thinking about a SHO swap

[Wicked_Sludge]

keep in mind that this is a double overhead cam motor we're talking about. its probably at least as wide as a small block...and the width is right were it causes the most clearence problems: the valve covers.

 

[hitech_hick]

Oldish thread, but I'll add my $.02~ A 3.0l SHO motor typically sells for almost $4k new... a used Taurus 3.0 SHO is about $4k... I'm seriously considering just buying a used taurus this year... Then all the electronics, mounts, trans, etc. is right there, and you can still scrap the remaining car. Any thoughts?

They go for that much used by you? Around here a SHO that runs but doesn't drive goes in the $500 range.


hick

 

[shorangerbird]

swapping the engine in my Ranger to one of the 3.2L SHO engines

oops, bad quote


-thought about this my self a few years back with my original GT before it became wrecked. would still like to if i ever find another lwb with a good body and i have enough change....
good luck with all the fab work......

 

[odie1969]

http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&catid=&topic=4
check this out it will give alot of info I spent alot of time here
http://www.shoforum.com/ this is another site to ask questions they have TONS of knowlege if you wander they can answer. I really hope this helps if you want to con.t with the idea.



And here is a guy who built a sweet rail with a turbo ed sho motor if you do it do it big and cool. http://www.fiberspec.com/DooleyMotorSports/

 

[Half Nuts]

They go for that much used by you? Around here a SHO that runs but doesn't drive goes in the $500 range.


hick

just found a craigslisting today: http://tampa.craigslist.org/pts/428369241.html

It's for the tampa bay area~ a few Taurus vulcan motors, but toward the bottom, notice there's a listing for a DOHC 3.0 Duratec Taurus. Is that thing based on the Vulcan architecture or no? The thing is only $250..

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the 3.0 duratec is based on the duratec platform....no way related to the vulcan. ive heard claims it shares a common bellhousing bolt pattern, however.

 

[Half Nuts]

the 3.0 duratec is based on the duratec platform....no way related to the vulcan. ive heard claims it shares a common bellhousing bolt pattern, however.

well, right there- $250 is all it takes to find out! Somebody PLEASE take this man up and find out for us!

 

[AllanD]

You know... I keep telling people that they won't like the results of doing an SHO swap.

And that really isn't correct.

You WILL love it, but you will likely also hate it.

you see the issue is keeping the engine "in the happy zone".

Driving it like you stole it (or rented it) would probably put me to sleep
(trust me you don't want to know what a complete nutcase I can be
behind the wheel) I know I'd probably love an SHO engine in a light ranger... from time to time Driving one EVERY DAY? Not even on a bet.

The problem is that I'm a bit older (in my Mid-40's) and I understand that at times having to work that hard mkeeping an engine "happy" is just too much of a chore.
there are times you just want to drive and listen to the stereo.

AD

 

[texasranger]

This is a question for you SHO experts...along the same lines. Why not the 3.4 V8. A little more power and great sounds! And definitely different, maybe in a NASCAR Supertruck style. I'm assuming here, but the 3.4 evolved from the 3.0 and the mounting and fabrication issues would be the same? Is this engine known to be junk or what?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

others will disagree, but i think the 3.4 is total crap.

first and foremost it barely makes more power than the v6...at 235HP to the 6's 220. its an interference design (the 3.0 is non-interference) that is known for spinning the sprockets off of the cams, causing major internal damage. i also prefer the 6's iron block to the 8's aluminum one.

the 3.4 is a duratec platform, which means one would have to use a 2.3 tranny behind it rather than a 3.0 one. ive heard the 4 banger trannys may be slightly weaker and have closer gearing than the v-6 units (havnt ever verified these statements).

for the slight power loss, ill take the stouter and more reliable v6.

 

[texasranger]

Yeah, I guess my idea is just as much of a silly novelty as it was for Ford/Yamaha to make that V8 for the Taurus in the first place. Still....if I had the time and money to waste (I don't and never will)...I'd do it.

 

[BigBlockRanger]

Ford's version:

http://www.bigblockranger.com/images/pic0189.jpg

http://www.bigblockranger.com/images/pic0190.jpg

http://www.bigblockranger.com/images/pic0191.jpg

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ahh, there it is. thought we lost those pages with the old forum database.

 

[AllanD]

others will disagree, but i think the 3.4 is total crap.

first and foremost it barely makes more power than the v6...at 235HP to the 6's 220. its an interference design (the 3.0 is non-interference) that is known for spinning the sprockets off of the cams, causing major internal damage. i also prefer the 6's iron block to the 8's aluminum one.

the 3.4 is a duratec platform, which means one would have to use a 2.3 tranny behind it rather than a 3.0 one. ive heard the 4 banger trannys may be slightly weaker and have closer gearing than the v-6 units (havnt ever verified these statements).

for the slight power loss, ill take the stouter and more reliable v6.

There is no difference inside a Mazda trans for a 2.3 Vs a 3.0.
Only the case is different.

And on the 4.0 there is slightly different gearing, but no strength difference.

Yeah, I guess my idea is just as much of a silly novelty as it was for Ford/Yamaha to make that V8 for the Taurus in the first place. Still....if I had the time and money to waste (I don't and never will)...I'd do it.

Yamaha was responsible for the V6, but had NOTHING to do with the SHO V8.

AD

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Yamaha was responsible for the V6, but had NOTHING to do with the SHO V8.

not true. ford cast the v-8 blocks, then shipped them to yamaha for the engines to be built. the complete motors were then sent back to ford for installation.

haha, heres an interesting quote i found from a ford motorcraft shop tips newsletter while looking for additional info on the v6:

"Because the engine is not boosted, it runs cooler. It supplies a smooth flow of power right up to 7300 rpm. At this point, a rev limiter starts cutting out cylinders to hold the rpms steady at 7300. This technique for preventing over-revving is the result of Ford's Formula 1 racing experience. This rev limiter is not designed to protect the engine, but to protect accessory drive components. The engine itself has been tested at rpm's greater than 8500."

huh....i forsee an underdive pulley and some considerable power gains to be had