Below is a table that contains the specifications for a 1998 SVT Contour (E0) versus a 1998 SE Contour (with the V6/mtx setup). Basically, this document describes what was changed/enhanced for the SVT Contour from the SE model.

Note that these specifications were taken from various internet, magazine, and Ford sources. If something is incorrect, please e-mail me and let me know.

Here is a brief table of contents...

• Begin
• General
• Warranties
• Enginge
• Structure/Body
• Drivetrain
• Wheels & Tires
• Suspension
• Steering
• Brakes
• Amenities
• Color & Trim
• Dimensions, Capacities, etc.
• Performance
• End
• Complete list of Fluid Capacities, Fuses, Etc.

Begin Specifications	'98 SVT Contour (E0)	'98 Contour SE (V6-mtx)
General
Vehicle Type	Five-passenger/four-door	same
EPA Class	Compact	same
Platform Designation	CDW27	same
Built	Kansas City Assembly - Claycomo, Missouri, USA (Each individually inspected by SVT)	Kansas City Assembly - Claycomo, Missouri, USA Mexico Assembly - Cuautitlan, Mexico
Dealership (sold at)	SVT-qualified dealerships (~730)	All Ford dealerships (~4800)
Production Run	5000 (limited)	? (unlimited)
Cost	Invoice: $20,375 MSRP: $22,365 Destination Charge: $535 Dealer Hold Back: 3% of the Total MSRP	Invoice: $14,585 MSRP: $15,955 Destination Charge: $535 Dealer Hold Back: 3% of the Total MSRP
Competition	Audi A4 2.8 BMW 328i Nissan Maxima SE Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Volkswagen Jetta GLX	Pontiac Grand Am Acura Integra GS-R BMW 318ti Chevrolet Malibu Dodge Stratus ES Nissan Altima SE
Warranties
Basic	3 yr./36000 mi.	same
Drivetrain	3 yr./36000 mi.	same
Rust	5 yr./unlimited mi.	same
24/7 Roadside Assistance	3 yr./36000 mi.	same
Dealership (service)	Any Ford authorized service center	same
Engine
Name	Duratec	same
Configuration	Transversely mounted, 60-degree V6, cast aluminum-alloy block and heads (Cosworth Casting Technology), iron cylinder liners, fully counterweighted forged steel crankshaft, crankshaft windage tray, crankshaft's bearing journals induction hardened, aluminum-alloy main bearing inserts and rod bearing inserts, lightened modular-iron flywheel (2 lbs. lighter), sinter-forged alloy connecting rods, specially design aluminum-alloy pistons, fully floating piston pins, structural aluminum-alloy oil pan	Transversely mounted, 60-degree V6, cast aluminum-alloy block and heads (Cosworth Casting Technology), iron cylinder liners, fully counterweighted forged steel crankshaft, crankshaft windage tray, crankshaft's bearing journals induction hardened, sinter-forged alloy connecting rods, aluminum-alloy main bearing inserts and rod bearing inserts, structural aluminum-alloy oil pan
Bore x Stroke	82.4mm (3.24") Bore x 79.5mm (3.13") Stroke	same
Displacement	2.5 liter/2544cc/155cid	same
Compression Ratio	10.0:1	9.7:1
Horsepower	195 hp @ 6625 RPM	170 hp @ 6250 RPM
Horsepower (at the wheels)	165 hp @ 6600 RPM (measured by CEG member)	142 hp @ 6000 RPM (measured by CEG member)
Torque	165 lb./ft. @ 5625 RPM	165 lb./ft. @ 4250 RPM
Torque (at the wheels)	148 lb./ft. @ (2700 and 4400) RPM (measured by CEG member)	154.1 ft-lbs @ 2600 RPM (measured by CEG member - modified exhaust)
Redline	6750 RPM (fuel shut-off at 7000 RPM)	same
Specific Output	76.6 hp per liter	68 hp per liter
Weight/horsepower	15.8 lbs. per hp	18.2 lbs. per hp
Fuel System	Ford EEC-V engine-control system, Sequential electronic multiport fuel injection	same
Fuel Injectors	19 lb./hr. @ 55PSI	same
Valvetrain	Double overhead cams (hollow camshafts), cam-lobes made with high chromium content to reduce wear, 250-degrees advance on primary lobe, chain-drive, cam chains have hydraulic tensioners, roller finger followers with hydraulic valve-lash adjustment, ovate-wire valve springs, four valves per cylinder, four main bearings, larger butterfly port throttles (34mm) in its variable-length intake ports, extrude-honed secondary ports	Double overhead cams, 244-degrees advance on primary lobe, chain-drive, cam chains have hydraulic tensioners, roller finger followers with hydraulic valve-lash adjustment, four valves per cylinder, four main bearings
