the tempature gauge goes a little below redline and l on normal also trany shifts hard into second gear intermittently smooth when cool i believe i have 2.5
in the car its the high output motor

You sure were talking about a contour here? Contour came stock with a 2.0L or a 2.5L.

your rite 2.5

listen to beyond loaded he helped me out when i had my 98 se 2.5l auto.
it has been a long time beyond loaded.