The '96 is different from what his '98 is Lizzy. No cruise cable swaps or mods are needed on '98+ to switch to an SVT TB so long as he gets the SVT bracket. Yes, I do know that the 3 liters have a similar TB... I have 4 sitting on my bench from 3 liter swap projects.
WA2FAST, you traction control is electronic. It works along with the ABS sensors on you car. It will not be effected by the TB upgrade. IIRC, the only year that's cable driven for Contours is '95.