Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance What should be the first mod?

The Zetec is a nice engine and the Contour is a great car, but together they make for a below average starting platform to build a quick car.
The barriers to overcome are more expensive then most people want to spend. So they should just buy a Honda.
Not that's there's anything wrong with owning a Honda, they can be very quick and even very fast. I would take a new s2000 over a new Mazda MX5.
The problem with Honda is that they are too "cookie cutter" for my taste. Everybody owns them and mods them in almost the same exact way.
I choose the Contour for its original style and I was impressed with its handling characteristics. After a few mods, I absolutely love the way the car drives. And that is the true calling of the car. Remember, corners, not straight-aways. Even once I add cams, install my header, and tune the whole thing, I don�t expect to be any quicker than a stock SVT.
So if you want a car that is fast in a straight line, the Contour (in any form) IS NOT the way to go. Even a heavily modded SVT is really not that fast. Over $6k for a 3L swap and turbo to reach low 13�s is not impressive. The same money spent on any number of 4 or 6 cylinder imports and you�ll be in the 12�s. And the whole project will be bolt-on and a lot easier to tune.
Life sucks to be an unappreciated, discontinued, fleet sales/rental car. And that is what makes a lot of what people have done with their Contours even more impressive than doing it with an import. I would take a well done Contour, like say Demon�s car, over a 12 second Honda. The style, handling, and just being different make up for the lack of speed.
All that said, it boils down to personal choice. If it�s the car you�ll have it for awhile and you�re not concerned with resale, then have some fun, learn a little, and mod away.

Agreed.

Someone brought to my attention a reason for modding the zetec over a duratec. It's easier to work on. With many young people getting into cars, if they want something to learn on, than the zetec is fine for that. A duratec is a pita to work on with the cramped engine bay and could discourage many teens from modding.

Very true. With my battery relocated, I could fit two cases of beer under the hood.

Originally posted by SoboDave:

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By the way, I have a 5-speed with the standard 14" tires.

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Lucky! I'm still looking for a MTX Zetec. Screw that V6 crap.

Once you do the intake, and the UDP, it will really wake up your Zetec. There also have been a bunch of WeaponR headers that have popped up on ebay for about $275. That with a SVT exhaust would be a nice setup, all for about $400.

HTH,
BP

If you want a fun car, work on the suspension. Much more pleasure per dollar to be had.

With an UDP, optimized TB, intake, and a full exhaust the car will feel like it has alot more power.

I'd take a svt 03/04 cobra over a s2000 any day.... and probably over a nsx.

And I'd take a '70 Plymouth Superbird with special HEMI equipment package. Lessee, what were the numbers STOCK? I remember it was severely underrated at 425 hp/490 lb/ft while it was being sold. I say grab some meaty tires and let the pony-car ass-kicking commence.

Don't get me wrong I like Mustangs and all, and I'm about to buy one, but Mopar will always be my #1 choice for sheer brute force.

Umm yeah. Straight line. Woo weee. I also like to turn.