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Cougar Support Group - Bigger & Better
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well guess what....I finally got it!!! I got the one I wanted...I bought the 2000 zinc yellow with the fun and sun package (as well as both V6 optional packages) In about one week, I am getting the ground effects kit put on the corner. Needless to say, most people will probably wonder what kind of car it is..The car (which the dealerships call limited and special edition version) It's limited because the zinc yellow color. Besides the color, it has slightly different seats with the cougar logo (animal) logo on the headrest, the 16" rims with the cougar shaped emblem in yellow, front mats with the yellow cougar logo and lettering, the third generation tail for 2000 and a 6 CD Stereo. If you can only see me now...I'm beaming with excitement. If anybody has a copy of the sportscompact magaine's August edition, there is an article on a Cougar "Eliminator" V6 edition. Of course, this was a project by Ford and other auto experts, to show off a much faster, modifed prototype. Just go to there website,
http://www.sportcompactweb.com. Check the back or previous issues for August and you will see a small picture of the yellow elimintor cougar. It looks fantastic and of course fast. Anybody have any tips or precautions on my break in period of my little kitty? All and any comments are definetly appreciated
Also as you near the end of your break in period the muscles will be stronger in your face and the cramps from smiling will eventually fade away.
up-and-down thermometer
squeaky, sticky clutch
parking brake with TOO MUCH pull
Will let everyone know how the first one comes out -- seems like others are having thermometer problems.
Congrats and welcome to the owners club!! All of you should check out the CSG's home page at:
http://home.att.net/~cougarsupportgroup
Blackcoug1:
First off I would install the KKM Tru-Re Intake System. This will open up the intake and allow the Cat to breath freely. A Borla Cat-Back exhaust system is also a good idea. Check out www.kustomz.com for some great mods, and then check in on the CSG's modification topic for some other great ideas.
A.
I do recall my sales rep telling me that
as long as I do short distance drives in
the city for the first 300 miles, that would
be the break in period. But then I have heard the break in period is 1000 miles not to exceed 55 miles. Needless to say, I am not sure which to believe...I'm to embarassed to call my sales rep. Can any new Cougar owners share with me what they were told as the break in period...
I don't even recall the 1000 mile oil change
suggestion. Help!!!
all - in case any of you have experienced the "hot soak" problem (drive cat 'til engine warms up - shut cat off for 30 minutes - restart cat - engine idles rough), FMC engineers have a control module update to address this (at least that's what they told me when they re-programmed mine). Just got mine back. We'll see if it works!
As for the break-in period, I've heard several conflicting reports on that--from no break-in period to 1,000 miles. I took the safe route and drove her gently (nothing over 70 mph) her first 1K miles. Then I changed her oil at that point, and she's been driving beautiful ever since. If you have a mtx, it's a bit rough at first, but as you put in the miles, she'll be much smoother.
Also, be prepared for strangers complementing on your car. And if you feel paranoid like people are watching you, it's because they are. Especially you, Shedevil, with your zinc yellow, you'll definitely stand out, but then you already know that.
Enjoy the Cat and welcome aboard Cougarland.
Shedevil: I bet your Zinc Yellow Cat is great looking!!!! As far as breakin goes, it is better to be on the safe side and take it easy, rather than drive her hard and risk egine damage. Good luck!!
badulah: How's your car doing? Any update?
I'm bringing my Cat in for service on Monday to have them look into the rattles in my dash. Also, my left fron speaker cuts off sometimes. When that happens, I usually open and close the door and the speaker will come back on. Interesting!!!! Other than that all is well!!!!
The best recommendation regarding your break-in period, oil change interval (and all other such questions) is to thoroughly read your Cougar's Owner's Manual TODAY. It was written by the experts at Ford. All the correct answers are there. Use a Zink Yellow highlighter on anything that strikes your fancy, so you can readily refer back to it.
Don't depend upon the automotive expertise of the sales rep. They usually don't have any.
You've bought a great car. Enjoy the ride.
Page 2 of your owners manual:
"BREAKING IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too fast during the first
1,600 km (1,000 miles) Vary
speeds frequently. This is necessary
to give moving parts a chance
to break in.
If possible, you should avoid hard
braking for the first 1,600 km
(1,000 miles)"
*what is FMC definition of too fast,?
** I blew the braking part to hell at 30 miles on the clock... had to avoid a 2x4 in the middle
of the road...but I did learn quickly that the car loves to slalom
*** I also blew the too fast part at 75 miles if its >70, I didn't realize I was doing 90 in the rain... what a smooth ride
regarding oil change at 1,000 miles I contacted FMC directly
to get this information.. and even if it wasn't recommended
it doesn't hurt.
Does FMC offer it, or an alternative? and if I use it will it void warranty or at least it will the excuse for anything that may go wrong in the future?
No, Ford does not offer synthetic motor oil as an option in new U.S. vehicles. No, using it on your own will not void your warranty. Just follow Ford's recommendation to use "SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR."
