Purchasing my first SHO ~ Help

[Nyah_Chan]

Hi! I’m in the process of selling my Mustang and getting a 4th Gen SHO with a performance package!

It’s going to be my first time ever owning one and I’m wanting some information… having a hard time finding anything on these cars

Firstly, what are the best years of the 4th gen? Years with the least issues? Best specs? Easiest to work on? I can’t find anything on the differences between the years

Also any info on things to look out for on these when purchasing would be great! I’m looking to purchase a lower miles one so so obviously won’t be much to look into but any tips would be much appreciated

Thank you!

 

[luigisho]

Get the combination of newest and best cared for one you can find, then light your wallet on fire. They are all about the same as far as working on as the basic mechanical design is the same. I would get one past 13 and closer to 19 if $ allows. Check the normal things, if you can get a good scantool while no one is looking that would help

 

[Nyah_Chan]

Get the combination of newest and best cared for one you can find, then light your wallet on fire. They are all about the same as far as working on as the basic mechanical design is the same. I would get one past 13 and closer to 19 if $ allows. Check the normal things, if you can get a good scantool while no one is looking that would help

By setting my wallet on fire are you referring to the cost of the car or the reliability?

I’m planning on having it sent to ford for a pre purchase inspection… I have a small rental car business and I have definitely dealt with my fair share of dealerships trying to screw you over

 

[luigisho]

By setting my wallet on fire are you referring to the cost of the car or the reliability?

Half joking but only half. THese cars have added complexity with awd and tt in addition to internally mounted waterpump, timing set stretch etc. Modern mfg includes planned obsolescence which means design things to last just beyond warranty-- like lifetime fluid in the ptu which is prone to breakdown and cause damage. If you are already in the car game then you should be aware of general stuff to look for

 

[Nyah_Chan]

Half joking but only half. THese cars have added complexity with awd and tt in addition to internally mounted waterpump, timing set stretch etc. Modern mfg includes planned obsolescence which means design things to last just beyond warranty-- like lifetime fluid in the ptu which is prone to breakdown and cause damage. If you are already in the car game then you should be aware of general stuff to look for

Yeah this whole "lifetime fluid" crap is the dumbest scam but most people are ignorant and fall for it...

I am not new to cars and mechanically inclined but I basically a noob when it comes to newer vehicles... I've stuck with older ones up until now so it's a whole other thing for me...

I'm aware of the PTU fluid thing, are there any other parts that are "planned obsolescence" I should be aware of? Around what mileage does timing chain stretch tend to occur?

 

[luigisho]

I think waterpump life will dictate that as as they are internally mounted there is a seal that can leak coolant into the engine oil and that is no bueno. Some of the vets can weigh in on timing stretch and what is a good mileage to go after it. You have to on the alret for turbo leaks and wear. It's just a more complicated design with high speed moving parts and more tube/pipe opportunities for leaks.

I own the older tech SHO's. What I know of the newer ones I learn on here and also basic shared technology across most vehicles like my coyote '14 F-150.

 

[RickyRecon]

Yeah this whole "lifetime fluid" crap is the dumbest scam but most people are ignorant and fall for it...

I am not new to cars and mechanically inclined but I basically a noob when it comes to newer vehicles... I've stuck with older ones up until now so it's a whole other thing for me...

I'm aware of the PTU fluid thing, are there any other parts that are "planned obsolescence" I should be aware of? Around what mileage does timing chain stretch tend to occur?

I would definitely say make sure to also swap the rear diff fluid and trans fluid regularly. I think ford recommends the transmission fluid at 60k, but that’s too long. It should be changed at the very least every 30k. Many of us that run theirs hard have taken to cycling (drain and fill) trans fluid every oil change, or every other depending on severity of use during that period. My schedule for the PTU/rear differential fluid is ~10-12k miles. Cheaper than hard part replacement.

As far as the timing set issues, it varies.

If you get one that has the orange coolant, I’d recommend switching it over for the Motorcraft P-OAT yellow, or at least some other superior coolant. There has been issues with the orange coolant and corrosion in the heater cores, among other things. I switched to the yellow, and my coolant temps are consistently around 10-12° lower than with the orange. Unless I do a multi gear WOT pull, it doesn’t seem to want to get above 195° and change while driving since the switch, and even then ~208° is the highest I’ve seen, and it is back to below 195° within 15 seconds or so when I let off. (Stock thermostat)
It also has better lubricant qualities for that pesky internal water pump as I understand.

 

[Nyah_Chan]

I think waterpump life will dictate that as as they are internally mounted there is a seal that can leak coolant into the engine oil and that is no bueno. Some of the vets can weigh in on timing stretch and what is a good mileage to go after it. You have to on the alret for turbo leaks and wear. It's just a more complicated design with high speed moving parts and more tube/pipe opportunities for leaks.

I own the older tech SHO's. What I know of the newer ones I learn on here and also basic shared technology across most vehicles like my coyote '14 F-150.

