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Topic: Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car (Read 1139 times) previous topic - next topic

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

I don't know how respected the FWD Cougars are here, but I think they are seriously fun to drive and have always respected them.  Even told a couple of people to buy them. Turns out...that wasn't a hot idea.  The V6 models tend to blow motors from inhaling catalytic converter material. And now my friend gave me his clean 2002 Cougar V6 5-speed that's running on 5 cylinders. Nice car, black, black leather, moonroof, etc.

My plan?  To put headers (i.e. only run the big downstream cat) and a 3.0L Taurus engine swap.  Looking to put 210hp to the wheels if I worked the parts and the math correctly. Low 14s in a hatchback too.

So yeah, looks like I got a new car and a new project.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #1 –
In my opinion, an engine swap is a lot of work to only run 14's.

But, I would say go for it. The knowledge you gain, and the experience is always worth more than the bragging rights at the track.
It's Gumby's fault.

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #2 –
14s is plenty fast when I take put this thing against most hatchbacks in my area. Not to mention all the pen 15y pen 15s (generalizing) in G35s around here. It'd be a blast to wax 'em.

Not to mention the Cougar carries a lot of shiznit, gets good mileage, drives like a fancypants VW...and its free. :)
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #3 –
Oh, and check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbK08GMotcg

Low 14s should be pretty easy after seeing this.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #4 –
Quote
The V6 models tend to blow motors from inhaling catalytic converter material


Interesting.....I have a 2000 with a V6.  Never had an issue.  I know the auto transmissions like to check out, but that's because of that stupid double screen filter system inside that you're never supposed to have to clean.  I cleaned mine.  Mucho po inside-o.

How much larger is a new 3.5 as opposed to a 3.0 out of morbid curiosity?
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #5 –
SHO motor, SHO motor, SHO motor, shhhh who said that.:bowdown:
95 Ranger Splash 2.3
88 Tbird Sport :ies::ies:
5.0 SO, stainless shorty headers, w/ Magnaflow lers. KYB struts, KYB shocks. 5lug conversion from sn95 Mustang, subframe connectors, drilled and slotted rotors, 03 Mach 1 wheels. sequential taillights.140 speedo

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #6 –
Quote from: V8Demon;233199
Interesting.....I have a 2000 with a V6.  Never had an issue.  I know the auto transmissions like to check out, but that's because of that stupid double screen filter system inside that you're never supposed to have to clean.  I cleaned mine.  Mucho po inside-o.

How much larger is a new 3.5 as opposed to a 3.0 out of morbid curiosity?


The 3.5 is a totally different block and intake, not sure about the size.

How many miles on your 2000?  I've seen two take a dump at 65,000 miles.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #7 –
Quote from: cougarman;233209
SHO motor, SHO motor, SHO motor, shhhh who said that.:bowdown:


Would be fun.  But the 3.0 duratec makes the same power with no upkeep (i.e. no 60,000 mile belt work and all that) and is a complete drop in.

From what I've seen the 2004-2005 duratecs with headers and a tune dyno at 210-215hp at the wheels. Definitely SHO worthy, and will move plenty good in a 3000lb car.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #8 –
Quote
How many miles on your 2000? I've seen two take a dump at 65,000 miles.


96,000 and ticking.....
What took a dump?  The motor or trans?
So far the only major dilemma I had was both front wheel bearings giving out @ 75,000.  I was honestly miffed about that because they went from good one day to Horrendous rather quickly.  Other than that the front pan of the tranny started leaking ever so slightly over the winter.  While I had it apart was when I cleaned out the filter/screens.  I've developed an A/C refrigerant leak as well.  Refilled it after the work on the trans (had to drain it).  Empty 3 months later.  We don't use it much in the summer so no real issue anyhow.  I'd like to fix it soon though.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #9 –
The motor takes a dump, sucking up catalytic converter material.  Supposedly its a known design flaw at Ford and the two I experienced are not an uncommon occurrence.

Consider yourself lucky. :)
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #10 –
How the hell does the motor scavenge large enough cat particles to cause a meltdown?
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #11 –
Quote from: V8Demon;233252
How the hell does the motor scavenge large enough cat particles to cause a meltdown?


yeah, thats what i was wondering.  Does the motor become a vaccuum at a certain point:hick:  I suppose that all works out great if you end up wanting to get rid of a passanger in the back seat:D

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #12 –
Quote from: V8Demon;233252
How the hell does the motor scavenge large enough cat particles to cause a meltdown?


Very good question. It happens over time. Just be on the lookout: the black one was idling funny (like a ignition miss) before it lost compression and started running on 5 cylinders.

Ford engineers have discussed this to a few outsiders, but for some reason this hasn't become a class action lawsuit. :toilet:
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Have I lost my mind? 2002 Cougar project car

Reply #13 –
I have had mine for 2 years now only major problems i have had so far was the trans axel out at 96k then the alt froze up about a month ago and cracked the  alt housing. I am @ 120k and still running and this car was even a rental, a Cali rental, so i would hate to think of the shiznit other people put it through. I have added a short ram intake to it and it has deepened the exhaust tone i like it personally good little fun hb.

I have belonged to this forum since i got the 99 its a nice forum, my user name there is Senninkai.And yea i want a roush kit for my 99 but they are hella expensive and i have 2 more years on my loan.

a nice little watch - 3.0 cougar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR_QwDVMVWg&feature=related