New to SHO - Performance Recommendations

[c4ulater]

Hi ShoForums! This is kind of a introduction & questions about what to do as far as performance mods go.

I just recently picked up a 2015 Non-PP SHO - and first thing I did was slap a tune on it. However - I'm currently maxxed out with the tuning until I go further in mods.

I've done as much research I could have done before wanting to post this for some guidance. So here are my questions.

-What are proven HP/TQ numbers that this car can handle (engine/transmission) before things start to break?
-If when you reach a certain power zone - are there any kind of upgrades for the engine/trans?

-What are the next mods I should do and should I do it all at once? This isn't a budget car so I don't have to buy one part at a time.

-Fueling - Meth vs E85 has been a huge topic here I've seen. I have 93 octane here and E85 close by. Is it worth the $money$ to make the switch and if so how complicated and/or complications come with it?

BE NICE and educate me about these lovely cars.

Lastly - upgrading turbos, motor, trans and or more is not a limiting factor. BUT this is not turning into a 'drag' car by any means. I just want a really fast fun car to at least keep up with some of these fun cars that run around here.

Oh yeah - any Florida guys here?

 

[SHOdded]

Welcome, and congrats on the new ride! There are definitely some guys from FL active on the forum. Mods are available for engine, suspension, but none really for the transmission yet. The limit with stock internals and trans seems to be around 400-450 AWHP/500 AWTQ. A built motor and big turbos will raise that power bar quite a bit, but ... No trans ...

All this without the fancy doodads of the latest iteration of the Ford GT!

 

[c4ulater]

Thank you SHOdded!

Yeah so it seems like bolt-on's for the time being will be the route 'till someone cracks open one of these transmissions and builds it up! I'm only guessing no one hasn't attempted to build the transmission up yet?

 

[bpd1151]

Thank you SHOdded!

Yeah so it seems like bolt-on's for the time being will be the route 'till someone cracks open one of these transmissions and builds it up! I'm only guessing no one hasn't attempted to build the transmission up yet?

Two owners have ventured down the path of alleged "built" transmissions.

Both of them crapped out, shortly after having been installed.

Neither were pleased with that outcome, and from what I understand, neither have attempted a go at it a 2nd time around.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[SHOdded]

Not successfully that I am aware of. Supposedly there is ongoing R&D on a few fronts, but nothing public. Different torque converters have been tried to no avail. There is a Sonnax ZIP kit to upgrade the valve body, but again, no one has installed/reported back.

Most likely will need to upgrade at least the clutch packs if not the gears to get a good result. Once the trans is figured out there is the PTU. Hopefully the axles are sturdy, but we don't know yet ...

 

[c4ulater]

Two owners have ventured down the path of alleged "built" transmissions.

Both of them crapped out, shortly after having been installed.

Neither were pleased with that outcome, and from what I understand, neither have attempted a go at it a 2nd time around.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Good information for me to know. Thank you!! So even with your 500+ hp / tq setup you arent having issues with your transmission? How often do you drive / beat on the car? Just curious. Most of people I run into with these cars just have a tune and maybe intake.

Not successfully that I am aware of. Supposedly there is ongoing R&D on a few fronts, but nothing public. Different torque converters have been tried to no avail. There is a Sonnax ZIP kit to upgrade the valve body, but again, no one has installed/reported back.

Most likely will need to upgrade at least the clutch packs if not the gears to get a good result. Once the trans is figured out there is the PTU. Hopefully the axles are sturdy, but we don't know yet ...

That's what I was gathering too. It's not cheap to keep throwing personal money into R&D. Someone has to do it at some point though! I'm going to reach out to a few guys here locally too to see if I hear or find someone who knows about it. Thanks again!








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My true outcome of this car is to make it as quick as possible - but I'm guessing they are some limiting factors and I'm only seeing so far it's just the transmission?

 

[SHOdded]

Good luck! If the money & willpower intersect, it can be done. But the commitment is necessary.

 

[bpd1151]

No problems to date.

I'll attribute that two primarily my tuner, and secondarily to my diligent maintenance routine(s).

I've driven her less this year in an overall manner, but that's simply due to my two oldest being away at college, and the used cars we bought them, have remained home.

Which in turn, allows me to now keep the SHO strictly for shows, track, or spirited pleasure romps in and around my area.

Since you're newer to the scene, I will add that my SHO was a DD all the way up until last winter and I've beaten the shit out of my (lower of two) 525awhp track file(s). Haven't ever ran the 617awhp file to date, due to perceived transmissions failure(s) at that level.

From my own, direct conversations with, some of the EB engineering team I learned in a very generic way, a small tidbit of info, that FMC's own internal testing at that time (this convo having taken place in 2011) saw failures at/around the "720 mark". 720 being CHP. I was never provided with specifics, nor did I ask. I was elated with the mere number alone. So I didn't pry.

Due to 23-24% AWD drivetrain loss, that 525 file, equates to 680 at the motor. So it would appear the info reported to me directly, has proven accurate thus far, as I am floating around 40 (crank) horse UNDER that threshold, & still rocking my original drivetrain. ****, That's about one of the last thing's that are still OEM on my whip.

Had a blast driving it back n forth to this year's HUGE 2017 Ford National's in PA. encountered quite a few would be player's that ended up seeing her tail lights. LOL.

A blast of a car. My only disappointment is hearing FMC may be finally on the verge of killing it off. Which brings me full circle back to why I have removed her from DD status at the beginning of this reply.

Keeping her (unneccesary) miles in check, combined with a near exhaustive maintenance record, will hopefully assure I will continue enjoying her for many more years to come.

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[SHOdded]

There is definitely more power to be had, but a built block is highly recommended past the 450 AWHP level for longevity's sake. This is what Livernois basically did for bpd's SHO:
http://www.stangtv.com/news/video-livernois-builds-worlds-highest-hp-ecoboost-taurus-sho/

 

[bpd1151]

There is definitely more power to be had, but a built block is highly recommended past the 450 AWHP level for longevity's sake. This is what Livernois basically did for bpd's SHO:
http://www.stangtv.com/news/video-livernois-builds-worlds-highest-hp-ecoboost-taurus-sho/

There are some in the Mustang circles that to this very day, still get a lil miffed my big 'ol fat pig of a 4dr, grocery getter, family hauling, Taurus SHO made its' way onto "their" beloved StangTV.

And you know what, still makes me smile knowing that.

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[SHOdded]

Oh yeah, pure fun, LOL!

 

[c4ulater]

Oh wow I found the article that yes - FMC may discontinue the Taurus Awh man. Well the plan was to keep this car for about two years anyways. But 'till then, I'd love to have fun with it. I really thank you guys for your feedback. I will be posting as I add more stuff to the car. I don't really plan on doing anything with the exterior really. Maybe lower on H&R Springs.

 

[SHOinVa]

My only disappointment is hearing FMC may be finally on the verge of killing it off.

I am sure you have very reliable sources, and I can not say I am surprised, there seems to be so many ONE-OFF parts of this car and I assume its an expensive car to build with smaller margins. What I don't understand is this, Everyone who has a SHO loves the car, I truly believe if they would do just a small amount of marketing the car would double in popularity very quickly. Oh well I can't afford a new one anyway.
C/

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

Hey there! if you are in the market for any perormance upgrades for your sho you can go ahead and give me a call with any questions you have and i will do my best to help you out and hopefully get the vehicle to a spot that makes you happy! my name is cody and the number to reach me at is 313-561-5500 and my extension is 104

 

[95ShoOff]

Just purchased the T550 package from them will be installed within a month or, cant wait. I will probably do the block and head replacements next year.

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

Just purchased the T550 package from them will be installed within a month or, cant wait. I will probably do the block and head replacements next year.

Sounds good! We look forward to hearing the feedback and helping you out with that next year!