Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Northwest New to board

Hello, this is my first post on this board and I come seeking help. haha! I just came into a 97 V6 contour with what appears to be Cat Converter probs. The car has 89k on it and is in pretty good condition. I understand there are several Cats on this car and dont want to replace all if I dont have to. Where should I start, at the main cat or the ones that are mounted to the collectors?

Thanks Mike

I would start with the manifolds. Gut those out and see if that helps. Although if some debris from the precats have made the way down to the main cat then the main cat could be clogged.
-tropictour

Well all I know is that it has no power at all and very sluggish. Where is the best place to buy parts?

Mike

Well now that you say that it could be as simple as a basic tuneup. I would try the plugs and wires, fuel filter. And see where that gets you. However it is a good idea to gut the exhaust manifolds so that none of the precat material damages the main cat.
-tropictour

I'm 99% sure its the cats. Thats what ford told my friend. So if I clean out the precats and replace the main cat will it still pass emissions if everything else is as it should be? Also, have you removed manifolds and precats before? Appears to be a pretty advanced job or am I wrong?

Mike

You'll pass emissions no problem with no precats. They are only there for initial warm up, anyway.

Taking the manifolds off is a big PITA, but you can gut them without removing them from the car if you are careful. Lots of instructions on the site, just search.

-Lance

Thanks! Oh and ya... it's nice to see you live so close! I'm just up the hill.

Mike