Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance Convertion from Automatic to Manual

Hello Contour drivers,

I did a search on this topic and could not find anything. I guess it's the kind of question that gets answered with : "Buy a new car" but since I'm curious I'll ask anyways.

I was wondering what is involved in getting your transmission changed from an automatic to a manual? What would be the cost of such a change on a Contour 98 GL?

I'm guessing that a good shifter should see
a difference when it comes to 0-60?

Another thing. A guy that decides to do such a convertion, what should he think of doing at the same time (MOD wise)?

If you are mainly looking to improve acceleration performance, and/or shifting behavior, the SuperChip will be a big help for you. Firms up the shifts and greatly reduces the difference in 0-60 over the manual gearbox. You'll have to run pricier gas, but should get some of that back in improved mileage.

If you want to stick with running cheap gas, I know there's a shift kit for the atx, but I don't know of any here who've installed it.

Hth,
dan

A shift kit and a chip will firm up the ATX tremendously. I have the easy part done.

http://www.teleport.com/~txchange/sk.htm
are we talking about this ATX supplier?
Paul
Oh yes with today's cars it's a whole lot more than just changing the tranny. PCM to start with and many other compatiblities.

http://www.teleport.com/~txchange/sk.htm
are we talking about this ATX supplier?
Paul
Oh yes with today's cars it's a whole lot more than just changing the tranny. PCM to start with and many other compatiblities.

Anybody has numbers of the difference in 0-60 times between an Automatic with Superchip and a Manual with Superchip?

I use to drive a Mazda with manual 2 years ago but when I was shopping for my Contour I was too anxious to get it so I ended up with an automatic. I'm getting ready for some serious upgrades but I don't want to do these mod if I'll be loosing major because of my 4 speed AUTO!!! I'd be better trading my Contour for another 5 speed Contour.

In the worst case, anybody know if changing the transmission to a 5 speed manual is possible?
If so, how much?

BTW, thanks guys since all your suggestions are very interesting! I'M JUST SO CURIOUS AND IT KILLS ME

Honestly, though. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it really would make the most sense for you to trade your car in for some sort of V6/manual Contour if you want to go faster. If you go one model year older, you could probably break even on the deal. You basically have a high-17-second car, and there's no smart way of making it go fast. Even if you firm up the shifting, the driveline loss alone with the CD4E tranny is close to 30%. Since you don't even have the V6, I don't think investing a lot of money in the tranny is worthwhile.

Hey F1, why don't you post in the Ohio forum or come to a meet? We'd love to have ya!

Frank, you've burst my bubble

No but seriously, I was looking around and thinking like this:

Lets say I intend on putting a load of money in upgrades like a turbo, superchip, exaust system, intake tra la la... at that point, won't the tranny be too weak but the torque or HP I might get out of these mods?

I'll have to upgrade the tranny either way isn't that right?

I'd like to trade in my car but I don't like the looks of the 1997 and even if I'd be willing to put an extra 2000$ CND I woulnd get a deal because my car is a 98 with 120000km (75000miles) and I'm still working on fixing the A/C and the bumper (Little accident :rolleyes: )

I'll look around but I'd hate to change because I just got the brakes done and got some nice wires, and plugs added so that future upgrades can feel free from EMI

BTW, the goal is to make this nice Contour 4cyl a little street racing car.

Well, you could look into to turbocharging it -- that's the only way to really get good power out of the 4. In that case, I'd suggest building up the automatic. It would still be cheaper and easier than converting to manual and could offer similar performance and durability gains if you go all out.