Buy a wreck to have a "test bed"?

[jbrown9999]

So, it occurred to me that I really can't do much to my new SHO without risking both warranty and my DD.  So, I started looking for a "practice" vehicle.  Has anyone done this?  I found a 2011 SHO, with only rear end damage for $2K!  Seems like a good option.  If, I can ignore body damage, I should be able to modify intake, exhaust, etc without risking warranty coverage.

I know that may seem a little extreme but my oldest is leaving for the Navy in Jan, my middle leaves for the Navy in July...both following in my footsteps and my middle will be doing A school in Dam Neck, just like I did.

Meaning, my month over month cost is going lower and lower.  Sorry for the history but as they leave, I'm going to need something other than work to do.

Yes, I realize, $2k is an exhaust...or bigger turbos...again...84000 mile warranty on a car with under 2k!

[SHOdded]

Rear end damage can lead to the discovery of a lot of hidden problems, including damage to the AWD system, frame, sensors, etc.  The hope is always there, but the price would make me temper the enthusiasm severely.  An experienced mechanic on your side would be a great asset in the assessment.

That said, if you are intending it to be a project car (not necessarily immediately driven and have space), that would definitely be worthwhile.  You could take it apart bit by bit and see what makes it tick.

[StealBlueSho]

Only $2K for a 2011 SHO with just rear end body damage? Seems very unrealistic.. I mean, if the wheels are in decent shape that's half the price of the car if you parted it out..

Could be a good car to use as a parts car ... Who knows.. both turbos could be in great shape...Rip the motor out and send it to LMS for a wicked rebuild...Lots of fun options..

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[Gjkrisa]

You can get your fiberglass.
Take that bumper and a mustang one cut them up to fit what you like body fill gaps then fiberglass over to make a one piece copy.
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/04/future-cars-putting-sho-into-fords-all.html?m=1

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I would do it but I don't have the space. It is how I made a stealth sub box for a 2012 terrain.

[derfdog15]

If that car runs, at all, at 2k that is a steal. the interior pieces alone (that are in usable shape -atleast the front two seats I assume?) are worth more than that. As others said, rims, atleast half the cost in good shape (I sold my OE wheels when I got my car for a bit over 1k, and the price has gone up)...

I would jump on it for sure, assuming there is nothing fishy about the deal, do whatever testing you want (though keep in mind if you tune it, you will have to use an unlock on the tuner(SCT) or have livernoise do an unlock if LME (which costs a bit of $$), before being able to move a tune over to your current ride, and there may be some differences.

Still, I think it would be a worthy test bed, and for sure a good parts car, crap I would buy it if it was near me just for spare parts!

[ZSHO]

That's not a bad deal as long as you have the room/space to store it and most importanley your wife's permission,LOL.  Z

[derfdog15]

That's not a bad deal as long as you have the room/space to store it and most importanley your wife's permission,LOL.  Z

If he doesn't have her approval he can store it at my place (though it may come back a little lighter)

[jbrown9999]

That's not a bad deal as long as you have the room/space to store it and most importanley your wife's permission,LOL.  Z

Finally divorced my wife in January after 18 years.  Just couldn't deal with it any longer.  So, no challenge there!  BTW, I have more available $ now than I had during my entire marriage, even after paying out alimony and child support!

[FoMoCoSHO]

That's not a bad deal as long as you have the room/space to store it and most importanley your wife's permission,LOL.  Z

Finally divorced my wife in January after 18 years.  Just couldn't deal with it any longer.  So, no challenge there!  BTW, I have more available $ now than I had during my entire marriage, even after paying out alimony and child support!

That's a serious win-win right there!