Originally posted by todras:
$410 for 5hp!!!!!!! Somehow I don't see the logic there.
Originally posted by WA2FAST:
I agree... seems like a ton of money and time for nothing else than to be unique with what you did... just me.
Well, this is my hobby and I have a certain sense of aesthetics I am trying to realize with this carā?¦and anyway, I am doing this entirely for fun! Logic and fiscal frugality is not really a factor.
I have been a practicing car nut for over 25 years (mostly 60s Fords) and I have seen the most outrageous expenditures in pursuit of horsepower (and have been guilty of some of it myself!). Dropping $5000 or more on an FE long-block is a common thing and itā??s never logical (the power levels are also mind-numbing compared to what we see in even highly modded 2.5Ls).
Compared to my usual auto interests, the Contour is a real change of pace. The ease of modifying this car combined with the low cost and ready availability of parts is a delight! Just try working with Ford FE big blocks from the 60s.
Even if the money were an issue with me this swap is probably a good use of hobby dollars. With my very low restriction exhaust I suspect that changing from stock LX components to SVT manifolds and TB will really improve the overall drivability of the car ā?? and I certainly expect more than 5 HP. The ST200 or 2000SVT UIM (same thing) provides 5 HP on stock 98 SVT contours that have relatively free flowing intakes and exhausts to start with. Swapping out the restrictive LX components should be even more effective.
As a young man I was an extremely frugal bastard, worked hard, put myself through college, planned for the future. The years have passed and frugality is now something I advise but do not necessarily practice in all thingsā?¦.
99 Tropic Green SVT, Tan Leather, 20K miles, "Nice Twin" (factory stock).
99 Tropic Green SVT, Tan Leather, 28K miles, "Evil Twin" (Turbo AER 3L and more in progress)
96 Red LX, Opal Grey Leather 2.5L, ATX, 22K miles
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