Extrude Honed	equalizes the diameter of the intake runners, when flowing both head and intake together this setup has produced a creditable 194 cfm at max-valve lift on the intake
Cylinder heads	Cast aluminum (with extrude honed secondary ports)	Cast Aluminum
Intake valves	2 per cylinder, 32mm head diameter	same
Intake manifold	Dual runner induction system, airflow-tuned upper intake, cast aluminum plenum chamber, extrude honed internal surfaces (plenum and intake runners)	Dual runner induction system, airflow-tuned upper intake, cast aluminum plenum chamber
Secondary intakes	Open at 3900 RPM (3400 RPM at WOT)	same
Exhaust valves	2 per cylinder, 26mm head diameter	same
Exhaust valve springs	Ovate-wire	same
Throttle body	60mm bore (2.36 in.)	50mm bore (1.97 in.)
Mass-air sensor	70mm diameter	?
Exhaust manifolds	Steel tube (clamshell design)	same
Exhaust system	2.25 in. (57mm) quasi-dual (Y-spilt after the catalytic converter & the resonator) stainless steel, 2.5 in. (63.5mm) polished stainless steel tips, 40% less back pressure at 6000 RPM	2.0 in. (50.8mm) Stainless steel single exhaust
Oil Cooler	Water-to-Oil Cooler mounted to left side of engine block with the oil filter mounted on its end, water returning from the radiator to the engine block first runs through the cooler	None
Radiator	44mm deep fins (from European Mondeo), redesigned front fascia allows more air in for better cooling (50% larger opening), pair of 25 in. "euro" cooling fans	28mm deep fins
Air Filter	Special conically shaped high-performance air filter (30% less restrictive intake)	Standard box shaped air filter
Firing Order (Cylinders)	1-4-2-5-3-6	same
Idle Speed	750 rpm (Not adjustable, computer controlled)	? rpm (Not adjustable, computer controlled)
Future Wish-list	"Ford designed the heads on the Duratec to incorporate variable valve timing if needed in the future." (from CEG member)	same
Structure/Body
Structure	Steel unibody	same
Coefficient of Drag (Cd.)	0.31	?
Drivetrain
Layout	Front-engine/front-wheel-drive sedan	same
Final drive	4.06:1	same
Transaxle	Five-speed manual (MTX-75, not the heavy duty version), short throw shifter, two spider gears, synchronized reverse gear	same
Clutch	upgraded - new springs and friction material
Driveshaft	Steel, with hardened yoke	same
Gearing	Gear Ratio Overall Ratio (RPM)Speed 1st 3.42:1 13.89:1 (6750) 35 mph (56 kph) 2nd 2.14:1 8.69:1 (6750) 56 mph (90 kph) 3rd 1.45:1 5.89:1 (6750) 82 mph (132 kph) 4th 1.03:1 4.18:1 (6750) 117 mph (188 kph) 5th 0.77:1 3.13:1 (6310 est) 143 mph (230 kph) Reverse 3.42:1
Wheels & Tires
Wheels	16x6.5 in. (406mm x 165mm), cast-aluminum, painted surface, 5-spoke, 49.5mm offset	15x6.5 aluminum alloy
Tires	P205/55ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GS-C, uni-directional tread pattern	P205/60TR15 Steel-Belted radial, all-season
Suspension
Front	MacPherson strut, lower A-arms, coil springs (with recalibrated -stiffer- spring curves), tube shock dampers (re-valved for SVT), unique 19mm stabilizer bar	MacPherson strut, lower A-arms, coil springs, tube shock dampers, 20mm stabilizer bar
Rear	Independent Quadra link design, strut (re-valved shocks for SVT), with one lower trailing arm, two transverse links, coil spring, 18mm stabilizer bar, design allows small amount of passive rear-wheel steer	Independent Quadra link design, strut, with one lower trailing arm, two transverse links, coil spring, 18mm stabilizer bar, design allows small amount of passive rear-wheel steer
Steering
Type	Power assist, rack & pinion	same
Gear Ratio	14.5:1 (on center)	same
Turns, lock to lock	2.7	same
Turning diameter	38.4 ft.	same
Brakes
Pedal	vacuum power assist	same
Front	10.94-in.(278mm) vented discs, single-piston caliper, swept area 232 in.2 (20.8% more), dacronet-plated (prevents rust on unswept areas)	10.2-in.(259.1mm) vented discs, single-piston caliper, swept area 192 in.2
Rear	9.88-in. (251mm) vented disc, single-piston caliper, swept area 152 in.2, dacronet-plated (prevents rust on unswept areas)	9.88-in. (251mm) vented disc, single-piston caliper, swept area 152 in.2
ABS	Ford 4-channel/4-sensor system, modulates and adjusts each of the four calipers every 10 milliseconds	same
Amenities
