Piston Slap: The (24 Hours of LeMons) SHOStang, Explained

TTAC Commentator geozinger writes:

Sajeev, if you could find more info on the SHOStang, I’m curious to see how it was done. And I’d think others would be too. Thanks.

Sajeev asks and the SHOStang’s creator, Tom Kahle, answers:

SM: Fair disclosure, I have a serious bias in this matter. I’d toss my LeMons judging robe in a heartbeat to drive this beast in a race. Anyway, Tom, where did you get this car?

TK: We had the car (or should I say the hull) on our property, sitting here, seasoning. We hacked our way through the jungle (7 foot Sunflowers and Johnson grass) and survived an attack of locals (wasps and Yellow Jackets!) to get it!

SM: So you guys started in LeMons with a Lincoln Mark VIII racer. Which isn’t exactly normal. What the hell were you smoking/drinking/snorting when you came up with this idea?

TK: There comes a time in every man’s life when he has to walk out to the edge and look out into the 5.0 abyss. At that moment, he finds his true calling, to achieve something strange and wonderful and out of step with the norm.

SM: How much cutting of the unibody was involved to get the engine/transmission in?

TK: We did not have to modify any of the Fox uni-body to install the SHO motor/transmission.

SM: I saw a new firewall made up, kinda like what you see in a full-size van. Care to tell us more about that work?

TK: We cut the majority of the firewall and cowl, but this was a voluntary move to relocate the engine in a more strategic position. All the pieces were cut and hand fitted to make this possible.

SM: And this craftsmanship is impressive. What changes to the Mustang’s fuel and exhaust systems were needed to feed the SHO motor?

TK: We did not change any of the SHOStang’s fuel system (fuel injection lines, fittings, etc.) to accommodate the SHO motor. The exhaust system was hand built with care and concern for maximum flow.

SM: How does it accelerate, steer and shift compared to a regular 2.3L Mustang? Compared to a 5.0? To a SHO?

TK: Because it is so new, we are still on a learning curve but all indicators point to a well behaved Pony that wants to get out and run with it’s step-brother’s front wheel drive action. We can only say about comparing it to a 5.0 Mustang being a Blue Oval Cult member in good standing, that the SHOStang is 218lbs lighter in the engine compartment when compared to a 5.0 cast iron motor. But only giving up 15 to 20 horsepower difference from the factory 5.0 Mustang.

TK: In comparison to a Taurus SHO, we carry a significant advantage in regards to our motor placement, which adds greatly to our handling capabilities (all our weight is between the four tires). Can the other Taurus’ make that same statement?

SM: Good point. If this weren’t a $500 LeMons car, what would you do to the suspension/brakes/etc to make it really turn?

TK: I would add a three-link suspension with a Panhard bar and coil overs would be the ticket for the rear. Up front, tubular k member, 4-piston caliber with vented, cross drilled rotors. And coil over front struts.

SM: Seriously, are you guys out of your frickin’ minds?

TK: To the contrary, we are very serious. We are on the fanatic edge and are sometimes looked upon as if we were some kind of cult. That’s why we are The Blue Oval Cult.

SM: Sh*t yeah!

Send your queries to mehta@ttac.com