Perhaps a few good questions to ask yourself are:
1. If I plan to change my oil initially at 1K miles and at 3K mile intervals thereafter, why should I care about longer oil life expectancy?
2. Why should I change my oil any more frequently than the vehicle manufacturer, who employs thousands of engineers, recommends?
3. Why should I use a much more expensive "designer" synthetic oil than the vehicle manufacturer, who employs thousands of engineers, recommends?
4. Who, other than those who profit from the sale of oil, says that synthetic oil is better for the engine? Surely it is not the vehicle manufacturer.
5. When was the last time that I heard of anybody's engine overheating in hot weather with AC load unless it was due to a failure of some part of the cooling system such as a leaky hose, water pump, radiator or inoperative fan?
6. Why should I waste my money?
Why didn't I spell "Questions" correctly in post #729?
Just back from a 615 mile road trip and of course Adelaide handled beautifully, especially on a nasty mountain in a horrific downpour with 18-wheelers zipping around. Those things are scary! Eeeshhh!
Had the brake groan sound this morning after the car sat for a day and a half in the rain before I headed the rest of the way back home. It was only the one time on the first braking of the day, so I'm thinking along the lines of whoever here said it was probably a light rust coat that developed.
Still getting lots of looks & compliments on the Cougar, which I love!
i am looking into buying a Cougar in the next few weeks, but after I looked around here... i read about the supposed "S" with more horsepower. Is this something that will be released for 2001? When the heck to 2001 Cougars come out period? One dealer told me one month but never know whether to believe them or not. I did a test drive today with the v6 auto and became scared of the performance... but after reading here and some other reviews i am going back tomorrow to test with v6 manual. plus i have not seen any other info on the web concerning the S. So just any other info on this would be appreciated. I already know i am getting mine loaded. But now a few more questions.
1. is leather seats worth getting? I saw one model and didn't like their design, but it was a 1999 and haven't seen a 2000 with leather... they looked wierd with small holes up and down.
2. the stereo... i test drove one with the new 6-cd indash player... but wasn't impressed with the output. did most of you put in new systems or keep the original?
Thanx... but hopefully i'll get some replies soon because I may even decide to buy this weekend!
I've got the leather seats in my kitty. The 2000 Cougar also has the perforated leather. It took a while for me to find a comfy seat (I almost didn't buy a Cougar because of it) and ended up with the leather power sport seat with side airbags.
I've got the stock CD in-dash player, but I'm not an audiophile so it sounds okay to me. That question is better taken up by another owner here.
The "S" model should be released in the next month or so. It will be on display at the Cougar convention (AKA "Cougar Fest 2000") in Flatrock Michigan on 9/16/00. If I like the looks of it, I might just buy one myself.
Fish8:
Got my Cat back several days ago. No one is really sure what happened to it, and we are all hoping it doesn't happen again. I have had wonderful support from FMC, so I have no complaints there, but I am a little worried of it happening again. This is a good excuse to trade it in for the "S".
As far as the stock stereo, I have no complaints, but if you would have heard my sound in the car before this one you would understand!
I have never driven an ATX Cougar, I test drove only the MTX's I4 and V6, I own the V6. The I4 was quick, but the V6 was calling my name. I can only imagine how the "S" Screams for me to come pick it up every night
Anyhow, I love my Cougar. This car was not my first choice when I started looking, but after one drive it became my only choice. Make sure you check the ads, I got my cat for a great price.
Good Luck!
~Denise
Got my car back -- no luck with the temperature gauge. They couldn't "recreate" the problem when the temp was in the low 60s here in Atlanta. Damn!
Nevertheless, they did replace my rear brake shoes, which was nice, since I didn't ask for the change. Just a parking brake adjustment.
Now, however, I have a window leak problem, AGAIN! This is the 7th or 8th time I've had this problem, and I'm now into LEMON LAW territory with this. MWS250 -- what's the deal with this? Can you folks fix it, cause I'm going to have to tell Ford to fix it this time 'round.
Later,
burnsmr
With all the flak Ford is taking from Congress for that Firestone "life separation" problems, FMC might not be too concerned with a window leak problem. But good luck, anyway. I know it's annoying as hell, but look at the bright side, it's not life-threatening.
Badulah:
If you get a Cougar S, would that mean you'll start an off-shoot branch of CSG naming it Cougar S Support Group? That would be a select group of 2000-3000 owners. I can just see you guys now--talking about modifying a Cougar S (which is already a modified Cougar to begin with).
PS - DEATH TO FIRESTONE AND THIER PIECE OF CRAP TIRES!!!
burnsmr4 - please send me an e-mail (click on my id above) with your problem, vehicle identification number, servicing dealer and a telephone number where you can be reached. I'll have someone look into it.
Cougar Fest - One week from today I will be heading back to Michigan for Cougar Fest. Should be a great time. Looking forward to finally meeting many of you face to face. (I need to work on my tan this weekend).
