Low Budget Engine Swap

[HazMatt]

Hi. I have a clean 1995 sho. It's 3.2L V6. I want to replace the engine and transmission eventually, but I'd like to do it with performance parts. I'd like a 350hp or better racing engine and I would settle with a completely rebuilt 100% stable transmission. Problem is, I cannot find one. Can anyone help me locate these two parts? Once again:

350+ HP Engine

Rebuilt Transmission



Also, is there any other motors that would fit in the SHO that I can perhaps look around at performance shops for a race ready built motor? Like a Mustang one or something? Thanks in advance.

 

[jayro]

If you want a 350+ HP engine for your SHO, you already have one....it's under the hood. Pull it, add some forged low compression pistons, upgrade the fuel system and BOOST it. There are quite a few FI SHO's that are making over the 350 hp mark (actually from what i've read 350hp is pretty easy with a forced induction set up). There is also plenty of info on ways to upgrade the trans, from a built ATX to doing a MTX swap with reinforced gearing ect.
Good luck

Jeremy

 

[HazMatt]

Thanks for the help.

The problem I have with the engine is this weird ticking noise. Frankly, I fear a rod knock but ive been told otherwise. I'm just waiting for the engine to blow and when it does, get a new one. Now, if theres a way I can pull this current block, figure out the problem and fix it, I'd do that as well. Problem is, I'm not some awesome mechanic. I know the basic stuff and have a few friends who know how to engine swap etc but as far as rebuilding one, Im not sure how to do it. If I had a manual or a video etc to watch/read, I'm sure I can figure it out if i properly mark and label everything.

The transmission on the other hand, is slipping in a few gears slightly. Only does it once in a while. I have an idea to temp. fix this problem with some of that half/half sealer stuff. Worked on a beater car I had. I doubt ill get around to doing that tho. I read on the site there is a "Josh's Video" for transmissions. If I can get a link to that and maybe a general link for engines I might call some people and attempt this.

 

[naval-avi8or]

That ticking is most likely either your cams hitting the shims (can be normal or if it is excessive it needs reshimmed which is part of the routine maint) or the cam drive chains slapping against the cam covers.

 

[jayro]

If you are having ticking from your rod bearings, you can replace them pretty easy witht the engine still in the car. Also, if you haven't done any maitinance I would do a full 60K. This usually will fix any problems that you have. You said it was clean, so if it was maintained you should have any problems. As far as a tranny, you can purchase a built ATX that should be able to handle your power levels.

For the bearingsand maintinance how to's look at www.shophoenixproject.com.
It's what I used and had never done it before. I wouldn't just blow the engine unless there is something big wrong with it. The engine is what makes the SHO so special....without it it is just your moms taurus.
CHeck out some of the info on what the engine is before you dicide to scrap it. Just my 2 cents. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Jeremy

 

[LOUDSHO92]

To get 350hp you must have boost.

Ford Performance Specialist offers rebuilt transmissions and does a pretty good job.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Just to add.... when my bearings were making noise, it sounded like that cam chain slapping. Sound just transferrs too well thru that motor. Best thing to do is take that pan off and do those bearings.

 

[Phoenix]

Just to add.... when my bearings were making noise, it sounded like that cam chain slapping. Sound just transferrs too well thru that motor. Best thing to do is take that pan off and do those bearings.

Best advice

How "low" your budget is really?

Is nitrous an option to reach 350, or you want 350 anytime anywhere?

 

[jon93]

Low budget and SHO don't mix.

 

[93rev2sev]

To get 350hp you must have boost.

Oh, comon....where's your sence of adventure?!?

No-one bores and strokes these motors? High compression? 350 N/A chp is feasable...I guess it would not fit the "low budget" requirement, though.

 

[e_clouser]

Low budget and SHO don't mix.

My thoughts exactly....

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Oh, comon....where's your sence of adventure?!?

No-one bores and strokes these motors? High compression? 350 N/A chp is feasable...I guess it would not fit the "low budget" requirement, though.

Cheaply? No

Maybe with a 3.6 stroker kit (not made right now) and all the bolt ons, with a Tweecer and injectors you should see it.

 

[Phoenix]

Oh, comon....where's your sence of adventure?!?

No-one bores and strokes these motors? High compression? 350 N/A chp is feasable...I guess it would not fit the "low budget" requirement, though.

I would be more then happy to see that happen , but no-one ever attempted this so I donno how you can say that's fesable?

 

[yamahaSHO]

Perform maintenace on the current motor or swap in a refreshed motor then boost it. 350hp from boost is EXTREMELY easy. If that's all you want do not bother with forged pistons.

As far as low budget... How good are you at fabrication?

 

[HazMatt]

..

Hey guys thanks for all the replies.

I really dont like the power that is on the original SHO motor. I read somewhere way back in the day that a guy built racing SHO engines and they had about 350ish HP. I was looking for that site and can no longer find it. I think the engine ran for $1,500 but it was a brand new built racing engine for a SHO.

The tranny im not too worried about right now, and as far as that knocking im going to do a 60k on it in 2 weeks. also if anyone has links to videos of "How to" on your SHO, please link them, as they will be invaluable. Thanks again for everyones input and advice, its very much appriciated.

My budget is about 1.5K for an engine, and maybe 1,000 for a trans. But I want racing stuff high performance

 

[dohcsable]

who cares.....the point we are stressing is there are no racing stuff avail.....easiest way to reach your goal......rebuilt 3.2L(forged pistons) and add a 100shot of nitrous.....not your full goal, but darn close and easily in your budget.....if the stock sho isn't quick enough, you must have a very poorly maintained one....

Andrew

 

[Phoenix]

who cares.....the point we are stressing is there are no racing stuff avail.....easiest way to reach your goal......rebuilt 3.2L(forged pistons) and add a 100shot of nitrous.....not your full goal, but darn close and easily in your budget.....if the stock sho isn't quick enough, you must have a very poorly maintained one....
Andrew

That's relative. When you drove real fast cars , and you try a stock sho , you may find the sho slowish.

 

[yamahaSHO]

Hey guys thanks for all the replies.

I really dont like the power that is on the original SHO motor. I read somewhere way back in the day that a guy built racing SHO engines and they had about 350ish HP. I was looking for that site and can no longer find it. I think the engine ran for $1,500 but it was a brand new built racing engine for a SHO.

The original SHO motor is the ONLY SHO motor. There is not racing version and for $1,500.... Are you sure what you're smoking is legal? The heads cost more then that. The stock motor from Ford was considerably higher in cost.

My budget is about 1.5K for an engine, and maybe 1,000 for a trans. But I want racing stuff high performance

$1.5K is a SUPER-BUDGET "race" SHO motor.


I built my motor fairly cheap for the parts I got and I spent twice the $1.5k mark. I'd say Gary has one **** of a motor that you can consider "race" and I garantee he's spent WAY more then $1.5k.

BTW, stock SHO's = SLOW.

 

[TimboSHO]

I would settle with a completely rebuilt 100% stable transmission. Problem is, I cannot find one.

I think it would be pretty hard to find a 100% stable automatic trans