From the Cougars I've looked at over here in Australia the engine bay is exactly the same as my V6 ST24 Mondeo (which in turn looks to be the same as the Contour V6.)
The filter box mounts the same on top of the gearbox on both also.
David
Mondeo ST24 Information Site yr 2000 silver Mondeo ST24 V6 MTX
mods: Custom alloy air intake using K&N RC-3250 air filter; Koni Sports shocks; rear 20mm Selbys sway bar; THF; EBC Greenstuff front pads, custom exhaust.
