Getting a 97!

[ZackO]

New Member
Hey guys, sorry to bother but I'm new to the forums. Looking to purchase a 97 SHO (228k miles for 1100) and it's burning a lot of oil from what the owner says is the valve cover gasket (I've done one on my old Audi a3 i4 and eclipse i4 but never a V8, so I'm sure this would be a Decently harder job). Does anyone have a link to a write-up/video on how to get to it? Preferably video, in still fairly new to cars. Also, besides from spark plugs and getting some upper cylinder head cleaner in through the spark plug Chambers, any recommendations on what else to do? Thanks!

 

[SHOdded]

Welcome!

I assume you have been to/perused this site ...
http://v8sho.com/

Even if the cams had been welded, you might have to get them done again. Check to see if coils have ever been replaced, as bank 1 tends to build enough heat to **** them. Transmission condition? Suspension? The "football" radio may need to be replaced? And finally, the big one ... rust!

 

[ZackO]

Welcome!

I assume you have been to/perused this site ...
http://v8sho.com/

Even if the cams had been welded, you might have to get them done again. Check to see if coils have ever been replaced, as bank 1 tends to build enough heat to **** them. Transmission condition? Suspension? The "football" radio may need to be replaced? And finally, the big one ... rust!

Thanks for the reply! Never used it before, I will definitely look into it. I've heard about the cam issue & definitely want to look into getting it welded again. Do you know what I should expect to pay for someone to do it for me? I've never welded before. The story is the guy got it from a scrapyard, the original owners got something done to it and never ended up paying for it. Interior is totally trashed, but has all the trim pieces and everything along with it. Guy said it had a misfire but wasn't throwing a code, he ended up replacing 1 coil and it fixed the issue. I would definitely look at buying a replacement for all of them. Transmission shifted fairly smooth, I know it could use a fluid change it wasn't quite as buttery when shifting on WOP as I would've liked. I didn't get a look at suspension and underbody, but body in general wasn't in bad shape besides some clear coat peeling. I drove it a few miles and suspension didn't seem floaty, but I'm not familiar with these cars. The radio will definitely have to go, funnily enough I have a new double din Sony sitting in my current daily that needs a home. Are the radio dash kits the same for the SHO as an equivalent year standard Taurus?
Sorry to hit you with all these questions and info I'm just trying to figure out how far in I'd have to dive into this to make it decent. That exhaust note is engraved in my brain, I think I'll have big regrets if I don't get this.
Here's the post for reference:
https://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/d/la-vergne-97-sho-taurus-v8/6844585879.html

 

[ZackO]

Also a foremention.. when I drove it the few miles, it drove great. Got back, turned it off to check oil level. Started it again and it stalled. Me and the guy selling it sat there for a minute trying to turn it over and keep it alive. He asked to hop in the seat. After another minute or so he got it back on and running great. He said he's convinced it's the fuel filter stuffed. Didn't throw any codes or anything, just have his word to go off in the situation. That worries me a tad, but he was talking about how he let the fuel pump prime before starting it up again and that's a sign to him fuel filter is clogged.

 

[SHOdded]

I am personally not familiar with the Gen 3 SHO at all TBH, but I have not spent time on the v8sho site either LOL. But that is where I would start. And it is likely to answer many of your questions.

Cam welding is something of a specialty task. You need someone who knows what they are doing and will not leave spatter, if you want the job to last. This is one place NOT to go cheap.

With any car you buy, you should dump all the fluids (taking detailed notes of level, color, smell, and debris) and serviceable filters and start anew. If the car has been sitting for a while, and has E blend fuel in it, it is common for the fuel injectors to get gummed up. Sounds like it was ok tho, maybe suffering from heat soak. Or maybe a weak fuel pump. Checking fuel pressure, seeing if it holds after engine shutdown, can be a big help here. Best though to see if you can retrieve codes, and go from there.

IDK if there are any Gen 3 owners in TN, but Irish Pride, a moderator on this forum, can definitely help get you connected with resources.

