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Cougar Support Group - Modifications

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  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Has anyone replaced the stock spark plugs with a "high performance" plug? If so, what brand did you go with, and did you install them or have them installed?
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I see a few posts did NOT carry over to our wonderful new format.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    While surfing the net for Cougar performance mods I came across a cat-back exhaust system manufactured by "Yoydude". Is it me, or does anyone else have a problem with purchasing something from a company called "Yodude"?

    To me, this name gives the impression of two red necks in a garage with some old mufflers, a pipe bender, and some rusty old pipe. Every time I say the name"Yodude", my eyes automatically roll and my face makes a smirk.
  • camelardcamelard Member Posts: 171
    I can see the Coke can clamped over the hole in the exhaust pipe now. "Nice rumble she got now Jeb".
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    If you listen hard, you can hear dueling banjos playing in the background.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Check out SP Motorsports for details.

    SP Motorsports

  • hazdazhazdaz Member Posts: 56
    what do you guys think of the new Zn and Cn (I think its Cn, can;t remeber exactly the letters)?
    I have Seen the Yellow one (the Zn) and its real cool looking, ecept for maybe the non-functional Hoodscoop (even though if i buy one, I would be tempted to blow a hole in the hood and make it functional scoop). Anyways, I am still waiting to see the Cn model. What do you guys think? Are they worth it verses buying a lower end Cougar and droppin some dough on mods myself?

    What about the warrenty if i drop some performace parts into the Cougar... do i say 'bye-bye' to the warrenty?

    I also heard of the Ford Focus SVT with about 170-180hp, AND a 6speed (excuse me while i wipe the drool off). Both that car, and a higher end Cougar would run about the same $. But im sure the Focus would be higher performace espesially since the Focus is ligher. I like the exterior/interior of the Cougar alot more, but still drawn to the Focus SVT. Any comments?

    HAZDAZ
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I personally like the looks of the new Zn with the exception of the hood scoop. I won a Visteon ground effects kit which includes the same scoop. I looked in to getting it made functional. Everyone I spoke with said it would be more trouble than it was worth. If it were possible, the gains would not be noticeable. Therefore I didn't have it installed.

    The Zn has the same performance numbers as any other Cougar with the sports package. The only performance mod are the 17" wheels. Everything else is just eye candy.

    Modifying your Cougar will NOT void the warranty. The only way the dealership could make your warranty null and void is to prove that a specific mod you did directly caused a problem. A number of us in here have mods, everything form Superchips to exhaust kits. I have never heard of anyone having any problems with warranty issues.

    The SVT Focus will have a 170hp Zetech engine with a 6-speed manual trans. Only around 3000 of them will be produced starting sometime in July of this year. Since numbers are limited, dealerships will be asking sticker price or even higher for them. Generally speaking, that is how it is with any SVT vehicle.
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    Other things to think of:

    1. Size & comfort. The Cougar is larger & roomier, with much more cargo space under the hatch.

    2. The Focus is UGLY by comparison to the Cat. (In my opinion ranks #3 on the ugly scale behind the Echo and Honda environmentally correct machine. I won't even call that a car!!)

    Skip G.
  • hazdazhazdaz Member Posts: 56
    ok, i agree with you that the Cougar is a much nicer looking car (inside and out), but i am still drooling over hearing about the 6speed, hooked upA 170HP (WITH VVT i MIGHT ADD - finally an american car with VVT) engine in such a light car. I really do wish the Focus was nicer looking, cuz even with some funky body kits, im still not THAT crazy about it.

    Now I am also concerned about the fact that the cougar might go byebye after 2002.5 . I believe thats when the current models life is over, and haven;t heard much of any news of ANY cougars after that ;(
    If I am wrong andtheres a new redesigned Cougar for 2002.5, I might be tempted to hold off from buying anything untill i get to see it - after all that is only about a year away.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    2003 is the rumored last year of production of the Cougar. As I said, this is a rumor. FMC will not confirm or deny this.

    Why are you concerned with it going out of production? They will continue to support the vehicle well after it has gone out of production just like any other manufacturer.
  • benisembenisem Member Posts: 30
    Ok all, I have been considering replacing my stock system with something a tad bit better. I have very little knowledge of how this works (this is why I come here, to learn!). Anyhow, I was told by a friend that I could replace the headunit and that would make a difference. He said that I do not have to change the stock speakers. Any thoughts on this? Please share your ideas.

