SM105K's SHO BIBLE/BUILDS/LIFE

[SM105K]

Ford F450 Update:

This weekend I changed the oil in Betty. I also got around to finally installing the fuel pressure sensor. I had to remove the lower plug which I have circled in yellow. This is the fuel pressure that is going to the injectors. Also sorry that it looks like I took the pictures with a potato.

I had to add a 90 degree adaptor fitting.

Then the sensor is screwed in, and the wires are run to the CTS 3 ports.

I didn't get any pictures of the it all buttoned up. I will soon. However when you pop the hood it looks stock with the wire loom protector that I used.

 

[SM105K]

Here is my set up with the CTS 3 data. This was the data while driving down the freeway while it was 108 degrees and 70 mph.



Short break down.

Left Side Going Down:

Boost: Self Explanatory

ICP (Injection Control Pressure) PSI: First of all, Calm down Juggalos. HEUI refers to Hydraulically Actuated Electronic Unit Injector system, a type of diesel fuel injection technology that uses high-pressure engine oil to activate the fuel injector and precise electronic control for accurate fuel delivery.

Fuel Pressure: That is the gauge that I installed in the lower fuel bowl.

Battery Voltage: Self Explanatory

Middle:

DS (Drive Side) EGT: Probe that I installed in the exhaust manifold. I have another EGT Probe set up to install in the passenger side too.

Gear TCL: Current Gear and Torque Convertor Lock Indicator.

Right Side Going Down:

TFT (Transmission Fluid Temp): Self Explanatory

IAT (Intake Air Temp): Air temp going into the factory air intake

IAT2 (Intake Air Temp 2): Aft Intercooler measured in the spider intake

EOT (Engine Oil Temp): Self Explanatory

 

[kryptto]

nice

 

[SM105K]

And for good measure I spent most of the day on Saturday cleaning and organizing the garages. I banished the Lexus to the back yard. I moved everything over and now I can actually pull both Mercedes into the garage front end first.

Before:



After: I also took a page out of @802SHO play book and hung my AMG flag as well.

 

[SM105K]

Next up for Betty is a new radio deck, and Banks finally shipped my the cold air intake I purchased weeks ago. So that is next.

 

[Highway Star]

All exhaust components including intake charging should have never seize applied.

 

[SM105K]

Kinda cool how detailed my Uncle was with maintenance. Here is what is taped to the upper driverside windshield.




Install the Banks Cold Air Intake. <----still waiting for that. Shipped 8/18/25.
Remove the front grill, and perform the Zoodad mod. <----Will perform this when I install the Cold Air Intake.
Purchase a New Serpentine Belt
Install the fuel pressure sensor, and connect it to the CTS 3. Done.
Install the stiffer fuel pressure regulator spring and rebuild fuel bowl. <---have the full rebuild kit with multiple pressure springs sitting in the garage.
Install the new fuel filter. <-----Someone used a Carquest brand all in one Fuel Filter Cap and not Motorcraft, so my OEM fuel filter is not compatible. Have to get a stock OEM Motorcraft Fuel Bowl Cap. <----Ordered
Change the oil and oil filter. Changed at 169K.
Install Passenger EGT Probe.

I found out the the truck has a full 4 inch exhaust, so there is no reason to upgrade that as well. So that will save me some money.

 

[Texas Marauder]

If you haven't already, consider new belts. You should be able to get a free belt wear gauge from your favorite local parts store. You can't tell if a belt is worn out by looking at it.

 

[SM105K]

If you haven't already, consider new belts. You should be able to get a free belt wear gauge from your favorite local parts store. You can't tell if a belt is worn out by looking at it.

That is a good point. The belt does look newer. But I will snag another for cheap insurance.

