Couple questions

[interceptor]

I've been reading up on the new SHO, and may order an '11 soon. I just have a couple questions.

1. Do you have to run premium gas or is it just "recommended"?

2. If I run the car in the winter, what are the smallest wheels I can put on, 18"?

Thanks.

 

[nynd]

1 -> You do not need to run premium, but midgrade is probably a good idea.

2 -> I think so... cause 18's I believe come on the se versions..

 

[Shoman594]

You can run 87 all day long. But if you would like the full performance use 93.

You can use a standard 17" Taurus Rim.

 

[interceptor]

Thanks. I didn't know if the SHO had bigger brakes which would not allow me to run the 17's.

I've been reading the troubleshooting forum. I'm starting to get scared to get a SHO based on some of the problems people are having. I can get a smoking deal on a leftover 2010 with the regular 3.5, but I really want a SHO. I wish the ecoboost had a few more years on it.

 

[SHOwNGO]

You can run 87 all day long. But if you would like the full performance use 93.

You can use a standard 17" Taurus Rim.

I've been driving a 2010 SHO since last October and have used nothing but 87 octane with no issues (9,600 miles). I also run 17" aftermarket rims with snow tires during the winter without any problems.

 

[SHO U UP]

You guys may want to look over at the section in the forum about the melted plug and the use of lower octane fuel. Kinda interesting to say the least.

 

[PonySHO]

I run an 18" wheel for the winter with 225/60R18 Blizzaks. They are the exact same circumference as the 245/45R20s so there is no issue with the speedometer.
I run strictly 93 octane. Is spending an extra $1.20 on a tank of gas gonna break anyone?

 

[SHOwNGO]

I run an 18" wheel for the winter with 225/60R18 Blizzaks. They are the exact same circumference as the 245/45R20s so there is no issue with the speedometer.
I run strictly 93 octane. Is spending an extra $1.20 on a tank of gas gonna break anyone?

I run Michelin X-Ice 215/65-R17 which measure 28.00" diameter vs. the stock 28.68". Your snow tires are .06" less than stock (not an exact match either but closer than mine). How much will .68" affect my speedo? Does the extra octane really protect the car against plug failure and piston melt down? If so, then the extra $62.40 per year is definitely worth it. Skinnier tires actually work better in snow than wider ones.

 

[itguy08]

I'm at 11k on a diet of mostly BJ's 89 and have 0 issues. If they want us to run premium they should say so ASAP.

Other than that and a few minor issues, this car rocks!

 

[buff30SHO]

I've had the 2010 SHO with performance pack since last October. It has about 9500 miles which includes 2 trips from Wisconsin to Colorado Springs and back. I've used nothing but premium gas. It is recommended and I figure if I can't afford an extra $100 plus or minus/year on premium gas, I shouldn't have bought the car. I have had no problems with the car.

As far as tires go, last December I sold the Goodyear F1 original tires at 2000 miles and put on Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires on the original 20 inch rims. I have to drive in some snow and F1 tires were not appropriate. I didn't want to bother changing rims and tires so went with the Michelin all-season tires. Last March the 60 miles of road between Colorado Springs and Denver on I-25 were covered with packed snow and ice. Smart people were going 35-40 mph in the right lane. Dummies flying by in the hammered lane ended up in the deep snow off the road. I couldn't count the cars in the deep snow off the road. I'm glad I had the Michelin tires.

Again, so far I've had no problems with the car. It seems to be the best car I have ever driven/owned. BTW, it replaced a '92 SHO with 5-speed and 185,000 miles.

 

[93rev2sev]

People don't comment if there's nothing wrong. This is why most of the comments you see are from the small percentage of people that are having problems.

 

[SHOsc]

I have a 2010 with a brand new 2011 engine block! Best of both worlds!

 

[darreli]

I agree with someone above, this is the best car I've ever had.

You don't have to run premium but again I agree with some of the other posts for a couple bucks a tank I've always ran premium. My cars tuned for premium now, but, I only run premium in the Flex as well.

You can run 17's nut I'm not sure you can run smaller than that.

