New SHO Owner Questions

[Jeff93ATX]

I ran across a rust free Red 93 ATX and bought it on the spot (& then tried to explain it to the wife/AWA). The archives and Shotimes.com answered most of my questions pre- and post-purchase; but I could not stumble across answers to the following :

1) Under "spirited" acceleration, I have to turn the steering wheel slightly to the right to keep her in a straight line - normal from the torque steer or is this an indicator of early ATX failure?

2) The car needs mufflers and soon an exhaust; made up my mind on the Summit Turbos - should I get 2.5" for a future larger exhaust?

3) I bought the car off the 2nd owner who said he paid Ford ~$300 for his 60K service - does this sound like the cost of valve lash check or adjustment? That had to be 4-5h of labor.

4) Interferance or not - ran across one post saying it is not an interferance engine - can I get a another confirmation? I would like to wait on the timing belt, water pump, & CPS until spring & closer to the 100K recommended replacement (car has 92.7K). I'd rather spend the $$ on the 60K tune-up now, and will wait if there is no danger of smashing the valves.

This is the 2nd SHO in our family - my dad has a '99. I almost bought an '89 SHO instead of my TC.

Many thanks,

Jeff
93ATX
88 Turbo Coupe
65 Mustang
99 Windstar (wife's car)
Anyone notice a trend?

 

[luigisho]

#4 Yes not an interference engine. You can do the valve lash yourself. The parts alone will cost you plenty.
#3 Maybe-depends on local labor rates but it sounds low to me. You can do this yourself. There are several good documents and a great video as refrence material.
#2 You will lose some low end torque and maybe gain some hp up top but I wouldn't change diameter unless you are planning lots of mods.
#1 Sounds like torque steer or maybe alignment issue?

Welcome aboard.

 

[sdpatt]

For Ford to perform a ral valve gap adjustment is way over $300.

 

[pete c]

For 300 bones the ford guy might throw in a new set of plugs and wires. No way in **** he would even crack a valve cover loose for that amount.

No it is not an interference motor, although with aftermarket cams it can be.

 

[Jeff93ATX]

Thanks guys - I'll stick the 2.25" and save the rest for the inevitaible ATX replacment wink . The only engine mods planned are K&N, maybe a 80mm, and the ever costly tune-ups.

Re: turning the steering wheel to the right during acceleration just had an alignment. Ford's last decent tranny was the C5, so I am very nervous having jsut bought the car.

Car was adult driven for its entire life and the tranny, believe it or not, shifts incredibly smooth. The only unusual noises come when I step on the gas-release-step back on it again - even our minivan has done that since shortly after new.

Jeff

 

[SHOZ123]

Car was adult driven for its entire life

Well that doesn't really mean anything considering it's a SHO.