Yeah, I've got the exact same setup mostly, and the Contour does not like to be dropped at all. between 2 and 3k is probably the best place in order not to induce wheel spin and hop on great acceleration. If you want to save fuel though, and don't mind shifting a lot, shift between 2000 and 2500. I personally shift right after 2000. My engine doesn't torque or mind it, but then again, I maintain it very well. when i got the car, I had to keep revs above 2k always, or it would torque like mad, so it depends on ur specific engine characteristics. but between 2k and 2500 is good for fuel. I consistently get around 22 or 23 mpg in the city, which is [censored] good I must say.
david