 

[SM105K]

E63S Update:

I received the cans last Friday. They were packed well. Car is still at Mercedes. Oil change and plugs went well ($1299). However, I have two coils that are not happy ($780). Told them to replace them. Then I was told I have a leaking valve cover that is dripping directly into a spark plug hole. Anyone care to take a gander at how much that fix is? VCG replace and reseal. At $5100 it was enough for me to refer them to my extended warranty company, who graveled over their shop rate (I have to pay the difference in labor rate), but approved the repair.

For a motor that only has 46k miles, I am really disappointed in the seals and gaskets with this platform.

 

[kryptto]

that pickup sounds better and better everyday

 

[SM105K]

that pickup sounds better and better everyday

It is just super disappointing that this car will have almost 10K in repairs to leaking gaskets. An upper oil pan gasket, a valve cover gasket (roughly 10k for both). Add in $5600 for an effing headlight, plus $2700 for a windshield....all in 11 months. All covered by insurance or warranty, but geez...... almost 18k buys me a decent economy car if I had to pay out of pocket.

If I ever go with another 63 series AMG and I will probably only lease one in the future at this rate.

The truck is a freaking champ, and has really become my favorite vehicle (probably that I have ever owned at this point). With just the Mercedes bill of $3k ish, I could have bought everything for the turbo upgrade, and injectors for f . u . c . k . s sake.

 

[kryptto]

It is just super disappointing that this car will have almost 10K in repairs to leaking gaskets. An upper oil pan gasket, a valve cover gasket (roughly 10k for both). Add in $5600 for an effing headlight, plus $2700 for a windshield....all in 11 months. All covered by insurance or warranty, but geez...... almost 18k buys me a decent economy car if I had to pay out of pocket.

If I ever go with another 63 series AMG and I will probably only lease one in the future at this rate.

The truck is a freaking champ, and has really become my favorite vehicle (probably that I have ever owned at this point). With just the Mercedes bill of $3k ish, I could have bought everything for the turbo upgrade, and injectors for f . u . c . k . s sake.

got to say my mother has had BMWs and Mercedes... preferred the BMW's however, many more repairs. she being on a fixed income I kept saying Acura or Lexus, but she is ALL about status symbols. thanks for the honest reporting, it is assisting me to not reconsider my position on German cars.

 

[SM105K]

got to say my mother has had BMWs and Mercedes... preferred the BMW's however, many more repairs. she being on a fixed income I kept saying Acura or Lexus, but she is ALL about status symbols. thanks for the honest reporting, it is assisting me to not reconsider my position on German cars.

Don't get me wrong, when they work....oh man do they work, it is all the stupid little crap. You have to drop the cradle the get to the oil pan gasket.....perfect example of stupid crap. 13 labor hours for a valve cover gasket...because you have to take half of the motor apart..........

Again if I go AMG again, def going to lease and not modify.

 

[luigisho]

def going to lease and not modify.

Going to save this to chuckle at down the line

 

[SM105K]

Going to save this to chuckle at down the line

I can't love this enough.

 

[Junkyard_Mad-Scientist]

Gotta love an old ford powerstroke, i have to say i think the consensus if the current followers of this thread are in the like mind as you with the preferredvehicle being the super duty. I thought the SHO was a money monger but man. Like @kryptto I am also reconsidering my reconsideration of german cars as my next option. Not for lack of performance or build quality, just not refinancing my house when it needs a head gasket.

After my 2nd ticket in 2 months today (driving my truck of all things, the first one was complete bs though) I have decided I dont need something that can out perform the taurus lol. If the repair cost dont get you, that right foot eventually will. But man do I miss doing a full tune up on a sbf for $60.

 

[luigisho]

I've spent more cumulatively on speeding tickets and lawyers than the cost of any vehicle I've owned. I live in VA though and they love to ticket and charge drivers.

 

[kryptto]

I've spent more cumulatively on speeding tickets and lawyers than the cost of any vehicle I've owned. I live in VA though and they love to ticket and charge drivers.

Oh yeah....

 

[kryptto]

just not refinancing my house when it needs a head gasket.

Abso-*******-lutely!