Hi Im new in the sho world and looking to buy my first sho and need advice which years is the better gen1 or gen2 which transmission is the most reliable atx or mtx all your advice will be Nice!!! Sorry for my bad English Im from Québec 
need advice
- Thread starter mtp90
- Start date
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Gen 1 is the best. They look the best and have the better interior. 1989 and 1991 seem to be the most desirable of the Gen 1s. Gen 1s only came with the MTX. The transmissions hold up well if you don't abuse them. Don't buy a SHO from north Georgia and you should be ok.
kevinspann
Don't take my advice.
Gen 1s do have better interiors, the door panels are much tighter, but it is harder to find nice gen 1 interior parts. MTX is more reliable than the ATX - the main issue with the MTX is the differential.
DJSHO91
SHO Member
I agree with IRISH PRIDE, the Gen 1 models are great. As a 1st Gen owner, I would recommend a 91' Plus model(if you can find one) or a late production(built after Jan 1991) 91' SHO. Late in the production year Ford started adding some nice Plus upgrades on the regular SHO production models. These included the fiberglass Plus hood and rod shifter system.
All this aside, the most important thing to look for is a well-maintained SHO, no matter what the year or transmission. If properly maintained, and not overly abused, these cars have excellent durability compared to other performance vehicles of the same era. I actually bought a vehicle with double the mileage, just because I had a comprehensive service history of how this car was properly maintained. Hope this helps.
All this aside, the most important thing to look for is a well-maintained SHO, no matter what the year or transmission. If properly maintained, and not overly abused, these cars have excellent durability compared to other performance vehicles of the same era. I actually bought a vehicle with double the mileage, just because I had a comprehensive service history of how this car was properly maintained. Hope this helps.
sperold
Last to Know
I doubt you are going to find a Gen1 in Quebec, and you will be hard pressed to locate a Gen2 that is not just a parts car.
Gen1s are more agressive looking, and I do prefer the seating design.
Gen2s are more luxurious and detailed, and the dash looks more modern (I am really tired of trying to find the window control switch at night in a Gen1, as they do not light up).
I have both, and they both have their appeal. One is not head and shoulders above the other.
If you want an automatic, stick to 94 - 95 and check the automatic out carefully as they do not last long in the hands of the wrong person; and you will need 2 -3K$ when it goes. You will need 1K$ when your Throw Out Bearing goes on you standard trans model.
In the beginning, pay a little more for a good one, because a fixer-upper will be more expensive in the end.
Good luck on the search, I am in Montreal a lot, and can help if needed when it comes decision time. There are 3 or 4 members from Quebec on here; and within easy driving distance, you have ShoNut Performance that you see advertised at the top of the page.
Gen1s are more agressive looking, and I do prefer the seating design.
Gen2s are more luxurious and detailed, and the dash looks more modern (I am really tired of trying to find the window control switch at night in a Gen1, as they do not light up).
I have both, and they both have their appeal. One is not head and shoulders above the other.
If you want an automatic, stick to 94 - 95 and check the automatic out carefully as they do not last long in the hands of the wrong person; and you will need 2 -3K$ when it goes. You will need 1K$ when your Throw Out Bearing goes on you standard trans model.
In the beginning, pay a little more for a good one, because a fixer-upper will be more expensive in the end.
Good luck on the search, I am in Montreal a lot, and can help if needed when it comes decision time. There are 3 or 4 members from Quebec on here; and within easy driving distance, you have ShoNut Performance that you see advertised at the top of the page.
Last edited:
NOTAURIUS
SHO Member
I agree with everything that was said here. The rod shifter was installed in all 5/91 and later cars, but the fiberglass hoods were only used on some cars (non-plus).
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