SHO V8 transplant questions

[Sirnose]

Any SHO V8 guys around Phoenix?

I'm evaluating transplanting one into a rwd longitudinal mount/manual trans tube frame car and I'm working out details. Original engine is a euro Ford V6 and 4 speed but that will change to a 5 speed. I've read the Aerostar and, I think, Ranger bellhousings work with the SHO V6 but I'm not sure about the V8 yet. Anybody know about that?

My main question is the electronics. Is the stock engine management capable of standing alone or is it tied into other computers in the stock vehicle? Are there any shops with tuning experience on the V8 or even owners with some expertise?

Any advice is appreciated.

Bill

 

[SuperHO]

the SHO V8 is based on the duratec block, which i believe uses a different bellhousing pattern than the vulcan. that being said, i know the 5 speed from a lincoln LS witti bolt up. there's a plethora of competent tuners on this board who can answer the rest of your questions.

 

[ChuckD]

What part of AZ you in? I will speak to you in person if your close.

 

[Sirnose]

Chuck, I'm in north Phoenix - PV Mall area - and any help you can offer is appreciated.

Any idea if there is anyone in the valley with cam welding experience? And crank machining for manual trans conversion?

After a few more hours of research last night it does look like Lincoln manual transmissions are not too hard to come by. Flywheels and clutches I'm guessing can be covered by the Duratec V6 options buy I'll probably make a trip to one of the local Ford yards to look at things in person.

No clear answer on the engine management yet but I get the impression that the factory system has enough flexibility to possibly go forced induction. I just don't know yet if it can stand alone - no longer tied to other Taurus computers.

 

[SHOZ123]

The SHO PCMs can drive the motor control OK. Just eliminate the auto tranny stuff. You would need the SCT X3 for best options.

 

[Sirnose]

Thanks for the SCT reference.

I checked SCT's website and it turns out one of their dealers lives in my old neighborhood in Cave Creek so I emailed him. I'm guessing he's the owner of the Cobra I used to see go in and out every once in a while. He's a Ford guy and, to a certain extent, an engine is an engine but I don't know how much might apply to getting the most out of the SHO V8. I hope to find out tho.

An interesting side note is he was involved in the Little Fuse ISIS Intouch system - a vehicle wiring/control system. Since my project involves a British chassis with Lucas electrics I'll have to find out what he thinks of that system.

 

[Sirnose]

Ok, that's one possibility down. I just got an email back and he's not working with SCT anymore.

And it turns out he did own the Cobra. He said it had a 500hp GT40 crate motor and he sold it because he lost his hearing in his right ear from it. Drives a Porsche Caymen now.