What's up with the slow 0-60s? Do you guys have ATs or something?
My 1999 Zetec MTX gives me 0-60s in the 8.5 to 9.5 second range. It's stock too, except that I have the V6s 195/65-14 tires on my 14" factory wheels. Besides the different tires, which were for autocrossing, it's just like it was when I bought it.
I do take the shifts right up to the RPM limit though. I hold 1st until about 33 mph, and 2nd until about 57 mph. Since I'm tachless, I have no idea what the RPMs are, but it's got to be in the redline. That's the way I drive on a daily basis too, so my engine is most likely used to me pushing the he11 out of it by now!
Alright class, your assignment is to go out there and drive those Zetec Contours like you mean it! Don't worry about the engine, it's repairable - take it to the limit.
L8R