    Thanks,
    Denise :)
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Benisem:
    Replacing the head unit alone will improve sound quality and power, but you have to be careful. If you get something to powerful, you will blow the stock speakers. Are you looking for an in dash CD player? Let me know and I will do some foot work for you and I will let you know what I come up with.
  • benisembenisem Member Posts: 30
    Badulah,

    I have been looking at Crutchfield and I think I would like an in dash cd with the option to add a CD changer in the future. I also happened to see they have a few units popping up that will read MP3's as well as pre recorded cd's/ I think this is a good option to explore.

    Thanks :)
    Denise
  • louf22louf22 Member Posts: 18
    Benisem: I replaced the 4 speakers first thing after I bought my cougar. The stock speakers in my car were full range with no separate woofer or tweeter. Their sound was OK if you don't care about muddy bass at higher volume levels. I got 2 pairs of Pioneer 6x8s (model TSA-6865) for about $60 a pair from Competition Sound and had them put in. The sound was much improved.

    Clearer highs and decent bass.

    Lou
  • hazdazhazdaz Member Posts: 56
    Concerning as to why Should i care if the Cougar is dropped after 2002. Well its bascailly cuz i dont; "NEED" a new car right now - thus if there is a new (latest and greatest) generation cougar in 2002, then i might be able to hold off any purchasse of a car untill then (atleast to see if i like that car).

    The only other issue that i would have (and its not THAT important, but still a small issue) is that usually the resale valu of a car drops dramatically if that car line is discontinued.

    But still my main thing is that i think the Cougar is a sweet looking car, and would be more than curious to see what they come up with for "The Next Generation" (if there is one).
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Hazdaz:

    If the next generation is what you're looking for, you might just want to wait until 2006 for a Cougar. I think the timeline shows us (speculated, of course) that the Mustang will take over the Flat Rock plant in 2003-04 while they retool the Michigan factory for a complete redesign of the Steed from the ground-up. Meanwhile, the Cougar will not be built, or sold (unless there are some left on the dealer lots - but they would probably be pretty dusty at that point). Then, when the Mustang goes live in Michigan, the Cougar MAY be built on a bastardized Mustang platform, i.e., rear-wheel drive, V8, etc. However, this speculation may never occur if FMC doesn't see now what they could have done with the Cougar now, compared to what they're willing to do with it in the future. God forbid they declare the Cougar line a total loss, and introduce a Mercury Focus or something like that (Dodge Neon/Plymouth Neon ring any bells here?)

    I dunno. I can't really see anything happening in the future with the Cougar nameplate - even if Mercury releases another "new-generation" car in the future because of the following of the original '67 through the '97, T-bird-based model, then the following of our New Edge Cougar and the owner experience we (new Cougar clubs and the myriad of folks who own Cougars and are not involved in club related activities) have, I can't imagine they'll use the nameplate again. Let the Cougar die, if it's destined to - the Mercury Focus doesn't sound so bad from the window of a BMW ...

    I guess I'm being a bit harsh here, too, towards FMC. Sorry about that, but I believe they dropped the ball on the Cougar, and what it could have been.

    I'm disappointed that not everyone had the same wonderful ownership experience that I have had, and I'm still very disappointed that I can't go out and trade up to the S.

    Take care, and for those of you who still enjoy your Cat, Happy Cougaring!
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    Do we hear an AMEN from the choir for brother Lefty??

    Skip G.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    AMEN, HALLELUJAH!
  • camelardcamelard Member Posts: 171
    Hallelujah!
  • hazdazhazdaz Member Posts: 56
    someones bitter.

    serioulsy I can;t blame ya though.
    I was begining to think that I was the only person here that thinks that Ford (and most other American manfatuerers) are being totaly short-sighted in some of their products.

    Why, oh why can i like ALMOST hear the prez of Ford (or more specifically GM) say the following: "golly-geez, why isn;t someone buying our 10 year old technology?... well then I guess we better give up, move more jobs on down to Mexico and try to sell more full-size trucks, instead of drop some dough on R&D so we can produce the bestest cars on the planet"

    -HAZDAZ
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Yeah, I could see GM saying that, but FMC is pretty "up" on the latest technology.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    just not up on the latest marketing ideas.
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    I hate to say it, but if the Cougar wasn't around, and I was looking for a sport coupe, my only option considering price, performance, and size, would be the Stratus.

    If the Cougar was around, the decision would be tougher.

    So, what happens down the pipe a few years is gonna be interesting.

    Skip G.

    (Did I mention that the Focus is tall, skinny, small, and kinda ugly?)
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    GTI VR6 or the Turbo (with an after-market boost control). I have always bought American cars, but other than the Cat, there is NOTHING that holds my interest other then German imports.
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    Looking in wallet, checking secret compartment, killing moth.

