96-98 SHO vs 99 SHO?

[Fiske]

I'm seriously looking into this 99 SHO that has 97K and no record of transmission or cam work.. But I've read some places that people want 96-98s over the 1999 model year. I've tried to do some of my own research but cant find anything significant. Is this just some myth or what?

And do you think I should keep my 95 with 119K or move up to 99 Gen III with 97K.. I know this is the V8 section but be honest...

 

[wuzzzer]

As the years went by as far as 96 to 99, SHOs came less and less equipped. Many people like the SARC (Semi-active ride control) that the 96-98s and some early 99s have. Some prefer the 96-98 wheels over the 99s. I haven't heard any issues as far as durability or anything like like that is specific only to the 99s.

Some differences you'll notice over your Gen 2:
Much stiffer body, less creaks and rattles
Much better handling versus stock Gen 2
Better braking versus stock Gen 2
Generally a lot more reliable than a Gen 2

 

[SHOMEX]

I'll go with the 99, more refined,luxury and will break less than the 95 in the long run.

 

[Brydakidz]

I have a 99 and the only things i can think of off the top of my head that the 99 dosent have but the 96-98 might have are a power antenna, rear cup holders, and the rear sub which i think was only in the 96 anyway.

 

[keny_kimmel]

I don't mean to hi-jack the thread if this does but isn't the performance of a g3 compare to a stock g2? I'd love to get a white or black one but I don't want to end up with a tank. My mom had one but I never drove it.

 

[NebraskaSHO]

As the years went by as far as 96 to 99, SHOs came less and less equipped. Many people like the SARC (Semi-active ride control) that the 96-98s and some early 99s have. Some prefer the 96-98 wheels over the 99s. I haven't heard any issues as far as durability or anything like like that is specific only to the 99s.

Some differences you'll notice over your Gen 2:
Much stiffer body, less creaks and rattles
Much better handling versus stock Gen 2
Better braking versus stock Gen 2
Generally a lot more reliable than a Gen 2

I think it's more like everything became standard. The only option the 99 SHO had was a power passenger seat. Everything else was standard. Well that and the factory radio, but who cares about that here besides jrcrum

99's ride stiff all the time as they do not have SARC, and they do not have the O/D off button on the shifter. Also they don't have the stretchy mesh cargo net thing on the door panels to hold maps, which I like a lot.

Also no star wars cup holders, no power antenna (thank you), and no carpet/metal mesh rear package tray.

When ever I sit in a 96-98 SHO it feels more like a SLO. But, it's all IMO.

Go drive both, you'll like one or the other. Or both

 

[nothingtoseehere]

The map nets were replaced by actual pockets, which I like better. A power antenna if wanted can be added easily enough. The star wars cup holder in the other years sucks. it is nice for "hiding" it as it looks sleek when closed, but functionality wise a 99 cup holder works a whole helluva lot better. I repalced mine in my 97 SARC, a lot of people wind up disabling or replacing with another strut anyway. Honestly, unless you HAVE to have SARC, there is really no reason to hold out for a 96-98. The differences are nill. I suck with another 97 because I liked the particular color only available in 96 and 97.

Oh, and I have never seen a Gen III with rear cup holders

 

[E1]

96 > 97 > 98 > . . . > 99

 

[Motoman991]

If you could try to find a low mileage 96. My father used to have one till a deer got bulldozed with it.

 

[avocadoman1]

from all accounts, this info is fairly acurate:

SHO Changes by Year

 

[sandrew]

When ever I sit in a 96-98 SHO it feels more like a SLO.

Them's fightin' words!

 

[SHOZ123]

Over the years the GEM module programming changed. There are three types. '96-'97, '98 and early '99, and late '99.

I use the '98 one and it has a few nice features for interior lighting and such. I had a chance to get a true '99 GEM but was too cheap.

Not really sure what they do over the others but I suspect the radio staying on after the ignition is turned off.

 

[avocadoman1]

more interesting data regarding 96-99 years:

SHO Production Numbers

 

[NebraskaSHO]

Yeah, Paul. My radio, for the short time that I used the factory football, stayed on for quite a while after the key was off.

I can roll my windows down or up, or roll back the moon roof until about 20-30 seconds after the car is shut off.

Them's fightin' words!

:type:

 

[LJRuddy]

My friends 98 with a build date of 3/98 does not have star wars cup holders.

 

[Fiske]

Well this has been helpful so far.. more input is gladly received.

But I'm not going to say where the car is b/c I know you'll all jump on it before I can say boo.. but a guy I met has a dealer's license and got this and is willing to sell the '99 w/ 97,130 mi for $2700. Already took a look at the car, body is alright (red), some scratches on front and an awful attempt to fix the few of them on the rear but straight other than that. Interior is just fine (tan) except a knife-life stab wound in the drivers seat . But engine bay is really clean and is a really quiet running motor. Didnt test drive it yet, but as long as the tranny is fine.. I think its a good deal except no record of the cams being welded... What do you all think?

I'm happy with my (2nd) SHO now except that its 13 years old and I need to replace the O2s soon, but maybe its worth moving into a Gen III for that price.

 

[SHOGrabber]

As Rocky would say. Go For It!!! 99's are the best

 

[NebraskaSHO]

Do it. TR/Tan 99's are sweet. 99 Interiors are all one color besides the door handle trim. Tan/Black there which I like, a lot.

 

[SASHO91]

What in the **** are these Star Wars cup holders?

 

[NebraskaSHO]

This: