Planned SHO build

[T.I.K.]

Hey everybody! I'm new around here, I hope to become more and more active as I get further along in my build(once it starts), in the mean time I'll try to absorb as much info as I can and contribute when I don't run the risk of talking out of my ass.

So, here's some background.  Right now I own a white `11 SHO that I molested with a few cans on plastidip.  I've absolutely fallen in love with the car, however there is about 1500 dollars in cosmetic damages to be repaired, some odd computer glitches that I could see becoming an issue (CC randomly turning off and what feels like the trans down shifting by itself for no reason), plus the brakes get warped every year, and I'm tired of constantly paying to have them turned/replaced. Not to mention, I prefer the look of the front end of the newer models. For these reasons, I intend to trade up to a '13+ Blue SHO some time in the next few months.

I plan on a few cosmetic upgrades(something similar to this), but I mainly plan on upgrading the engine, suspension, AND sound system.  For now I want to focus on engine/suspension upgrades, but if anybody is interested in what I have in mind for the sound system or exterior, I'll be happy to go into the details.
So here's the tentative parts list :
- LMS Stage 2 Kit
        - Tuner
        - CAI
        - Thermostat
        - Downpipes
- 3 Bar MAP Sensor
- LMS Methanol Injection Kit
- LMS Rods & Pistons
- Corsa Cat-back Exhaust
- ATP Turbo Upgrade
- EPP Hot Pipes
- TCE Performance Brake Kit
- Megan Racing EZ II Street Coilovers
- DC Power 250A alternator

Is there anything glaringly obvious that I've overlooked? Anything that you all might recommend I add?  I plan on installing the CAI, tuner, thermostat, MAP sensor, cat back, coilovers, brake kit, alternator, and possibly the downpipes myself. Then I want to get on, what is probably a long waiting list over at LMS, to install the rods, pistons, alky kit, and turbos. The wait time is good though because it will give me time to accumulate the cash to pay for, what I'm sure will be a small fortune for the parts and labor. (anybody know roughly how much I could expect to pay in labor for this? I would just like to know so I can prepare my anus)
Has anybody ever installed a conductive fluid level sensor in their meth reservoir?
What kind of 0-60 and 1/4 mile can I realistically expect from these upgrades?  Will  acceleration still be relative weak from 60-100+? Will the added power make me wet myself when I floor it?

I realize that the rods, pistons, and hot pipes may not be necessary, but I would rather spend the extra cash for the longevity and room for further upgrades, than have the stock internals fail on me and require a rebuild or have to go chasing boost leaks. 

I know this is all hypothetical at this point, but the gears are already turning a little.  I have a potential buyer for my current SHO, I'm scoping out newer SHO's around me, and I already have most of the pieces for the sound system. There are some things in my life that are in flux at the moment, however, once settled it will be full steam ahead. I'm excited to learn all I can from everyone here, it should be a fun journey!  In the mean time, please feel free to poke holes in my plan and call me a noob.

[ZSHO]

Welcome aboard there T.I.K and that certainly is a Heck of a Tentative list you have there .Z
1)New NGK/Motorcraft spark plugs gapped to tuners specs between 0.028-0.030.  Z

[SHOdded]

Welcome to the community, that is a substantial list of mods!  I am sure the mod veterans will chime in to give you more exact numbers, but you are easily looking at a high 11-second car there.  Tires should be on your list as well.  Continental DWS06 being a good one, many other choices also available.

Expect maintenance to be on the OCD side of things for best performance and longevity.  Maybe plan on hood vents and pins if you regularly visit the mid triple digit speed zone.  Run the best fluids you can.

[Dxlnt1]

Hey everybody! I'm new around here, I hope to become more and more active as I get further along in my build(once it starts), in the mean time I'll try to absorb as much info as I can and contribute when I don't run the risk of talking out of my ass.

