Restoring a 1993 MTX

[SHOVNST]

I can see 16mpg if that is mostly city driving. Some V6/ATXs can be guzzlers, and for many reasons. For reference my `92 MTX SHO get 22-24 city/30-31 highway (averaging 70-75mph) and I would not be considered 'easy on the throttle'.

Do all 3.0 SHO's feel really soft until above 4K?

Yes, but more with the auto trans.

 

[Macgyver]

I can see 16mpg if that is mostly city driving. Some V6/ATXs can be guzzlers, and for many reasons. For reference my `92 MTX SHO get 22-24 city/30-31 highway (averaging 70-75mph) and I would not be considered 'easy on the throttle'.



Yes, but more with the auto trans.

Wow, I drive a mix, but nothing that would be considered city driving. I drive 9 miles to work on winding country roads, and occasionally on the highway but not really above 65 or 70. I don't have any codes, but I plan to check the fuel pressure and TPS next. When my other car averages 27 mpg on a long trip and this car can't even approach that, there has to be a problem. That car is heavier, likely has little aerodynamic advantage and has twice the displacement.

 

[SHOVNST]

Start a new thread focusing on the crappy MPG.

 

[jelloslug]

My '90 (with a 3.2) gets an average of 15.8 MPG according to the fuel computer.

 

[kevinspann]

The stuck rear brakes probably didn't help anything.

 

[SHOVNST]

My '90 (with a 3.2) gets an average of 15.8 MPG according to the fuel computer.

Is that accurate?

The stuck rear brakes probably didn't help anything.

I assumed the MPG evaluation was after replacing the junk calipers.....

 

[Macgyver]

OK, If I can't get some decent mileage this weekend, I'm gonna take 4door4sho'S advice and start a new thread regarding mileage. I will be driving from my home in South Jersey to Quakertown, PA this Sunday for a softball tournament with my daughter. My V will approach 27 MPG average on this trip @ a steady 65 on cruise. I have seen 26.9-I've also seen 9 running it hard. I hope this car will do close to that. I don't think 9 is even possible in a stock SHO without a fuel leak.

 

[SHOVNST]

If possible: Use a GPS for mileage calculations. Fill up gas tank pre and post trip as identical as possible regarding the nozzle position when fueling. Set tires to correct PSI. All of this will give you the most accurate reading. Safe traveling!

 

[Macgyver]

Got 27 MPG out of it on a shorter trip on Saturday... Satisfied.

 

[kevinspann]

That sounds about right, factors being speeds/traffic and fuel (E10 I assume).

 

[SHOVNST]

Got 27 MPG out of it on a shorter trip on Saturday... Satisfied.

For a 20 year old (heavier) car with an ATX that is good MPG!

 

[Macgyver]

OK, Here's a question directly related to this resto project. I ordered rod bearings and gaskets-the kit from RCM last week-and have yet to get a response. They have received my money from PayPal. I have received no confirmation of payment and no shipping/tracking info. Does anyone here have recent experience? Please don't reply "Search the forum". If I needed old info I'd do just that.

 

[SHOdded]

I have occassionally had delays in orders with RCM, but usually a followup EMail or two has brought about a quick resolution. I hope that will be the case here as well.

 

[b1lk1]

Damn, just started tearing down my 94 and it's from the rust belt and it sure has alot of rust, and in some bad places too. Aprons around strut towers, both rockers, drivers door, other places need patches. I have too much $$$ into it to crush it, it's hardly worth the trouble otherwise. Sure wish I had your rust problems, lol.

 

[Macgyver]

Damn, just started tearing down my 94 and it's from the rust belt and it sure has alot of rust, and in some bad places too. Aprons around strut towers, both rockers, drivers door, other places need patches. I have too much $$$ into it to crush it, it's hardly worth the trouble otherwise. Sure wish I had your rust problems, lol.

Yeah, I'm very lucky. I did a great deal of rustproofing while I had it apart for paint. The backs of the fender, inside bottoms of the doors and doglegs got rubberized undercoating. I tinted rustoleum to get a close match and did the gutters in the trunk. It is a very clean car. It's a bummer that the passenger floor will require repair, but it's in an area where they all rust no matter what. It will be repaired properly with longevity in mind. Good luck with yours. They are fun cars.

 

[Macgyver]

Rod Bearings

I decided to do the rod bearings before I put too many miles on it. It had the telltale 1 second start up clatter, so I knew it was time. Everything went perfectly. I griped a bit about RCM, but they came through with everything I needed at a very fair price.

The old bearings were worn to the copper, but nothing was scored or beat up in any way.

 

[Macgyver]

I've been driving that car for a couple of days now and I have to say I'm very happy with the outcome. Thank you to everyone for your support and advice. I hope my documentation of the process helps others with their projects.

 

[SHOdded]

Purring like a kitten and looking like a dream! Envious with a capital E

 

[Macgyver]

The car is going to a very happy new owner this weekend. I trust he'll be an active member on here. He is a long time Ford guy and has an appreciation for what these cars are.

 

[SHOdded]

Congrats, and hope to keep tabs on this car!