    I CAN'T AFFORD ONE OF THOSE THINGS!!!!!

    Skip G.
  • hazdazhazdaz Member Posts: 56
    Well im "kinda" in the market for a new car, and the cars on my list are as follows:

    `01 Stratus R/T coupe - i curretnly have a `95 sedan and luv it; however i am very disappointed with the cheap/plastic look of the new coupe (i also think they could have gotten a little wilder with the exterior too, but still nice)

    '01 Cougar - probably either the c2 of Zn, but waiting to see them in person. I only recently put the cougar on my list after i drove the 170hp one about 2 weeks ago. i REALLY like the interior (i would put the cougar 2nd only to the new Celica), and the exterior is cool too.

    `00 300M (used)- i think the car is gorgeous - inside and out, and the only thing i don;t like about it, is that its a very large car (i like small cars). but this is one car that i can forgive the size, cuz its so nice.

    `01/02 Focuz hatchback SVT, the one with the 180hp engige with 6-speed ( after saying that i don;t think i have to say WHY i want it) - im just not crazy about the exterior of it - kinda homely.

    Hmm, its funny (and actaully sad) that the largest automaker on the planet doesn;t have a single car that i would be willing to drop $ on. Short of the gorgeous Seville and Vette and a few others, GM's got NOTHING i even like.

    HAZDAZ
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    You've obviously come to the right place for totally biased Cougar recommendations.

    Your choice of cars for consideration is interesting.

    The Stratus is about the only car comparable to the Cougar for size, price, and performance. You're right about the looks of the Dodge, it's kinda bland although not offensive. I havn't been in one, so can't comment on the interior nor on the driving inpression.

    The Celica is smaller, and higher priced while being (in my opinion) kinda ugly. Nothing smooth about shape at all. Seems to be all disjointed curves and angles.

    Focus: Again, smaller than the cat, and as I said a few days ago, UGLY. The SVT version should be quite a performer, though the cat is no slouch at all. Pure drags against Camaros, Mustangs, BMW"s, etc... while fun, won't be victorious. But, overall, the cat is a very pleasant ride, with enough performance to be quick at the stoplight, very responsive on the interstate, and a blast on the twisties.

    Besides, it looks good.

    The 300 is a totally different ballgame. Big touring sedan with excellent performance and looks. Not a bad car at all, and would merit my strong consideration if my taste went away from sport coupe's.

    My $0.02

    Skip G.
  • chromacougarchromacougar Member Posts: 2
    Hey guys, just signed up. I am in Virginia... Got alot of mods done to my car and hope I can bring some information and support to the group. Will try to make your tuesday chat. Is there a for sale section on here? I see alot of talk about the New 2001 ZN and C2 and almost traded my car in on them but if anyone wants the wings I got them real cheap. Talk to you all soon

    webmaster@kinggeorgeva.com

    http://www.kinggeorgeva.com/cougar
  • vanberg369vanberg369 Member Posts: 1
    You can get clear, smoke and black side markers for http://mortis.newcougar.org/sidemarkers


    These are replacements for the orange sidemarkers

  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    chromacougar

    WELCOME TO THE CSG!!


    Currently we do not have a for sale section, but that is something that will be added to our web site in the near future. Be sure to browse through our active discussions as well as the archived ones which are located on the official CSG web site: http://www.CougarSupportGroup.com


    The CSG has members from all over the country and a few from Canada!! Several of our members are in Virginia: "StageLeft", "CoolChick", "Jayhawk" and a few others. Please feel free to post any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have.


    -Rob AKA "Badulah"

    CSG Public Relations & General Management

  • chromacougarchromacougar Member Posts: 2
    Would be nice if you had a chat room I could pop in and talk
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Our chat sessions are held on Tuesdays from 7-8pm est.
  • mental24mental24 Member Posts: 6
    Hello, I am the proud owner of a 2001 v6 sport kitty, (only 3 weeks old) however i did have a 2000 which got totaled out by a guy who didnt see stop signs lol...she only had 3k on the speedo...what a waste. anyways i installed a dual exhaust kit on this car..and now around 3100 rom when cold it shutters..and when warm around the same speed..when slowing down in any gear makes a popping sound from the exhaust...any ideas?
  • mental24mental24 Member Posts: 6
    also i just found CSG and am happy to find a place where people love their cars as much as I ...where i live your lucky to see maybe 3 a day....usually you see the same ones lol
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    mental24:
    I have a few questions for you before I can reply to yours. What brand exhaust is it? Is it a true dual exhaust kit or a cat-back system? At 3100rpm what shutters, the car or the exhaust?

