From: tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: TAURUS SHO - Opinions Please?
Date: 5 Nov 92 17:16:12 GMT
Reply-To: tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett)
Organization: Auspex Systems, Inc.  Engineering

In article <Bx6DLn.4Av@world.std.com>, sandyb@world.std.com (Sandy Bendremer) 
writes:
> Any SHO enthusiasts out there?
> 
> I'm thinking very seriously about buying a new '93 SHO with the Automatic 
> Transmission.  I am virtually forced to buy FORD due to a guaranteed trade 
in
> value on my otherwise worthless Merkur Scorpio.   I would like a sporty 
sedan,
> and the SHO looks like the only option (I'm not a convert yet).
> 
> A few questions (if you have a moment):
> 
> 1. I drove the SHO, and (even the Automatic) goes like a rocket (for a 
Taurus),
>    but handling, steering, etc. just don't seem that confident.  Any 
thoughts?
> 
> 2. This thing's expensive for a Taurus.  I figure about $5,000 more that a
>    fully loaded LX model.  That's a lot in a car in this price range.  I 
can   
>    see $1000 for the engine and $1000 for suspension and tires....  Where's
>    the other 3 grand?  Is it worth it.  (BTW Sticker on my loaded show is
>    near $28,000! - a pretty expensive Taurus)
> 
> 2a.What are the real differences between the SHO and LX (I know about the
>    engine and cosmetic differences)?
> 
> 3. I saw a passing reference to a SHO mailing list.  Any info on this would
>    be great!
> 
> 4. Is the SHO a quality car?  Any general comments are appreciated .....
>   

I own a 1990 SHO and I reckon I'm about as enthusiastic about the SHO
as I have been about any car.  To answer your questions to the best of
my ability:

1. The handling on the 90 SHO is flat and tight.  Skidpad figures
	run from .79 to .84g.  In my opinion it handles quite well at the
	limit, if you are prepared to use trailing throttle oversteer.

	The automatic in the 93 SHO has a softer suspension than the manual
	model.  This is because Ford is aiming at executive use for the
	auto, rather than all out car nut type handling.  The auto is also
	marginally slower off the line, and to get the best acceleration
	in the series I think you would want a 89, 90 or 91.

2. None of us paid that for our cars.  Mine was stickered at 29K
	and I paid 19K for it.  The SHO has always been heavily discounted
	because no one will buy them.  The automatic may well change this,
	and so good luck.  Most on the net were purchased for around 16 to
	18K.

2a. The real differences between an LX and a SHO:

	1. The suspension is much harder with front and rear roll bars higher
		spring rates, and performance oriented tires.
	2. There is no fake wood trim in an SHO.
	3. There are no enthusiasts for LXs.  (they are not an enthusiastic
		car).
	4. In the past, LXs were more expensive when you got through dealing.

3. There is no SHO mailing list, but everyone would like to have one.  No
	one has the time or disk space.

4. The SHO is as well put together as any car currently built.  We have
	nothing to be ashamed of in this respect.

In general the SHO is everything I thought it was, providing me with
the amenities of the BMWs, with performance close to that of a Porsche.
I can seat 5 adults well, and still receive excellent performance.
There are few of them around, so I also enjoy the exclusivity of
a car that is not in every parking lot (every other one maybe).

The down side of an SHO is that at first it seems larger than it is,
and visibility is awful if the right side mirror wasn't there.
Ford Service is frequently not the greatest, sometimes it is...

There is an organization you should join if you buy an SHO:

SHO Registry
P.O. Box 159
Carrollton, Ga.  30117

They publish a newletter wityh techincial information on SHOs
as well as location of SHOs in wrecking yards.  They have encouraged
third party companies to produce aftermarket parts for the SHO.
The cost is $35.



Tom Pickett 
tpickett@auspex.com
SHO  GOZE