Here is the scoop.
It has nothing to do with Cont/Mystq. My Tour has the black cover.
The thing is, the ORIGINAL Zetec didn't have one. That applies for models 94-97. This engine has an unpainted aluminum-looking squared off valve cover. The early 98's got a SILVER painted valve cover with a black plastic piece covering the spark plug wires. THE THIRD generation Zetec, originally installed in the ZX2 and the later 98 Contours (this is getting ridiculous, I know, but it is CORRECT at least.) has a rough, black, metal valve cover with no plastic piece.
That second engine- the silver one WITH black plastic- is very rare, as it has variable valve timing. Unfortunately, this was an emmissions step, and does not affect performance. But that's a whole 'nuther story.
Too much to deal with.
R
