Finally Bought a SHO!!!

[Gianni Gill]

I’ve been looking for something good for my first car, after tons of research, I decided that the SHO was perfect in terms of power and fuel efficiency, plus if you don’t know, it looks like a regular old sedan. Right now I’m running it completely stock, but my buddy has a SS Cobalt that’s keeping up, so I need some suggestions. From the general consensus LMS tuning isn’t too good. Don’t do bolt on’s. But how can I turn my SHO into a beast?

 

[Jordan_R]

First off welcome! Lots of good information here. Plenty of good tuners out there. I personally use AJPTurbo or Gearhead, but you might do some research and figure out which is the best overall for you.

I made a list of the modding order in which I recommend:
https://shoforum.com/index.php?threads/sho-ecoboost-modding-order.141097/

 

[zoomlater]

Welcome! Post some pics

 

[Zpak]

Welcome.

Change all fluids first, especially PTU, and stay on top of regular maintenance. After that, start with a tune and go from there. Jordan’s list is pretty solid. Smart mods in an order that actually give you gains each step of the way.

 

[ridered74]

Just a tune and you should start pulling away from your buddy. If you are looking for specifics, check out www.dragtimes.com and browse 1/4 mile times by ford Taurus. If you have a specific time goal you can click on anybody's time and see what their setup is.

 

[Gianni Gill]

Welcome! Post some pics

Will do tomorrow!

 

[Gianni Gill]

Welcome.

Change all fluids first, especially PTU, and stay on top of regular maintenance. After that, start with a tune and go from there. Jordan’s list is pretty solid. Smart mods in an order that actually give you gains each step of the way.

First thing I did when I got it was take it to my Buddy’s shop, changed all the fluids, wheel bearings, brakes, tie rods and did an alignment on it.

 

[802SHO]

First thing I did when I got it was take it to my Buddy’s shop, changed all the fluids, wheel bearings, brakes, tie rods and did an alignment on it.

^^^smart man! What year/color? PP or non PP? Can't be having a fellow member with a Cobalt at your heels! Time to wake it up with a tune!

 

[Gianni Gill]

^^^smart man! What year/color? PP or non PP? Can't be having a fellow member with a Cobalt at your heels! Time to wake it up with a tune!

I’m assuming it’s non PP, fully loaded though with the massage seats (Gf loves em) the thing is the dealership got it as a trade in and was looking to get it off the lot ASAP. Ended up talking them down to $9000 CAD (about $6450 USD) for a 2011 with 146,000 km (or 90,000 miles for the American folks) from the listed price of $11,500 CAD ($8250 USD) because it needed a bit of work done. Honestly the best bang for my buck. He had an SRT4 Dodge Caliber but just got a Cobalt with a tune and aftermarket Turbo, off the line I have him every time but it’s neck and neck haha. I’d love if you have any suggestions for a good tune or even any parts to buy to put the cobalt in it’s place ‍

 

[sperold]

It really depends on whether you want to become involved and do data logging to perfect your tune, or if you want to install the tune and simply enjoy.

If you want to do the former, then all tunes are available to you.

If you want plug and play, then LMS and I believe the "auto-octane" tune from one of the other suppliers has that feature. Other people will chime in and give you the name, as I forget.

In the 2010 to 2012 SHOs, the LMS tunes did not have issues.

Beware that the LMS tunes use a proprietary software, and the hardware you pay for cannot load any other manufactures' tunes. So if you start by being a plug and play guy with LMS, you cannot switch over to experience other tunes and try data logging unless you re-buy the other hardware system.

 

[Zpak]

The best advice I could give you would be to pick a SCT device that fits your budget and needs, research the different tuning venders and choose one you feel comfortable with. Like sperold said it really just depends on your build, goals, and how far you plan to take it.

I don’t have a dog in the fight but would advise against LMS for at least the reason that you are stuck with them and their proprietary device. With SCT you have the freedom to choose. You can get any number of tunes from any number of venders.

 

[JHV]

I’ve been looking for something good for my first car, after tons of research, I decided that the SHO was perfect in terms of power and fuel efficiency, plus if you don’t know, it looks like a regular old sedan. Right now I’m running it completely stock, but my buddy has a SS Cobalt that’s keeping up, so I need some suggestions. From the general consensus LMS tuning isn’t too good. Don’t do bolt on’s. But how can I turn my SHO into a beast?

I would recommend a Gearhead tune kit with tuner, tune software, spark plugs, 3 BAR MAP and great customer service and tech help. www.ghtuning.com/

 

[SM105K]

I will be that guy. Any Generation SHO is a terrible first car. I hope you can turn a wrench or got a good extended warranty. Like the posts above, change all of your fluids ASAP. Stay away from LMS, and I would go Gearhead for your tune. I hope this SHO is a good car for you.

 

[luigisho]

I will be that guy. Any Generation SHO is a terrible first car. I hope you can turn a wrench or got a good extended warranty. Like the posts above, change all of your fluids ASAP.

Welcome to the club! New owners need to get solid info and advice up front.

 

[SM105K]

Your meme game is strong....