SHO adaptability

[zgeezer]

I've pulled out the 350csb and 700R4, stripped the tub and am now rebuilding with much, much help from this site. At this point, building another generic csb does not excite me. I'm now looking at two Ford products: the SHO '88 and up v6 (3.0 with Yamaha heads)and the later third generation 32 valve DuraTech V8. Can anyone confirm whether or not these two East/West engines can be converted to run North/South. I hear the Aerostar van bell housing will convert the earlier V6, but what about the later V8. I'm looking for not too complex swap with real eye candy appeal. Any body with directions or answers?

Thanks,

[BLKMGK]

The earlier one can indeed be modified to run RWD with the Aerostar pieces, I've seen more than oone article on this years ago. Not sure about the other engine but as I recall older SHOs outran the newer V8s anyway Lookup the SHO Shop, I believe they were in Cali and would be a good resource for information.

 

One thing to bear in mind about the SHO 6 though - maintenance. When those puppies undergo their 60K checkup it's pretty. The SHO Shop did a tech article on this in Super Ford years ago - it required special tools to do the work and they were NOT cheap tools. Before buying one of these high revving wonders I'd suggest you look into what it takes to keep one of these over the long haul. Maybe consider a DOHC Cobra motor instead?

[zgeezer]

Thanks for the information. I've looked into the SHO shop. They are rich on improving the breed, but a little lean on ripping out the heart and transplanting it. I have an opportunity to pick up a complete (but not running) V6SHO with manual 5 speed. The owner junked the car rather than pay $3,000.00 to replace timing belt (chains?) and ignition module. Seemed like a story to me, but maybe not. At any rate it would be a $750.00 crap shoot. I've looked at the 32V Navigator and Lincoln, but good grief, they're wiiiiiide and substantially heavier than either a 350 csb or 351W.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

[Z-Dreamer]

zgeezer, try logging onto www.shotimes.com/SHO4othertrans.html

it's an acticle on how to mate a SHO motor to a T-5. You will need 87 Aerostar 3.0 5 speed bellhousing.

 

Mark

[randy 77zt]

zgeezer-if you end up not using the sho i will buy the whole car-i want a sho for a sand rail.the engine isnt hard to work on out of car.the crank position sensors go out then no spark.the timing belt and water pump are a b^&*$ to change in car.i think you could turn the intake manifold 180 degrees to get throttle in front.another possability for a bellhousing is a 75 mustang 2 with borg 4 speed.the eec 4 system isnt loaded down with excess sensors like eec5/obd 2 systems .if you try this get the ford book called evtm for the car.this will show you where to disconnect wiring and what to save.i have heard rumors that there is a resistor in ecm to cut to eliminate rev limiter.engines were tested to 11000 rpm.the engine was completly made by yamaha.if you need any info i am a ford dealer tech for a living -email me.

[BLKMGK]

Hrm, $3K to replace the chains? Yeah, that actually sounds possible believe it or not. Also, I thought Yamaha designed and manufactured the head but not the block? If you want to look at DOHC V8s I'd suggest the Cobra motor - lower deck height shoudl make it not quite as wide. Can get you some measurements if you would like - I think I've posted them before...

[Guest Anonymous]

I am currently working on this project and to date have collected everything needed. I am planning on twin turbos...packaging will be tight.

 

You will need to machine the aerostar bellhousing and make an adapter for the trans. I am concerned with the strength of the magnesium bellhousing and will probably fabricate some sort of safety shield. The upper intake manifold may need to be turned 180 degrees otherwise intake will draw from the cowl. Motor is tall and wide. If you like free revving motors (7500rpm easily) this is an excellent choice. My car is a Velo Rossa rebody. All pre-planning is complete but like everyone else I need to find sufficient blocks of time. 60K tune-ups are envolved there are several experts around or you can do yourself with the the previously mentioned tools. IMO this swap is a solid 9 on a 10 scale of difficulty.

[Guest Anonymous]

But no doubt a 10 on the grinometer.. Especially with twin turbo's!

[zgeezer]

Thanks folks for all the information and sites. My keeper has limited my free ranging dreams by the carrot/club ploy. First, the club, "Don't continue F****** around, finish the body, paint the critter and drive it." Then the carrot, "Maybe you'd prefer to run a supercharger or build that 352 CI you've been bench racing around for the last two years." So, I've pulled out the 400 block I've been saving and have begged a straight 327 crank. This weekend I'll locate some long rods. I just don't know how an old Ford boy like myself got caught up with all these Chevy in laws. I've e-mailed the location of the SHO car to Randyl.

 

Thanks

[Cruez]

Hey guys....the SHO engine is not as hard to work on as may seem. I just changed my Timing belt, Water pump and crank sensor about 2 weeks ago on my '91 SHO. It is just a little time consuming..The first try it took me about 8 hrs for the timing belt and water pump....then I had to take it all apart again to replace the CPS I forgot, then it only took me about 3 hrs total. Being a front wheel drive car...that is the pain. If it were a RWD it would have been a piece of cake.

The SHO's got slower practically every year they ere produced..The '89-91 models being the fastest of them all..the next gen 6 cly SHO's were a bit slower due to weight. The V8 models were the slowest.