Hello all,
I have a 97 Contour with the 4CYL engine- and it runs like shit. My check engine light came on, got a new O2 sensor and for 5 mins the light stays off- after that 5 mins, it has permanetly stayed on. Can't get it off!!! I hate the way it sounds (very weird and high pitched buzzing), and its pickup, and almost everything about it- cept for the occasional 32 MPG... I love its handling- how it hugs the road. But anyway, I want to know if its possible to put in a V6??? I know they have an optional V6 (2.5) and I haven't driven one yet, but I wanted to put in a Ford Taurus 3.0L engine. They are great engines and are powerful and I love them (for a nice family car- but would love to get a new V8 Firebird- like my mom!). But lets say I get the 2.5L, what would I have to do to the tranny? Do I need a different one- I mean, I JUST bought an $1800 tranny w/warranty for this nice car, but I am just so stubborn about this engine replacement. But if someone could also help me on this one other issue, I was wondering what might be the solution to the vehicles exhaust leaking into the car heating/AC??? It did it over the summer and I thought it was the O2 sensor- wrong... do I have a hole in the exhaust? Its not loud at all!!! NOTE- important, it only "leaks" into the system when the car is not moving or not moving fast. On the expressway it won't leak, but in stop and go traffic, I might be dead from poisoning! In addition, the car almost stalls when idleing- in gear or not, but usually when warming up. What could that be???
Please help everyone!!! Its very appreciative...

Give "Beyondloadedse" a ring, he's doing a motor swap that should put most V8's to shame!

Good luck

How would I get in contact with this fellow- im new to this group. Also, do you think that the 3.0L (Duratech or VULCAN) can fit into my Contour? Here is why I think it might work- the Tempo had the same 4CYL engine as the Contour, and the Tempo had the optional 3.0L Vulcan- so why wouldn't the Contour be able to fit the 3.0L Vulcan? I don't want to buy a Taurus because I don't think that they are to youth oriented and I LOVE how my contour looks (but would like to upgrade some minor things: factory skirts, rear spoiler and leather power seats!) Thanks for all your help!

You can swap your motor with the 3.0 from the taurus. Its being done everywhere!!

exhaust in no way is connected with the ac/heatin ducts. most likely you have a hole or leak in the exhaust systems that is making its way inside. have system checked. for the check engine light you have a sensor problem.most likely the throttle position sensor. find the air cleaner,follow the plastic duct to it meets the engine.in that area you will find the tp sensor(3 wires),about ten dollars. alot of parts stores now will pull trouble codes for free. Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, etc. remember if you fix it,to get the light to go out, you have to go back and get the computer reset or wait 57 starts.

You can swap your motor with the 3.0 from the taurus. Its being done everywhere!!

I heard that it would be VERY expensive and more so, very hard to swap any motor other than another 4CYL Ford in there... Should I take a look at the vulcan or Duratech... I like them both- more so the Vulcan for gas purposes though. What should I do?

I heard that it would be VERY expensive and more so, very hard to swap any motor other than another 4CYL Ford in there... Should I take a look at the vulcan or Duratech... I like them both- more so the Vulcan for gas purposes though. What should I do?

Yes, your probably right that this would be a 'hard' swap considering your starting with a zetec. If you already had the V6 duratec that would have made things a lot easier as its pretty much an easy straight swap. The hardest part is the valvetrain imo which isnt too bad along as you have a couple hands to make sure the cams dont go flying out of their journals. But with having the 4 cylinder zetec, the bellhousing, motor mounts, trans mount, axle shafts, etc wont match up to a 3.0L. Its certainly possible, but more work than just replacing it with another zetec.