    The popping sound is the result of the larger exhaust pipes. I have heard this in several Cougars with modified exhaust kits and other cars with modified exhausts.
  • mental24mental24 Member Posts: 6
    Sorry, I should have explained more detail huh? ok It is MTX, the exhaust is cat back and was fabricated to fit the car..looks like all the other kits i have seen online

    And the engine itself almost feels like it misses at 3100 rpm..(when cold) when i had the exhaust done I reset the computer, but that didnt fix the problem...the car has only 2k on it..but if others do it also must be a kitty thing
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    The custom exhaust may not be producing enough back pressure thus causing your problems.

    Does anyone else in here have an opinion / theory on this?
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Currently the CSG is sponsoring a Cougar rally in Lakeville, Connecticut at Lime Rock Park Raceway from Friday May 25th to Monday May 28th. The purpose of this meeting is to get together and rally for the Cougar race team, Capaldi Racing.

    Capaldi Racing is a member of the SCCA which will be hosting two races during this weekend. Friday will be the race qualifications, Saturday will be the first race and Monday will be the second race.

    Our plan is to meet on Friday at a local restaurant and have dinner together. Saturday we will view the first race, Sunday we will relax and kick back with the Capaldi Racing Team, and on Monday we plan to attend the second race. Even if your not a race fan, this should be a GREAT weekend!

    Currently Capaldi Racing has acquired 20 race & Pit passes for the CSG. At this point in time we only have 4 left. If you are interested in attending this event, please email me as soon as possible. You can check out all the details at:

    CSG Lime Rock Park Event Info

    Thank you,
    Rob AKA "Badulah"
    CSG Public Relations & General Management
  • mental24mental24 Member Posts: 6
    ok one last thought on the exhaust..on my 2000 v6 atx....i put the same exhaust on and it never made any noises i worried about...~scratchin head~
    Also mad i live in Washington...lime rock a ways away lol......that would be a long long drive:) thanks for all the thoughts
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    All:
    (Badulah stands up on his desk and dances around while singing) I GOT MY BORLA!, I GOT MY BORLA! I GOT MY BORLA!, I GOT MY BORLA!!!!

    I received it in the mail on Wednesday and had it installed yesterday. The performance increase is very noticeable at different points in the power band and the sound it generates is very very nice!! I'll post my review on the CSG site as soon as I finish writing it up!!

    Mental24:
    If you had this system on another Cat with no problems, I am perplexed why it would cause problems on this one. Did you have any other mods on your old Cat that you do not have on this one?
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    The office staff calls 911, requesting a visit from the nut squad for the guy doing the desk dance!

    Skip G.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    HEY!! GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!! I DON'T WANT TO WEAR THE "SPECIAL JACKET"!! HELP!!!

    LOL!!

    T.G.I.F!!!
  • mental24mental24 Member Posts: 6
    nope....I have all the same mods....just leads me to believe that maybe I should let the dealer have at it ....adjust all the dohickeys they can I guess..So it goes in monday...I'll let ya know the outcome of the checkup...lol...and i am happy for your borla lol...stop dancing on desk though...people are asking WAY to many questions.....
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I would take it to the dealership, but be prepared for them to say: "There is nothing we can do for it because of these mods".
  • mental24mental24 Member Posts: 6
    ok ...went to dealership..car checked out fine lol...So I am not sure...They told me it would not be a backpressure problem....hmmm

    Ok also if anyone can help find any items as in aftermarket for a 2001 MTX kitty please tell me..I have tried for coilovers..and a chip..I can find neither...am I diseased or something...can no aftermarket people see the potential in these cars? I am so mad right now...its a ford v-6 for cryin outloud...used in the contour svt.....I am done for now....thanks for dealing with me....hehe Anyways any info would be a great help
    :)
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Check out the following pages:

    Kurtz Kustomz Motorsports

    SP Motorsports

    Nopi Racing

    Muscle Motors

  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Check out the following pages:

    Kurtz Kustomz Motorsports

    SP Motorsports

    Nopi Racing

    Muscle Motors
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Muscle motors does not list anything for the Cougar on their site, but they do carry the borla cat-back system, the ASP under drive pulley, and MSDS headers for the Cougar. You can call them at:
    818-888-7778
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Ok, whats the dang deal?!! I posted hyper links for those mod dealerships and they showed up last night, and now they don't. Sometimes this new software really urks me!!

    Here they are again:

    KKM

    SP Motor Sports

    Nopi

    Muscle Motors

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