I've had another dumb idea.

"Land_Yacht_225" (nadenator)
04/29/2016 at 17:26 • Filed to: None

I was reading that article about how the original Taurus SHO compares to the modern SHO. So I’m thinking “psssssh, the 3.4 V8 SHO was so much cooler!” Then I think to myself, “Wow, 3.4 is a small engine size. I wonder what you could stick that in?”

Then it all went off the rails. Because I went somewhere stupid with it. Almost immediately, the car that pops into my head is this:

The 2003 Ford Windstar Limited. I don’t know why, I had a friend in high school who had one fully loaded, I just remember it was comfortable but lethargic. And that the wood steering wheel trim was unique at the time, except for those super high spec Siennas that were just coming out.

DISCUSSION (20)

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:31

It would be even better in the Ford Probe.

TDogg > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:36

My parents had a 2002 Windstar that looked just like that. Great ride, but you're right, it was a bit lethargic. I approve of this swap!

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:37

That’s actually an awesome idea. The Windstar was based on the Taurus and used Taurus engines, so it’ll fit with only slight modification. >:}

Also my ‘01 Subaru had the wood and leather steering wheel, so pshaw to you.

Steve in Manhattan > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:41

I had a ‘97 SHO with that engine. Sold the car in 2001. The engine was peppier than you’d think, and I never had any of the problems associated with it. Of course, that was back when I had money and just took it to the Ford dealer for everything. I ran synthetic oil in it from new, and I never hesitated to fix things. Damn - wish you could find that engine. I took care of it.

and 100 more > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:41

Rear-engined Fiesta.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:47

3.4. That’s what my 4Runner has.

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:48

Worthless engine, don’t even bother. Easier to build a Duratec V6 than one of those.

WRXasaurus > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:54

Didn’t the crazy engineers build a ranger with the SHO engine in it. If so that’s what I want.

bryan40oop > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 17:57

Not enough low end torque to move the fatty. Factory windstar engine would probably be faster.

bryan40oop > ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier
04/29/2016 at 17:58

Just put two together and call it a v12 like aston martin did. Then have all the fnaboys foam at the mouth over it. Seriously don’t see the appeal of aston v12's. Ferrari’s/lambo’s are faster and sound better.

Your boy, BJR > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 18:03

Yeah but why that garbage motor when the 3.0 Yamahammer exists?

Conan > Your boy, BJR
04/29/2016 at 18:10

...and has been put in cool stuff... like the backs of Festivas.

bhtooefr > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 18:17

What about the “InTech V8" from the Continental?

(It’s a 4-valve 4.6 Modular motor. In a Taurus-platform car.)

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 18:37

Why not just go whole-hog, and swap in a transverse 4.6 4V from a late 90s Continental into a Gen 1 Windstar?

Land_Yacht_225 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
04/29/2016 at 20:13

Because those belong in Town Cars.

I had a 1998 Continental and that engine was kind of a waste in a FWD application.

Land_Yacht_225 > bhtooefr
04/29/2016 at 20:24

Because I owned a 1998 Continental, loved that engine, and believe every spare one should wind up in only one place.

Under the hood of a Lincoln Town Car.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 20:41

Wait. A 1997 Windstar with a 4.6 4v, twin 76 trim turbos, a beefed up trans, Megasquirt II, and a water-to-air intercooler. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present: The Official Minivan Of TX2k17.

Matthew Phillips > Land_Yacht_225
04/29/2016 at 23:10

It was a waste in my Crown Vic... I realize this after I have more power and torque from an Inline 6 in my Jeep.

Frank Grimes > Land_Yacht_225
04/30/2016 at 02:33

BEEN DONE!

Kinja'd!!!

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Land_Yacht_225
04/30/2016 at 20:44

How great is that 3.4L, really? It’s not... I present Exhibit A:

Yes, the Taurus does appear slightly faster... but not in the way a V8 “performance version” should against a V6 entry level version. Throw a 4.0L V8 Aurora out there, and boom, bye-bye Taurus. I also have trouble believing that V8 is dimensionally small on the outside, too.