Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Noob question

I just went to the dealership to check on how my car is doing today. It's been there since last Thursday because of tranny problem. Ok here's the question. I have a 98 SVT and from what the transmission guy said I had a junky tranny, he's seen a 98 with only 150 miles(not 150k) have the same problems that I have right now. Now bare with me because I had no clue of what he was saying but I'll try my best to repeat what he said. He said that my year SVT tranny had pins(?) the length of a index finger that goes in and out of something(?) but that pin(?) can break and cause some serious damage to the tranny. In my case the loose part made a hole in the bottom of my tranny. Does the 99 and up model have the same transmission? He said that it's different and it is much more reliable than the one I currently have(had). Is that true? The service manager was telling me all kinds of horror stories about the first producion SVT's. To me it just sounded like my year/model contour was a guinea pig for SVT. Can someone explain to me more about the transmission and if there is any difference between the 2000 and 1998 transmission. If you read this far thank you for your patience and for your help!

I can't tell what he is talking about.

The MTX-75 is overall a pretty strong trans. It does have it's weaknesses.

The weakest part is the final drive or differential. It uses a two pinion differential whild the same trans in some european truck applications uses a four pinion differential. As far as I know, no one has figured out how to import the four pinion differential. Those who want to strengthen this area usually install a limited slip differential. Usually a Quaffe or a Torson. They are not only stronger, but also add limited slip. The main time this weakness becomes a problem is if you subject the car to severe wheel hop with a hard acceleration pull away from a stop.

The best cure for that is to not get involved with hard acceleration from a dead stop. It also helps to install the motor mount stiffeners that are sold by BAT and SP Motorsports.

The best advise is to remember that the CSVT is a strong road car, not a drag racer. Learn to love the car for what it is and avoid tire burning starts.

The factory has upgraded the trans in later models with imporvements in the synchros (especially 3rd gear), shift forks, and so on. A complete trans from a 2000 V6 Contour, Mystique, or Cougar would have all of those upgrades (but the same differential).

Thank you Big Jim. The only thing is I never race my car at a light. Once in a while I'll drive pretty fast on the Highway but nothing crazy. I've never burned my tires at the light cause my tires cost ALOT of money and I would hate to replace them. Thanks for your help for trying to explain everything. I'm still confused though....