Included	Supplemental restraint system: Driver- and passenger-side (air bags) "Safety Cell" structure Anti-Lock Brake System Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)(disables ignition when activated) Articulated sport seats (10-way power for driver) with leather/vinyl trim. Includes adjustable lumbar support. White-faced guage cluster SVT suspension tuning Special SVT body/ground effects kit Air-conditioning/manual control Inner-aiming head lamps Premium Electronic AM/FM stereo cassette Power Equipment Group: Duel electric remote control mirrors, power side windows, power door locks, power antenna Rear window defroster Speed control Front floor mats Dual illuminated visor mirrors Remote keyless illuminated entry Particulate air filtration system Tilt Steering Column 60/40 split fold-down rear seat (releases located in trunk for safety) Variable-timed interval windshield wipers Remote decklid release Height adjustable front seat belts Child-proof rear doors Rear center 3 point belt Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped shift knob 5 mph front/rear bumpers No spoiler available	?
Optional	Electronic AM/FM stereo with compact disc player Power moonroof with sliding sunshade	?
Color & Trim
Exterior	Black Clearcoat, Silver Frost Clearcoat Metallic, Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic	?
Interior	Midnight Blue Interior, Perforated leather seating surfaces	?
Dimensions, Capacities, etc.
Wheelbase	106.5 in. (2705mm)	same
Length	183.9 in. (4671mm)	same
Height	54.5 in. (1384mm)	same
Width	69.1 in. (1755mm)	same
Ground Clearance	6.1 in. (156mm)	8.2 in. (208mm)
Track, F/R	59.2 in./58.5 in. (1504mm/1486mm)	same
Passenger Volume (front/rear)	52 ft.3/39 ft.3	same
Head Room, F/R	39.0 in./35.0 in. (991mm/889mm)	same
Shoulder Room, F/R	53.9 in./53.3 in.	same
Hip Room, F/R	50.7 in./45.5 in.	same
Leg Room, F/R	42.4 in./34.3 in.	same
Seatback adjustment, Front	85 degrees	same
Seat travel, Front	8.5 in.	same
Curb Weight	3068 lbs. (1393kg)	3030 lbs. (1374kg)
Weight Distribution, F/R, %	63/37	same
Towing Capacity (Std/Max)	1000 lb./1000 lb.	?
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal. (54.8 liters)	same
Trunk volume	13.9 ft.3	same
Oil Pressure	20 to 45 PSI (at 1500 RPM (hot))	same
Spark Plugs	Type: Motorcraft AZFS-22pp Gap: 0.050 inch	same
Radiator Cap opening pressure	16 PSI	same
Fuel Filter	Motorcraft FG-800A	same
Headlights	9005 (high beam), 9006 (low beam)	same
Battery	55 AH maintenance-free	same
Alternator	130 Amp	same
Tune-Up Interval	100,000 miles (under normal driving conditions with routine fluid and filter changes)	same
Engine Oil	5.5 quarts	same
Cooling System	9.1 quarts	same
MTX	8.9 quarts	same
Fuel (type)	91 octane	87 octane
Performance
0-30 mph	2.5 sec.	?
0-40 mph	3.8 sec.	?
0-50 mph	5.2 sec.	?
0-60 mph	7.9 sec. (officially) 7.1 sec. (un-officially)	8.1 sec. (officially) 7.7 sec. (un-officially)
0-100 kph	8.3 sec.	?
0-70 mph	9.3 sec.	?
0-80 mph	11.6 sec.	?
0-90 mph	14.8 sec.	?
0-100 mph	18.8 sec.	21.8 sec.
0-120 mph	33.3 sec.	?
Street start, 5-60 mph	8.0 sec.	8.1 sec.
top gear, 30-50 mph	9.6 sec.	?
top gear, 50-70 mph	9.9 sec.	?
0-100 ft.	3.3 sec.	?
0-500 ft.	8.4 sec.	?
0-1320 ft., Quarter mile	15.7 sec. @ 88.7 mph (officially) 15.4 sec. @ 91.5 mph (un-officially)	15.9 sec. @ 88 mph
Top Speed	143 mph (drag limited) (officially) 150+ (unofficially, from CEG member)	112 mph (governed limited)
Braking, 60-0 mph	129 ft.	?
Braking, 70-0 mph	164 ft.	188 ft.
Braking, 80-0 mph	228 ft.	?
Braking, 100-0 mph	351 ft.	?
Slalom, 100 ft. gates	64.8 mph	?
600 ft. slalom	67.7 mph	?
200 ft. skidpad	0.84g	?
300 ft. skidpad	?	0.80g
Handling Balance	mild/moderate understeer	?
Emergency lane change maneuver	63.3 mph	?
Interior sound level	idle 50 dBA full throttle 78 dBA 50-mph cruising 66 dBA 70-mph cruising 72 dBA 70-mph coasting 71 dBA	?
Engine RPM at cruising	2650 rpm (5th gear @ 60mph) 3490 rpm (5th gear @ 80mph)	?
EPA fuel economy (City/Hwy)	20 mpg/29 mpg	24 mpg/35 mpg
Range in Miles (City/Hwy)	290 mi./421 mi.	348 mi./508 mi.
Crash Test Results	Driver Rating = very good Passenger Rating = good	Driver Rating = very good Passenger Rating = good
End Specifications	'98 SVT Contour (E0)	'98 Contour SE (V6-mtx)

