New to the SHO world.

[Freshusmc]

i got a hold of a 92 mtx from canada for 50 bucks. It had head noise but i got ahold of a 94 3.2L for free and went from there. I got it running yesterday and havent gotten a chance to drive it but hoping today will be the day. So being new to SHOs i really dont know much about them and seem to be more and more into them as i get deeper into the SHO world. My questions are what are some common problems? or the things i need to keep my eye on? since i know all cars have their down falls. also what are some good basic mods to start with? Any parts sites are welcome too. I found shotimes.com then found this forum. Thanks for any help that is coming my way.

Nick

p.s. sorry for the long post lol

 

[supersteve]

welcome, the major problem with sho's is rod bearings if they are in good shape sho's usually don't stop running. some usual mods are y-pipe, big bore butterflies, ported intake, wheels + tires, aluminum sub frame bushings and a brake swap. But before you do any of that make sure your car has had a 60k done if not then do it because those can be rather expensive.

 

[38SHO]

I would upgrade your brakes to 99 SHO brakes at the minimum, with good pads, you will need 94-95 style Taurus knuckles to do this

y pipe is a good first mod

after that I would get a good clutch, lighter flywheel, ceramic TOB, and if you can swing it, track down a LSD..... as the stock open diff can explode and blow up the transmission case.....

I would redo the suspension/steering so everything is new and no play on anything, I would also experiment with different swaybar combinations

some good tires also help out, maybe even plan on doing bigger wheels

and change the rod bearings, really isn't hard with the engine still in the car

shonutperformance.com has a lot of good stuff

as does

shosource.com

and for stock replacement parts

rockauto.com is a good site with good pricing

 

[LOUDSHO92]

The y=pipe is the best places to start: SHO Source

 

[Phoenix]

Welcome in. :sun:

 

[randy'sho]

welcome!

 

[Lorenr]

Replaced 3.0 with 3.2, Wow

If you are new to SHO's and have already replaced the 3.0 with a 3.2 and have it running, you probably don't need to ask us to many questions. You've already accomplished a lot.

At that rate you'll soon be teaching all of us.

 

[kikkinasphalt]

dont buy anything for the car untill you find the extent of rust it may or may not have.


freshin the car up. and then modify

 

[zblackbeast]

I agree.. Start with any body repair and or motor repair. A 60k is MUST if you don't have records for the 3.2. Rod bearings are also a big thing to replace. It takes about 4 or 5 hours and costs less than 100 bux and it will SAVE your motor.
Here is a helpful website with step by step repairs and what not!!

http://www.shophoenixproject.com/

 

[93rev2sev]

Don't let these guys scare you too much with the whole rod bearing thing.

Rod bearings in these cars last as long as they do in any other car....but the engine itself lasts quite a bit longer than most other engines....therefore the rod bearings, naturally, will need to be replaced at some point....the key is to replace them BEFORE they spin and ruin the crank.

As for problems...there are a few parts that are commonly needed but are not available new.

3.2 (ATX) Timing belt tensioner is the first one that pops into my head.

 

[kikkinasphalt]

Don't let these guys scare you too much with the whole rod bearing thing.

Rod bearings in these cars last as long as they do in any other car....but the engine itself lasts quite a bit longer than most other engines....therefore the rod bearings, naturally, will need to be replaced at some point....the key is to replace them BEFORE they spin and ruin the crank.

As for problems...there are a few parts that are commonly needed but are not available new.

3.2 (ATX) Timing belt tensioner is the first one that pops into my head.

i didnt want to scare him. i just wanted him to give the car a good once over before he bought modifications for a car that isnt up to par yet.

:wave:

 

[Vnuk1]

Welcome to the Forum and enjoy your new SHO!

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

Welcome :wave:

 

[Freshusmc]

Thanks guys for all the advice. It seems in the process of the engine being out of the car i did most of the 60k so just a couple things left. and my oil pan cracked so when i replace it ill replace the rod bearings. Thanks again for all the help and the 3.2L swap really isnt that hard just a little time consuming. So if anyone has questions about it feel free to contact me. I got most of the front end stuff replaced too. So im hoping to have another SHO on the road with in the next week or so. Wish me luck guys.

 

[38SHO]

nah these engines really aren't that hard to work on the exterior.... I find they did a good job engineering/desiging this motor....

nothing wrong with talking about rod bearings... guy said he didn't know much about SHO's and wanted some guidance.... not like were saying don't drive the car until you put them in....... just something to think about for him

 

[1993redSHO]

i tell you guys wat, i find the rod bearing quite troublesum....lol...i bought my SHO under two months ago and just spun a rod...so sad....but i am not too down....i am gunna pick up a another engine for 500 with only 79k on it...another thing to watch for is the throwout bearing will destroy your pressure plate, i know this also, before i spun my rod, i couldnt get my clutch to completly disengage, and boy wasnt that tob noisy...i guess i found the one with all the quirks...lol...nice thing about swaping the engine is, i can build myself one heck of a n/a HC beast...yea yea

 

[Freshusmc]

when i do the rod bearings should i do the main bearings too?

 

[JRA2000TL]

when i do the rod bearings should i do the main bearings too?

No you don't have to. They typically don't cause problems or wear out on these cars.

 

[Ocnaj]

i got a hold of a 92 mtx from canada for 50 bucks.

You bought it for 50 bucks? Thats a great deal. What color is it?

Welcome to the forum.

 

[shobote]

Since you already did the 3.2, some useful upgrades would be
- full length subrame connectors; really stiffen the chassis up nicely
- eqaul length y-pipe; best low cost bolt on power upgrade
- cobra front calipers
- front and rear strut tower braces
- struts/springs/mounts depending on if they are worn out