So, here's some background.  Right now I own a white `11 SHO that I molested with a few cans on plastidip.  I've absolutely fallen in love with the car, however there is about 1500 dollars in cosmetic damages to be repaired, some odd computer glitches that I could see becoming an issue (CC randomly turning off and what feels like the trans down shifting by itself for no reason), plus the brakes get warped every year, and I'm tired of constantly paying to have them turned/replaced. Not to mention, I prefer the look of the front end of the newer models. For these reasons, I intend to trade up to a '13+ Blue SHO some time in the next few months.

I plan on a few cosmetic upgrades(something similar to this), but I mainly plan on upgrading the engine, suspension, AND sound system.  For now I want to focus on engine/suspension upgrades, but if anybody is interested in what I have in mind for the sound system or exterior, I'll be happy to go into the details.
So here's the tentative parts list :
- LMS Stage 2 Kit
        - Tuner
        - CAI
        - Thermostat
        - Downpipes
- 3 Bar MAP Sensor
- LMS Methanol Injection Kit
- LMS Rods & Pistons
- Corsa Cat-back Exhaust
- ATP Turbo Upgrade
- EPP Hot Pipes
- TCE Performance Brake Kit
- Megan Racing EZ II Street Coilovers
- DC Power 250A alternator

Is there anything glaringly obvious that I've overlooked? Anything that you all might recommend I add?  I plan on installing the CAI, tuner, thermostat, MAP sensor, cat back, coilovers, brake kit, alternator, and possibly the downpipes myself. Then I want to get on, what is probably a long waiting list over at LMS, to install the rods, pistons, alky kit, and turbos. The wait time is good though because it will give me time to accumulate the cash to pay for, what I'm sure will be a small fortune for the parts and labor. (anybody know roughly how much I could expect to pay in labor for this? I would just like to know so I can prepare my anus)
Has anybody ever installed a conductive fluid level sensor in their meth reservoir?
What kind of 0-60 and 1/4 mile can I realistically expect from these upgrades?  Will  acceleration still be relative weak from 60-100+? Will the added power make me wet myself when I floor it?

I realize that the rods, pistons, and hot pipes may not be necessary, but I would rather spend the extra cash for the longevity and room for further upgrades, than have the stock internals fail on me and require a rebuild or have to go chasing boost leaks. 

I know this is all hypothetical at this point, but the gears are already turning a little.  I have a potential buyer for my current SHO, I'm scoping out newer SHO's around me, and I already have most of the pieces for the sound system. There are some things in my life that are in flux at the moment, however, once settled it will be full steam ahead. I'm excited to learn all I can from everyone here, it should be a fun journey!  In the mean time, please feel free to poke holes in my plan and call me a noob.

Forgive me for this. This is my opinion and NOT intended to offend. Sounds like you are listing a SHO supercar to be built with unlimited money for project. If that is indeed the case then most of comments are futile.

The LMS kit includes the exhaust system, tuner, CAI and 3-bar sensor. Yet you list everything out again. Maybe its an oversight but for someone "planning" such a build you should catch stuff like that. https://www.livernoismotorsports.com/product/LPP0104088

If I was to guess on price for everything you listed to do, I would guess around $8-$10,000 on the low end. I would suggest you ask WHAT, WHERE and HOW will car be used? A daily driver? Track car? Road car? Street rod?

I think there are some here who have spent quite a bit of money but only up to how car will be used. And that bang for buck factor kicks in. Why spend $10,000 for engine when the car is just a daily driver and never tracked? Especially if you get paid hourly and/or have a family to feed.

On the exhaust; sound, tone and performance are VERY subjective. There have been a few trial and errors when it comes to exhaust combinations. Some good some not so good. What sounds good to someone else may NOT sound good to you. Youtube and this forum have quite a few sound clips to compare. http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,2462.0.html

Also sounds like you MAY not have a lot of experience with the car passed its stock setup. That being said, slow your roll. Minor/slow upgrades allow you appreciate the next upgrade even more especially when doing performance upgrades. Interior, exterior, lighting sure go full tilt if you like. As cost for those maybe $600 for most accessories that are used with exception of sound system upgrade.

Take your time. Spend your money wisely where you can get the most bang for your buck. Not just throw money on changes you wont take full advantage of.

