Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications 3.0L Duratec 3.0 swap Question? Couldnt find the answer using the search

I know many of you have seen this before but I cant seem to find it using the search tool. Why is it that you must use a 99 or newer engine? I thought I saw something before saying that the bellohousing bolt locations were different, but cant find that again. I also thought I saw someone say that any year will work with slight mods to the oil pan/bellhousing bolt holes. I just need to know exactly what the differences are. A friend of mine looked in his swap book, and it says that all 96 through 99 DOHC engines are a direct swap. Just need some info or a point in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

well u can use a 98 and newer engine. If your planning on using 3L heads u can go with a 01' cause the waterpump is run of the can only after that year which is the same as our car. Or if u ahve an older head u can cut down the cam and use an electric waterpump. you must use a 2.5 oil pan and dempending what head ur using u have to fill in a oil or coolant passage on the block. Also have to cut one of the altenator mounts