Still Alive, SHO still kicking... Random Issues (O2 Sensor)

[skidmarks]

Been a few LONG years for me and my disabilty. But the SHO is getting ready to be put back on the road. Its my sons car now! Had to take her to the garage. The brake lines needed to be replaced. The dreaded rust outs from being mounted on the frame (covered under the driver side door) and sitting for a year. Unfortunately once it came home the lines blew right under the master. No way i was going to tackle that! Back at the garage!

So while i was at the garage i was going to have them cut out the cats... While it was on the rack i took a look. Turns out someone had already did it! And a great job at that. BUT i noticed that my front O2 sensors were tied up dangling there. IS that what you do with the O2 sensors afterwords? Reason for asking is i have an O2 sensor code. Its at the shop so i cant tell you the code off the top of my head, but i think it was the front bank... Its running real rough at idle and hickups a little getting up to speed. The fact that the O2 sensors have been like that since i bought the car, and not throwing any codes, would make me think the way they are hanging there isn't a problem. I recall one O2 sensor still in the exhaust. But this is my MS brain recalling things (for what its worth).

I need to replace the front head gasket... Reliable source? Or go the route of PermaGasket?

I need to find that aux air pump (that blows air into the exhaust prior to starting). I remember trying to locate it on the car before and failed. The original post that i made about it, recall it not being important, but while i am getting rid of the warning lights...

Last thing is i am looking for a front bumper cover and the side "ground effect" trim. Anyone around PA have them? The only other option i think i have is to buy a ground effect kit on-line. Finding them for the 1999 SHO around $500 - $600 (another $200 for shipping). Rather have original, but any ideas? Wife got hit a few years ago and the front bumper cover and side skirts (on both sides) are screwed up.


Thanks in advance! One more SHO making a come back to the road...

 

[sperold]

You have to get a bung and weld it in your exhaust pipe. I would have been nice to have gotten the old one off the Y-pipe that got discarded.
That is a must as the car will run like crap.
People re-use the original head gaskets, so get further advice on that topic. I don't think new ones are available. Make sure it needs this as it is expensive to source new gaskets and anything else you need.
Go on the "wanted to buy" section of this forum for the side trim and front bumper. If it is all there, it can be repaired with screening and flex repair kits placed on the backside where you don't see it.
That air pump can be sourced on the wanted to buy section. Take it off and see if it is rebuildable.
The 02 sensor you remember may be the rear most sensor as the OBD2 system monitors both in and out of the converter.

 

[luigisho]

I'd think about a lateral move. Was looking at this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Taurus...1916a60d4&item=281612542164&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

Have to drive it and put it on a lift but might be less work.

Also aren't there dummy o2 sensors you can buy to fool the pcm? I remember reading something like that many years ago.