For me, the bulk of my money went to sound system upgrade. Maybe $3000 for sound system, $1400 wheels tires, LMS tune $600 (caught a helluva sale). I am on the fence for a few others, meth ($1000 installed), DRL switchback ($250), LED upgrade ($150). But my car is a daily driver. Only tracked to get a time slip. No plans on going back to track on a regular basis. But I have confidence I can hang with and beat a lot of "performance" sedans on the road.

Anyway, just my two cents. Feel free to give change lol.

[T.I.K.]

Welcome aboard there T.I.K and that certainly is a Heck of a Tentative list you have there .Z
1)New NGK/Motorcraft spark plugs gapped to tuners specs between 0.028-0.030.  Z

Ah, I knew I'd miss something small, thanks!  It is quite the list, I know, should keep me occupied for a long time

Welcome to the community, that is a substantial list of mods!  I am sure the mod veterans will chime in to give you more exact numbers, but you are easily looking at a high 11-second car there.  Tires should be on your list as well.  Continental DWS06 being a good one, many other choices also available.

Expect maintenance to be on the OCD side of things for best performance and longevity.  Maybe plan on hood vents and pins if you regularly visit the mid triple digit speed zone.  Run the best fluids you can.

Thanks! One of the first things I was going to do was get a set wheels and tires.  That is something I will definitely have to ramp up is my maintenance schedule.  I have thought about pins and vents and I think eventually, those will go on the car, but that's a ways down the road and I need to spend time figuring out how to add them without them looking too aftermarket and losing the clean stock look, but sometimes bullets must be bit.

Forgive me for this. This is my opinion and NOT intended to offend. Sounds like you are listing a SHO supercar to be built with unlimited money for project. If that is indeed the case then most of comments are futile.

The LMS kit includes the exhaust system, tuner, CAI and 3-bar sensor. Yet you list everything out again. Maybe its an oversight but for someone "planning" such a build you should catch stuff like that. https://www.livernoismotorsports.com/product/LPP0104088

If I was to guess on price for everything you listed to do, I would guess around $8-$10,000 on the low end. I would suggest you ask WHAT, WHERE and HOW will car be used? A daily driver? Track car? Road car? Street rod?

I think there are some here who have spent quite a bit of money but only up to how car will be used. And that bang for buck factor kicks in. Why spend $10,000 for engine when the car is just a daily driver and never tracked? Especially if you get paid hourly and/or have a family to feed.

On the exhaust; sound, tone and performance are VERY subjective. There have been a few trial and errors when it comes to exhaust combinations. Some good some not so good. What sounds good to someone else may NOT sound good to you. Youtube and this forum have quite a few sound clips to compare. http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,2462.0.html

Also sounds like you MAY not have a lot of experience with the car passed its stock setup. That being said, slow your roll. Minor/slow upgrades allow you appreciate the next upgrade even more especially when doing performance upgrades. Interior, exterior, lighting sure go full tilt if you like. As cost for those maybe $600 for most accessories that are used with exception of sound system upgrade.

Take your time. Spend your money wisely where you can get the most bang for your buck. Not just throw money on changes you wont take full advantage of.

For me, the bulk of my money went to sound system upgrade. Maybe $3000 for sound system, $1400 wheels tires, LMS tune $600 (caught a helluva sale). I am on the fence for a few others, meth ($1000 installed), DRL switchback ($250), LED upgrade ($150). But my car is a daily driver. Only tracked to get a time slip. No plans on going back to track on a regular basis. But I have confidence I can hang with and beat a lot of "performance" sedans on the road.

Anyway, just my two cents. Feel free to give change lol.

Don't worry about offending me, I need honest answer from people who know more than me to make the decisions you talk about.  That said, I indented the items in the Stage 2 kit just so people who don't have the kit memorized would have an easy reference of what was in it.  I didn't duplicate anything.

This car is gonna be my daily driver, but I'm trying to pick up a new hobby (like I need another) and start going to a drag event or two every month. But, at the end of the day, I'm looking to thoroughly enjoy my time on the road and be able to dust almost any car I might encounter. I just straight up want MORE out of the car, that's why I'm including things like coilovers and better brakes, I don't just want a drag missile.