Yeah the internal waterpump design is really no bueno… but beats having a WRX where basic maintenance means replacing the entire motor haha… jokes aside I work on and build my own cars so most things don’t really scare me it’s more things like transmission failures or complete engine failure flaws that throw me off

I intend on replacing the turbos for better ones etc in the future so I’m not too concerned with the longevity of those parts

 

[luigisho]

being good with a wrench is half the battle

 

[Nyah_Chan]

being good with a wrench is half the battle

The other half is money... In which there never seems to be enough

 

[Nyah_Chan]

I would definitely say make sure to also swap the rear diff fluid and trans fluid regularly. I think ford recommends the transmission fluid at 60k, but that’s too long. It should be changed at the very least every 30k. Many of us that run theirs hard have taken to cycling (drain and fill) trans fluid every oil change, or every other depending on severity of use during that period. My schedule for the PTU/rear differential fluid is ~10-12k miles. Cheaper than hard part replacement.

As far as the timing set issues, it varies.

If you get one that has the orange coolant, I’d recommend switching it over for the Motorcraft P-OAT yellow, or at least some other superior coolant. There has been issues with the orange coolant and corrosion in the heater cores, among other things. I switched to the yellow, and my coolant temps are consistently around 10-12° lower than with the orange. Unless I do a multi gear WOT pull, it doesn’t seem to want to get above 195° and change while driving since the switch, and even then ~208° is the highest I’ve seen, and it is back to below 195° within 15 seconds or so when I let off. (Stock thermostat)
It also has better lubricant qualities for that pesky internal water pump as I understand.

Oh forsure changing every single fluid after purchase... I'm most likely having to purchase out of state since SHOs are not common around me... I intend on having everything changed prior to driving it back home... But that coolant swap info is very interesting... I will look into doing that

 

[luigisho]

I got that orange stuff out of my truck. Not a fan of it. Switched to Prestone universal from walmart. Zero issues.

 

[SeanDev]

Yeah this whole "lifetime fluid" crap is the dumbest scam but most people are ignorant and fall for it...

I am not new to cars and mechanically inclined but I basically a noob when it comes to newer vehicles... I've stuck with older ones up until now so it's a whole other thing for me...

I'm aware of the PTU fluid thing, are there any other parts that are "planned obsolescence" I should be aware of? Around what mileage does timing chain stretch tend to occur?

I own three Taurus, average lifespan is 120-150,000 miles on pump, you get all new timing changing off all it's accessories when new water pump is installed, wheel Bearings go for about 130-150 thousand miles max. Change all fluids, really helps these car. These car are beasts, but with added power comes with half-life on suspension. Car is worth it and gets the respect it deserves even though it drains out wallets.

 

[Nyah_Chan]

I own three Taurus, average lifespan is 120-150,000 miles on pump, you get all new timing changing off all it's accessories when new water pump is installed, wheel Bearings go for about 130-150 thousand miles max.

Okey good to know I won’t have to worry bout that for while since I’m looking at getting one in the 50-60k range… but guess the convenience with the water pump placement is you have the opportunity to change everything around it while your at it

 

[SeanDev]

Okey good to know I won’t have to worry bout that for while since I’m looking at getting one in the 50-60k range… but guess the convenience with the water pump placement is you have the opportunity to change everything around it while your at it

I'm going to replace oil pump too, while engine is apart. And water pump, I'm at 60,000 miles.

 

[Nyah_Chan]

I'm going to replace oil pump too, while engine is apart. And water pump, I'm at 60,000 miles.

Oil pump relatively reachable when doing the water pump?

 

[jman1200]

Hi! I’m in the process of selling my Mustang and getting a 4th Gen SHO with a performance package!

It’s going to be my first time ever owning one and I’m wanting some information… having a hard time finding anything on these cars

Firstly, what are the best years of the 4th gen? Years with the least issues? Best specs? Easiest to work on? I can’t find anything on the differences between the years

Also any info on things to look out for on these when purchasing would be great! I’m looking to purchase a lower miles one so so obviously won’t be much to look into but any tips would be much appreciated

Thank you!

From what I've read in this forum, 2015+ is what you want. Also, I've seen people state that if you are planning to tune it, the gear ratio on the PP ends working against you on the quarter mile run.
Anyone with a different opinion, feel free to jump in.

 

[RickyRecon]

I'm going to replace oil pump too, while engine is apart. And water pump, I'm at 60,000 miles.

Are you replacing the water pump preemptively, or out of necessity? I’m around the same mileage so just curious.

 

[Nyah_Chan]

From what I've read in this forum, 2015+ is what you want. Also, I've seen people state that if you are planning to tune it, the gear ratio on the PP ends working against you on the quarter mile run.
Anyone with a different opinion, feel free to jump in.

Is that so? Man I gotta know if this is legit cuz that would change my choice... Was gonna go with PP cuz thought it be better for tuning

 

[RickyRecon]

Oh forsure changing every single fluid after purchase... I'm most likely having to purchase out of state since SHOs are not common around me... I intend on having everything changed prior to driving it back home... But that coolant swap info is very interesting... I will look into doing that

22 mile non highway trip on a warm start. Ambient temp 83° (real feel 92°… if real feel applies to cars too? Lol)