to rebuild or not to rebuild...

[myothercarisamustang]

I am trying to figure out what I am going to do with my SHO when I get out of college. I will need a reliable daily driver, and I am not sure if the SHO will be very reliable. It currently has 144k on the odometer. It has been regularly maintained in every way EXCEPT the 60k service. The dealer my dad purchased it from told him that at 60k only plugs and plug wires were needed. So at the very minimum I need the full 60k service, but if I am going to fork out that much cash, shouldn't I go ahead and rebuild the bottom end while I am at it? Otherwise I think the bottom end may crap out within 60k after that. In addition, there are many cosmetic things that need repair. The a/c controls, seats are tearing, needs paint, etc. I wonder if it would all be worth it or if I should trade it in on a new one. I am unimpressed with the new Tauri and don't know of anything else on the market that matches the SHO performance and comfort at the same price range. What do you guys think? How much would I be looking at spending if I was going to totally freshen up the motor?

 

[luigisho]

The question doesn't completely follow your comments. Are you asking just about the motor work or how much to fix everything that seems to need work? ie paint, upholstery, etc...
Will you be doing the work yourself or paying a mechanic? The overhaul without pulling the motor and including the rod bearings would cost you ...guessing $600-800 just in parts (aftermarket and assuming you replace all shims). Subtract $150-200 if you don't replace the shims.

 

[DavidT]

Actually, if use the shim/tool rental kit from Shoshop, it will only cost you $50 (after you return your old shims and the tools)
BTW, you certainly have a one of a kind sho thumbs_u
What part of TN are you from?

 

[myothercarisamustang]

dk, I am from Knoxville, TN. Know of any good mechanics in my area?
I guess my post is hard to follow since I was rambling. Sorry. Basically I am trying to weigh my options- trade in the SHO on a new car (something similar to it, in the $11-17k range), or take out a loan to fix up the SHO. I priced a paint job from the same shop that did my mustang. Show quality paint job (not all that necessary, but me likes shiny objects) would be $1500. Fixing up the interior to like-new condition would cost another $1500 or so (carpet, a/c panel, new leather). The engine rebuild is the only thing I don't know the cost of, so that is the point of this post.
I can rebuild a small block ford with one hand tied behind my back, but working on the overhead cammed yamaha would be a first for me. I once piddled around with a motorcycle engine and didn't get it back together correctly (it was junked anyhow) so the SHO engine intimidates me a bit. Thus, I may have to pay someone to do the work for me as much as it pains me.
So parts for a whole rebuild and all the 60k service would be $600-800? If that's true than I will be keeping this puppy many years.

 

[Groo]

The motor can last a long time, and doesn't need a full "rebuild." Of course, you have to perform the valve gap adjustment, and change the timing belt, as well as some other sensors (and the water pump). The procedure is outlined in many faqs/videos, and if you have the correct tools and mechanical know how, it shouldn't be too bad.

At 144k, you could use some new main/rod bearings. But, unless your engine has seen hard use, it may not be necessary.

 

[93nighthawk]

If you can do a full rebuild on a 5.0, then just doing a valve adjustment and replacing some sensors should be no big deal. I know the engine looks intimidating but there really is nothing to it. You don't have rods or lifters, you just have 3 extra cams.

Check out www.shotimes.com and look at the 60k under care and feeding. If that does not give you the confidence to do it. And if you hit a stumbling block just ask here, we will help. thumbs_u

As for cost, you are looking at around $600 for parts from the SHO-shop. Also Cincysho sells a video on how-to.

Good luck,

Eric

 

[Sho-N-Go]

93nighthawk:
If you can do a full rebuild on a 5.0, then just doing a valve adjustment and replacing some sensors should be no big deal. I know the engine looks intimidating but there really is nothing to it. You don't have rods or lifters, you just have 3 extra cams.

Check out www.shotimes.com and look at the 60k under care and feeding. If that does not give you the confidence to do it. And if you hit a stumbling block just ask here, we will help. thumbs_u

As for cost, you are looking at around $600 for parts from the SHO-shop. Also Cincysho sells a video on how-to.

