I've spent some time figuring out what can be done to the Contour in STS, since that seems to be the class for this car, so I thought I'd post it for review, in case anyone is interested in staying STS legal while they mod.
Intake:
Any intake is fine, but no TB optimization allowed.
Engine:
pulleys - any
DMD
chip - any
engine mounts - no more metal than stock, by volume
Transaxle:
Any shifter/linkage is fine.
Poly roll resistor
Exhaust:
Cat-back: anything goes
headers - any road-legal headers
y-pipe: optimization is okay, I think.
Cats: don't touch them!
Suspension:
struts/springs - Koni/GC, Leda, D2 or KW coilovers are probably best. Lowering is allowed, but you probably don't want to go lower than having the control arms parallel to the ground.
Camber plates: legal, and adjustable, so set them to whatever for the street, and max them out negative on the track
bushings: you can put poly just anbout anywhere.
swaybars: you can change either bar. BAT with stock/soft suspension, Aussie for coilovers.
Wheels:
16x7.5 or 17x7.5, as light as you can find. ATS Comp Lites are great.
Tires:
225 width, Falken Azenis 215/615, Hankook Z212, or Yoko Advan Neova. 225/45 is probably best in either 16" or 17". 205/55R16 Falken 615s are a great deal for running on SVT wheels.
Brakes:
SS braided hoses
No rotor size changes, but you can run any pads.
Weight stuff:
Battey can be swapped with a lightweight model, or moved to the trunk.
AC can be removed
Both front seats can be swapped for fully-upholstered seats with a 15# per seat minimum: definetly worth it if you have power seats.
Other stuff:
Knauberizing is okay
debagding is okay
bodykits are okay
That's pretty much it. In order of gain/cost balance:
Free weight reduction
Tires/wheels
swaybar
camber plates
struts/springs
y-pipe
roll resistor
intake
chip
exhaust
headers
bushings/engine mounts/expenisve weight reduction
This list is as near as I can figure, the most efficient mod path as far as $$/lap time. Other things may be important to you, and your driving style/courses may change it. Since we all drive our cars on the street, things may not be in the order you would do them, but it's just a guide.
