Blower install on high mileage car

[Avenger]

Alright guys, I've read the rules and know this isn't a Cougar but I would really like your input on this one as we're basically sharing the same engine. I didn't know if I should post this in Forced Induction or 2.5L Duratec Performance section as it is a mix of a few questions...

Anyway, here's my situation.

I bought a 98 Contour SVT a few months ago and I'm thinking about making an offer on a brand new Vortech kit that has been sitting in a box for the last two years.

With that said, keep in mind that my car has 100k miles on the clock and that my transmission is hard to get into gears when it's cold outside. Right now, the car doesn't pull as hard as it should. In fact, it feels like a dog... Peak HP is supposted to be at 6600RPM but it's falling on its face above 6000RPM. From the reading I've done on www.coutour.org, I know I have to clean the Upper / Lower intake manifold to get it back in shape. Considering cleaning the intake would bring the car back to life, here are a few questions for you guys:

1) What kind of options do I have as far as transmission goes ? Rebuild ? Would a 3.0L transmission bolt to the 2.5L block ?

2) Has Vortech's revised design been proven reliable ?

3) Since the kit I'm looking at is for the returnless fuel system (99-00 Contours / Cougars), will getting my hands on the appropriate FMU and fuel pump be difficult?

4) I already have a price in mind but would like to know at what price would such a kit be too interesting for you to pass ?

BTW, don't tell me to drop a 3.0L in there, my main car is a 2003 Cobra and I'm already spending way too much money on the Stang to spend 5k+ on the Contour :lol:

Thanks for your input, appreciated !

[wadespencer99]

Originally Posted by Avenger

1) What kind of options do I have as far as transmission goes ? Rebuild ? Would a 3.0L transmission bolt to the 2.5L block ?

A guy named Terry Haines can beef it up for you. You can find him at FordContour.Org - FCO Portal. You can also do it yourself with a how-to that is on CEG. I would at least add a limited slip differential from Quaiffe or Torsen, as you will waste the stock one in no time.

There isn't a manual 3.0 transaxle that will fit, as far as I know. Your existing MTX-75 is about the only option you have.

Originally Posted by Avenger

2) Has Vortech's revised design been proven reliable ?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Avenger

3) Since the kit I'm looking at is for the returnless fuel system (99-00 Contours / Cougars), will getting my hands on the appropriate FMU and fuel pump be difficult?

Your 98 CSVT is return style...I wouldn't try and switch the car to returnless. Can the kit be modified for a return style vehicle?

Originally Posted by Avenger

4) I already have a price in mind but would like to know at what price would such a kit be too interesting for you to pass ?

If it's more than 100 bucks, turn it down and forward me their contact info

Originally Posted by Avenger

BTW, don't tell me to drop a 3.0L in there, my main car is a 2003 Cobra and I'm already spending way too much money on the Stang to spend 5k+ on the Contour :lol:

Thanks for your input, appreciated !

Send me the Cobra, too


All in all, I'd do compression and leakdown tests on the engine before I bought the kit to see what kind of shape it's in internally. I'd probably pull the engine and transaxle, add an LSD, better clutch/flywheel kit, headers, and replace any leaky gaskets. You should probably add the updated oil pan as well, just for peace of mind. Have the LIM, UIM, and TB cleaned up and go from there.

Good luck.

[FastCougar]

Boosting a tired engine is a receipt for dropping more money into the car when you have rebuild the engine in 3 months. Regardless of your engine choice, be it forced induced 2.5L or 3L, the trans needs to be serviced and fitted with an ATB (LSD). With 100K on the clock, I would just send it to Terry Haines and tell him your plans ... he will not steer you wrong. At a minimum, I would get the keyed tower modification, roller bearing forks & Quaife install.

As for the engine, you can do a straight 3L swap pretty cheaply. Combined with the trans work (required regardless), you should be able to stick to a 3-4K budget if you do the engine work yourself. If that's not what you want to hear, you will still be ill advised to supercharge your 2.5L with 100K on the clock. It will wear MUCH faster and since it's already "tired", I wouldn't give it long to live (depending on a leak-down test).

[FastCougar]

There are quite a few members on here/CEG/FCO that specialize in these 3L swaps and can help get you on the road if you can't do the work yourself. They charge very little compared to a shop, but still do a good/great job. Where are you located?

[Avenger]

Wade, I don't want to make my car returnless, I would buy the required FMU and fuel pump to make the kit work on a return style car. Returnless kit includes new injectors, return kit includes FMU and fuel pump upgrade.

FastCougar, I'm in Quebec, Canada. I can definitely tackle an engine swap. It's just that I bought the car as a daily driver and would like to make it a bit more fun without spending $4k. I'll be doing a compression test. I also know what's a leakdown test but would like to know what tools are required to see if I should try doing it myself.

[FastCougar]

Search Summit Racing for leak down tester ... requires an air compressor to use the tool.

Leak Down Tester Instructions

[Avenger]

Alright, thanks. What's an acceptable leakdown result for an engine in good condition ?

I would also like a bit more information about your car. Are the numbers at the crank or at the wheels ? Any 1/4 mile times ? Definitely looks like a nice car !!

Thanks for the help, will post my results.

[FastCougar]

Originally Posted by Avenger

Alright, thanks. What's an acceptable leakdown result for an engine in good condition ?

I would also like a bit more information about your car. Are the numbers at the crank or at the wheels ? Any 1/4 mile times ? Definitely looks like a nice car !!

Thanks for the help, will post my results.

Thanks ... the numbers are from a Mustang Dyno and are at the wheels. No 1/4 mile times and probably never will visit the drag strip (too hard on trans/axles).

[Avenger]

Any idea on the leakdown results ?

So you made 391whp @ 11psi on a Mustang Dyno ? If so, that is impressive ! Any head work / cams ? Is there any way to have the car hook on the street below third gear ?? Bet it would trap north of 120mph in the quarter...

Edit: After going through your thread, I must say I'm really impressed by the work you've done on that car.