Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options

Cougar Support Group - Modifications

1…5681011

Comments

  • esbrockesbrock Member Posts: 88
    I have been told by people that the Pacesetter seems to not be very loud. A friend of mine that was in the car one time said he could barely notice it. So maybe it being a little louder wouldn't be so bad. I need to look around on the Internet to find some glasspack wav files.
  • esbrockesbrock Member Posts: 88
    Has anyone replaced their headlamp bulbs with a higher output (hyper white) unit? If so, which brand did you go with, and how do you like them?
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    I haven't been happy with the state of available
    mods for the Contour/Mystique and Cougar.

    I would like you to fill out the survey at
    http://www.createsurvey.com/cgi-bin/pollfrm?s=382

    So I wonder what you are really interested in. I'm not gathering any personal information, just
    what you have, what you have spent, what you wanna
    spend, and what you wanna do, if anything at all.

    Cheers,

    TB
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    I just filled ou the survey on mods.

    Personally, I would be interested in the following:

    *Affordable headers.
    *A stainless steel dual muffler exhaust like the one available for the SVT Contour (I love the sound of the SVT exhaust).
    *A supercharger if it were affordable, and reliable.
    *Cross drilled brake rotors. (I plan on changing out my rotors when it comes time to replace my brakes. I really want cross drilled rotors, the he one's available on KKM's website are only slotted.


    As you can see other than the want for a reliable supercharger I don't really want a lot. I don't want to mess with my kitty's looks, and I think the suspension is fine the way it is. I wouldn't want it any rougher.
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    BAT would be www.batinc.net not .com

    Cheers,

    TB
  • tboner1965tboner1965 Member Posts: 647
    Check out SPMotorsports

    http://www.spmotorsports.com

    I purchased the Brembo/KVR Combination before all of the new choices were there.

    Essentially, the Cougar uses the same calipers as the standard Contour, but bigger rotors.

    So I'm sure there are parts there for you.

    Also, check with BAT, I believe www.batinc.com

    They have some British tuner parts, some may fit the kitty.

    Cheers,

    TB
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    Thanks TB, I will check the site out!
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    Did the KVR pads eliminate the brake dust problem, or at least minimize it?
  • esbrockesbrock Member Posts: 88
    After doing a little research and looking at the stock air box, I came to a conclusion. The IAT sensor is located in a bad spot on the KKM intake. The sensor should be in a direct location where the air passes through. If you look at the stock airbox, the sensor is located in an air way right under the filter. On the KKM intake, the sensor is placed in a tube way outside the air flow. This will cause erronious air temp readings, and cause the computer to compensate for it.

    Basically what I did to correct the situation is pull the plastic tube out of the side of the filter and insert the sensor directly into the hole. Now the sensor is directly in the path of the air flow and should read temps a lot cooler. To make the sensor fit properly, you have to clip some of the edge off the corner of the sensor. The tabs used to hold the sensor in place on the stock airbox, do the same thing on the soft rubber of the S&B filter. You may want to use a little RTV silicone to hold it in place, as a safety measure, but it is pretty secure without it.

    I test drive the car for a few miles last night and there were no ill effects to what I did. In fact, the car seemed to respond quite nicely. I will be keeping a close eye on it for the next couple of weeks to see if there are any performance benefits. Up north this may not do anything for you, but down here in the Texas heat the more accurate you can get the air temp to read the better. I can definatley detect a performance drop while driving in the summer compared to cooler seasons down here. Hopefully this will help. Can't wait until Fall starts and temps stay between 50 and 80 degrees. My cat loves to stretch its legs when it's cool outside.
  • esbrockesbrock Member Posts: 88
    I've been looking at sport coil springs and have narrowed my choices to either Eibach or H&R springs. Does anyone have any opinions on these brands? If you have upgraded springs installed, how do you like them? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I am also thinking about installing Eibach springs, but I can't seem to find anyone who has them. I want to know how ride quality and handling is effected.
  • jayhawk5jayhawk5 Member Posts: 70
    Hey- I just sold my house and made a little money. I was wondering if anyone in here could tell me the pros and cons of putting a supercharger in my cougar (I know it voids the warranty). I'm seriously thinking about doing it. What kind of cost am I looking at? I've heard around 3,000. Do those things have warranty's on them? I saw an article in some magazine last month where they supercharged a cougar and it gave out an extra 90 horsepower. I'm drooling right now! My cat with 260 hp!!! Anyway, any info would be helpful. Thanks.
  • esbrockesbrock Member Posts: 88
    Jay:

    I read the article about the supercharged Cougar and it appears that to reap the full benefit more work than just installing the blower needs to be done. The cougar in the article also had the Qualfie diff. and stronger motor mounts installed. It appears that the stock diff can't take the extra horses. So you might want to consider adding that to the cost. The motor mount cost about 20 bucks and the Qualfie around $1300. Good Luck on the mod, once its all done your car should ROCK. Let us know how it turns out.
  • jerryajerrya Member Posts: 6
    If you are going to try the egr block, be extremely cautious when removing the egr valve.On my car the bolts,which are steel threaded into the aluminum intake manifold, both broke off while being loosened! They are either very poor quality or, more likely, were cross threaded right from the factory. My car is in the shop now for repair. I hope the intake manifold doesn't have to be removed.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    I hope not either! Geez, what an undertaking. Keep us informed, but out of curiosity, why did your EGR valve have to be removed, JerryA?
  • jerryajerrya Member Posts: 6
    The valve must be removed to do the EGR modification.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    I figured, but what does the EGR do?

    (stupid question, right? Maybe my mind is failing me at a young age ...)

    ;^)
  • jerryajerrya Member Posts: 6
    The EGR valve recirculates exhaust gases into the intake manifold, reducing combustion temperatures and emissions. The modification reduces the amount of recirculated gas and supposedly improves throttle response and performance. See post #345.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Thanks JerryA. I remember now. Sorry about that brainfart ...

    :^)
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Jayhawk:
    Is there a supercharger available on the market for the Cougar? I know Paxton developed one, but from what I have heard they have not released it yet.
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    At this point, the only "mod" I've put on my kitty are small fish-eye mirrors on both side view mirrors. I live in an area of vicious traffic (as stageleft and jayhawk will confirm), and they help tremendously. Worth every penny of the $1.19 apiece I paid :)
  • 7thdeath007thdeath00 Member Posts: 1
    The only "mod" that i have put on my 99'Cougar was speed grill and two Borla pipes on it
  • esbrockesbrock Member Posts: 88
    I was thinking of replacing the stock headlamp bulbs with Phillips Cool Blue bulbs. I thought I remembered someone doing stating a while back that they installed them. Whoever that was, I would like to know how you like them. Was it worth the 30 dollars a pair?
  • daexpertdaexpert Member Posts: 140
    I also have a question. My Pacesetter FINALLY arrived at my house today so I'm going to try and get it installed sometime tomorrow. Should any shop be able to do the job? Would a place like Midas be a good place to go to or should I look for a performance shop, what do you guys think? I live in Norhtern VA by the way, thanks guys. I will keep you guys posted as to who much I liked (or hated) the pacesetter once installed. Thanks!
  • fredlyfredly Member Posts: 201
    daexpert,
    any greasemonkey with opposable thumbs and a wrench can do it....
    I'm assuming that the pacesetter, is like the borla and requires no welding...
  • daexpertdaexpert Member Posts: 140
    Fredly, any greasmonkey can do it, but it does not necessarily mean they'll do it right. I've had a couple of friends that have had "simple" setups screwed up, therefore, I wanted to know of a place that would not screw up my car. But the good news is that I got it installed and I love it. Just for the looks alone it's worth it, I really think that Cougars should come with dual-outlet tips, it looks great. The sounds is awesome as well, you can hear that it is definitely not stock, but it is not bothersome nor does it give you headaches from the deep droning other systems produce. I think it sort of has a European sound to it, but I guess everyone has their own opinion regarding that matter. I would recommend the Pacesetter, I'm not exactly sure how long it would last, but it also comes down to how long you plan to keep the car, and how much money you have to spend. Two thumbs up from me though! = )
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    That's great, Daexpert! Congrats on your new exhaust! Where did you end up getting it installed, BTW? I too, live in NOVA.
  • daexpertdaexpert Member Posts: 140
    Stageleft, I called around and got it installed a shop in Chantilly. The place is called Curry's Auto Service. When you go in there you see some awesome Porsches (spelling?) and some BMWs because that is their specialty, but they also work with Mustangs and with a 500hp Ford Lightning! They were very helpful, and promised me that the exhaust would be done that same day, so I dropped it in around 12 and it was done by 3:00 pm which is when they close. Btw, I'm still happy with the exhaust, can't get enough of that purr that the car produces now.
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    Hey Lefty!

    Where did you get your window tints done? I remember that you said you were happy with the job, and a fellow I know is going to need to have his tints stripped (too dark to pass inspection) and redone on the car he just got.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    I got them tinted at LA Tint in Sterling. The original shop I went to years ago is on Route 1 though, about halfway between the Multiplex Cinema and where Telegraph Rd. hit's Route 1. The guys there are really professional, and the metal-based tint is definately worth the extra $$, IMO. Plus, you can get a lifetime warrantee against scratches, peeling, accidental removal, window breakages and just about anything else you can think of, so you never have to pay twice for the same tint! Great deal, if you ask me.