Finally, don't let a couple issues scare you away from making a purchase, it's a great car

 

[wchain]

As far as tires go, last December I sold the Goodyear F1 original tires at 2000 miles and put on Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires on the original 20 inch rims. I have to drive in some snow and F1 tires were not appropriate. I didn't want to bother changing rims and tires so went with the Michelin all-season tires. Last March the 60 miles of road between Colorado Springs and Denver on I-25 were covered with packed snow and ice. Smart people were going 35-40 mph in the right lane. Dummies flying by in the hammered lane ended up in the deep snow off the road. I couldn't count the cars in the deep snow off the road. I'm glad I had the Michelin tires.

What was your impression of the MXV4 vs the Eagle F1 SC?

I plan on replacing my Eagle F1s when they wear out with either the Primacy MXV4 or the Firestone Firehawk WideOval. The price difference is about 25 bucks a tire. I know the Michelins will ride better and last longer but I like the handling characteristics that the F1SC has right now.

 

[buff30SHO]

What was your impression of the MXV4 vs the Eagle F1 SC?

I plan on replacing my Eagle F1s when they wear out with either the Primacy MXV4 or the Firestone Firehawk WideOval. The price difference is about 25 bucks a tire. I know the Michelins will ride better and last longer but I like the handling characteristics that the F1SC has right now.

The Eagle F1s were really good tires if you didn't have to go in any snow. I kept them on into December just so I could see (feel) for myself what they were really like in some snow. I took the car out during the first snow storm and there was about an inch of snow accumulating on the road before the salt/sand trucks got out. Backing down the driveway with a small incline and then around the first corner of the block told me these were definitely not good tires to have in any snow. I drove around the area for a little while and it seemed to get worse. There was no traction even when just creeping around a corner and hardly no traction going up the driveway. That was it. I ordered the Michelins the next day from the tire shop I've dealt with for a long time.

The F1s handled great on dry roads in warmer weather. They were a little more bumpy and noisy than the Michelins have been in all conditions. The noisier and harsher ride never bothered me. The F1s also got harsher and noisier the colder it got even on a dry road. The Michelins have handled just fine. I don't drive excessively hard (at least most of the time) and haven't felt at any risk with the Michelins compared to the F1s.

I wanted to wait until the F1s wore out, but in my estimation they were not safe in snow and cold and had to make the change.

 

[wchain]

Thanks for the review.

The F1SC is a VERY soft tire. They're also around 275 bucks a piece.

I'm sure the MXV4 is fine for most daily driven applications.

The one thing I was really aware of when the car was new was how much sand and silt the tires picked up and slung into the wheel wells (noise). Proving its an ultra soft tire.

We don't get much snow along the gulf coast of Texas, so its probably not an issue, however, the cost of the replacement will push me to look at other choices.

Will be interesting to see how many miles the Michelin MXV4 Primacy will give you.

 

[Aelwell]

I've had the 2010 SHO with performance pack since last October. It has about 9500 miles which includes 2 trips from Wisconsin to Colorado Springs and back. I've used nothing but premium gas. It is recommended and I figure if I can't afford an extra $100 plus or minus/year on premium gas, I shouldn't have bought the car. I have had no problems with the car.

Where abouts are you in Wisconsin? I'm in Green Bay.

 

[buff30SHO]

Where abouts are you in Wisconsin? I'm in Green Bay.

I'm just west of Milwaukee.

 

[SHO307]

Reading some of these posts eases my mind a bit...I'm still on the fence about buying a demo SHO here in St. Louis. Car's got almost 6k on it, and it's been on the dealer's showroom floor for almost 8 mos now...makes me wonder if something's been found "wrong" with it.

Looks like the general consensus is:

---replace the transmission sensor: Fixes a "hunting" issue in the trans.

---Get the BLIS reprogrammed: Fixes a hypersensitivity issue in the sensors.

---Get the plugs replaced with 2011 plugs: Prevents the problem that SHOSc and a few others have had. SHOSc's problem was probably the worst example; a blown engine in a relatively new car sucks.

Glad to see buff30SHO's posts about driving in the snow; STL snow doesn't come often, but when it does show up (no pun intended), it comes on pretty strong. I-55 becomes a demolition derby death-race. My job is 24/7 and emergency-essential, so staying home isn't an option (gov't subcontractor).

 

[luigisho]

I think it's too early to say the the new plugs are the cure. Hopeful but not enough time to tell for sure.