Looking at buying a Cougar..

[CBad]

Hi I'm new but I don't own a Cougar (yet). I currently drive a 1995 Grand Prix (nice car) but the transmission is eating itself so I'm trying to sell it.

Anyways, I'm looking at the V6/5-speed cause they look like a nice stylish fun car.

Few questions:

How hard are these engines to work on? I've worked on GM V6s (the 2.8 and 3100 V6), and I know that the 3.4DOHC GM engine is a harder engine to work on. It has a timing BELT rather than a chain (which the 2.5 engine has right?). They also have the alternator on the back of the engine which takes alot of labor to replace! I've read that article about the Duratec engines and they do sound like a good engine though, but any little things I'd like to know about..

Are there issues with the brakes, hubs, transmission (5-speed) etc? I've read that there was a recall for the fuel pump or something, not a big deal..

Lastly, wondering what the specs are for the V6. Did they made them in the 3.0 or just the 2.5? If so, which engine is better as far as reliability? I've read these cars can fly pretty good with top speeds of 130+, but what about 0-60 and 1/4 mile? I'm assuming there's gotta be some mods for these engines, since theres the SVT V6 and whatever (unlike the GM V6s, with the exception of the old 3.1 turbo and the supercharged 3.8).

I'm a car nut, I'd be using it as a daily driver so I probably wouldn't be spending ALOT on mods (but you never know.. lol)


Thanks
~Dave

[MaverickFlyer]

I use my Cougar as a daily driver also and can't complain, Much! I have put almost 96K Miles on it with little trouble. Fuel pump, Alternator, and Sunroofs are common problems. I have found working on the duratec is very easy. Yes, You can swap parts from the SVT Contour with little trouble. Its good to see you have done some research, but there is a lot more on this board that will answer all of your questions. Check out the 2.5L and 3.0L sections for more information.

Otherwise, go buy one they're a lot of fun!

Welcome to the best board! :thumbsup:

[CBad]

Well I test drove one today.. a 99 V6 MTX with 150,000km. Wasn't bad.. I'd say comparible in power to the 2.4 Alero/Cavalier 5-speeds which I have also drove. Although, I thought there would be more top end power out of the 2.5, but like I said it seems comparable. Didn't much care for the gearbox, tougher to shift ("clunky") than the Chevy ones (felt the same as a 98 ZX2 and 89 Mustang GT) but once I got used to it then it's not that bad. Did they have the same trans from 99-02? I just wonder cause I drove a Focus once and the 5-speed in that felt much nicer..

Anyways I'll have to think about the Cougar... they are nice but have their pros and cons as with any car...

[LostRacer]

Make sure you're lookig at the Sport package or else you'll end up governed :tongue:

[GrandMasterKhan]

you are right about the stiffness of the 99 and 00 5speeds. Ford revised the shift forks in the 01 and 02 cougars. (and focus) you can install these revised parts if your hardcore enough to pull the tranny.

The SVT 2.5L in the Contour is a direct swap a 3.0L duratec is an excellent engine with plenty of potential.

there is a 3.0 duratec which is an excellent choice as an engine swap option for a 99-02 cougar (5speed or auto).. The 3.0 duratec responds Very well to mods and can make Alot of power if you tweak it with the right parts.

I am not sure if thats a direction you wish to go but always keep it in mind.

The Duratec engine (2.5L or 3.0L) are very strong...the accessories attached to them however are the toublesome part. The Alternator is a PTA to replace as it is in the back and Bottom of the engine similar to your situation with the 3.4L you had. Yes your are correct. A Timing Chain is used on the V6 duratec. Working in the engine bay can be tight, but over all not too bad.

A stock 5speed cougar is good for about 7.8-8.5 0-60 and mid 15Sec 1/4 mile with a good driver.


Other than the alternator the sunroofs on the 99-00 are prone to break and are EXPENSIVE to replace. So avoid 99 and 00 cougars with sunroofs.

I might also note that if your looking to buy a cougar. There is NO OTHER OPTION than a 5speed. The automatic transmission sapps all the life out of what is usually a very good engine. If you cant find a 5speed cougar. Look harder or just wait.

Other than those 3 things the cougars do Very well.