ to get it done.