Looking into the Gen. 3

[FuzzyFish]

Well I figured I might as well get a jump start on research. Seeing as I would like to replace the 89 with something a bit less damaged, I was thinking about trying to pick up a gen 3 that has been in a accident. So I had a few questions pertaining to what you gen 3 people think.

How reliable are they?
Any particular issues (Asides, from cam-welding/plugs)?

For those that might have owned a 89 or any gen 1 for that matter, in what ways is it better?

What are the primary diffferences between the various years (features, or lack of)?

What should a gen 3 in good running condition that has been in an minor accident go for?

What are some good performance mods?

 

[Gen2Gen3WhatNxt]

A SHO that has been in a minor wreak should probably go for about $3000.
Now thats just a guess, of course it depends on the damage, and the mileage.

I own a v6 and a v8 and love them both.

the v8 has better ride quality IMO.

the v8 doesent leak water into the passenger cabin.

the v6 looks better IMO.

 

[Mr. SHO]

First off, go to www.v8sho.com and read up! The answers to most of your questions are in there.

I don't know what you mean by "plugs" being an issue. The coil packs tend to **** the bed from heat, and they don't necessarily trigger a CEL or let you know in any way what's going on. That can be a pain, but your best bet is to get the back row of coils replaced when you get the cams welded.

Of course, the ATX is a weak point, so you'll want a chip and/or shift kit, and an aux cooler right away. And swap to synthetic ATF ASAP.

In a nutshell, the '96s had the most features. '97 and '98 had a few creature comforts removed, like 4-way headrests, in-dash gear indicator, JBL sound system w/ sub, etc. '99s had no SARC, no power antenna, different wheels (shared with the SE SLO) and a few other things I can't remember, but they are all itemized on the V8SHO site.

All in all, just look for one that is in good shape, regardless of year.

 

[AALERTCS]

Gen 3

I purchased mine from a dealer 3 weeks ago. It had 32000 miles in great shape not beat. Picked it up next day went back to dealer (Ford) It just didn't idle right kind of sluggish. The dealer had to replace injectors and coil pack. What a difference. So far what I did was replace the exhaust and changed air box to K&N cone awesome sound and performance. Its funny when people look at the car they have a look on their face like what the ****! Overall love the car. Now I am waiting for delivery on my 1995 MTX from PA.

 

[Mystery Train]

As stated by an earlier reply, Gen II is a real looker, while the GIII not so much. Of course, that's just opinion. Not that the GIII is ugly, but for my money, the GII just has that sharp edged fighter look that the big jellybean doesn't have. Gen II's also kind of jump off the line in a way that I miss in my GenIII.

Other than that, the GenIII is better in every other way. Feels solid, steering and handling are great, once past the low RPM (above 3500), sucker has got THRUST. Mine doesn't have after market exhaust/muffler yet, but I have heard ones with the stock pipes replaced, and . . . oh . . . my.

Anyway, my dad still has his GII and a GIII, his analysis is:

Gen II = lightweight figher jet that loves taking off from stoplights.
Gen III = supersonic freeway bomber that eats up big straightaways. Comfy too.

Both good cars that Ford was stupid to let die.

MT

 

[LASTSHO]

Mystery Train's father is dead on.

The Gen 3 is a highway car.....loves the high speeds and very comfortable.
The Gen 2 is more of a stoplight warrior.

 

[MilTownSHO]

I think the only advantages a Gen II has over a Gen III is gas mileage and the option of an MTX.