Well finally got the car back from the ford dealer. They checked the VCT and said all was ok. The lack of power and misfires I got came from a slipped timing belt. Lesson learned. It's kind of stupid that a timing belt wont last past 90K. But I'd suggest following the Ford rec and replacing it at 60 or is it 80K. I've been using Rotella T 5-40 Synthetic in this engine and it's so clean that I doubted the VCT could have been fouled by dirty oil.
Thanks guys for all your input to my original post that started this whole thread. Your the best. Now it's time to do some more preventive matainence - I wanna drive this car till the wheels fall off.

Thanks agian, TD


99 Blue Contour Automatic