Some cars are easier to mod or take mods better than others. If you are wanting cheap, reliable, easy to mod in terms of raw horsepower and handling, there is a massive aftermarket for a number of other platforms than the Contour/Cougar one. ANY FWD platform (especially one that has its roots in being built for fleet duty) is going to have a higher obstacle barrier to overcome in certain areas (handling, traction/weight transfer limitations at takeoff, HP limits).
Regardless, there are people out there (I'm one of them to an extent, though compared to some here I should run off and hide) that enjoy the challenge of squeezing every ounce of available, useable power and handling out of a platform, damn the possible consequences. I don't think anyone will argue the potential "gotchas" on a TC'd/SC'd Contour, because they exist and if you plan to thrash/abuse the car given these weak spots (diff., stock crank damper, weak motor mounts, sinter forged con rods, etc.), don't b(tch and moan when you blow something up, because if you've spent any time at all on these boards, you've got to be MINIMALLY aware of the issues of putting 50% and up power on this platform.
To me, the risks are justified, especially when I plan to have a tranny built to handle the abuse and if money holds up, have my engine internals upgraded for the turbo that I hope to purchase in the next 6 months. Crazy? Maybe, but it's my money. Would it be better spent on a SC for the C5? Probably. In terms of the C5 platform being able to handle the abuse, ABSOLUELY. Than again, I'm running close to 400HP on her right now and it scares the hell out of me, especially when I go corner carving with the active handling off. Chalk that up to me not having NEAR enough driving experience/ability to approach the car's limits, which are formidable. With another 150-200HP on tap, I'm looking at something (for me personally) that's getting close to being unstreetable...
Then there's the sleeper factor to consider with the Contour, and the fact that some people just don't want to follow the crowd on things (you WON'T be seeing a TC'd Contour at every street corner).
In short, to each his own. One man's folly is another man's wisdom. Sure, there are guys that have got $100K sunk in to 9 sec. Honda Civics to where a quarter of that could get you a Mustang that could do that and better. Apparently they see something in it. I don't, because my "enthusiasm" and financial limits (I DO want to retire someday, so I'm not going to raid my savings and the like on a automobile) won't let me sink that into a car. $10K, maybe.
If you're into modding a car for financial gain, I suggest you take a closer look at the financials. I personally don't sink any $$$ into ANY hobby that I can't stuff in a fireplace and burn. I do it for ENJOYMENT, as I think a great many of us here do. However, not all of us have the money/enthusiasm to live with the potential risks that a TC'd/SC'd Duratec brings into the equation.
Let your conscience be your guide.