 
Much of the following list was compiled for a 1998 Contour SE w/2.5L, though the information should pertain to most Contours. Special Thanks to Wes Jang ( 98 SE Sport ) and CEG for sharing this list. The list has been modified by Ryan Wood to include more information.

IGNITION

Spark plug

AWSF-32F Motorcraft

AWSF-32PP Motorcraft, Platinum

APP5344 Autolite

4458 Bosch Platinum +4

Spark plug gap - 1.3mm

Firing order - 1,4,2,5,3,6

Spark plug wires:

Magnecor - 483-65153 (SP Motorsports p/n)

Taylor - 072607

Motorcraft 9mm

M-12259-C625 (Blue)

M-12259-R625 (Red)

M-12259-Y625 (Yellow)

FILTERS

Oil filter - FL-820 or FL-820S Motorcraft

Fuel filter - FG-800A Motorcraft

Air filter

FA-1613 Motorcraft

CA7737 Fram

E-0998 K&N (SVT)

33-2115 K&N (non-SVT)

Passenger compartment air filter

FP4 Ford

C14860 Purolator

OIL

Engine oil 5w-30

with filter 5.5 liter (5.8 qts)

without 5.0 liter (5.3 qts)

Manual Transmission oil, Mercon ATF - 2.7 qts (2.6 liter)

Automatic Transmission oil, Mercon ATF - 10.2 qts (9.6 liter)

COOLING SYSTEM

9.5 liter (10.0 qts) Total capacity

9.7 liter (10.2 qts) with automatic transaxle

MISC.

Battery BXT-40R Motorcraft

PCV valve EV-152 Motorcraft

Fuel tank 61.5 liter (16.3 gallons)

Wiper Blades - Bosch or Anco;

driver's side is 22"

passenger side is 20"

Remote Keyless Entry batteries - CR-2016 (2 req.)

