I've been searching the forums and haven't found a concensus on what are all the repairs/upgrades one really should do to help revent bearings from spinning and oil starvation.
For starters, I have a 1995 Contour SE V6 5 spd w/91,000 miles and haven't been nailed by any classic disasters yet. I will also be acquiring a 1999 Contour SVT w/~ 22,000 miles on it and it has not been nailed by any of the classic disasters either.
I've learned about the waterpump issue and will be taking care of that ASAP. Consider this a "must upgrade".
I've also learned about the DMD and how replacing it will smooth-out engine vibrations, suppress crank whip, and is considered one of the steps necessary to prevent bearings from spinning. Consider this a "must upgrade".
What isn't clear in these forums is whether the new redesigned oil pan is really better than the old one. The new pan has a different baffle set-up but it is also shallower. I've seen the comments on prolonged aggressive right turns causing the oil to ride-up on one side of the pan and cause oil starvation. Should I really go ahead an replace the oil pan on both Contours?
The SVT received an upgrade on the windage tray in 2000. Should I upgrade the windage tray on the 1999 SVT? Should I add/upgrade the windage tray on the 1995 SE? I've not run across any statements concerning the merits of upgrading the windage tray. All I've seen is people acknowledging that there was a change but nothing like "the upgraded windage tray is a must-have over the original".
There have been comments about the cylinder heads not providing adequate oil drainage (fixed after the Contour was discontinued). If I ever was forced or wanted to pull the 2.5L V6 from either car, can 1995-2000 V6's be upgraded just by opening-up the current drainage holes or drilling an extra hole without compromising the cooling system, etc? Obviously, the heads have to be removed if this modification is feasible.
I am aware that adding an oil accumulator is another smart mod to prevent oil starvation. Probably will do this on the SVT but not certain on the SE.
Let's here what you have to say on these points.
I have the time to upgrade the SVT before putting her on the road. The SE will be driven as it gets upgraded so if I get bitten by one of the classic weakpoints, so be it.
Dave Keller