Cougar S - the rumors are true. It will be delayed until after Jan 1, 2001. We do have a cool special edition to offer in its place (appearance package rather than performance package). It will be shown at Cougar Fest.
See you next week.
no cougar S.... what to do what to do.... can't you bring what you've got already... its always nice to see something different... hehe even that silver cougar s concept... now visually
I would love that car... don't care about the AWD but that whole package would really be
sweet.... can visteon put to gether a kit like that....
Does this delay possibly mean an increase in performance? Maybe 225 horsepower instead of 200? Please tell us that FMC is taking this extra time to increase the performance levels even further that previously stated.
1. Shortage of SVT engines.
2. They have to build the 3.0L Euro version first to make the shipping date, (Can't miss the boat!)
3. There's a problem with the new headlight assemblies.
4. Even if they build them, there's not enough rail cars to transport 'em.
5. Wheel supplier built 20K reject rims and has to start all over again.
6. Fiberglass is a petrochemical product, and the price of oil has pushed the effects package above budget.
Did I miss any of the old excuses??
Skip G.
I think that was one of them. That's what the salesmen told me when I asked why it was so hard to get a MTX.
Skip G.
My new CD player just came in. My old one was starting to go. I would get some static through the front channels, and it would no longer play burned CDs. Since I am in to Napster, this problem was unacceptable. I ordered a Clarion Pro Audio DRX9575Rz from Crutchfield because they had the very best price I could find. The dealer where I normally get my equipment doesn't have any in stock, and this is last year's model, so he can't get them any more. I will be installing it in my Cat over the weekend along with a list of other things I have to do to her.
I thought they fixed the seats for 2000. I'm comfortable in my Cougar, but lots of people aren't. I don't see where leather would make any difference.
1: Got it up to 100, incredibly smooth ride at the century mark and much easier to get it up there than it was with my 95 Escort, go figure. Do the Coug's have a limiter? Acceleration seemed to stop at 100.
2: Some frat kid hit my door with his door while I was in a c-store getting a pop (soda for those not from Michigan). I came out and saw him and my girlfreind examining the door. No damage, but I think the kid nearly wet himself when he saw how mad I was (but he did apologize and said it was a beautiful car). Such is life in a college town.
Where is Flat Rock Mi.? I'm from Kalamazoo (SW Mich.) and have never heard of Flat Rock. Another issue I'll have to deal with is the Street Rod Nationals. We've got em in K'zoo next weekend, and if I'm not mistaken, Cougarfest is next weekend too, am I right? I believe badulah put it best when he said what to do what to do.
As for anyone wondering about the seats, I've got a 2K with cloth and I find the seats comfy as hell. Maybe my back is shaped differently from everyone elses but I like the seats.
The sports package V6 Cat has a computer controlled top speed of 140mph. Although I don't recommend it, I have had her topped out once before. After 100mph she doesn't not have a massive amount of pick up but she does manage to make it up to that speed without much of a problem.
All:
This weekend I did a number of thing to my Cat:
- Installed the new CD player (IT ROCKS!!)
- Ran the new amp cable
- Fixed a rattle in the drivers side door
- Washed her
I was planning on replacing the broken front end grill, but the bone heads at the parts department sent me the wrong one. I needed the driver's side grill and they sent me the passengers. I went there this morning and they reordered it. They put a rush on it and they are hoping it will come in tomorrow. I hope it comes in before I leave for Cougar Fest.
2hrs of heavy rain this afternoon.
Well, at least the interior is still squared away.
Skip G.
I pulled the nail out and the tire doesn't seem to be loosing air. I think it may have perforated only the edge of the tread blocks. I plan on watching it over the next few days to see if the tire deforms or loses pressure. I've got about half the tread life left, so I don't really want to replace it. Also, I plan on puting a better set of tires on when they all need replacing. What do you think???
Andy.
Sounds like you have my luck. I have no idea when I am going to be able to detail my Cat for the trip to Flat Rock. Hopefully I will find the time. Actually I think that should be the job of my co-pilot/crew chief. >;-)
Fish8:
I removed the door panel and tightened every single screw, and used a lot of double sided tape to secure anything that could generate a rattle. I plan to used Dynamat in the doors, but right now I don't have the time or cash for that. Maybe after Cougar Fest is over.
blackcoug1:
There is no official member registration right this minute. StageLeft has just acquired our new URL and we should have the page moved over to it sometime this week. Once we transfer the page, we will be posting a membership sign up form. Membership has and always will be free to all Cougar owners. WELCOME TO THE CSG!!!
By the way, you can email me at: CougarSupportGroup@worldnet.att.net
Badulah:
Glad to hear the new CSG site is almost ready to go. You and Stageleft have done a lot of great work on our behalf. I am afraid I haven't gotten my contribution off to you yet but will post this week. Between holidays, work, life in general, I am behind in a lot of things at the moment.
Pat