Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods New (and old) questions from a newbie...

I want to apologize in advance for the length of this post.
I've had my 97 Contour SE for about three years now. I think it may be time for some slight modifications. I've read all kinds of posted messages but I still have some questions.
OK, here's what I'm interested in: I want off the line performance. Aesthetics (spelling?) don't mean anything to me. I live in an area where there are many, many, many Honda Civics with big wings and ground effects and maybe those big, fat tailpipes that you could stuff a Christmas Ham into and they all sound like semi trucks. (No offence to anyone who's car looks/sounds like this). I basically, want to beat them out of the stoplights, but I want my car to look boring from the outside so they won't suspect anything.
Anyway, I am also on a limited budget (I'm a student) and I've never worked on cars before, but I'm very knowledgeable in the technical area and I can follow directions well. So I would like to do minor things myself, with (hopefully) minimal risk of screwing anything up and use the whole thing as a learning experience. I would like to see an increase in performance (power), handling is fine-- I don't need anything there, but possibly get some better sounds out of my Duratec, (I know they're in there, but I can't hear them now). :-)
So I guess it seems like everyone says the KKM is a good first step, but what's the deal with this heat shield everyone talks about? If it's that important, why wouldn't KKM include one? What would "heat soak" do to my car? I guess I'm just confused about all that.
Plus, could anyone recommend anything else for me besides the KKM that meets my requirements? (I hope I was specific enough).
And finally, I want to say that this is the best contour website I've ever seen. You guys have EVERYTHING on here. Very impressive.
Thanks in advance,
chaz

Welcome,
There are a lot of mods that can be done and your best resource would be searching here and talking with your fellow Ohioans/Ohioites in the Ohio Forums. They could help with the mods you think are beyond your abilities. Being in Northwestern Ohio you may be able to hook up with some of the Michigan guys too. Good Luck.

-Andy

If the looks of the car are of no issue, you could put it on a diet. Removing interior pieces will give you a little weight advantage. If you are the only person to ever ride in the car, and don't care if its a little noisy, take out the back seat, passenger seat, carpet, insulation, headliner, etc. If you get really creative you could find a way to mount the guage cluster without needing the dashboard. Tint the windows and noone can see inside to see what you have done.

I haven't dipped into performance too much for my car so I will leave that question to others.

Welcome to the CEG.

That is an idea. But I do care about what the inside looks like, (leather interior and all that-- be a big waste to rip it all out). But thanks!

I was checking out the airbox last night, trying to figure out if I think I could install an open filter of some type or a CAI kit. THere's definately a small rubber tube connecting the airbox to the fenderwall/wheelwell. So I guess air comes in through there somehow and into the airbox? (It's an SE not SVT-- does that make a difference?) Is that also where the intake "baffles" (or something) are located, because I've read suggestions of removing them for better airflow.

the tubing you are talking about is the intake resonator and yes it does help for better airflow...here is a link for a intake system that alot of CEG member are using... CTA motorsports also use the FAQ or SEARCH , there is alot of useful info on there...good luck

that is the wrong FAQ link not sure what i was thinking here is the right FAQ link FAQ

about the heatsoak, basically if your sitting at a stop or something all that hot air is just circulating underneath your hood. and remember engines love cold air since cold air is more dense. so what the heatshield does is try to prevent all that hot air from getting into the intake and hopefully let more cool air in. KKM does not sell one but i believe shoshop does.

check this link out about a heat shield. home made heatshield not sure if it worked good since its an old post but it dont hurt if you are short of $$$$.

You can usually find a used SVT Exhaust too. Simple install, and will cost you around $100 total.