SHO vs Limited suspension

[BigBill]

So I finally got around to doing a Taurus test drive on all types of roads. Dealer did not have an SHO so I took out a limited. The engine performance seemed fine even out on the highway for getting up to speed and passing. Suspension was bit floaty, I would of liked it a little more refined but it was ok for highway and would be comfortable on long trips. In town and on winding roads not so great, allot of body roll.

How much more refined is the suspension from a limited to an SHO without the PP? Although I initially wanted the PP I'm willing to go without as long as it's equipped with ACC for the long trips.

 

[SM105K]

The SHO is night and day in every regard.

Do your diligence and get a PP as well.

 

[BigBill]

At first I thought I wanted the PP for the added cooling, but I maintain my cars at a level much higher than any manufacturer recommends (especially fluid changes) and that has served me well over the years. I'm not going racing and aside from some occasional spirited driving it will pretty much be used as cruiser, vacation trips and occasional errands. Also I work from home so won't even be used as a daily commuter.

I'm looking for a late model with very low mileage and not seeing any with the PP that aren't black or white. I really want a burgandy colored SHO and the more I think about it the more I think the ACC and other such features will be nice for the long trips.

Which is why I'm asking for opinions on the non PP SHO suspension and handling since I haven't driven one of those yet.

 

[High on Ethanol]

There honestly isn't much difference in PP vs nonPP. I think they change front spring rates and shocks/struts. Primarily PP has advantage of better cooling if you drive hard for long periods or back to back with limited cooldowns. The only reason I'd buy a PP is for the traction off ability...but even that isn't super useful outside of AutoX or other track events.

 

[SM105K]

There honestly isn't much difference in PP vs nonPP. I think they change front spring rates and shocks/struts. Primarily PP has advantage of better cooling if you drive hard for long periods or back to back with limited cooldowns. The only reason I'd buy a PP is for the traction off ability...but even that isn't super useful outside of AutoX or other track events.

Yeah..."If you drive hard for long periods or back to back with limited cool downs".

The PP has BETTER PISTONS, better gearing, better handing/suspension components, ability to remove all nanny components, trans cooler, ptu cooler, and better brake pads. They are just better in every aspect.

The Performance Pack is better for the long run of the car regardless of driving style. That is why they are most sought after...period.

 

[Angrymongoose]

The PP steering also doesn't feel lifeless like a pontoon boat either.
Then there is the difference in engine internals.

 

[High on Ethanol]

The PP steering also doesn't feel lifeless like a pontoon boat either.
Then there is the difference in engine internals.

Engine internals? Really? Like what?

 

[GHNorth]

...the more I think about it the more I think the ACC and other such features will be nice for the long trips.

Also, look for multi-contour (massaging) seats. These were not available in the later model years. Between ACC, multi-contour and heated/cooled seats (standard), the SHO is great for long trips.

 

[High on Ethanol]

Also, look for multi-contour (massaging) seats. These were not available in the later model years. Between ACC, multi-contour and heated/cooled seats (standard), the SHO is great for long trips.

Yeah it's perfect for road trips with lots of luggage. The auto cruise is fantastic.

 

[Jeff2017]

The non-PP is faster in the 1/4 mile than the PP or so I have read. If you aren't tracking the car or going to the drag strip the really the non-PP is the way to go and as you mentioned the PP does not offer the ACC which I love on the interstate. Don't forget multi-contour seats. They really help on the long drives as well.

 

[BigBill]

Yeah..."If you drive hard for long periods or back to back with limited cool downs".

The PP has better gearing, better handing/suspension components, ability to remove all nanny components, trans cooler, ptu cooler, and better brake pads. They are just better in every aspect.

The Performance Pack is better for the long run of the car regardless of driving style. That is why they are most sought after...period.

I get that the PP is the better car and that its sought after. But I'm looking for a recent model year with very low miles and a specific color and willing to travel to get it. It almost seems like there was'nt allot of PP cars made in later years as in earlier years. Or at least not in other than black.

So that plus how the car will be used has me thinking I can do without PP and get one with ACC..

That said just trying to get people's suspension opinions that have driven both.

Thanks all for your input and sorry if I'm beating this topic to death.

 

[High on Ethanol]

There's very little suspension differences. I honestly believe they changed the shocks/struts and maybe the front springs. I mean you are talking about a very minor price increase overall. It's nothing like the performance package on say....a mustang.
I'm not sure you would even notice it on a daily driver, unless you frequently drive rough roads... Then I'd say you notice any difference in spring rates/shock rates.

