Possible new SHO owner

[STRider]

My parents have a 93 ATX SHO with 150,000 miles that they will give to me if I want it. My mother bought a new PT Cruiser and the dealer was only going to give them $1,500 for the SHO, so they kept it. The only problem is that my parents do not maintain cars very well and I know the SHO needs regular maintenance. Right now I’m assuming they have not done any regular maintenance, except for changing the oil. My dad usually keeps all repair receipts, but we can’t find any for the SHO. I do know the transmission was rebuilt at 90,000 and the front motor mount replaced at 115,000. That’s everything I know for sure. I believe that the timing belt was replaced around the same time the engine mount was replaced, but we can not find a receipt showing it. Also, I can not determine if the valves were ever adjusted.

Here are some problems I noticed while driving the car. It is hard to start, takes a lot of cranking before it fires up (camshaft sensor/adj valves/timing belt). Once running, it is a little rough with a consistent missing/hesitation (sparkplugs & wires/camshaft sensor/adj valves/timing belt). When the car is put in drive and when you first give it gas, there is a clunk from the front (rear/trans mount). The transmission takes awhile to shift from 1st to 2nd during normal driving and at WOT (?). The front end groans while turning both standing still or driving (strut mount rubbing on strut tower). It doesn’t change volume or frequency at all. The struts are worn out. The moon roof doesn’t seal completely, the wind whistles through it on the highway.

I have a mechanic I can take it to perform a used car inspection. He will go over everything and let me know what needs to be replaced. I already have an idea of what I need to do, but it would be nice to be able to check out the car when it is on a lift. Before I actually fix anything, I’m going to pull the valve covers and check the cams. If they are fine, this is what I’m planning on repairing/replacing:
Timing belt and tensioner
Accessory belt
Water pump
Thermostat
Crankshaft position sensor
Camshaft identification sensor
Radiator/heater hoses
Adjust valves
Valve cover/spark plug well gaskets
Spark plugs and wires
Struts/mounting plates/bearings and springs
Rear engine/transmission mount
Change atx fluid and filter
Fuel filter
Install sub-frame connectors

Is there anything else I should replace, check or worry about? Hopefully the cams will not be damaged. Has anybody seen a SHO with 150,000 that didn’t have the valves adjusted and didn’t have cam damage? I know it can cause damage, but does it happen if you don’t do it ever 60k?

 

[srfdude]

STRider:
My parents have a 93 ATX SHO with 150,000 miles that they will give to me if I want it. My

Is there anything else I should replace, check or worry about? Hopefully the cams will not be damaged. Has anybody seen a SHO with 150,000 that didn’t have the valves adjusted and didn’t have cam damage? I know it can cause damage, but does it happen if you don’t do it ever 60k?

Yup, Naval-avi8r just did his w/over 140K miles and absolutely no cam problems. On the other hand, you may have to stand back and look objectively at the cost to do all your maintenance. You may be well over the value of the car; look and see how much these folks selling are getting for their cars. Just a thought.
Mike

 

[STRider]

I know I could spend more than the cars value. That doesn't really bother me since I would end up keeping the car for the next 5-10 years. The car was always garaged and washed/cleaned and is in very good cosmetic condition, so the only major expense I'll have is mechanical.

Also, the other vehicles I'm considering are new and cost at least $30,000. I was thinking of the SHO because I really enjoyed driving it while I was living with my parents. I also enjoy working on cars and this would definately give me something to do over the next couple of months.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

MAn you are right on track with what to do... and don't worry. Part of the irony of owning a SHO is spending over it's value time and time again on parts that it needs or doesn't need. Wait till you get it running nice. You'll get sucked in.

 

[naval-avi8or]

you've listed everything like you no what your doing. I won't say you need to do this ASAP but the sooner the better. As Mike (srfdude) said I just completed the top half of my 100K (142K) and my valves and cams were in good shape all intake shimms were still in tolerance and only 4 exhaust shims were +.001 out of spec. The good thing about the car is you know how it was used or abused which means alot to how mechanicaly sound the car is. But as it was said already the SHO doesn't hold its value very well but it is a unique car that can give you alot of fun especialy if you like to tinker on cars.