Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Pics and Videos Cool Blue, I'm calling you out!

thank you. The car is what it is. A '90 Pontiac. Doesn't do much for me.

Originally posted by Cool Blue Mystique:

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And that picture of a BASE 6000 with the caption "lean mean driving machine"...what do you think a 120hp Contour GL is?

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I apologize if you assumed I was referring to your car and not the one in the picture. I also apologize for missing the 1 on the speedometer.

However, even in the STE version, the car is not anywhere near the performance category. It is essentially a FWD car with more weight, except it can accelerate in the snow almost as good as dry pavement. I really do not want to know how much that things weighs but even if it was not heavy it still would not be fast. Factoring in 20-25% drivetrain loss, at its peak torque output it is making anywhere from 82-87HP at the wheels.

I'm not going to bash your car because it runs and is probably as fast as mine at the strip (where handling does not matter), but please don't pretend it is better than a Contour.

My profession allows me to visit many of the automotive manufacturing plants across the country--including Kansas City assembly, GM Powertrain and Ford Visteon Engine plants. I can confidently say that I am very well educated about the current engine offerings of Ford and GM. In addition, I work for a company that teaches Racing Engine Modification and Rebuild.

Now, Both ford and GM make some excellent motors. Some better than others. But lets look at the facts regarding the two vehicles in question.

GM 3100 Prone to spin bearings--possibly due to poor line boring. Push rod motor, cast iron heads and block, 135-140 horsepower and 180 lb/ft torque. That's 43 horsepower per liter. My assessment is that this motor breathes exceptionally bad on the top end, otherwise it would have a higher horsepower rating, however, it probably was built for the low end since it does have good torque. Good torque is produced with high-velocity intake charge. High torque can be made at the expense of acceleration and top end. So I discount the "Top End Performance" claim. In addition, the cast iron construction makes the motor unnecessarly heavy and will ultimately slow the vehicles 0-60 time.

Second--The car may have a lot of "neat" features, but has anyone looked at the early 90's Probes? The GT version had a trip computer, electronic dash, Turbo, adjustable "on the fly" shock damping, etc. These kinds of features were typical for the period--now they just add weight, complexity and little value to the car. These options have disappeared from many current vehicles in that price point. Plus what happens when you put nice clothes on someone who is ugly? They're still ugly.

Contour:
Duratec Motor: all aluminium, 24 valves per cylinder, dual stage intake manifold, DOHC, 68 hp/liter specific output (80 hp/liter SVT) The SVT makes almost twice the power that the 3100 makes per liter. Some Honda engines hake 100 hp/liter! (B16A 160hp 1.6L) Although the Duratec is prone to puke water pumps and develop it's own problems, the Duratec is built with a CHAIN not a belt. Chains are much more reliable that belts in terms of durability and reliablity.

If you bolted the intake manifold from your mystique onto your 3100, you might have something--but the motor in your mystique was designed in conjuction with German engineers. In fact, if you had purchased (rather your mom had purchased) your vehicle with an MTX, your tranny would have been from Germany.

Your comment about the handling characteristics of the Contour/Mystique are very typical of many Contique owners. A well built vehicle will generate enthusiasm. If Ford built a car that spawned a board like this, then they did something right.

Many of the people on this board work VERY hard for their vehicles (including me) their vehicles are representations of their labor and dedication to their vocations. We are enthusiasts and wish to share our commmon enjoyment together. No one likes some punk kid whose mommy handed him TWO cars coming to their board and talking trash about what they care a lot about. IN FACT, your mommy's Bimmer probably has Double-Vanos and Valvetronic technology which would put ANY motor to shame, but I don't hear you talking about that.

I think you would have been able to gain respect for yourself if you had presented your appreciation for the 6000 in a less-aggressive manner. When your mommy stops wiping your a$$ for you, you'll appreciate the value of hard work.

Originally posted by tgrimes:

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Contour:
Duratec Motor: all aluminium, 24 valves per cylinder,

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144 Valves?

J/K. Good points though, your post was truly enjoyable to read.

AJ

Finally, a logical, well thought-out post on this thread.
Now, let's forget about it all...

Originally posted by jerseycat10:

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Originally posted by tgrimes:

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Contour:
Duratec Motor: all aluminium, 24 valves per cylinder,

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144 Valves?

J/K. Good points though, your post was truly enjoyable to read.

AJ

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can you imagine what the valve job would cost on that??

This is what happens when I don't proofread...

In reply to:

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Many of the people on this board work VERY hard for their vehicles (including me) their vehicles are representations of their labor and dedication to their vocations. We are enthusiasts and wish to share our commmon enjoyment together. No one likes some punk kid whose mommy handed him TWO cars coming to their board and talking trash about what they care a lot about.

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Amen. Thank you for that.

Now back to our regularly scheduled Contour programming....