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I have a 2.0L 98 Contour with 108,000 miles. I haven't modded anything and everything is in great shape. I just discovered this site and a little overwhelmed. If I wanted to start with a small mod to enging or suspension, like something that cost under $200, is there anything at that level that a beginner could do themselves that would make a difference in how the car performs?
'98 Ford Contour - Daily Driver never modified, but thinking about it
'83 Porsche 911 SC Cabriolet
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Originally posted by SoboDave:
I have a 2.0L 98 Contour with 108,000 miles. I haven't modded anything and everything is in great shape. I just discovered this site and a little overwhelmed. If I wanted to start with a small mod to enging or suspension, like something that cost under $200, is there anything at that level that a beginner could do themselves that would make a difference in how the car performs?
first things first..auto or manual tranns? for under two hundred?hmmmmmmmm you could prob pick up or make a intake...or i heard the zetec does alright with some underdrive pulleys,cam gears....
"Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, and drunkenness sobered, but STUPID lasts forever."-Aristophanes.
--93 pgt,headers,intake,borla=14.9 1/4mile
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Originally posted by tour96se:
first things first..auto or manual tranns? for under two hundred?hmmmmmmmm you could prob pick up or make a intake...or i heard the zetec does alright with some underdrive pulleys,cam gears....
agreed!
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Welcome to the CEG!  Enjoy the site!
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same as any car, intake, then catback, then headers, then whatever else you think is necessary, that or you could save up and buy a Duratec for what it would cost you.
99 TRed Contour SVT # 1853 out of 2760
230.2 WHP @ 6500
237.0 WTR @ 2250
Originally posted by MxRacer:
Originally posted by RawBurt:
I'll be keeping it to myself, until the time comes. It'll be hard to find. 
much like your weiner.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
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98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Get a HUUUUGE parkbench wing and put on some sweet decals!!
+ ~50 HP!!!
No really, how about elky mesh and tint?
I don't know what you could do performance wise for uner $200. Maybe an air intake?... Used exhaust?
1998 SVT E0 T-Red/Midnight Blue --> SOLD
2000 SVT Black/Tan 84,000 on the clock
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Originally posted by SoboDave:
I have a 2.0L 98 Contour with 108,000 miles. I haven't modded anything and everything is in great shape. I just discovered this site and a little overwhelmed. If I wanted to start with a small mod to enging or suspension, like something that cost under $200, is there anything at that level that a beginner could do themselves that would make a difference in how the car performs?
No mods yet. I suppose that means you're on your original suspension, right?
Let's see, under $200...
Used rear early SE or SVT swaybar (check the classifieds) and new Energy Suspension poly bar/endlink bushings (SP Motorsports).
After that, you might have enough left for a rear strut brace (check the Group Buy section), depending on what you payed for the rear bar.
What kind of wheels do you have? Tranny?
Anyway, I'd hit the suspension hard before I did any engine work. I think you'll always be disappointed with your engine mods (unless you spend considerable money), whereas there are a lot of basically underpowered cars out there that are loads of fun because they are so tossable. Swaybars make a big difference.
And I ask about your "original" suspension because surely it's due soon for some love, at which time you may want to upgrade--but maybe that's not quite for a beginner. Get comfortable with the car, first. Anyway my point is that replacing all of the components with OEM pieces isn't that much less than replacing with something like the BAT kit.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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I'd do what I'm doing, save and buy a better car. The 2.0L is great and all but remember your modding a contour, its not the greatest car to mod with, since there isn't many mods out there for it. But if you really want to do something to it, do the SleeperZ intake (sticky found on top of catagory), replace air filter with K&N filter, and replace resonator with aftermarket one (magnaflow has one that fits nearly perfect.) With these mods you should get 10HP gain or more and save money to use for gas. I haven't done any of these mods but I have upgraded my audio and I'm glad I did. But its up to you what you want to do, "The power is yours." (Captain planet's motto for you that don't remember.  ) Hope this helps.
My ride(Cardomain link) :
'95 Contour 16V Zetec DOHC, Teal , ATX
Born on Sep. 4, 1995
86+ miles
*LEDs mods are on their way!*
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Originally posted by SVTfrog:
Save your money.
I agree, I would go with audio mods. You will enjoy it more and you can take it out once you get rid of the car.
"Do what you like, Because you have to drive it!"-Me
99 Contour LX
95 Mustang GT Convertible
97 Z24 Cavalier
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