Hello

[pb2themax]

Hello. I live in SW Ohio. I am new to SHO engines. The engine came from a wrecked '92 SHO with 100k miles, but the engine ran good. What all maintenance should I do to the engine? And I hope I can get all the electrical sensors and computer stuff to work. Then I gotta do the cooling system and exhaust headers.

 

[SuperHO]

Tom (OffRoadSHO) is going to be your new best friend...

 

[pb2themax]

Ok. I'll take all the friends I can get.

 

[pb2themax]

Couple noob questions here.

Since I'm just using the engine, It doesn't matter to me if a part is MTX or ATX specific does it? Like SHO Source underdrive pulleys say MTX. I'm not sure why the transmission would matter what pulleys you use? Right?

Also, Anybody got any recomendations on some good ceramic shorty headers, and where to get em?

 

[93rev2sev]

The SHO was built to be an MTX only car. When Ford decided to make an ATX, they had to make some extra room for that big, fat transaxle to sit behind the engine.

As a result, the engine moved forward and the Front Engine Accessory Driveline (FEAD) was re-designed. This means that the ATXs and MTXs have different pullies, exhaust manifolds and engine mounts.

A lot of people will tell you that you should use the ATX FEAD if you can. Since it's a self tensioning-single belt system, it may require less maintenance, but I think the MTX FEAD is more well suited to your application. Especially so because you will not be using the power steering pump (except maybe as an idler pulley for the water pump?...).

Anyway...that's why there's "MTX only" on certain items that seemingly have nothing to do with the transmission.

 

[luigisho]

Also, Anybody got any recomendations on some good ceramic shorty headers, and where to get em?

Not short tube but maybe modifiable if you call them.

http://shosource.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_43_54&products_id=168

Get in touch with offroadsho for ideas about sourcing parts for your application. Might have to go with some one off stuff. There is not alot of aftermarket support for these limited run cars.

 

[pb2themax]

Ok. Thanks for the info. It appears that my engine came from an MTX.



The only accessories I'll be running is the water pump and alternator.

 

[pb2themax]

Does the SHO engine use the same exhaust bolt pattern as a non-SHO 3.0L engine, because theres lots of 3.0L aftermarket headers out there that are around $500.

 

[Northwestvoodoo]

Hello. As others have stated, Tom (OffRoadSHO) can offer you a world of knowledge as he owns a piece of Art called the "Other Woman". He's one of the craftiest individuals on this forum. Maybe send him a PM.

[YOUTUBE]<object width="400" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sG16m2e4O6I&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sG16m2e4O6I&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><p><a href="http://www.capitolhillneighbors.com/view.php?video=sG16m2e4O6I&feature=youtube_gdata&title=SHO+powered+buggy+dusting+an+LS-1+buggy+the+wrong+way%21" target="_blank">Courtesy Capitol</a></p>
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[luigisho]

Does the SHO engine use the same exhaust bolt pattern as a non-SHO 3.0L engine, because theres lots of 3.0L aftermarket headers out there that are around $500.

I never checked but, given that, I'm about as certain as can be that we would have been using those products if they were available and fit correctly.

You can look for Todd Cook and his SHO powered hill climb car. He might have some insights for your application too.

 

[Vnuk1]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Off Road SHO]

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

Just my opinion but I would use the stock exhaust manifolds, grind down the shield mounting bosses and all the other imperfections from casting and then have them Jet-Hot coated, inside and outside. They flow extremely well and get the passenger side pointed to where it can go under the pan to join up with the other side for a single muffler system. And you will need a muffler.

Doesn't matter which SHO motor you use, unless you drive like one of your testicles is under your right foot, you will be shredding any VW transaxle you put in front of it, even the 4,5 and 6 rib bus boxes built to the hilt.

I'm off for an early morning bike ride (the only time here that wont melt your tires) but will answer more questions when I get back.

Tom

 

[Off Road SHO]

I'm back! Phew!

I have a set of shorty headers that came off the Other Woman when she was stock and supercharged, but I don't know if they will fit your frame. The Other Woman is a Tatum Sand Demon and the headers were built to clear the rear tubes. I'll try and get a pic up of when she wore them so you can see them bolted up.


This is them new with clamp-on SuperTraps on them. I don't recommend the SuperTraps for the SHO motor; blows the packing out and they are really noisy.

I'll also measure the distance between my two rear uprights. I have no use for them any more so if you want them let me know and I'll shoot you a price.

Don't know if you've decided on a place for your PCM (computer) but I would suggest away from the stock left rear location. Mud, sand and water will be a problem unless you encase it in a box. If you do, make sure the base of the PCM, which is it's heat sink, is touching the protective box and firmly. In other words, don't close off the cooling air from the PCM; it needs it. I moved TOW's PCM and DIS to a box behind the passenger seat and while it did clean up the engine looks quite a bit, it was a wiring nightmare.

I drive mine in the deep sand of the SoCal sand dunes so I left my power steering. It really helps when your going slow in the deep stuff.

Tom

 

[Off Road SHO]

BTW< if anybody wants to see a lot SHO buggies, go to my SuperMotrs page: [http://www.supermotors.net/registry/3537/12540/

 

[pb2themax]

Great info. Thanks. The engine came without any stock headers. I got nuthin. I can probably make your headers fit. I can move the frame tubes if I need to. I still have a lot of welding and bracing to do on this buggy.
I guess I'll just run the Bus trans and axles until they break, then upgrade.

 

[Off Road SHO]

So you have an adaptor plate to mate the SHO to the Bus box, right? Do you have the engine mounts done?

Tom

 

[pb2themax]

So you have an adaptor plate to mate the SHO to the Bus box, right? Do you have the engine mounts done?

Tom

Yup. It has a Kennedy adapter plate. I didn't install it. That was already done when I got the buggy. No engine mounts yet.

 

[pb2themax]

Here's what the engine looks like now.

 

[frosho]

Cool project, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Off Road SHO]

Well you need the middle and upper timing covers, maybe the timing belt tensioner and accessory tensioner and idler. Can anyone else see what else he's missing? I'll look tomorrow to see what I got.

Tom