 

[blk\blk90]

I dont know how close it would be, but I think ford performance specialists in Atlanta can weld them.

 

[ZackO]

I dont know how close it would be, but I think ford performance specialists in Atlanta can weld them.

I saw that mentioned, i wouldn't be against going there to get it done.

 

[Irish Pride]

DO NOT GO TO FORD PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS FOR ANYTHING!

I WOULDN'T LET THEM CHANGE MY OIL.

 

[ZackO]

DO NOT GO TO FORD PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS FOR ANYTHING!

I WOULDN'T LET THEM CHANGE MY OIL.

You have bad experience with them? I've seen them mentioned a couple times, but only good stuff.

 

[Irish Pride]

Numerous reports of shoddy work. Corners cut. Parts installed wrong.

Not to mention charging double or more than what labor should realistically be.

 

[ZackO]

Numerous reports of shoddy work. Corners cut. Parts installed wrong.

Not to mention charging double or more than what labor should realistically be.

Hmm, good to know, thanks. I guess I'll grab pics of the cam while I've got it open doing valve cover gasket and ask people on opinions if it needs to be welded again & where to go.

 

[ZackO]

Have been peeping around online about replacing the "football" radio. I have a double din Sony sitting in my eclipse at the moment that was ready to go in.. I see that the radio+ac unit are together, does this mean I am stuck with the stock radio? I'd love to have Bluetooth and USB capabilities in it.

 

[blk\blk90]

Take a peek in the 3rd gen section. It may have been discussed in there. I'm not sure, never had a 3rd gen, but wouldnt mind one!

 

[luigisho]

I think there are hacks to add a 3.5mm jack. I had installed (not great aesthetic install on my part) a single DIN in the storage pocket below the football. I was too busy to attempt a better looking fiberglass blended look which was my original intent. There are other options like those with classic cars that install a hideaway modern unit somewhere. You can wire an aftermarket head unit to the speakers, but you can't remove the football itself.

 

[ZackO]

I think there are hacks to add a 3.5mm jack. I had installed (not great aesthetic install on my part) a single DIN in the storage pocket below the football. I was too busy to attempt a better looking fiberglass blended look which was my original intent. There are other options like those with classic cars that install a hideaway modern unit somewhere. You can wire an aftermarket head unit to the speakers, but you can't remove the football itself.

Thanks!

 

[Irish Pride]

If you have Electronic Temperature Control then you are stuck with the football. A few people have done modifications to a different faceplate in order to add an aftermarket radio and keep the EATC but it never turned out right and never looked good.

If your temp controls are manual then you can buy an aftermarket faceplate to add a single din stereo. Still doesn't look that good in my opinion but it gives you a better option for stereo.

 

[ZackO]

If you have Electronic Temperature Control then you are stuck with the football. A few people have done modifications to a different faceplate in order to add an aftermarket radio and keep the EATC but it never turned out right and never looked good.

If your temp controls are manual then you can buy an aftermarket faceplate to add a single din stereo. Still doesn't look that good in my opinion but it gives you a better option for stereo.

Yeah, I figured as much. Worst case scenario I'll look into the RCA input, or I'll do a cassette to aux adapter. Just another quick question for you, I posted in the V8 forums and haven't gotten a reply... My 97 uses the same transmission as a standard taurus, correct? I was looking at doing a trans fluid, gasket, and filter change and wanted to make sure I get the right one. I was looking at this one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8J4WRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sTFSCbN0Q3PDB

 

[luigisho]

I don't have the part numbers but the transmission is different. I am not sure if it is internals only or if there are differences in the bolt holes for gaskets. Try the v8sho.com website for info and.. there is an email list connected to that site that some of us are on that may get you faster replies.

 

[Irish Pride]

There are 2 transaxles used. The AX4N and the AX4S. The SHO should have the AX4N. The two trans are not compatible when it comes to the pan gasket. The AX4N has 19 bolts so that should be your determining factor in which to get.