Good luck,

Eric

I agree with the lifter comment but the rod comment? I dont know I think it does have rods lol thumbs_u

 

[myothercarisamustang]

You guys don't think I would need new rings and cylinders honed, all that good stuff? 144k seems like a lot to me, and with gaskets being as expensive as they are it just sounds like maybe I should do it all at once. Of course I don't want to do any work that isn't necessary...
What is the deal with a 3.2? Are they the same block as a 3.0? Are there places where you can order a 3.2 shortblock? Or a 3.0 shortblock for that matter?

 

[luigisho]

To be honest these motors are fairly durable. The number I threw out there is everything short of a rebuild. To pay someone else to do it would be $4-5k+ the other work. You can do all this stuff yourself. There is plenty of assist. available and if you're good with a wrench you could do about anything.
The 3.2 is the same block (the heads are a bit different) and has been getting transplanted into the MTX cars (mostly with the 3.0 heads) for a little extra power. Just realize that the rest of the car has 144k on it and will need attention from time to time.
On a side note, I usually don't like purple on cars but your car looks pretty good.

 

[Off Road SHO]

You don't have enough mileage to justify a top end or bottom end job. Do the complete 60K and just do a plastigage test of the rod bearings if you have any knock down low. While you have the pan off, you can check for sludge and particles to see how your baby's been treated. I consider 100,000 miles as low on an SHO motor.

Tom

 

[LaCrosse]

Buy something for commuting, and keep your SHO as a project. You will not get spit for trade-in, so you might as well either sell it on eBay for peanuts, or treat it as a project.

Joseph

 

[DavidT]

small world! thumbs_u I live in Knoxville too! Which part of Knoxville? I'm in Halls/Gibbs area. If you wanna sell your sho... I could be interested. I recently drove to NC for a full 60K. After watching the process and since I've been taking lots of notes from the GREAT info. from the shoforum, AND having the infamous "60K How To Video", I am pretty confident in doing my own work next time. If you need a hand, let me know.
BTW, Feb. 1 is the next SESHOC (Southeast ShoClub)meeting, if you're interested. Its in the Nashville area. I am planning on meeting up with 2 other sho guys (one is supercharged boink )and driving out there together... separately.
Anyways, I can give you the name of the guy who did my 60k (But he is a 3 hour drive away)... if you want someone with good experience to do it. I bought all the parts (about $600... and that is only achieved by going through the RIGHT vendors) I had a full front end and top end service. Lets see... timing belt, acc. belts, water pump, CPS sensor, front main seal, 02 sensors, TPS sensor, CID, thermostat, (valve cover, plug well, and intake manifold gaskets), spark plugs, and wires, and valve lash adjustment.
He charged $500 for labor. Check your mail.

<small>[ January 20, 2003, 12:50 AM: Message edited by: dkautumna ]</small>

 

[Marccus]

myothercarisamustang:
You guys don't think I would need new rings and cylinders honed, all that good stuff? 144k seems like a lot to me, and with gaskets being as expensive as they are it just sounds like maybe I should do it all at once. Of course I don't want to do any work that isn't necessary...
What is the deal with a 3.2? Are they the same block as a 3.0? Are there places where you can order a 3.2 shortblock? Or a 3.0 shortblock for that matter?

I've got 267,000 on my '89. Just change the oil and perform vavle lash and 60K work.

But I keep up with it fanatically, always making sure everything in the engine is OK - replacing sensors, rewrapping wiring, cleaning intake manifold and rebuilding it, plugs and wires, new cam seals, etc.

I'm also very meticulous about the coolant system. My second water pump has over 170,000 miles on it. But it has to go soon.

I don't know jack about cars, but I'm learning and the guys on this site and the articles written about maintenance have pulled me through everything by myself!

I couldn't have done it without these guys and now I feel more confident when getting my hands dirty and digging in.

I say keep the SHO and just keep up with it. Everytime I have to rent a car for business, I'm cussing and swearing that I can't wait to get back in my SHO.

Of course, I've never been able to rent Mustang!