 

[RandR10]

My car is a Flex but it's got the same drivetrain as the SHO. I bought it with high mileage and after my experience with engine, turbo and transmission problems I would never buy a car with this drivetrain (SHO, Flex Ecoboost, MKS, MKT, Explorer) that doesn't have the extra cooling, or I would add it. They engineer these vehicles to go 150k miles give or take under normal conditions (mine didn't quite make it there before I had issues) and in my opinion they push them right up to the edge of temps that the fluids are capable of handling. If you ever drive them hard at all or tow with them those lubricants will just start cooking in there. After I added aux cooling to the transmission (stock on the PP SHO) I saw a full 20*F drop in fluid temps. PTUs on these AWD Fords are notorious for overheating failures as well. If that fails on me I'll be swapping in a cooled version. This is not to mention that turbos really don't like any extra heat. I can't read oil temps in my torque app but I added the factory aux cooler there too and I'm sure it will help make the engine and turbos live longer than last time (I found oil coking on the old engine). Long story short I would recommend the PP if you can find one.

 

[Eric Morris]

My 2015 SHO rides great. It has a very comfortable suspension and seats. I also have the massaging seats. Kicked on the massage along with the heat this morning as my back has been giving me grief this weekend.

Don't sweat the whoel "BUY A PP CAR!" thing. Most people drive their cars like a normal driver and do not need the PP features whatsoever. Along with no ACC, it gets worse mileage with the lower gearing, and I do not care for the Alcantara interior bits.

The only true advantage of the PP to a typical driver is the water cooled PTU. Of course that IS one more point of failure so, yeah, there's that. Get the fluid changed on a non-PP PTU every 30K or so and you'll be fine. If you plan to race it though, then yes, go for the the PP.

 

[GHNorth]

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the question more a comparison of the SHO versus the Limited model?

"How much more refined is the suspension from a limited to an SHO without the PP?"

Performance Pack is out of the equation.

Who has driven a Limited as well as SHO (of the same year) and can give a definitive analysis of the ride difference?

My personal opinion, based on the OP's comments... Go with a non-turbo Limited with ACC and multi-contour seats (if available), and save some money.

 

[BigBill]

You are correct...I basically just wanted to know if there was a step up in suspension going to the SHO and not just slapping in a turbo engine. The Base (Limited) suspension just doesn't seem very composed and and although the engine is adequate it has to push a 4200 lb. car. I don't think I need the PP package from a suspension perspective. Would love to get just the coolers but oh well. Oh and I don't think I would go for the Alacantara either.

Looking at a parts list I see there are shocks and springs with different PN suffix's for Non HD, HD with turbo and PP so that tells me there is a step up in suspension to the SHO. I guess I should have checked that first. I have driven a PP car before and from what I remember it was great on the twisties but a little on the harsh as a regular driver.

With regard to the cooling, I have concerns about the PTO failures which I think are mostly attributed to excessive heat and following the manufacture recommended maint on it. I don't live in Arizona, I don't race and it wont even be a daily driver. That with more frequent PTO oil changes say every 15 to 20 k miles I think it will go a long way to keeping it healthy.

 

[SM105K]

Like I said there is a reason why PP cars are sought after and why they have less PTU failures. If doesnt matter where you live. Most PP SHO are priced the exact same. The people writing off PP's are wrong or misinformed.

If you thought a PP SHO was harsh driving, then you need a Limited because clearly any SHO will be too much car for you considering your concerns. Enjoy whatever you get.

 

[Angrymongoose]

I owned 13 Limited for 4 years before getting my 17 SHO PP. Test drove a few SHOs both PP and non before buying mine.

Refined is not the word for the suspension differences between a Limited and a SHO (PP or not). All the SHOs will be a harsher ride than the limited full stop.

Given what you are looking for out of the car I highly recommend a loaded Limited instead of the SHO. The Limited has enough power for being a cruiser and occasional errand car. It will be much much cheaper to maintain and the ride will be much smoother.

Also just fyi the manufacturer's recommended maintenance on the PTU is simply, don't touch it and hope for the best. Dealers like to stand by the lifetime fluid myth unless you pressure them.

 

[jtreber]

Engine internals? Really? Like what?

Pistons. Previously discussed.
https://shoforum.com/index.php?threads/need-help-deciding-on-new-sho.139336/#post-1510161

 

[SM105K]

Pistons. Previously discussed.
https://shoforum.com/index.php?threads/need-help-deciding-on-new-sho.139336/#post-1510161

Oh yeah...I forgot about that. The PP has BETTER PISTONS!!!!!