Good day everyone.
I would like to know what mods people have done to their 3rd gen SHO?
I would like to know what mods people have done to their 3rd gen SHO?
Performance Add-Ons
- Thread starter Hollon71
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
luigisho
SHO Member
Well not a performance mod but welding the cams is something we suggest
luigisho
SHO Member
I've seen superchargers and nitrous and a bunch of stuff over the years but with the difficult issues of low production run and parts availability I would recommend staying stock. Unless there is something specific you are looking for. The transmission is not that robust so I would not try and pump up torque and hp too much. I got rid of mine when the tra ns started slipping. THe engine was health as hel l at almost 200k.
I space some words out due to intrusive software that edits perceived trigger words
I space some words out due to intrusive software that edits perceived trigger words
What about crankshaft pulley and exhaust?
E1
Crash Tested
In my experiences, an underdrive pulley will buy one a bit of umff off the line, but nothing in the 1/4 mile to speak of.
Exhaust mods usually end up in REDUCED torque at low end as these engines need a little back pressure down low.
As stated, if you go, go carefully. A 75 hp shot of Nitrous is about the ceiling for the stock transmission.
When I put a Eaton M90 supercharger on one of my 96 SHO's, I already had a heavily built AX4N with modified torque converter sitting on a bench in anticipation of a catastrophic failure.
Stock transmission lasted exactly 160 miles after upgrade.
Exhaust mods usually end up in REDUCED torque at low end as these engines need a little back pressure down low.
As stated, if you go, go carefully. A 75 hp shot of Nitrous is about the ceiling for the stock transmission.
When I put a Eaton M90 supercharger on one of my 96 SHO's, I already had a heavily built AX4N with modified torque converter sitting on a bench in anticipation of a catastrophic failure.
Stock transmission lasted exactly 160 miles after upgrade.
gamefanatic
SHO Member
Exhaust can be made larger, while its not really restrictive a 3" can move the HP peak to different RPM's, but probably wont add anything that could be measured outside of a dyno run.
Before modding though you will want to look into how you're tune is applied. Either via a direct tune or a chip like TweecRT provides allowing you to change things yourself.
At that point you can look to upgrade the fuel pump and injectors and MAF. You can adjust the pressure and RPM's for shifts, turn on cooling fans at lower temps, etc.
Trans can certainly be updated and there are still companies offering a heavy duty/HP version that typically will hold 300+ HP. If you plan to add HP you will need to go that route. Best to reach out to let them know your expected usage, HP, etc so they can provide the right TC and boost valves.
I'll be the first to second CAM weld. Just needs 1 or 2 spot welds to hold things together. Then you can move to adjusting your pistons and rods depending on what you want to accomplish. Just keep in mind head gaskets are limited run typically available from Commetic via Shosource or RocketRocing. Stock head bolts are TTY, so you may want to invest in ARP studs if you are making frequent head removals or need to squeeze it down just a bit more.
Before modding though you will want to look into how you're tune is applied. Either via a direct tune or a chip like TweecRT provides allowing you to change things yourself.
At that point you can look to upgrade the fuel pump and injectors and MAF. You can adjust the pressure and RPM's for shifts, turn on cooling fans at lower temps, etc.
Trans can certainly be updated and there are still companies offering a heavy duty/HP version that typically will hold 300+ HP. If you plan to add HP you will need to go that route. Best to reach out to let them know your expected usage, HP, etc so they can provide the right TC and boost valves.
I'll be the first to second CAM weld. Just needs 1 or 2 spot welds to hold things together. Then you can move to adjusting your pistons and rods depending on what you want to accomplish. Just keep in mind head gaskets are limited run typically available from Commetic via Shosource or RocketRocing. Stock head bolts are TTY, so you may want to invest in ARP studs if you are making frequent head removals or need to squeeze it down just a bit more.
Last edited:
luigisho
SHO Member
Really I would say stock for all the older SHO's at this point. Everything is old, we are seeing more wiring failures at this age and you need to be able to diagnose reasonably. Parts availibility on low run production models is difficult in normal times. We are seeing parts shortages across the board for vehicles that had much higher production runs and are newer than any of these cars. If you have exra money to burn and can get 1 off's made then go at it.
Nope. No Nitrous. Nothing major. What about a CAI?
Trust me. I have TWO 2002 Mazda Millenia S sedans. I bought the first one back in February and it is still sitting over at my friends shop. He keeps putting everything on hold while working on other vehicles. Then, about 3 months ago, I bought a SECOND Millenia S as a parts car since you really can't find many things on this Supercharged sedan. And, like I mentioned, I've been working for O'Reilly Auto Parts for almost 7 years.
luigisho
SHO Member
I guess if you like CAI's. I think it flows fine for the needs of the engine with a K&N drop in but that is just personal preference. Working at a parts store is advantageous but alot of parts are just totally out of the supply chain. The tra ns rebuilds are hit and miss.. mostly miss. Along with certain important gaskets. That is something that makes me not purchase another one. I really loved that v8 car. If you think you can work around that then I would say pull the trigger.
I'm not going to go crazy with mods. I **** want a bit more HP and a deeper sounding sedan. That is why I'm thinking about CAI and exhaust. I don't drive much. My store is less than 1 song away from home. LOL There isn't too much to do down here in the Rio Grande Valley, unless I wish to go to South Padre Island, or, want to see SpaceX launch/land.
E1
Crash Tested
gamefanatic
SHO Member
My own version of Porterizing... Full flow and self-latching. Needs a little refining, but good enough!
You would not be able to take it out and post a picture of it, would you?
These are pictures of mu '02 Mazda Millenia S sedans. The white one will be my drivable sedan. The black one is my parts Millenia S.
Attachments
Last edited:
Finally driving the 3rd Gen SHO. The engine sound nice. I just need a good deep sounding exhaust? Who has what for exhaust?
Remove the 3rd cat if it isn't already and get some Flowmasters.
-Chad
-Chad
E1
Crash Tested
You're wasting money if it is not welded.
E1
Crash Tested
In case you are not well informed....
The camshafts on these cars are a ticking time bomb.
Go to V8SHO.com and look up the THOUSANDS of documented cam failures in these cars.
If you choose not to get the cams welded, we told you.
The camshafts on these cars are a ticking time bomb.
Go to V8SHO.com and look up the THOUSANDS of documented cam failures in these cars.
If you choose not to get the cams welded, we told you.
I'm not going to be racing the SHO, or anything harmful. I want it since it's a rare collectable sedan. Just like my Mazda Millenia S sedans. The only Mazda with a supercharger under the hood.
E1
Crash Tested
Somebody, help him....
