New SHO owner, what should I look for at 170k?

[jdchalfan]

I just purchased my first SHO, a '92 MTX with 170k miles. I am wondering what problems I should be looking for with this many miles. The engine starts and runs great. It doesn't make any funny noises and idles perfectly smooth with no missing. The only starting problem I have is sometimes when the car is warm the starter will have to crank for about 3 seconds before the engine starts, but this does not happen often. Sometimes when I start it warm the idle surges for a few seconds between about 600-900 rpm. I plan on cleaning the throttle body soon, and I figured that might take care of the surging idle. Other than those two problem the engine runs perfectly with absoultely no surging or missing at any point in the rpm's.

I pulled one of the plug wires off of the plug, and by the oil down in the spark plug tube, its pretty clear I need to replace those seals soon. I figure with as many miles as I have and no service history, I may as well adjust the valves while I am at it. Roughly how much is a shim kit, and what's a good place to buy one?

How many miles can these engines usually go without major mechanical problems? The car is bone stock and does not appear to have been beaten, though you can never be sure.

One other minor problem I have noticed is it feels like something in the rear suspension may be a bit loose. The car drives and handles fine, I only notice this when I drive over the curb at the end of my driveway. It is not a sharp "klunk" sound, something just feels a little loose. I haven't even looked under the rear of the car yet, I asume it has struts all around?

Overall i'm pretty happy with this car. I purchased it for $2000 at an auction which was a bit of a risk since I was not able to drive it first, though I could start it and move it forwards and back a couple feet. I bought this car because I wanted another fast 4-door, after an incident with my BMW 535i involving too much speed for too tight a corner. Way too fast speeds. And just liability insurance. Hah, oh well, I'm happy with my SHO. I have owned a bunch of Mustangs and always wanted a SHO. I'm pretty sure my old BMW would get a look at my SHO's tail-lights in a race anyways..

Thanks for taking the time to read through this post, please let me know if you have any advice.

Jeff

 

[Firefighter232]

Im looking at a 93 SHO with 163k on it and I want to know the same things that you do. This guy is having a computer problem with the check engine light and then it cuts off. it only does it once or twice every 2-3 months. other than that my mechanic says it needs to be tuned up EVERY 30k miles including the valve lift. The YAMAHA specs are very tight much like a racing engine put into car service. They need to be maintained and watched closely. Other than that Im in the dark. Is yours a 5speed or automatic? Also, how can you tell if it is a MTX or ATX? and what do they mean???

 

[projectSHO89]

other than that my mechanic says it needs to be tuned up EVERY 30k miles including the valve lift

You either need a different mechanic or to educate this one. Sounds like he has an expensive boat payment. Someone needs to check the codes set by the CE light. The valve adjustment is recommented every 60K miles.

The only starting problem I have is sometimes when the car is warm the starter will have to crank for about 3 seconds before the engine starts, but this does not happen often

Most likely bleeding down fuel pressure. Perform the pressure leakdown test.

the idle surges for a few seconds between about 600-900 rpm.

Probably the IAB valve.

it feels like something in the rear suspension may be a bit loose

Probably is. Most likely the sway bar end link bushings, the sway bar bushings, or the upper strut mounts.

Good luck with the cars.

Steve

 

[ISHOU]

ATX= automatic transmission
MTX= manual transmission.

All 89-92 SHOs are 5 speeds. 93-95 offered and automatic.