SVT Upgrades- By request

[DanG]

The request came for a stickied post with the information that Massiv posted, so here it is- What you'll need for various amounts of SVT parts upgrades. I have made a change here and a change there to ensure more complete information- Please note that anyone with an ATX CANNOT go beyond "SVT Upgrade Lite" and not have issues with the PCM, as all SVTs are MTX only!

Originally posted by: Massiv

SVT Upgrade Lite
-SVT LIM ~75
-SVT UIM ~400
-SVT TB ~120
-TB Cable ~20
-TB Bracket ~40
-Gaskets ~100
=$755, minimal labour (very easy)
Added by DanG: Total power increase expected: 5-8hp more at the crank

SVT Upgrade 90%
-SVT LIM ~75
-SVT UIM ~400
-SVT TB ~120
-TB Cable ~20
-TB Bracket ~40
-Gaskets ~150
-SVT Cams ~300
-SVT 19# Injectors ~150
Added by DanG:
-SVT ECU to properly handle the 19# injectors & cams ~75
-PATS re-key at your local dealer to have the ECU recognize your keys ~50
=$1380, serious labour (engine timing = mucho work)
Added by DanG: Total power increase expected: 15-20hp more at the crank

SVT Upgrade FULL
-SVT LIM ~75
-SVT UIM ~400
-SVT TB ~120
-TB Cable ~20
-TB Bracket ~40
-Gaskets ~250
-SVT Heads & Cams ~450
-SVT 19# Injectors ~150
-SVT Pistons ~150
Added by DanG:
-New rings, block hone (must do if changing pistons- Realizing that you've torn the complete engine down and handed it to a machine shop for this kind of work) ~400-500 with labor
-SVT ECU to properly handle the 19# injectors, pistons, & cams ~75
-PATS re-key at your local dealer to have the ECU recognize your keys ~50
~$2280, SERIOUS labour
Added by DanG: Total power increase expected: Full 30hp at the crank if using 2000 SVT pistons (10.25:1)- 25hp if using '98 or '99s (10.0:1)

Added by DanG: For the last case, your best bet is to just drop in a full SVT motor from a junkyard, the SVT ECU from same. Ensure that anytime you swap ECUs that the replacement one is from the same fuel system type- '98 and '99 SVT ECUs are for return-style Cougars- 2000 only is returnless. In either case, the block bosses are identical, so no transmission mating issues exist.

Added by DanG: Also note that anything beyong "SVT Upgrade Lite" will require running premium fuel forevermore.

In all cases, deduct $75 if you have a Cougar built after 5/8/99, as it will already include an SVT-spec manifold.

<u>ATX Users:</u>
A request from a member asked what is needed if you have an ATX Cougar performing the "SVT Upgrade Lite" mods:
-You will need a cruise control cable instead of a throttle body cable. The ATX Cougars have identical throttle cables to the SVT Contours, whereas the MTXs have the same cruise control cables as the SVT Contour. So either way, you need a cable- It just depends on your transaxle type as to which you need.

[DreamNforSpeed]

My little contribution - I did the SVT Lite upgrade to my 99 and with a dyno tuned superchip (around $700) thrown in (for the injectors - I spliced larger ones in and that was easier than going backwards to 17s) I saw +15 hp and torque at the wheels.

[NorCalCoug]

You won't need a cruise control cable for an ATX unless you actually have cruise control.

[BobKaBob]

I just read this FAQ and I must disagree with the ATX comments. Any ATX can get these mods, however a chip (superchips, diablo sport, etc...) will be required to accomidate for injectors, instead of the SVT ECU... other than that everything else looks


Hey, I have an ATX, I gotta stand up for us ATXers if noone else will

[Topik]

well i think he means its possible but it wouldn't be a "true SVT"

[BobKaBob]

'true svt' or not, the post makes it sound like you can not put a complete svt engine in an ATX.. period. do not pass go, do not collect $200

[drunkenmonk24]

Will the Svt Motor swap right in, besides the return - returnless issue??

[DanG]

Guys, girls. Please. READ the post. The exact quote, cut and pasted:

"Please note that anyone with an ATX CANNOT go beyond "SVT Upgrade Lite" and not have issues with the PCM"

This means only that those with ATXs need to take the ECU into account, since no SVT ECU has the ATX controlling code. BobKaBob, your quote that "the post makes it sound like you can not put a complete svt engine in an ATX.. period" just isn't true!

Please read!

The return/returnless issue is immaterial. Please read the FAQ- '98 and '99 SVTs were return-style, '00s were returnless. That tells you what year SVT engine/ECU (or just swap the fuel rail and injectors to match your car) you need.

[UserDrew]

After going through with the SVT full upgrade, I *should* be able to use aftermarket part's such as headers, exhaust system or intake, right?

[DanG]

Other bolt-ons remain unaffected. It's the same as modding a real SVT Contour.