Homepage : SVT Contour : My Modifications Page 1

• Current Modifications
  • Misc.
  • Complete Stereo System Upgrade (a work in progress)
  • Tires
  • Spoiler
  • Kurtz Kustomz True-Rev Sport Induction Kit (waiting to install)
  • PIAA Super White 9005/9006 Replacement Lights (on back-order)
  • Kurtz Billet Aluminum Pedal Set (waiting to install)
  • Radar Detector
  
  
• Future Modifications
  • Wheel Upgrade
  • Suspension Upgrade
  • Resonator Removal
  • Fog Light Replacement
  • Exhaust Replacement
  • Subframe Connectors
  • Computer Chip Replacement
  • Supercharger

A few misc. things that can/don't count as modifications to the car:

• At 10,000 miles, I switched from using dino-oil to using Mobil 1, 5W30 synthetic oil. Immediately I noticed a difference in the operating temperature of the car (the gauge has the word NORMAL on it, which is used to guestimate the temp). Before, the temp gauge would sit under the R or between the R and M (about 11-12 o'clock on the temp gauge). Now with the Mobil 1, the temp gauges pretty much stays around the O or between N and O (the 10 o'clock position on the gauge). While the Mobil 1 is more expensive, I think it will really help prolong the life of the engine.
  
  
• At every oil change (about 3,500 miles), I try to add some fuel injector/engine cleaner to the gas tank to keep things clean. From past experience and other people, what I use is Chevron's cleaners that include the Techron additive. While I really don't have any way to tell if this is good or not, it is what I use.
  
  
• Another modification that is popular among contour owner's (myself included) is the ability to turn on the fog lights without having to turn on the headlights also. Unfortunately, from the factory this cannot be done. But thanks to the contour FAQ I made this modification and can now turn on the fog lights with only the parking lights on. Much better. Some people have even turned the foglighs in to DRL's (Daytime Running Lights) although I am not quite that ambitious.
  
  
• About two weeks after getting the car, I had all four side windows and the rear window tinted. The side windows use 35% tint (legal) and the rear was done with 20%. I usually try to park the car so the back faces the sun, then it stays pretty cool in the car.
  
  

When I first bought the SVT, the first thing to be modified was the stereo. I had kept the stereo system out of my previous car and this system was promptly placed in the SVT. While this stereo system was definitely an above average system, it didn't take too long though before I wanted a stereo system that matches the car. A full blown competition ready system was the only thing that would match the SVT. So slowly, piece by piece, I am upgrading my current system with better things. Visit my Stereo Page to get a better understanding of the current stereo and what I want to do with it in the future.

Brief Description of my current stereo system:

• Clarion ARX7170 Cassette head unit
• Clarion CDC1205 12 disc CD Changer (mounted in the glove box)
• Clarion EQH5100 EQ
• Hifonics Taurus X (50Wx4) amplifier for the four speakers in the doors (actually 6 speakers)
• Kicker ZX460 (180Wx2) amp for the subs (I've hit 142.4Db with the sub volume turned way down!)
• 1/2 Farad Capacitor for the bass amp
• Clarion SRS1600 6.5 component system for the front doors
• Advent 6.5i ICT two way speakers for the rear doors
• (2) Kicker S15d's (2ohm model) in a 3.0ft³ sealed box behind the rear seat facing forwards

The planned system will consist of components from Kicker, Clarion Pro Audio, Stinger, EJ Jordan, and a few others. Check out the Stereo Page for a more in-depth description.

I absolutely loved the stock Goodyear GS-C's that came with the car. Although I haven't had much experience with Z-rated tires, they felt perfectly fine to me. Unfortunately, when it came time to replace them, Z-rated tires were not an option. Most all Z-rated tires offer no treadlife warranty and wear out fairly quick. Therefore, I needed to go with an H-rated tire. Looking around, I found many good deals, but I ended up choosing Firestone Firehawk SH30's. So far I have been very pleased with them. While I can tell some difference between the Z and H rating, for my driving style it does not make that big of a difference.

