Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Southeast Upper Intake Manifold

The first thing I have to say is that he tried to do it himself with his friend, and ended up having the car towed to Ford so they can put the back right end together. On his car (And mine) they BARELY fit. The guy that is putting in the struts for me has to trim the bottom part of the strut ( It's OK, considering there was a TON of rust up in there ) where the coilovers go. He's really having a lot of trouble putting them in though. It's incredible! Whenever you have a chance, take a look at where the top of the strut brace is. It's almost impossible to reach it without the perfect tool. He had to grind the tool he was using to reach in there. And the front part is even harder. There wouldn't happen to be a "How to lower your car with coilovers" guide floating around CEG, would there???

As far as removal of the struts, there is no difference, but with coilovers you have to cut the top perch on the struts.

I am a little confused about his approach..I've lowered 3 Contours (and have most of it down to a science)a few question to point you in the right direction
1)Are the strusts out of the car? If not Why?
2)What brand Coil overs are they?
3)Does the kit say to trim or remove any part of the Strut (I know the Ground Control you have to)

Answer these and I'll be able to help a little more.

Yeah.. It is really hard to lower it. The guy who is lowering it has been doing it for many years with many cars. He owns 6 cars and all of them are dropped (Including a Blazer, Camaro, and an Escort, which looks really funny). He is just having trouble with the installation. I found out that my friend who sold me those springs bought them off a guy who had a Mitsubishi Mirage, so it is not a perfect fit. It is a REALLY close fit though. He is grinding the part where the coilover goes which has rust anyways, so it's OK. He is going to have trouble with the front though, because the spring is not even in the front according to him. I'll tell you more info once he continues lowering it this weekend.

So you bought struts/springs that weren't made for a Contour????

For once I agree with Ryan. Whats the world coming to. :p

Installing springs made for another car OMFG!!!!

No it ain't. Me and Jim can do rear springs and struts in an hour, and fronts in about 2. Three hours ain't long....

This is the thing.. They are Mirage springs, but with a little twirking, it fits my car! Also it was 20 bucks compared to like.. A LOT MORE! And they guy is doing it for free. I know it sounds crazy, but he put civic coilovers on his Camaro! The guy knows his stuff, believe me .... I'll post pics once I get them...

True...True
and I hope this guy REALLY knows what he is doing.

Eric,
I don't mean to get on your case, but if he really knew what he was doing, he would be done by now. Like everyone said, the right parts, and your car would have been done much quicker. Also, those Mirage parts are not where close to the original parts in your Contour.

Think about this, the mirage is smaller=lighter. This means your car will probably lower more than you think. The Mirage struts are probably designed more towards comfort than handling.

Another thing, the parts are not designed to fit your car. You are probably changing the geometry of your vehicle, which may lead to more problems.

Also, once installed, will you be able to remove them?

But, if he can get it to work and you are happy........then forget I said all that!