No SHO guy here, seeking advice???

[NixMixin]

I have a boring 2000 Taurus with the Flex Fuel V6. I am wanting to improve the handling and braking more than anything. I found this website from this other site, that has a wealth of knowledge but the site appears a bit dated. I wanted to see where to buy upgraded end link sets and sway bars. I also found these adjustable struts on another site and wanted your opinions on them before I bought them. I would like to lower the vehicle an inch or so. And finally, do you have any resources or links to get information on upgrading the brakes to be less spongy?


TIA


Nick

 

[Irish Pride]

SHOnut Performance is still a valid website and Josh(owner) is pretty good about returning messages and answering questions. He just doesn't see the need to have an expensive looking site for such a specifically specialized car.

You can also check out SHOSource. They have pretty much anything you might need for the old Taurus platform. Alot of the V8 SHO stuff will work on your car so that's what you need to be looking at. Mike(owner) is really good at getting back to you with answers too.

-Chad

 

[gamefanatic]

Welcome to the Forum!
As Irish Pride noted, there are many things you can do to your car. The front/rear sway bars are a first and simple upgrade. If you have a Digital / Analog caliper go out and measure your current bars near the mount to the frame. There are many various thicknesses to these bars. I'm currently running 24/26 (front/rear). Suggest upgrading to some HD end links like Moog or fully adjustable ones ShoSource has/had.

I believe others have had more experience with those Adjustable shocks. I currently have a pair I am working on fitting into my ride. It was suggested to me to weld them, but that messes up the paint, so I'm fixing that now and just waiting to get them back. I'm also working on getting adjustable mounting plates for them, but not holding my breath quite yet as it's been a journey there so far... But I've got plans...
Keep in mind these aren't the same quality ShoSource sold (or others) as the stroke is shorter but very height adjustable. I would recommend some Thrust Sheets / Bearings to make adjusting the shock height easier. I've heard this also resolves some issues with noise during turns. I got mine from the site below as they had them and were somewhat local to me. You only need 1 kit, but I got two since I wasn't sure how it would turn out. There wouldn't be any issues with 1 kit. Keep in mind the MaxPeedingRods are 70mm in diameter when looking for parts:
https://www.shop.upgrademotoring.com
Part: SUSSWI744303

If you stick with stock struts/springs, a new set of Fully loaded Monroe or Kyb might be just the thing. Gen3 Sho Fan has done a great deal of research for stock suspension. Take a look at his post. There are a number of SHO specific springs that would improve the load / stiffness.

If you aren't into doing the work yourself, there are many companies such as Ford Performance Specialists that have years of expertise with this platform that can pretty much take it to any level you want.

If you are looking for updating your engine bay, well I suggest going here:
http://www.moranav6racing.com/

Morana has been around for many years. I believe the FlexFuel cars were the DOHC style. I know a majority of Tom's upgrades went to the SLO which could be pushed to over 300HP NA. I have followed at least one person that went this route and well you can only say is new tires please... $$$!

 

[luigisho]

Holy cow. Alex Winbow and SHOnut. You looking at some old stuff.
I wonder if the Taurus car club of America or whatever it turned into his still accessable? That might have more info than we have on here for that model of car. They had regular versions of the Taurus but modified and did all sorts of stuff. I haven't been over there in a long time and don't know what state it's in currently.

 

[E1]

https://www.taurusclub.com/

Still there.

 

[NixMixin]

yes, still here. I have ordered the Moog 80108 and CC859 Spring that will be combined with the KYB GR-2 struts.

After this, I will look further into the sway bar upgrades too.

Thanks again guys.