I have a 1998 contour V6 with a manual transmission that grinds into 3rd gear. Can this be replaced by a 2000 contour transmission, if so what difficulties might there be in swapping the transmission?

yes, its a straight swap. 95-97 contour/mystiques used a rod shift while the 98-00 contiques used a cable shift. Just make sure its out of another V6 98-00 contour. The zetec has a different bellhousing.

Thanks for the reply.