The Firehawk SH30's offer excellent grip and treadlife. I haven't regretted purchasing them yet. Click on the image to see some of the features of the SH30's.

Visit Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.

When I decided it was time to buy a Contour SVT, there was really only one that caught my eye. The local dealership had a toreador red SVT sitting on their lot with a spoiler already on it. The dealer had put it on there to try and help the car's rather bland image. The spoiler is not a standard contour spoiler. Some people have called it a "Bat-Wing" spoiler. I personally love it. And when the dealer threw it in for free when I bought the car, I couldn't turn it down.

I think the spoiler suits the SVT really well and doesn't look too gimmicky. At least it is different from every other contour spoiler that is out there.

It is time to replace the air filter (car currently has 28,000 miles on it). I know, I should have done it long, long ago but the stock filter doesn't look that bad. It is kinda black though and there are a few bugs in it. I would probably buy the K&N filter rather than replace the stock with and OEM replacement. But for a little bit more money than the K&N would cost, I am purchasing the True-Rev Sport Induction Kit from Kurtz Kustomz Mototsports. Many people on CEG (Contour Enthusiasts Group - internet mailing list) swear by this kit. Others aren't as enthusiastic. I will have to see when I get mine.

Included in the kit is a S&B QuickChange Filter, enclosed end cap for cold air induction, CNC machined billet mass air adapter, 100% silicone hose adapter, mounting bracket, and instructions. The kit replaces the stock air box/filter with an open air filter that also draws air from the fender like the stock unit (the induction part). I can't wait to get mine and try it out.

Visit Kurtz Kustomz Motorsports

The stock rubber covered pedals are a little slick. Every time my feet get wet, my feet slip right off the clutch and brake. To try and fix this problem, I have ordered a set of billet aluminum pedal covers from Kurtz Kustomz Motorsports. For the price, they aren't a bad deal, hopefully it will solve my problem and look nice doing it.

Visit Kurtz Kustomz Motorsports

I just replaced one of my fog lights because it burnt out. Rather than waiting for the headlights to go south also, I am going to replace them now. I am buying the new PIAA Super White bulbs and trying them out. PIAA claims better vision with them and better range. Note that these are not regular halogen bulbs painted blue or something to be cool. These bulbs are specially designed to produce a brighter, whiter light than regular halogen lamps. I am first buying the 9006 (low beams) to see if I like them. If I do, I will purchase the 9005 (high beams) also.

Oh, if you are thinking of getting some of these lights also, currently the 9006's are on massive backorder. You can search the internet and see if anyone has them in stock. If you want to wait, try ordering them from a local auto parts store (like Autozone or Pep Boys). Autozone is going to get me the 9005's for $52.47 and the 9006's for $59.96. On the internet, they cost a lot more plus S&H.

Recently my radar detector (an escort SOLO 4) started dying. It was time to buy a new one. While I would have loved to by a Valentine One, I just could not afford the $400 to get one. So I bought the next best thing (IMO), an Escort Passport 7500. So far I have been very pleased with it. Like the Valentine One, the 7500 can track up to 8 radar sources at once (2 K-band, 2 Ka-band, and 4 X-band) using its ExpertMeter display. Unlike the Valentine One, it shows you the signal strength for all 8 at once (see image at right, the taller the bar next to the band, the more of a threat it is). The only thing really the 7500 doesn't have is the forward/backward locator of the Valentine One and the Valentine's sensitivity (supposedly). For the money, the 7500 is a pretty good deal as far as I am concerned.

As I did with my SOLO, I have mounted the 7500 above my rearview mirror. Unfortunately the 7500 doesn't run on batteries. And I didn't want a cord hanging down the middle of my windshield. So I have concocted a power cord for the 7500 (it uses a telephone cable for the power cable) and hooked it into the dome lights for a permenant power connection.

Visit Escort, Inc.
For those with deeper pockets, visit Valentine Research, Inc.