Seeing as no one has gotten a Contour into the 12s for $2000, I say go for it. It's a good way to learn a lot and have fun and it's still cost effective. How is that silly or in poor taste?

Find me a Festiva (or a Neon) that runs 12.7 for $2000, and after a couple runs, heck yeah, that might grow on me.

MSDS, SHO-shop Y, custom 2.5" catback; xcal2; 63mm TB, K&N 3530; Koni struts, Aussie bar; THaines forks, Quaife, SpecII, UR fly; DMD; Nima UD pullies; Stazi brakes; f&r Pole120 mounts. Just a daily commuter car. Silver '98 SVT E0 #3159