Replace Gen1 with Gen3..... maybe

[91 SHOplus]

Hey guys,

I vave a 91, But I'm kicking the idea around of getting a Gen3 car. However, I've read that the Gen1 and 2 cars are faster.

My question is how true is this? Is it a big difference, or just a couple of ponies? Are they more reliable then the 1 and 2 cars by design, or simply because they're newer.

I went to V8sho.com , but it seemed like it was alot of old info.

<small>[ May 13, 2003, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: 91 SHOplus ]</small>

 

[SHOZ123]

I don't know, mine's pretty fast.

14.60/95.13

14.73/97.60

Last fall.

 

[MilTownSHO]

Speaking from having owned all three Gen's.

The Gen III is alot more a cruiser then a pocket rocket like Gen I or II. Gen III's sound wonderful and they seem like they are generally more realiable than other Gen's expect for the cam issue. There are less aftermarket parts for Gen III's though. Generally the only reason I feel the Gen III is slower is due to the SARC system which helps eliminate the front end picking up when you get on it. Don't get me wrong I love the SARC system it's awesome. Gen III's big benefits are sound, handling, and brakes.


Anyway, I drove my mom's Gen III the other day for a second and I really didn't miss my car all that much. Her car shifts fast and sounds wonderful. Although, being able to throw it in second and punch it is a whole lotta fun.

Basically to sum it up, take a GEN III for a drive and you'll gather your own opinion. Everyone has there own taste. Now that you can pick up Gen III's pretty cheap, I'd say go with one if you like them after a drive. I like both cars, but I am particular to stick shift.

<small>[ May 13, 2003, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: MilTownSHO ]</small>

 

[f150fan]

The STOCK Gen III's are slower than the GEN I & II MTX SHO's but are about the same as the GEN II ATX. IMO, The Gen III's are a more comfortable car than the earlier SHO's. The Gen III is a little slow on the bottom end but once it winds up into the higher RPMS, she moves. Also, this is one of the best sounding V8's I have heard in awhile! Good luck!

 

[ian559]

I have a gen 2 and a gen 3. My gen3 is a real cruiser. It sounds great. I luv the V8 sound. Its fast. Not off the line fast but 20 to 140 fast. And at 140 its smooth as glass.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

MilTownSHO:
Gen III's big benefits are sound, handling, and brakes.

Handling?

Compaired to a Gen 1?

 

[jedhead]

I have both a 1991 and 1998. 1991 is faster and accelerates harder in any situation. From a stop. On a low speed roll. High speed roll. The 1998 is a more comfortable cruiser than my 1991, but I have to admit that the 1991 is just more fun to me.

Bob

 

[MilTownSHO]

NotSoSlowSHO:

MilTownSHO:
Gen III's big benefits are sound, handling, and brakes.

Handling?

Compaired to a Gen 1?

I mean with the SARC system

 

[stephen newberg]

I have driven Gen Is and Gen IIs as well as my Gen III. I think the Gen III has better handling in general, but particularly at high speeds on windy roads. That is talking OEM, prior to alterations. It is just a much stiffer body and designed more with handling in mind. But considering all the mods that can be made to every generation, I do not think this can really be stated with any certainty once you start changing things.

pax, smn

 

[91 SHOplus]

SHOZ123:
I don't know, mine's pretty fast.

14.60/95.13

14.73/97.60

Last fall.

So it's a minor difference. I thought that it was slow, from the way some people have posted in the Gen1/2 boards in the past. Maybe they were just ball-busting a friend. Thanx everybody. If there are any other opinions on the gen 3 platform, let me know. thumb

 

[91 SHOplus]

Are the Gen3 trannies as 'wimpy', and as expensive as the Gen2's?

 

[MilTownSHO]

91 SHOplus:
Are the Gen3 trannies as 'wimpy', and as expensive as the Gen2's?

Put a tranny cooler on and flush and change the tranny filter and you should be fine. When it eventually does go, you beef it up and never have to worry about it agian.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

NotSoSlowSHO:

MilTownSHO:
Gen III's big benefits are sound, handling, and brakes.

Handling?

Compaired to a Gen 1?

