Whatcha know about SHO?

"TexMex" (taylormextorf) 10/14/2014 at 17:17 • Filed to: None

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I've been looking around for a beater to use while I get my real car fixed, and I just found a '91 SHO on craigslist with 102,ooo miles for $900. What are some common problems with them? Anything in particular to look for?

To be completely honest this is a long-shot purchase, but humor me here...

Nibby > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 17:18

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SHO ME YA MOVES

PatBateman > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 17:20

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The only thing I know about SHO is that the test mule of the revival version (2008, maybe?) went 140MPH down the road effortlessly.

Don't ask me how I know.

TexMex > Nibby 10/14/2014 at 17:22

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Moves-Like-Senna > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 17:28

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One of my best friends had one until last year. It's very reliable, except check to see if the heat is working. That's a frequent problem and a pain to fix but still at 900$ I'd buy it.

Also, very safe, he got rear ended into a pole and him as well as two children walked away while the SHO went to a better place. It was by far his most reliable car even compared to his newer cars.

TexMex > Moves-Like-Senna 10/14/2014 at 17:36

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Ok, good to know. Heats not really a problem for me in south Georgia (it was 82 and muggy here yesterday), but i'll keep that in mind if for no reason other than determining the general state of neglect. I just need something that isn't going to grenade an engine or something on me in the next two months

Moves-Like-Senna > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 17:38

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The main concern he had (he lived in PA but just wore a coat) was condensation with the heater. But yea, it was his favorite car and he misses it daily 3 cars later haha.

Frank Grimes > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 17:57

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my freind was big into those. I think there is a problem with the intake manifold hose things leaking switching to rod shifter instead of cable is always reccomended. He was pisssed when his fully built sho on nitrous got hosed by my CAI and cat back camaro whooped him everytime.

NaturallyAspirated > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 18:09

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Let's see... at that mileage the timing belt is about due, which is kind of a pain to do. You're also supposed to check the valve lash around then, since the SHO engine has solid lifters with shims, similar to motorcycle engines.

Make sure the clutch is OK. The clutches in those are kind of undersized and tend to wear out quickly.

Don't do burnouts, like, ever. The transmission will throw a diff pin and knock a big hole in the transmission case.

Check the subframe bushings and the engine and transmission mounts, they are easy to change but the torque of the engine tends to eat bushings.

The front brakes are really undersized. The rotors like to crack and they are very hard on pads. Again, easy to fix, just something to be aware of.

Other than that, I can't think of anything major. The Gen 1 SHOs were pretty solid as far as running and driving. If the A/C and the auto climate control still works, it should make for a quite good runabout.

If you wanted to fix it up, you'd need some suspension upgrades, swap the subframe bushings out for Gen3 bushings, and swap some bigger front brakes into it.

Oh, and a K&N panel filter in the airbox, because that induction noise is amazing and you won't be able to get enough of it.

Matthew Phillips > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 18:18

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He's not kidding about the heat, I had a 94 Taurus and last winter I was running late for class . I ran to the car with no time to warm it up,( note it's 15 Degrees outside), I turned on the heat and it blew cold(er) air in my face the whole trip....

It worked the next day

TexMex > NaturallyAspirated 10/14/2014 at 18:34

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Ok, what makes the timing belt a PITA? Is it hard to get at?

NaturallyAspirated > TexMex 10/14/2014 at 19:31

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Yeah, the timing covers are really close to the framerail, and you have to take quite a bit of stuff off to get that sweet intake manifold off and out of the way.

Oh, here's a SHO FAQ from SHOForum, might be something of interest to you here: http://www.shoforum.com/shoforumfaq.ht…

TexMex > NaturallyAspirated 10/14/2014 at 19:43

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Wow, thanks, that link answered a lot of questions. I think I'll drop the guy a line and see what happens

WhereAreMyPants > NaturallyAspirated 10/14/2014 at 21:17

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I just want to highlight the 60k service (valve lash and shims). Many SHO owners stall or skip these services, and they are absolutely critical to the Yamaha giving you the reliability and performance that it should. It may be a little expensive, but you gotta do it, and you gotta do it on time.