Cutom application

[custom_noob]

Hello,

I'm looking into a custom application using a SHO III gen V-8. I've very new to the engine and was wondering the reliability of it. I know anything modified lowers the reliability. But to start, how is it?

I don't mean to offend anyone but I'll be straight, I'm not a Ford fan, but seeing how the SHO engines are Yamaha (or so I've been lead to believe), it doesn't concern me.

What is the redline on the V-8? What's the HP ratings when modified?

Again this is the start of some extensive research I'll have to do for this engine to work with my application.

TIA,
Ron

 

[Ian Macoomb]

custom_noob:
Hello,

I'm looking into a custom application using a SHO III gen V-8. I've very new to the engine and was wondering the reliability of it. I know anything modified lowers the reliability. But to start, how is it?

I don't mean to offend anyone but I'll be straight, I'm not a Ford fan, but seeing how the SHO engines are Yamaha (or so I've been lead to believe), it doesn't concern me.

What is the redline on the V-8? What's the HP ratings when modified?

Again this is the start of some extensive research I'll have to do for this engine to work with my application.

TIA,
Ron

Aside from the cam problem (see v8sho.com) the engine seems bullet-proof. The coils suck too (and there's 8 of them). If you could replace them with some aftermarket coil and run a regular spark-plug wire to the rear 4 you'd save yourself a headache.

The tranny isn't a strong point of the car either so count on that going around 100k miles or so.

As for mods. Nobody has been able to get much more horsepower out of them. Intake, exhaust and underdrive pulley are the only things that are proven to increase horsepower and even then it's not much.

The stock rating of the horsepower is 235. Torque is 230 lb-ft. It makes peak power at 6100 and peak torque at 4800 rpm. The redline is at 7000 and the rev-limiter is just after that (7100-7200 rpm).

Stock they seem to run mid-high 15s in summer weather. In the fall or spring when the temperature gets below the 50's, it's a different ball game. Mine seems to run low 15's with a few 14.9's when the temperature is cold. This engine loves the cold and hates the heat. See the sig for my mods.

 

[99V8SHO]

For a project I would recommend you use the Yamaha V6 either the 3.0 or the 3.2 found in the earlier generation SHOs. Those are 100% Yamaha and people have had much success using those engines.
The V8 has 235hp and 230 lb/ft. It redlines at 7000 RPMs. It does not respond to mods as nicely as others. The only real power adder to this engine is forced induction IIRC.
As far as reliability goes, make sure to get the cam sprockets welded to the camshafts if that has not been done already. The AX4N found in the gen3 SHO is not the strongest out there, either. Other than that this engine is very reliable.

<small>[ February 17, 2004, 05:04 PM: Message edited by: 99V8SHO ]</small>

 

[stephen newberg]

"The coils suck too (and there's 8 of them)."

I am at 120K and zero problems with these so far, though you do have me smacking on the oak desk right now.

pax, smn

 

[custom_noob]

Thanks for the replies and info. The main reason I was looking at the 3.4L V-8 was because I'm building a Ferrari 355 kitcar. The real Ferrari engine is a 3.5L V-8 (3.5L, 5 valves per cylinder hence the name 355) and it redlines @ 8500 RPM. In order to get the authentic sound of the real car I was going to try the SHO engine. The real car puts out 375HP, and that would be a goal also. This is going to be a fully custom application and I wasn't going to use the stock SHO trany.

Unfortunately I'm leaning away from the V-8. However, I am interested in the V-6 SHO motor due to the HP ratings I've read about and the look of the motor. I'm going to jump over to the Gen II section and pick some brains about it.

The cool thing is that I've learned more about these cars and although they are one of the few Fords I like, this has increased my respect for them.

Thanks again,
Ron

 

[Off Road SHO]

Ron,

Which transaxle are you going to use? The GM unit in the Fiero or a VW/Audi unit? Check out my sig pic (if it's working) and see what I did with the V-6 and a Mendeola race transaxle.

For Mid engine layouts, I would definitely try and use the front wheel drive Audi transaxles.

Whose kit did you get? We have an AZ SHO Club member that put a 3.0 V-6 and MTX in a Fiero based kit car that looks just like a Ford GT-40. I have pics if you want to see it.

Tom

(dang it, why isn't my sig pic SHOwing up anymore? I'm sure I sent in my dues for February)

 

[custom_noob]

Tom,

I'm very early in this project so I haven't detemined yet which trany I'm putting in it.

I would like to see the pics, anything is helpful!

I'm putting it in an AD hardtop 355.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[Off Road SHO]

Ron,

Pics sent to your email addy.

Tom

 

[Ian Macoomb]

I think you may be better off with the V8 then. It will sound closer to a Ferrari motor than the V6 will. The V6 has got it's own sound too but that will be a dead giveaway that it's a kit car. Now the V8 is a 60 degree V, I don't know how that effects the sound.

I also think that the V8 has got more potential. It's got more displacement and hence more torque. It would be more difficult to mate to a manual transmission but if you've got the skills and/or deep pockets it will be worth it.