SVT came out in May 97 as a 98 model.

95-97 body is the same, but the engine went through some minor changes. The intake manifold runner control was vacuum operated in 95 but was later changed to electric.
There are other little differences. From 95-97 the Contour SE was King from a handling standpoint, but the stock lightweight GL 6 cyl manual was usually the fastest because the SE's were heavier. In 98 and up the SE became a joke by comparison since the SVT replaced the early SE's as the best handler and was the best performer as well. Those SE's were basically detuned from a suspension/handling point of view.

There is nothing saying you can't put a 3.0 in your car, you just have to be somewhat skilled and creative.
Others here will fill you in on the rest of the story, I have to go.

warmonger

Former owner of '99 CSVT - Silver #222/2760 356/334 wHP/TQ at 10psi on pump gas! See My Mods '05 Volvo S40 Turbo 5 AWD with 6spd, Passion Red '06 Mazda5 Touring, 5spd,MTX, Black