Well, she's up and running...

[Liquid_force]

A few weeks back (9/23 I think it was) I bought a semi-rough running '99 w/90k on it. Bad clear coat, but generally solid body. Paid $1600. It had a miss. The mechanic at the local dealer auction said possible blown head gasket. I didn't get that impression at all. From the way it drove, and from the advice of this forum it seemed like a bad coil. But with the mention of the HG I had more bargaining power. The asking price was 2500.

Got it home and put it away to arrange/prepare for the cams to be welded.
Found a shop locally that did the welding for $60. Not the A+ job of some of the "sho pro's", but definitely going to keep the cams from spinning.

So about midnight last night I got it back together and running, new Autolite XP's and 4 new (chinese) coils on back. Warmed it up, changed the oil, and went for a spin.
So far...wow, I'm in love with this car. If it's reasonably reliable I would like to be driving this for a LONG time.
My only other "fast" (ish) car was my '88 Turbo Coupe. I drove that for about 140K and came to like it a lot, but with the sound and feel of the V8 and a bit more refined drive overall - the SHO, initially at least, is a lot more impressive.

For now though, it's back to the garage for me for a brake job.

Very happy so far.

 

[stephen newberg]

Might have been a better idea to keep the Chinese coils to the front. Apparently they have a fail rate of 1 of 4 or even 1 of 3. Otherwise, all sounds good and hope you have a great time with your new toy.

pax, smn

 

[three50one]

A bit more refined drive? A bit? Having had an 88 myself and now an 85 XR, that is an understatement.

I think this SHO is a near perfect DD. I've loved them since I sat in one.

I just can't shake my 2.3t addiction though.

 

[Liquid_force]

Yeah, a bit.
I always prefer the feel of RWD, and even at 280k my TC's suspension was just about perfect. I recently drove my nephew's '09 GXP (300+hp) w/ about 15k on it and preferred the feel of the TC over that too.
So all things considered, IMO, yes it's "a bit" more refined.

Just finished front brakes and rotors. It had pretty heavy pulsation, especially at hwy speed. Haven't had a chance to drive since I finished. I'm sure it will feel nice.

The only other maintenance I want to do relatively soon is flush the trans.

Mainly, I just want to drive it

 

[kvm101]

Congrats ! I just got a 97 SHO after 2yrs searching for one in my budget and driveable. I had Gen I and II and talked myself out of Gen III. Then I read a post on carsurvey.com under taurus . Guy had a gt stang needed more room and went with a V8 SHO and loved it. Smart move on the cam weld good price to. I just turned mine around today in my garage to tear down the front vlv cvr to see if I need my friends 110 mig welder.
I know the feeling of wanting to drive it before all the work is done. Every time I start it I'm dying to drive it, but reading post for the last 3 years on this forum. Weld the cams yesterday if ya got a V8 SHO today!
Happy motoring

 

[stephen newberg]

Even if the front is welded, it is a good idea to go to the extra trouble to check the rear also. Apparently some less than scrupulous people have welded just the fronts for customers since the back is a lot more hassle to get to. No way to know if you do not look, though.

pax, smn

 

[three50one]

Even if the front is welded, it is a good idea to go to the extra trouble to check the rear also. Apparently some less than scrupulous people have welded just the fronts for customers since the back is a lot more hassle to get to. No way to know if you do not look, though.

pax, smn

True, but if the fronts aren't welded the backs certainly aren't either.

Though I do require pictures of this TC and its engine...