Carl,
Thanks for your remarks -- they're appreciated. Yes, I know -- I didn't feel very good about the scoop I got from the dealership. However, they did *not* say a detailed analysis would cost anywhere near the price of the replacement. But for me, even a few $hundred is more than I want to spend to find out the exact problem. It would only be absorbed into the cost if I have the work done there, and I am pretty sure I don't want to do that. Don't get me wrong -- I like the idea of going elsewhere -- I just don't know who in the area is reputable. So far, SP Motorsports in Gaithersburg sounds the best for me, as it is not too far from me. I have heard of them and have been to their website, so they are not new to me.
By the way, reading your post sounds like you are on the SHO Shops staff (I have also been to their website a while back). What part of PA is SHO Shops in ? If it is somewhere in lower PA, that might be a viable option too.
Earlier today, I informed "chknhwk" (see previous post) that I am interested in the SVT motor from his wrecked 98 Contour SVT -- I need to confirm with him very soon as to what I am doing, and if I went with his motor, I will still need someone reasonably close to do the install.
Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts. I will post a description of what happened with my SVT (symptoms etc), but right now I have to go-- a ride is here. Til later . ..
