Looking to buy 1st SHO

[H00CH90]

So I've been doing some research but still thought I'd ask, I'm going up to NJ to hopefully buy a 97 SHO with 60k miles on it. I know the cam sprockets need to be welded but are there any other issues I should be looking for? The car looks VERY clean.

 

[SHOdded]

Check for codes, transmission fluid condition, and during the drive - any loss of power or misfiring, suspension roughness, radio operation.
https://v8sho.com/

 

[zoomlater]

Welcome! Car looks really clean.

 

[luigisho]

Low miles is great. Plastic and rubber are old, so be aware that replacing things like hoses may be needed at some point. My engine ran for alot of miles. The transmission slipping near 200k was the only reason I got rid of it.

There is no swap in for aftermarket modern radio as the electronics are intertwined with the climate control, so you will have to use it as is or work around it. The dash pad will separate from the plastic base above the gauges at some point. It's just a flaw with the materials. No way around it at some point. Other than the cam issue and routine maintenance, my GenIII was a reliable car vs earlier SHO's.

 

[H00CH90]

I'll check it over pretty well, at the very least I'm swapping the spark plugs and filters, change the oil, maybe a new valve cover gasket when we weld the cams. I thought about changing the transmission fluid and filter too.

 

[stephen newberg]

The dash pad will separate from the plastic base above the gauges at some point. It's just a flaw with the materials. No way around it at some point. Other than the cam issue and routine maintenance, my GenIII was a reliable car vs earlier SHO's.

I think the dash pad issue is determined by time in the sun for the car. My '98 was in the sun for only about 6 years, and has been under cover since, and has never had any problems in this area, so I am not convinced it is a materials question.

Otherwise, I agree that aside from the cam sprockets, the car does not have a lot of defects difficulties. The transmission problems seem to mainly happen on the ones that have had a lot of stop light full throttle runs, which the car was simply not designed for. Cars that have not had much of that at well over 200k on the clock are still having no transmission problems, from most reports.

Its a really solid, long term reliable high speed cruiser, once past the cam sprockets.

pax, smn

 

[luigisho]

Could be that you are also in a cooler climate in addition to cover. I always surmised it was either material shrinkage or adhesive failure. Maybe a combo. I live in the mid atlantic where, in season, the sun and humidity can do a number on materials. I haven't been around a huge number of GenIII's, but all the ones I've seen in a several state radius that were daily drivers have this issue.

I agree with the transmission lifespan regarding wide open throttle from a stop. I babied mine down low and waited to get on it until getting the mph up a bit.

 

[E1]

Get the cams welded.

If no one else will do it, I will come out of retirement for you but you need to bring it to to the Chicago area. I do not know if NESHO in Massachusetts is still doing the camwelds but I recommend them first due to location.
I know Doug Lewis at FPS in Atlanta is still in business, too. They can take care of your SHO.

Change the trans fluid immediately. I didn't look too close at the radiator degassing tank. If it is Black top, replace it.

 

[stephen newberg]

Summers in Nova Scotia are actually very warm. Less so out here on Vancouver Island. But sure, climate effects everything. I have only been in Nova Scotia and BC with the car, and none of the Gen IIIs I have seen in either place have the problem. I think it is mainly the sun. Further north, less intense sun. But its just a guess. The 49th parallel is where I live these days. Very different sun than down in the lower 48. Add to that being under cover, and apparently you get major change on the problem.

Yes, I do exactly the same, throttle wise. Get good times that way too, by the way. I think the drive train just likes a rolling start. And this far, no transmission problems at all. Fingers crossed on that.

New Year's Best to everyone!

pax, smn

 

[H00CH90]

Talked to FPS, quoted me $1000 to weld the cams. Is that what it costs nowadays? Seemed very knowledgeable, glad it's not too far of a drive from me in NC.

 

[luigisho]

That's sounds ballpark. Average was $800ish over a decade ago. I guess it depends. I've seen people who weld DIY.

 

[E1]

I will hold my price at $550.00 USD with a lifetime written warranty against failure. I was never in it for the money and have no overhead business costs. Done over 300 cars.

 

[H00CH90]

I will hold my price at $550.00 USD with a lifetime written warranty against failure. I was never in it for the money and have no overhead business costs. Done over 300 cars.

That's a bargain at this point but not sure if I can make the trip to Chicago for it.

 

[gamefanatic]

Talked to FPS, quoted me $1000 to weld the cams. Is that what it costs nowadays? Seemed very knowledgeable, glad it's not too far of a drive from me in NC.

FPS is a reliable company. Be sure you understand all that they are doing for that price.

I had my brother do mine. Its not hard, but does require some knowledge about doing this type of job, due to the hollow cam. There are suggestions to do any maintenance on the coils / spark plugs at this time.
I recommend installing a fireproof material between the coil wires and the valve cover in the rear. This will help to reduce the deterioration of the wiring due to exposure to the heat. As the wiring gets old the coating can crack and expose the wires causing all kinds of fun.
Valve cover gaskets are a great idea. Depending if there were leaks before, if you don't replace them, you could use gasket maker to seal things up.
Intake gaskets can be reused. If they were not damaged. Sometimes the coating on them sticks to things and tears. In that case consider getting new ones or you can just seal the gaps with gasket maker.

As for places to purchase gaskets and other items I am tracking these two companies:
https://shosource.com/products?olsPage=t/1996-99-sho-parts

https://shop.rocketracingshop.com/Ford-Sho-34_c33.htm

 

[SHOdded]

That's a bargain at this point but not sure if I can make the trip to Chicago for it.

You will be missing out on the greatest parts of SHO history if you don't get to Chicago Besides meeting and getting to know the stalwarts of this platform, you get to steep yourself in SHO history. Nothing better than that!

 

[gamefanatic]

Priceless.

 

[1badsho]

That's sounds ballpark. Average was $800ish over a decade ago. I guess it depends. I've seen people who weld DIY.

Like me .... doug is getting REAL OLD and has to take his time on things like this lmao

 

[E1]

Like me .... doug is getting REAL OLD and has to take his time on things like this lmao

Hey HEY ! Play nice. Doug IS getting old, but not as old as some of us.

I had the chance to hook up with him just this last October when my business travels had me in the Atlanta area. He looks healthier than any of us have right to.

Way better than me, for sure.

 

[1badsho]

Hey HEY ! Play nice. Doug IS getting old, but not as old as some of us.

I had the chance to hook up with him just this last October when my business travels had me in the Atlanta area. He looks healthier than any of us have right to.

Way better than me, for sure.

He actually is a personal friend and did most of my work on SHO's in the early years. With all the $$ I spent with Doug I had to learn to do the job myself !!! But your right, Doug is as good as they get

 

[stephen newberg]

Good to hear that Doug is doing well. Never know with us old guys.

You starting to have health problems, Eric? Hope you are well.

pax, smn