    Have your friend check them out: www.latint.com
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    thanks lefty!
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Welcome! :^)
  • jjp2jjp2 Member Posts: 10
    I just had my pacesetter installed last weekend (local mechanic $45). It looks awesome, and sounds great. It's a lot louder than stock, though. So, I wouldn't reccommend putting on a louder muffler, like some people have suggested.
    Also, I have not noticed any performance degradation, as some people have claimed. In 5th gear, I am hitting the same speeds about 200 rpm quicker than I was with the stock setup
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I'm still debating this system. However, I'm leaning towards building my own Borla system.
  • daexpertdaexpert Member Posts: 140
    I'm still happy with the Pacesetter, and for the price, it can't get much better than that! Performance has not decreased, nor increased, it's more of a feel that you get when you hear the rumble of the exhaust, pretty cool.

    Has anyone here changed the bulbs to the Cougar's headlights? Did you get different ones, if so which ones? I think the ones that come with the car are a little crappy and don't help that much when it's rainy and dark outside.
  • lmigliorelmigliore Member Posts: 148
    jjp: I don't understand your comment about getting to the same speeds about 200 RPM quicker than stock. As far as I know, only a change of gearing will do that.
  • daexpertdaexpert Member Posts: 140
    Maybe jjp meant that the car revs up a bit faster than before?
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Actually, I've experienced about the same with my Borla. I think it has to do with the engine management system and how it deals with increased flow of gases. I remember when I had the stock exhaust, at 35mph the tachometer would register about 3200rpm, but with the Borla (and the KKM intake) it will cruise at 35mph at around 3000rpm. Is that what you're talking about Jjp?
  • jjp2jjp2 Member Posts: 10
    That is exactly what I meant stageleft. Previously, 65mph in 5th gear was 3000rpm, now it is ~2800rpm. That is the only really noticeable difference. It seems about the same as far as acceleration goes. It does sound nice, though, and the dual tips look really nice.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    So would it be safe to say that the engine isn't working as hard to move the car, therefore there is more power available?
  • lmigliorelmigliore Member Posts: 148
    It's like this, guys. The engine is connected to the wheels through gears. Gears have teeth and they don't slip. One turn of the engine converts to a specific fraction of a turn at the wheels. Unless the gears are changed, any given RPM in top gear will always produce the same wheel RPM. More power will give you greater acceleration but it can't give you more speed at the same RPM.

    Maybe the pipe confuses the tach so it reads funny.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I'm confused, but I read just fine.

    8-)
  • jjp2jjp2 Member Posts: 10
    What your saying makes sense to me, lmigliore. Therefore, I can only conclude that a side effect of changing your exhaust is that it makes your tach either less (or possibly more) accurate. Does anyone know how the tach reads the rpm?
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    I believe it monitors the piston strike, and after about 6 combustions it considers that one revolution. Now do that about 3200 times in one minute, and you're doing about 30-35mph. The conversion of this power does happen at the gears, to the wheels through the transaxle, but if the airflow is better through the intake and exhaust, it doesn't necessarily move the car faster at those RPM's, but it gets you there faster. That's where the benefit is of upgrading the breathing system of your Cat, IMO.

    Of course, I'm just grabbing at straws here, so any real scientific data is appreciated! ;^)
  • radracerradracer Member Posts: 96
    has anyone ever tried this? it seems to be a fairly inexpensive mod if it actually does give you 100+hp.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    What is engine blueprinting?
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    Engine blueprinting is basically a complete rebuild involving tolerances, balancing, and lightening all moving componenets.

    No, it's not cheap as it involves a lot of labor time, and usually new pistons, rods, balanced crankshaft, bearings, etc...

    Also, the HP increase is strongly dependent on the engine size and design to begin with. The larger the engine, usualy the more HP you can gain. However, as a percentage of original HP, it can vary strongly with design.

    Stepping back from lecturn, removing mortarboard:

    Skip G.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Sounds like a lot of work and a lot of cash. Not to mention total void of any warranty and some major down time.
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    Yup. Unless you're building a serious racing machine and can expect to recoup the expense before you blow it up, it's not worth it. A complete machine shop is also required as you face the block & heads, center bore the crank and cams, balance everything that moves, balance and seat valves, valve guides, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

    Not sure the warranty would actually be voided, a a true blueprint job isn't actually a modification, but returning to the engine to design nominals, eliminating tolerance buildup and slop.

    Expensive?? You betcha!!!!

    Skip G.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I'll stick to intakes, exhaust, chips, and suspension mods. They may not produce the performance of blueprinting, but they are a heck of a lot easier and cheaper.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles