Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods 97 contour se mods

I am 16 in Iowa. I just purchased my first car. It is a 97 Contour SE. It is black, in good shape, has decent miles, and was priced right. I was just wondering if there are any mods available for my Contour. I notice that most mods are only available for 1998 and newer contours. Also, most mods apply to SVT and not SE. I would like to find a new exhaust system, ground effects, or anything else. Maybe something to make my car look even better. Thanks.

For the most part, if you can do it to a 98, you can do it to a 97 it'll just cost more. And if you can do it to an SVT, you can almost always do it to a SE.

I just bought a 97 myself not to long ago, and I'd suggest starting with Silverstar headlamps first and foremost. Then replace your gauges with indiglos.

Those 2 I've done myself.

Next up, I'm painting my calipers. And I'll probably buy a good intake after that. And if I find a good deal in the Classifieds, I'd like to get some nice rims.

For ground effects, you're probably gonna have to wait a little while unless you want to do some pretty expensive modifications to 98+ mods.

But, most people suggest Headlamps, Indiglos, and Intakes as your first 3 mods. Then maybe a nice dual exhaust and some new rims.

SEARCH!

FAQ AREA!!

MODS AREA!!!


The FIRST line of the Rules & Regs Even...

1. Research the accumulated knowledge of the group whenever possible (i.e. SEARCH the forums and archives and look at the FAQâ??s) before asking an obviously common question.


Don't be lazy; do some leg work yourself...

Demon-

Not to call your advice invaluable, but it just so happens that I have spent the last 2-3 weeks researching and searching through this site and the entire world wide web. Also, I DID make sure to read all forum rules before joining.

I have been relatively unsuccessful in my search to modify my 1997 se. Most ground effects and exhaust systems seem to be uncommon to my model year. Being relatively new to the Contour world, I thought a general post would be beneficial.

But you assumed I had no idea what I was doing, and we all know what happens when you ASSUME.

Nonetheless, thanks for your concerns.

this particular topic might be found easily in the search engine...but if you don't know what you're searching for then the search engine isn't gonna make your situation easier

pretty much what I have to say is...

for ground effects you're gonna have to wait on those...there are currently 2 group buys going on for body kits that are going to be produced for pre98s...if you're interested you might wanna take a trip to the group buy forum and look around for those 2 threads.

for exhaust if you have a Duratec engine you have a few options such as Brullen, Borla, Bassani, TruBendz, Bosal and thats probably all I can remember...those are usually made for the SVT Contour but what you can do is get a hanger for the exhaust so the right side muffler can be hung...if you have a zetec they have to add about a foot of pipe after the y pipe or somewhere around there (can't remember) to make it long enough to fit.

now if you have a Zetec, u could get a used SVT exhaust...but I think u'd get more gains if u took your car to an exhaust shop and tried to work out a deal with them for a custom exhaust on your car...maybe like a single exhaust system with 2.25" or 2.5" piping from the cat all the way back

if you have a zetec u can get CTA intake from ctamotorsports.com and if u have a duratec I think there are a few options on BAT or u can look on CTA too...

also take a look on the main page, there are a few links to where u can get parts for your car somewhere on there...

also if you're lookin for rims just remember our bolt pattern is 4x108 and thats the same as 4x4.25 and that you're gonna need a 40 offset...some people do have rims with a 45 offset but u could have an issue with tire rubbing then

good man, zetec.

All 95-97 SE's had duratec Ford just screwed up the model lines from SERIOUS decontenting after 98.

I have a black 97 SE too - we're probably almost twins. I haven't done any real body mods (since the 97 SE's are the best looking of all anyway ) but have a bunch of power mods.

There are a lot of things you can do, like those that have been mentioned. Other options would include using SVT front caliper brackets and installing larger brakes on the front. You could do stainless steel brake lines and I suggest flusing your brake system when those are done.

If yours doesnt have it, you could always install the lip spoiler on the trunk. An SVT rear bumper and sideskirts will fit as well. Leather seats are also drop in if you can find a donor car. If you want to upgrade the cars suspension, search for Corey, he can get you a deal on Koni struts and has a decent selection of springs. A larger rear sway bar is also an option. BAT sells, IIRC, a 22mm rear bar, or you could look for an Aussie bar in the classifieds. Either of these I would highly reccomend upgrading your rear subframe mounts. Being a Duratec car, you would also be open to replacing the Y-pipe, and, I think, headers are also available.

Duratecs are known for having a water pump problem. Watch this, and if your temp acts up, get it replaced. Unless someone has replaced your with a metal impeller unit, the stock Ford units lose pieces of their plastic impeller causing the car to overheat.

Other then those, there are a few threads in this forum about pre-98 cars.

I suggest BAT springs and struts and 17" wheels to start with. Best appearance upgrade for the money, in my opinion.

Thanks to all for the good advice. Nice to know I am not the only one with an SE.

Anyways, time to start saving money, I think ground effects and exhaust are first on my list.