WHEELS/TIRES

Wheel lug nut torque - 62 lbs (revised to 90-100lbs by Ford)

Tires (your choice of speed rating):

w/15" wheels - 205/60 x 15 (24.69" dia.)

w/16" wheels - 215/50 x 16 (24.46" dia.)

w/17" wheels - 215/45 x 17 (24.61" dia.)

w/17" wheels - 235/40 x 17 (24.40" dia.)

LIGHT BULBS

Fog lamp bulb - Motorcraft F2DZ-13466-C

- Sylvania 893 (38W)(stock rating)

- Sylvania 885 (50W)

Front turn signal - 3457

Headlight, high beam - 9005

Headlight, low beam - HB4 (9006)

Rear tail/turn/brake lamp - 1157

Backup lamp - 1156

High mounted brake lamp - 2723

License plate lamp - C5W

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECS

FRONT:

Caster: (not adjustable, for info only)

Minimum: 1.4*

Maximum: 3.4*

Camber: (not adjustable, for info only)

Minimum: -1.9*

Maximum: 0.8*

Toe:

Minimum: -0.09*

Maximum: 0.09*

REAR:

Camber:

Minimum: -1.5*

Maximum: 0.5*

Toe:

Minimum: 0.00*

Maximum: 0.28*

FUSES

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUSE BOX

Fuse # - Amp - Color - Circuit

1 - 80 - Black - Main power

2 - 60 - Yellow - Engine cooling fan

3 - 60 - Yellow - ABS braking system, Heater blower motor

4 - 20 - Yellow - Daytime running lights

5 - 15 - Light Blue - Fog lamp

6 - Not used

7 - 20 - Yellow - ABS system

8 - Not used

9 - 20 - Light Blue - ECU

10 - 20 - Light Blue - Ignition switch

11 - 3 - Violet - ECU memory

12 - 15 - Light Blue - Horn, Hazard flasher warning system

13 - 20 - Yellow - Oxygen sensor

14 - 15 - Light Blue - Fuel pump

15 - 10 - Red - Low beam, passenger side

16 - 10 - Red - Low beam, driver's side

17 - 10 - Red - High beam, passenger side

18 - 10 - Red - High beam, driver's side

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FUSE BOX

Fuse # - Amp - Color - Circuit

19 - Not used

20 - 10 - Black - Wiper motors (circuit breaker)

21 - 40 - Orange - Power windows

22 - 7.5 - Brown - ABS module

23 - 15 - Light Blue - Backup lights

24 - 15 - Light Blue - Brake lights

25 - 20 - Yellow - Door locks

26 - 7.5 - Brown - Main light

27 - 15 - Light Blue - Cigarette lighter

28 - 30 - Light Green - Electric seats

29 - 30 - Light Green - Rear window defroster

30 - 7.5 - Brown - Engine management system

31 - 7.5 - Brown - Instrument panel illumination

32 - 7.5 - Brown - Radio

33 - 7.5 - Brown - Parking lamps - drivers side

34 - 7.5 - Brown - Interior lights, electric side mirrors, clock

35 - 7.5 - Brown - Parking lights - passenger side

36 - 10 - Red - Air bag

37 - 30 - Light Green - Heater blower motor

38 - Not used

RELAYS

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUSE BOX

Relay - Circuit

R1 - Daytime running lights

R2 - Radiator fan, high speed

R3 - Air conditioning

R4 - Air conditioning clutch

R5 - Radiator fan, low speed

R6 - Starter solenoid

R7 - Horn

R8 - Fuel pump

R9 - Headlight, low beam

R10 - Headlight, high beam

R11 - ECU module

D1 - Reverse voltage protection

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FUSE B0X

Relay - Circuit

R12 - Interior lighting

R13 - Rear window defroster

R14 - Heater blower motor

R15 - Wiper motor

R16 - Ignition

D2 - Reverse voltage protection

AUXILARY RELAYS (outside of fuse boxes)

Relay - Circuit - Location

R18 - One Touch window switch (driver only) - Drivers door

R20 - Not used

R21 - Not used

R22 - Foglights - Module bracket

R23 - Turn signals - Steering column

R24 - Panic alarm - drivers side, Door lock module bracket

R25 - Panic alarm - passenger side, Door lock module bracket

R26 - Not used