Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance I need more speed

You might not want to call Lance a nut sack. But you can really get a lot of info through the search. Last time I checked anytime someone did anytype of mod to their car, they commented on what the gains were. Look around a little.

That's not very nice. :p

Don't get me wrong, I still gawk everytime I see an SVT on the road, but a few things really bothered me over my 4 years of ownership:

1) Resale value - Nonexistant, so much for SVT exclusivity holding the value up.
2) Fragility - Differential, right-sweeps, thrown rods, etc. I can't drive my fast car fast.
3) Aftermarket support - Slim, with nothing making great power gains. Vortech S/C has a 100% failure rate. Turbo kit has been "in the works" for a year now.
4) Ford/SVT support - Absolutely none. Look at Dodge with their R/T line, even!

There are other cars out there that go faster, have a huge aftermarket, and can be driven hard w/o fear of breaking.. Heck, the Ford Mustang is one of them! Why did Ford botch this car up so bad? Why did I have 20 recalls in the 4 years I owned the car?

I wanted to one day buy a tired SVT, put a 3L in there, Hightower's Turbo kit, Terry's Bulldog Box, and have some real fun. But when you start adding it up, it just doesn't make any sense. So I think my Contour days are over. I'm just being honest with the new guy, to warn him of what to expect. Great cars, but if I need a 4 door sedan again, one of the German companies will get my business, because Ford's lost it for good.

Not entirely true.
I have spent about $1000 (see below) on my engine (and that could have been about $200 less if I had gone muffler replacement instead of a brandname catback. I have gained about 14 FWHP (approx 165 stock to 179). My powerband is noticably stronger also fatter, throttle response is improved, revs quicker & smoother (OK, add another $120 for the dual mode damper & motor mount inserts that help). And the sound is REALLY nice, deep - exotic. Character of car enhanced to a very noticeable degree. Not cheap but worth every penny to me. Also, their are some good "free" mods which can be done - remove precats, clean up t.body and LIM butterflies, port matching etc. that help at adding power.

You can boost the car to about 185-190 FWHP (perhaps more) FWHP with alot of bolt ons and careful tuning. If you want more you will want to explore 3L or forced induction/nitrous options..

finally I get some people talking, see how reverse psychology works. thanks guys