I say go for it. If I remember correctly, the hood scoop is functional. I think there is a mod you can do to it though to make it feed more air. Or maybe it isn't functional and it's easily turned into a working one. I'm sure someone will chime in on that. THe stereo isn't any worse than the Contour, that's for sure. If you havn't replaced any of the speakers in your car I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. As for the boost...they have some special computer control unit monitoring it. As of right now, I havn't read of anyone having too many major problems on stock cars at all. I know there are a couple of guys in the 12's I think right now with the stock block still. I was also told that any stage kit and your warranty is voided, but I looked into getting one as well (decided not to because of insurance prices) and the salesman, who is a personal friend, said that nothing is voided with the stage 1 kit. Beyond that I don't really know. I know the stage one kit is something like $700 and with it you'll get consistant 13.7's. I drive a CSVT and would trade it in for an SRT4 if I could afford it a little easier. I think the CSVT is better looking, but its whats on the inside that counts, right?
It's a fast car, it's a low priced car, and lowering it I don't think it looks half bad. The blue one you pictured only comes on the '04 models, which also now comes standard with a limited slip diff. Bottom line is go for it I say. Stage 1 SRT-4 with warranty still. Can't argue that. "Fugly" or not.