And you're right, I don't have a lot of experience with the car past stock configuration, and I certainly don't plan on doing this all at once, but my timetable might be more accelerated than normal.  My plan is to sell my current SHO for ~10k, spend half on a down payment for SHO 2.0, and the other half on the first batch of parts that I can install myself.  That's a long list of parts to install(brakes, coilovers, CAI, tuner, alternator, thermostat, MAP sensor, downpipes, exhaust), and will likely take me a few months to get it all installed.  I might even end up tackling the meth kit myself if I'm not feeling too retarded to do it.  I have no financial obligations to anyone but myself and I am a salaried engineer, I'm not rolling in it, but I could save up and purchase the parts and services for the upgraded internals and turbos in under a year, which is my plan; do what I can myself, drive the car around for another 5-6 months, race in a few events, learn the car, and then get the finishing touches under the hood done.

So yes, I have a lot to learn, but this is probably going to take up a year or more of my time, so It's not instant, but you're right that I do want a Taurus supercar, for competition and just for the pure enjoyment of having 500hp at the wheels. 

I would love to pick your brain about the sound system you installed because I tried on the Taurus I have now and COULD NOT get it to work, I was having awful signal issues and after months of troubleshooting I got nowhere, ripped it all out and reverted to stock.  How did you get signal to your amps?  Did you use some kind of LOC? 

[Dxlnt1]

If Im not mistaken, 500 awhp is an easy thing to do. Just a tune and meth. Then a few tweaks here and there for the control and stability of the 5000 lb tank. (i.e. suspension).  A few guys on here can talk about their 500 build up.

I also seem to remember someone here selling their SHO. You might check the classifieds. Maybe someone already selling what you looking for. 

As for the audio build, seems you checked my signature. Which is a great way to see what others have installed on their cars. My build started with the head unit. Therefore I did NOT have the signal issues that you speak of. As I started from a clean slate. The Unit I used went out of production for a while so I am not sure of its availability but seems they restarted production. Make sure you get the iDatalink add on to maintain all sync functionality

http://www.scosche.com/fd1447ab

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142FD1447A/Scosche-FD1447AB-Taurus-Dash-Kit.html

https://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/idatalink_maestro_adapter.html

[T.I.K.]

If Im not mistaken, 500 awhp is an easy thing to do. Just a tune and meth. Then a few tweaks here and there for the control and stability of the 5000 lb tank. (i.e. suspension).  A few guys on here can talk about their 500 build up.

I also seem to remember someone here selling their SHO. You might check the classifieds. Maybe someone already selling what you looking for. 

As for the audio build, seems you checked my signature. Which is a great way to see what others have installed on their cars. My build started with the head unit. Therefore I did NOT have the signal issues that you speak of. As I started from a clean slate. The Unit I used went out of production for a while so I am not sure of its availability but seems they restarted production. Make sure you get the iDatalink add on to maintain all sync functionality

http://www.scosche.com/fd1447ab

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142FD1447A/Scosche-FD1447AB-Taurus-Dash-Kit.html

https://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/idatalink_maestro_adapter.html

Thanks for the links, it'd be a shame to lose the touch screen, but honestly the navigation is the best part and Google maps does a better job anyways.

I was running the speaker out lines from the stock DSP into my own DSP and it was causing all sorts of problems. This solution is much more elegant

[SHOdded]

400-450 awhp you can get to with meth.  But 500, I think you need bigger turbos, no?

[AJP turbo]

400-450 awhp you can get to with meth.  But 500, I think you need bigger turbos, no?

I agree

[StealBlueSho]

Hey everybody! I'm new around here, I hope to become more and more active as I get further along in my build(once it starts), in the mean time I'll try to absorb as much info as I can and contribute when I don't run the risk of talking out of my ass.

