95 ford contour problems (please help)

Hi everyone im new to this site
but i have a 1995 ford contour and awhile ago it was overheating and we replaced the waterpump and now the radiator is cracked this car seems to be a big problem but i believe when it overheated we blew a headgasket because when we stop the car and it is in drive at a light the oil light comes on and the car begins to make a loud sound like a bus engine ( a loud kncoking sound and all and begins to shake) and sometimes it will even cut off but i dont really know the problem and i was just wondering if anyone could help me and how much it may cost to repair cause ive brought a radiator for 150 and a deacon at my church installs everything free of charge and it also shakes when its idle but i believe we may need a tune-up

i have a 1995 ford contour gl v6 24valve 2.5 liter

sounds like you could have warped the head when the car overheated. Not very typical, but its possible.

Loud knocking could be a rod bearing.

thanks alot i seeu be helpin err bodi out
are u talkin bout the header cause i was told i might need a new converter due to a build up in the exhaust i also believe i blew a head gasket and i was told i need a gasket for both sides cause i have a v6 6 cylinder and does anyone know a site for good performance parts for a 95 ford contour v6 2.5 liter 6 cylinder engine

thanks alot i seeu be helpin err bodi out
are u talkin bout the header cause i was told i might need a new converter due to a build up in the exhaust i also believe i blew a head gasket and i was told i need a gasket for both sides cause i have a v6 6 cylinder and does anyone know a site for good performance parts for a 95 ford contour v6 2.5 liter 6 cylinder engine

I didnt mention anything about the header? http://boards.collectors-society.com/images//graemlins/confused-smiley-013.gif I mean, its possible you could have a clogged main cat, but that really has nothing to do with your overheating issue or knocking noise.

Its up to you whether you want to replace both head gaskets. You should be able to tell just by inspecting them which one is warped or which head gasket is blown. Is the coolant brown from oil mixing with the coolant? Thats one of the main signs of a blown headgasket. Expect to pay about $1000-1500 for the replacement of head gaskets. Its not a fun job. It would almost be easier to just pull the engine out and replace them that way.

Yes, many performance companies out there. www.spmotorsports.com, www.arizonadynochip.com, etc. www.contour.org gives a comprehensive list of all the companies that sell aftermarket parts.

well the coolant isnt brown or anything but the oil kinda sorta was when i changed it but it had been in there for awhile and hopefully it isnt tha headgaskets but im going to have that converter replaced and get a metal empellar for that water pump and also have my radiator tooken care of and that should fix all my problems and once i have those fixed i plan on lowering it and throwing some performance parts on it and this nice body kit i seen