Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Dyno and Drag Passing Power?

I don't know much about rpm curves and such, but can someone explain why the csvt can pull on certain cars. For example, Pontiac GTP's, Chevy Impalas, Dodge 5.0 R/T's, ect., really kill us off the jump, but I have noticed around 90mph thru 120mph we start to catch-up and eventually pass them. Its kind of shocking to them because you can almost notice they are grinning really hard and really hitting the gas and all of a sudden they see you in the rear view mirror closing fast. The contour is really a fun car to drive!! I ask because a few people have asked me, while shocked, what do I have under the hood and I just say a 2.5 V6. I really wish Ford would have continued to refine this vehicle.

I would assume it is due to our lighter weight and flatter power curves. If they drop out of the power band it is harder for them to get back in that it is for ours. Aerodynamics also help out around those speeds.

Also keep in mind that running certain cars from a role, such as automatic GTP's, may or may not result in a downshift to the proper gear. I believe on the GTP's, a DHP (modified PCM) is required for performance skip-shifts (like 4 to 2 or 3 to 1). Like Johnny said, power curve has much to do with it, since at certain rpm's cars may not be at their power curve. My car is a dog until the secondaries open up at 3500rpm, for instance.

Tim

Because out final drive gear is a 4.10 The power is more useful because the gears are closer together.

Thanks for your responses guys! This stuff is very interesting to me and just good stuff to know.

The Duratec final drive is 4.06

Yes our much flatter power curve helps, but so does the fact our coefficient of drag is very low for a production car. The SVT is even lower as the ground effects actually are there for more than just good looks!


Also comparing to the cars you listed they have a large torque advantage which gets them moving easier,but their portly weight and aerodynamics make them pigs once they are moving.
Perfect example of this is a Ford Lightning. Massive torque and great short numbers, but past 1/2 track it's a big fat dog comparably. (Think F4 - a brick with a big enough engine will fly! )

Yet the Lightning still has a 4mph higher top speed than a CSVT,,, power .