Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General 98 Transmission?

Im looking to buy an SVT. I dont have alot of money to spend, so a 98.5 is my first choice, but I've heard they have alot of problems shifting into 3rd. Does anyone know about this? Is this something that will be a problem? Basicly I want to know, if it's worth my money to just buy a 99 or 00 SVT insted.

Hi Andy,

and welcome to CEG !!

All SVT Contours have shifting problems with the MTX-75.
The problem stems from the materials used to make the Synchros in the transmission.
We have a way around the problem, or a least a way of putting the problem off for a while.
There is a Tranny Oil "cocktail" mix that many of the users have been doing.
It is a mixture of synthetic Automatic Transmission fluid, and a friction modifier additive.
If you do a search on "cocktail", I am sure you will find many posts that discuss this and the benefits of doing this to your MTX-75.

Don't let this deter your decision in making your purchase.
You will enjoy the SVT Contour, just as much as many of the owners here have.
It is a really fun car to drive, and it is a car that many other vehicles, have problems keeping up with.
Especially on curvy roads.

Thanx for the info. I'll let you know how my SVT hunt goes. Glad to be part of CEG

FYI late 99's and 2000's came with better syncros and better shifter housings. So the late 99 and 2000's are better trannys but not any better when it comes to the diffrential. Might as well get a 98 and take the tranny to terry and have it built right.

If you get a 99 or 00 SVT then it might also come with a factory warranty, so then the tranny problems could be covered by the ford dealerships.

James

Actually the change may have been affected late model year 99's??? (no SVT's then), but according to Ford it was late in the year 1999 (2000 model year) Nov 99 IIRC.

Though that may be when they "released" the info on the changes???

I know for certain all car's 12/99 and later have it.