9 replies to this topic

[Redlinez]

What's up and hello! I figured the other forum no longer exists, so looks like this is the only place for Contour enthusiasts. Been in the car business since 95 and worked as a service advisor at Ford for several of my early years. I know these cars having engine wiring harness issues. The owner says the check engine light comes on for a few minutes then goes off for weeks and the prior older owner said it has done it since new and Ford never could figure it out. Also seems to run a little rough and hesitates. He said the normal response of tune up with plugs. I suspect it has an intake leak. The ac is also out and the normal response is "it needs charging". Not true from my years of experience. I suspect the compressor or evaporator is bad. Any repetitive a/c issues on these cars?
Performance parts wise, I haven't found much for this car other than some BG S2 springs, Koni "suspension kit", and H&R springs. I know the 2.5 has had bottom end oiling issues, so I'm not looking to make it "fast", just more fun. I remember KKM intakes, but I'm guessing they're long gone. Any other affordable performance ideas? Anyone know where the SVT intake can be found? I gotta go look at the car to confirm the condition he says it's in and I may be a buyer.

[Redlinez]

Feel free to tell me if I'm crazy for thinking of buying it. It only has 72k miles on it though.

[BuckeyeSVT]

Hello and Welcome.

Wiring harnesses were a big problem unless the original owner had the replacements installed under the recall. A/C system normally the receiver/dryer rots out and leaks R134a. Performance wise the 95's are a little different from the newer models in front struts and such.. But most can be retrofitted without much issue.

SVT intakes are dirt cheap these days, one can be had on Craigslist or Ebay for $50.

-Dom

[Redlinez]

Cool. I guess I could get the vin and call my old Ford friends and see if the wiring harness was replaced. Once it has been, have they still had issues? I remember the insulation crumbling off was the issue. I absolutely loved how the 95-96 SE's drove even more than I did the svt's when they came out. I guess that's nuts.
A reciever dryer isn't a big deal, I hope that's all it is.

Edited by Redlinez, 27 January 2012 - 09:21 AM.

[blu_fuz]

I'll chime in because I have a 1995 V6 MTX.


Hopefully the '95 you are looking at has the wire harness recall done. It wouldn't be a deal breaker if it wasn't but it will save you a lot of time and hassle later if it's good.

I agree with you that the 95-97 V6 MTX drove even better or gave you a better feel than the svt's when they came out. Probably because the overall quality of parts seemed better, interior fit and finish was better, and the rod shift transmissions really give you a connected feeling......


I have had many SVT's that were mint, average, and just plain scrap but I always held onto my '95 and it's been 10+ years now!

They all have quirks, they all need some kind of repair, but if you plan to keep it this could be good for you if the price is low.


Good luck!

[Redlinez]

Called my friend at Ford and there's no info on whether the wiring recall was done. He reminded me that even when they had been, we still saw some issues a few years later and Ford wouldn't assist. The car only has 72k on it and he's asking $1600. With no a/c and it not running 100%, and the power seat broken, he knows it's not worth much. Who knows what it will take to fix. I kind of wanted something as a project car and I'm not finding much out there for it other than maybe finding some used SVT stuff. But they did drive fantastic like they were. My budget to buy a car was $1000 tops, keeping in mind it would be a project. I hate to drive an hour and a half to find even more stuff wrong.... you know how that goes. But finding the right car takes quite a bit of effort.

[Redlinez]

Best places to buy performance suspension and engine bolt on parts?

[Redlinez]

Is Batinc still in business and carrying the parts they list?

[Redlinez]

Looks like Contours are probably out for me. Not enough available for them anymore, and this one had cracks all in the wiring insulation and wouldn't hardly go over 45mph. It drove great, but with a check engine light supposedly coming on and off since new and the a/c and power seat broken, probably time to look for something else. $1400 was too much for what I'd have to deal with. Dang it, I love how they drive.

[royalblue]

I also have a 95 SE mtx v6 I love mine very much. Though the price you stated was kinda high
blu-fuz said best