The logical choice over my EV

[K-BL]

In 2001 I was given a beater 92 from my dad which, shortly thereafter, got burgled and trashed. Well, that totaled the car, and after my dad had a LONG discussion with the insurance adjuster, I got a golden ticket: a hefty (for my age) insurance settlement . I knew exactly what I was going to do with the money! I dropped in a 7k mile 3.2, a few other mods, and I rebuilt the transmission. It was supposed to be a platform I was going to build, but my circumstances didn't allow that after a number of years, so had to sell it.

I've had several vehicles since, and eventually I purchased a 2011 Nissan Leaf, thinking it would be one of my last cars. Fast forward a few years, now the Leaf can hardly hold a charge. Battery prices have been falling, which WAS great and part of the reason I got into the car, until tariffs... Now a $6k battery costs something like $18k... I can afford that, but I don't want to and if I can help it, I never will. I started to think of cars that were less expensive, durable, and good for the winter cold on the rare occasion. I work from my home, and don't need to leave frequently. Newer SHOs are interesting but a full size isn't what I'm looking for, nor is it "nimble"-ish. I looked at quite a few different cars, never entertaining an older SHO, then one day it hit me. Maybe, just maybe, there is a nice Gen I, 91 or Gen 2, preference of 94 or 95, out there. Nothing was coming up that seemed doable, so I went a little further back and I saw it: https://shoforum.com/threads/94-mtx-3-2-for-sale-7000-obo.146940/ . A 94 MTX 3.2 that looked mostly factory, yet was a NA sleeper. I fell for the car... I mean... it made the most logical sense...

But seriously.

In the weeks leading up to today, I reached out to the seller, advocating selfishly that I was an ideal candidate of ownership. They, to my surprise, agreed, and so we next agreed for me to put a down payment in good faith. This should never be taken lightly. Especially in cases similar to mine, sight unseen: Pictures only. The owner and I talked via phone prior to negotiating, so I could understand their needs and vise-versa. We next agreed for us to sign a Proof of Ownership (an Indiana form). Afterwards, I would send the rest of the balance. Upon balance being paid, title would be sent to me, which I just got today.

Every situation is different, and this felt right. This likely wouldn't work for most people. Please don't follow this as an ideal progress to ownership, but it seemed to work for us. We'll see when I get the car. I'm having it transported across the US from Oregon to Indiana. Today I insured it. I want to thank the previous owner for their hard work, attention to detail, and honesty.

This thread is me attempting to document a new journey for myself, the original owner, and the SHO community. I am a software engineer and an open source enthusiast. I have a deep desire to improve the things that help my life and the lives of those around me. My hope is that there will be research, findings, ramblings, unexpected highs & lows, good & bad, and a solid story where I can document this new history and attempt to help other Gen I & II owners and care takers with my findings. SHOs require a special touch. They are a decent platform for stability and performance when cared for correctly. I should be getting delivery midway through next month.

I haven't driven an SHO in over 21 years! Can't wait. Suggestions and comments are always welcome.

 

[zoomlater]

Glad the car went to someone who appreciates SHOs

 

[K-BL]

First order of business was to ensure the car has a backup ECU because it recently went bad, and though replaced, I need to ensure it can make the trip across the US. I ordered a backup ECU from SHOSource.com. Ty Mike!

I also remember there was an issue with limited availability on main rod bearings, so I went ahead and researched alternatives, and like is the usual case, the Gen I & II community found one here: https://shoforum.com/threads/rod-bearing-sources.147070/page-5

Part #: Clevite CB-1437p std

I found them here for $25 + shipping: https://www.partzilla.com/product/a...?ref=ce8d3b565c5304093334ea5d4943aa9ea9e7e878

I ordered two sets as is needed in our case. I do NOT want every alternative to dry up.

 

[K-BL]

I just got off the phone with Partzilla, manufacturer had one left in stock, and no more. Blimey.

 

[K-BL]

Partzilla will not honor further orders for this part CB-1437P-6, which is the six pairs as a single part. They will not back-order more even after they coordinated with the purchasing department. The second set of 6 pairs I had to order individually (6 x CB-1437P, not CB-1437P-6) from Rockauto. I did call the manufacturer Mahle (who apparently acquired Clevite) and they have them in stock and assured me they still manufacture it, and that they have 10 of the set of 6 pairs (30 x CB-1437P). I did not check on the individual CB-1437P part, though I know they sell that as well.

 

[K-BL]

A somewhat ironic, maybe slightly funny, update. I got an update yesterday that my second order has shipped from Partzilla. Which I think was in error, because shipper doesn't say anything about a second shipment. I checked the order just to make sure... and there is apparently a full refund.

