Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Help an idiot out

I'm "inheriting" my father's 95 Contour GL. It's a real barebones model, 4 cylinders and no power anything. I've read the posts about Zetec engines and stuff, is that what I have? Sorry, I'm not a car guy really. What modifications should I make, as a student with a limited budget, to try and make this car cool and enjoyable? Thanks guys!

well, you most likely have a zetec if it is a bare bones model as you say it is. As far as modifications, you came to the right place. People with non-SVT contours typically install an SVT ground effects kit and get rims as their first modifications. But with a limited budget, that is kinda tough to do. If you want my honest advice, don't modify the car at all, save your money for when you get a newer car when you are done school.

a filter such as k & n and an adaptor for it is one of first places to start...it takes in more air and gives a little more umph so to speak

get some new double platinum plugs and ford racing 9mm wires...relatively cheap mods that can make a little more improvement both in performance and reliabililty

i wouldn't invest too much money overall unless u plan on keeping the car and just really want to mod it

Cool and enjoyable?

Well, there are a number of things you can do that are relatively cheap, to free..

You can:
1: get the drop in K&N that gdub mentioned. IT will help with the air intake and you will get a little more in the "go mods" dept.

2: Go for aesthetics, which will provide you with a lot more "enjoyment" for your dollar, I think!

Try:
A: Replacing the headlights with the clear/blue bulbs Model #'s 9005, and 9006 (for highs/lows"
B: Tint.. makes a world of difference, both in the appearance and climate. 'nuff said.
C: remove the door dings, AKA knauberize. (search, you will find LOADS of info, and pics. a free mod that works wonders on looks.
D: do the "Fog light" fix. Another nice appearance mod, free!
E: While you are knauberizing, de-badge the vehicle, too...
F: Go for a grille mod. Home depot has the "gutter guard" for about $2.00 a sheet. more than enough.. a little elbow grease, and a pair of wire cutters, you are set..

3: one I would suggest, get an ALARM.. yes, not free, but a WORTHWHILE investment. if your car is an ATX (automatic) you could get the "remote start" feature added, too.. (even an MTX CAN have it, but more expensive, I believe!) THAT is a nice feature!

Try searching for MODS, or go to the main CEG page, and go to the MODS section to see a few others. Hope this helps in your begining ventures!

HTH
Ray
P.S. Email me if you have any other questions!

I have not heard about the Fog light fix, though i will search soon, please post more info on it. I still can't figure out how to mod a pre-98 grill with mesh and have it look good. I want my ford thing outta there but w/o having the little plastic rectangle left in its place, and i want the honeycomb gone. You really don't need an alarm on a un- to lightly modded 95 contour. Just get a cd player with detachble face, since that's the only part of the car that'll be stolen.

Believe it or not, if you stick around on these forums you'll become a car guy. I'm a computer geek turned car enthusiast -- not fully (as I still have no interest in performance mods), but definitely much more than before I ever signed up on contour.org. Plus I know more about Contours than my friends care to hear.

And yes, this is my first car too.