Looking into buying a Gen 3 SHO

[jcrayliftek]

I was wondering if I could get a little help. I am looking to possibly in the next 6 months buy a Gen 3 SHO. I have had a Gen 1 and a Gen 2 in the past, I am familiar with some of the issues with those cars. I havent owned a SHO for about 13 years. I know of the common cam welding on the Gen 3 but are their any other major problems with these cars that I should maybe know about. I am not looking to modify this except for maybe mufflers and other simple things. Let me know please... Thanks

 

[Funmart6]

The transmissions seem to be troublesome when they get some miles behind them, I had mine rebuilt a couple of years ago and had a shift kit installed. Ignition coils seem to be an issue also. Those are really the only issues I have had with my car, oh and I had a problem with a bad ground that caused me all kinds of strange problems but that wasn't the cars fault, charge that to operator error!!! LoL.

 

[jcrayliftek]

Thanks for that info. I am torn between a Gen 2 like I had or a Gen 3. I love the V6 motor but never experienced the V8. Ive been out of the SHO loop a long time and everytime I look into buying another toy these cars come up everytime.

 

[Mr95Gl]

A Gen 3 that's had its cams welded, and trans rebuilt is practically bullet proof. As stated above, the only other common issues are misfires caused by failing coils, bad alternators (PITA due to its location), and worn out suspension. These are the main issues.

If you're just looking for a cruiser, with minor upkeep, and decent build quality I'd go with the Gen 3. If you're looking for something with less then decent build quality, alot more pep, better parts availability, and abit more upkeep, I'd go with a Gen 1/2.

Or you can do what many people have done, and own both. . . . .

 

[tardboy21]

I own both, I appreciate both cars for what they are. The Gen3, stock, offers such a firm smooth ride, I absolutely love to drive it. Plus, my two main issues with any old car,emissions and r134a, are both stock on a Gen3.

The only other problem I have found other then mentioned are the rear brake lines rusting. Total replacement is a weekend job, or could be done at a shop for pretty cheap. Trans problems can be mostly fixed with a cooler (unless you are a hard driver), brake lines are one weekend, and coils are not a SHO-specific issue. And of course you know of the cams.

Where are you from in NJ? I've got a red 99, stock everything pretty much except mufflers deleted. If you want to look over one, it's not a bad specimen.

 

[rubydist]

Thanks for that info. I am torn between a Gen 2 like I had or a Gen 3. I love the V6 motor but never experienced the V8. Ive been out of the SHO loop a long time and everytime I look into buying another toy these cars come up everytime.

I too have owned both, and keep going back to the Gen2. The 94/95 cars are the best, having stronger atx trans, R134a, bigger front brakes that can easily be upgraded to the Gen3 size, and are just more fun to drive than the Gen3 in my opinion.

I like to drive with my left hand, with my left elbow on the door panel, and the shape of the top of the inner door panel on the Gen3 is sloped such that it is very difficult to drive w/ my elbow on the door panel. And I still can't get used to the idea of everything having to be oval. And the Gen2 cars are simply better looking, imho. Details like that are what cause people to buy one vehicle over another, because the truth is that most all vehicles nowadays are quality products.

 

[warmonger]

i've owned all three gens..gen 3 is def'n built better and has a much firmer ride and exhaust note. rust under the rocker covers for people in snowy regions is a major issue i see noone mentioned

 

[Eastcoast SHO]

i have owned both, and still currently have my gen 3, all the above is correct with the cams and trannys. if your looking for a smooth nice comfortable ride, go with the gen 3. if your looking for fun and just cruising go with a gen 2 5 speed. in my personal opinion since my car is only driven in the summer, i would have to say a gen 2 5 speed.