Defintely better handling than a Gen I

 

[MilTownSHO]

RCADDELL:

NotSoSlowSHO:

MilTownSHO:
Gen III's big benefits are sound, handling, and brakes.

Handling?

Compaired to a Gen 1?

Defintely better handling than a Gen I

Thank you, when we are talking stock, Gen III wins hands over. Not saying my 91 didn't handle good, but not as good as the 98.

 

[99V8SHO]

91 SHOplus:

SHOZ123:
I don't know, mine's pretty fast.

14.60/95.13

14.73/97.60

Last fall.

So it's a minor difference. I thought that it was slow, from the way some people have posted in the Gen1/2 boards in the past. Maybe they were just ball-busting a friend. Thanx everybody. If there are any other opinions on the gen 3 platform, let me know. thumb

I am pretty sure that those numbers are not stock. Stock genIIIs will run 15.4-15.7 at around 87 mph. Other than that, f150fan summed it up pretty well. Not great off the line, but once it gets up into the higher revs, then it really moves. Handling is pretty good, IMO. But I have never driven a genI or II. I have never had any handling problems. I took a turn where the reccomemded speed was 30 at about 65 and didn't break traction. This happened in West Virginia. FireRanger can vouch for this, but then again it might have been my extra stick Toyo Proxes...

 

[SHOZ123]

No my car is not stock. But what I have done is not really expensive (except for the tranny). Just the usual things, exhaust and CAI, and a few of my own creations.

I have yet to take it to the track with the 3.99 gears in it. I am waiting for a chip reflash.

 

[91 SHOplus]

Cool, so what's a fair price?

I found a 97 with 70K on it. I've emailed the seller and it has seen pretty good maintenance. (tranny flush/fill, Mobil 1 every 4k, etc.)It's an Ebony/Mocha car with a few door dings, nothing major. He's asking $9250. According to Kelly Blue Book, it's a little high. They recommend around $7500.

I asked if it was stock or modded, not specifically about the cams. We'll see what he says.

What do you all think? Get it, or get out?
shrug

 

[JaySHOguy]

Kevin....
Paul's times are not for a STOCK GenIII. My almost stock GenIII ran a best of 15.77@87mph.
They feel like they handle better because of the stiffer body construction compared to a GenI, and the fact that the cars are newer and less parts are worn out. The GenIII cars are highway cruisers, while the GenI and II cars are boulevard bruisers.
I just traded in my '97 SHO with 83,000 miles on the clock. From 50,000 miles, I went through two sets of brakes, a set of tires, a power steering rack, new subframe bushings, two tranny services(one when I got it, and one at 82,000 miles), 3 coils, spark plugs, and a SARC sensor. There were still a few problems with the car when I got rid of it.
*edit*
I just read your last post... Stay away from it for that price! A buddy of mine picked up a '96 with 90k on it... sub $4000 range. oh_my FYI, I only got $4400 for a Trade-in on my car.

<small>[ May 15, 2003, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: Jay97SHO ]</small>

 

[DavidT]

Kevin, I paid $7990 for my 1997 Ebony Satin/Mocha with 73K miles. It is in real good condition. I got it from Carmax... they supposedly have the lowest prices shrug
Depending on how bad you want it... I would definitely not go over $8K. Especially if there any Maint. concerns (brake pads, etc...) My AC compressor clutch just went out. Thankfully, it was fixed for $25 because of my warranty. Otherwise, it would have been over a grand eek!
Also, all of my subframe bushings were torn... you might want to check that out... that also would have been a $500 job from the stealership!
Ebay does have some great prices on the gen. III's, but pictures don't reveal ALL. If you could find an ebay listing that was LOCAL... now that would be something to consider. I have seen lots of gen.III's sell for $4000-$6000.

 

[91 SHOplus]

Thanx everybody! thumb

Maybe I'll just wait 'till The Ford show at Carlisle. I'll be there on Saturday lookin for you all to hang out and whatnot.

Maybe some sellers will be there? If not, I can still check the cars out in person, as I have only seen 1 or 2 G3 SHO's in person ever, and they were next to me on the highway!