Ups just delivered the first set.

Order of events:
* I Ordered two CB-1437P-6
* The next day, manually checked via their website to see if it was on its way, only to see I now have a duplicate order, with same the order number that has a reduced quantity
* Then I immediately called Partzilla to find out what is up, told "I've never seen two orders with the same order number, we can only ship one CB-1437P-6"
* Next I called manufacturer to find out if they still make it, they do
* Next I called Partzilla to find out if they could possibly supply from manufacturer, they said: "No, and we won't fulfill more after talking with purchasing."
* Then I ordered from RockAuto
* That night I received notification via email from Partzilla that the order has been reduced, finally
* 24 hours later I received notification via email from Partzilla that the second order has shipped
* Today Ups delivered the first set
* I manually checked via their website to see all orders refunded with part in hand.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯​

Weird

 

[K-BL]

Ok, on with other things.

Unrelated to my SHO, but related to SHOs, and possible future upgrades: In the time prior to this I found a 3.2 with 80k miles near my house on FB Marketplace for $300 or trade. This is pretty hilarious... I traded a 212cc predator go kart for it! Wow what a trade up! It is in rough shape, but prior to this, in investigating if there are any 3d models of the engine, just to appreciate it, I couldn't find any. I now plan to take this engine apart and 3d scan it, and offer it here, as open source. I may rebuild the engine, I'm not sure and don't want to commit to anything.

A special thanks to Halee Fabrication, who offer an extremely flexible, built from scratch, new ECU. They offered me the existing scans that are in the repo mentioned above. I do not work for them, I just appreciate and respect their efforts.

 

[K-BL]

Now on with the journey. A few things have happened since the car was picked up, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Initial inspection was exactly what was promised (credit to my good friend John who snapped the pictures, and is driving the car back. I still haven't even seen the car in person):

 

[K-BL]

On the first leg of the trip, John (close friend and driver) stopped at an In-N-Out Burger, and then at a store, and immediatly started getting attention be a fellow SHO enthusiast. He knew exactly what the car was and was very surprised. Says I got a STEAL:

 

[K-BL]

There were a couple delays for some very important priorities...

 

[K-BL]

Finally, travel day arrived full on, and the car needed to be re-packed, to the "gills" as John put it:

 

[K-BL]

The big journey from Oregon to Indiana started with a bad battery, which caused a day's delay, and is just something that happens. Glad it happened before the journey really got underway. Finally the journey truly began. Starting off through the mountains, with an MPG of 21mpg, which was mostly freeway so far. John calls this "old man driving". He is not old. I was asked it I needed to fuel with premium. I seem to remember my 92 3.2 was great at balancing whatever gas I chose, and decided to just use unleaded. If you have suggestions and reasonings behind it, please share.

 

[K-BL]

There is a fair amount of "I gotta stop for a few and check this location" going on. One's priorities are a little different on a journey like this, especially if you have a fly pole and all the tackle you need right beside you. But first a stop to the fish & game office to be legal.

 

[K-BL]

A few scenic shots through Wyoming, 24.13mpg on unleaded. Using between .5~1 quart every couple thousand miles. Man these shots are gorgeous! Thanks John!

 

[K-BL]

Today is apparently the longest leg of the journey. Arrival time is in the vacinity of 12am. If you have a friend like John, hug him. That is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 

[K-BL]

I mentioned to John if he needs to take a rest, please do so. There is no harm in taking it easy. His reply:
>No worries, thanks buddy, it honestly has been an enjoyable drive. I have been taking my time/being safe. A lot of people recognize your car, it turns a lot of heads. Cracks me up. I have had 3(?) people ask about it at gas stations

My reply:
>I know

 

[K-BL]

Across "the middle", 24.49MPG. The mighty Mississippi.

 

[K-BL]

Illinois... Perfect time of year.

 

[K-BL]

The car made it last night at ~12:30am. Took it to DMV for plates this morning, custom black. Afterwards, I launched it a few times. Good god, the raw NA power almost blurs my vision. This is the first time I've had an LSD, so I wasn't expecting it to feel as "strongly corrective" (not sure what the correct term is) as it is, but it feels amazing. Brought it on the interstate, some back roads, and several rolling launches. I found myself, when returning home, having both butterflies from nostalgia and that special feeling you get when you feel & hear a capable NA engine stretch its legs, a certain song played in my head.

It is now garaged until the next un-leashing.

 

[kryptto]

very cool