So, here's some background.  Right now I own a white `11 SHO that I molested with a few cans on plastidip.  I've absolutely fallen in love with the car, however there is about 1500 dollars in cosmetic damages to be repaired, some odd computer glitches that I could see becoming an issue (CC randomly turning off and what feels like the trans down shifting by itself for no reason), plus the brakes get warped every year, and I'm tired of constantly paying to have them turned/replaced. Not to mention, I prefer the look of the front end of the newer models. For these reasons, I intend to trade up to a '13+ Blue SHO some time in the next few months.

I plan on a few cosmetic upgrades(something similar to this), but I mainly plan on upgrading the engine, suspension, AND sound system.  For now I want to focus on engine/suspension upgrades, but if anybody is interested in what I have in mind for the sound system or exterior, I'll be happy to go into the details.
So here's the tentative parts list :
- LMS Stage 2 Kit
        - Tuner
        - CAI
        - Thermostat
        - Downpipes
- 3 Bar MAP Sensor
- LMS Methanol Injection Kit
- LMS Rods & Pistons
- Corsa Cat-back Exhaust
- ATP Turbo Upgrade
- EPP Hot Pipes
- TCE Performance Brake Kit
- Megan Racing EZ II Street Coilovers
- DC Power 250A alternator

Is there anything glaringly obvious that I've overlooked? Anything that you all might recommend I add?  I plan on installing the CAI, tuner, thermostat, MAP sensor, cat back, coilovers, brake kit, alternator, and possibly the downpipes myself. Then I want to get on, what is probably a long waiting list over at LMS, to install the rods, pistons, alky kit, and turbos. The wait time is good though because it will give me time to accumulate the cash to pay for, what I'm sure will be a small fortune for the parts and labor. (anybody know roughly how much I could expect to pay in labor for this? I would just like to know so I can prepare my anus)
Has anybody ever installed a conductive fluid level sensor in their meth reservoir?
What kind of 0-60 and 1/4 mile can I realistically expect from these upgrades?  Will  acceleration still be relative weak from 60-100+? Will the added power make me wet myself when I floor it?

I realize that the rods, pistons, and hot pipes may not be necessary, but I would rather spend the extra cash for the longevity and room for further upgrades, than have the stock internals fail on me and require a rebuild or have to go chasing boost leaks. 

I know this is all hypothetical at this point, but the gears are already turning a little.  I have a potential buyer for my current SHO, I'm scoping out newer SHO's around me, and I already have most of the pieces for the sound system. There are some things in my life that are in flux at the moment, however, once settled it will be full steam ahead. I'm excited to learn all I can from everyone here, it should be a fun journey!  In the mean time, please feel free to poke holes in my plan and call me a noob.

Might want to factor in the new HPFP when it comes out. That should be a game changer for the guys digging for big power... and with bigger turbos you might want to look at getting the bigger of the two new pumps... should be a cool $2700....

Also factor in PTU/Transmission replacements... we got sh!t for that right now....

BPD has pretty much all the stuff you listed and can't get all the power he can generate down to the wheels without blowing up the tranny... he is actually detuned running 11.9s cause of it...

FYI...

[SHOdded]

Good points, SB.  I will add that bpd's DD power level is 500 awhp.  But he is METICULOUS about his SHOs health plan.  600 awhp is unfortunately not sustainable with stock drivetrain parts.

[bpd1151]

BPD has pretty much all the stuff you listed and can't get all the power he can generate down to the wheels without blowing up the tranny... he is actually detuned running 11.9s cause of it...

FYI...

AHEM......    11.5's tyvm.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[T.I.K.]

Interesting points guys, thanks for all the responces. Sounds like the drive train has some catching up to do. Seems kinda pointless to spend 2500 on new turbos if you can't even use them to their full potential; I might just stop at meth injection and wait and see if beefier drive train components come out (if they even do, seems like a lot of work to target such a small market).

Is the transmission the only weak point or are the transfer case and differentials an issue too? Have the guys running at 600hp+ had driveshaft issues?  I'd love to get up to that point, but I'm not terribly interested in blowing trannys left and right

[FoMoCoSHO]

I'm not terribly interested in blowing trannys left and right

Phrasing!

LOL!

[T.I.K.]

I'm not terribly interested in blowing trannys left and right

Phrasing!

LOL!