95 Contour - Threw a Rod

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

Hey All,

Just got the word that my 95 LX threw a rod in Boston yesterday. My brother was driving it and had it towed to a mechanic. I'm not sure if it reached 200K, but it was damn close (was at 192K last time I saw it).

I'll be swinging by the mechanic this weekend to clean it out and strip a few parts off (PIAA Fogs, Aftermarket H/U). While I'm there, I don't mind grabbing a few parts for people that need it? PM me with your needs, and if its easy to grab, I'll get it for you.

Here are the details.

95 LX Duratec 5 Speed
14" Alloys with new rubber (new tires in April - bought an SVT in May)
Repainted in May (Champaigne)

It was a great car, and it certainly withstood a spirited driver for over 100K miles. However, I was also great with the maintainence (mostly thanks to this site). I don't think my brother was as kind. Through that car, and this site, my knowledge of cars has grown exponetially. I've also met a great group of peeps in NECEG. It'll be hard to strip it down this weekend.

Originally posted by zgendron:
Hey All,

Just got the word that my 95 LX out a rod threw the block in Boston yesterday.

In a 170hp Duratec? Unpossible.

That's what I get for editing 1/2 the sentence without proof reading...

Originally posted by zgendron:
Hey All,

Just got the word that my 95 LX out a rod threw the block in Boston yesterday.

Your loss I am sorry for.

Repainted earlier this year and now destined for the junkyard? Ouch

I was serious. It wasn't about the grammar. Is their a hole in the block? If so you're brother must have had the think peged for a very long time. I've never heard of a Duratec doing this.

Originally posted by todras:
Is their a hole in the block? If so you're brother must have had the think peged for a very long time. I've never heard of a Duratec doing this.

Yeah, I haven't gotten all of the details yet, but sounds like a hole in the block (oil pouring out). I'm ready to kick his ass since this was going to be my winter beater!

As for the paint job, yeah, not too happy. I was rear ended back in May (after buying new tires), and opted to get it fixed (should have quit then). I thought I'd have either a great winter beater, or try and sell it. I got it fixed cheap, and still made out on the insurance payment. My body shop guy did all the prepwork, and then off to MAACO. Its a good buy if you're not planning on owning the car for more than a couple years. Just make sure you do all your own prepwork, or have your auto body guy prep it.

Originally posted by todras:
I was serious. It wasn't about the grammar. Is their (-5, there) a hole in the block? If so , you're (-5, your) brother must have had the think (-5, thing) peged (-5, pegged) for a very long time. I've never heard of a Duratec doing this.

IIRC, Beachbum's '99 SVT threw a rod, but it busted a hole in the oil pan instead of the block. I have a feeling this is the case with Zack's car.

WTF?

Originally posted by Cobra:

Originally posted by todras:
I was serious. It wasn't about the grammar. Is their (-5, there) a hole in the block? If so , you're (-5, your) brother must have had the think (-5, thing) peged (-5, pegged) for a very long time. I've never heard of a Duratec doing this.

LOL!! Too Much! Thanks Mike.

Yeah, I'm not sure exactly what the deal is. Oil pouring everywhere and a 2nd hand report that it threw a rod. I'll probably get at it this Saturday AM before we have it donated somewhere. I'll be sure to bring the camera too.

Just got back from the mechanic.

It threw a connecting rod and put a hole in the oil pan (just like Cobra mentioned). Not pretty.

I grabbed a few parts that people were interested in, and am preparing to ship the car off.

If anyone else needs some parts that are fairly easy to grab, just PM me.

Had a sunfire do the same a long time ago. Last GM I ever own.

Originally posted by Majisto:
Had a sunfire do the same a long time ago. Last GM I ever own.

It went before the head gasket?!

Out of the dozen or so Duratecs that I've bought with blown engines about half of them actually busted a hole in the block. I only recall one of them going through the oil pan. Most of the rest had severe damage due to blown head gaskets. On the flip side though, I have bought a few parts cars with Duratecs that had over 200K miles. Seems to be a good engine if you take care of it and don't beat the heck out of it.