Stupid Question from a pretty dumb person...

How do you tell if a contour is a SVT? and What is the difference from the SVT and non-SVT version?

The only real way to verify is the VIN number. But assuming its a legit svt, just by looking at the car, the svt model has a different front and rear fascias and side skirts, quasi dual exhaust, different wheels, and different grills. Under the hood, by just looking the only differences between the engines of the svt and non svt 2.5L are the black upper intake manifold with svt plaque (opposed to the grey non svt upper), svt throttle body with oval svt sticker, and a conical air filter. Inside the car, all svts came with leather prarie tan or midnight blue leather. They came with different seat boltsters too. All svt's are 5 speeds. They also have white face gauges as well as leather shift boot and e-brake boot.

Heres a breakdown of the difference of the difference of what makes an svt contour, some of which the stuff was already mentioned.

SVT extrude honed Upper intake manifold
SVT lower intake manifold w/ larger bore butterflies
SVT 60mm TB
SVT Cams
SVT extrude honed cylinder heads
SVT 10:1 or 10.25:1 pistons
SVT conical filter
Lightened flywheel (2 lbs lighter than non svt)
Upgraded clutch
Upgraded suspension
Larger brake rotors
SVT quasi dual exhaust
Larger inlet catalytic convertor (2.25" vs 2")
SVT ECU
SVT front and rear fascias and side skirts
SVT wheels and tires
SVT mesh grills
Prarie tan or Midnight blue interior seats and doors.
SVT gauge cluster
SVT emblems, plaque on engine, H.0. badging on fenders, etc

Look for a P68 in the VIN. Visually the intake manifold is painted black, the throttle body and struts have SVT stickers on them. Stickers can fall off or the parts may have been replace. Intakes can be painted. The inteior has unique SVT front seats with 10-way power. Front and back are leather. The front floor mats have the SVT logo on them. The SVT came only with a five-speed manual. There are many other details, too many to mention. The SVT does not have a high enough value over other Contours for someone to create an accurate fake and still make a profit.

Thanks for all the help