I have the exact same problem you described. I also have a grinding noise at low rpms. After further inspection, I found out that the sound comes from the clutch . I have ordered a spec stage 1 clutch and I am going to install it soon. I hope it solves the problem, it is pretty annoying in traffic jams...
My biggest problem now is that I received my clutch but they sent me the wrong one. Instead of a contour zetec clutch they sent me an escort zetec clutch. Man, I will have to wait another couple of weeks before I finally get my clutch fixed.
