[Shotimes] (OT) Do I still love my SHO?

[Paul L Fisher]

I agree. They were just screwing around.

Paul L Fisher
'93 Ford Taurus SHO Crimson Clearcoat ATX 171K Build date 11/18/1992
- K&N Panel filter, Tokico Struts, Eibach Springs, Dynomax cat-back, Holley
190lph fuel pump, FPS rebuilt ATX, 26mm rear sway bar, Performance-Plus
Stainless Steel Y-pipe, '96 brake upgrade, Proportioning valve plugs, Delrin
sub-frame bushings, Amsoil Series 2000 0W-30 oil, Amsoil Synthetic ATF.
'00 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L V8 AWD Oxford White Clearcoat 41K Build date
11/19/1999
- Amsoil Series 2000 0W-30 oil, K&N Fuel Injection Performance Kit

SHO Club member http://www.shoclub.com/
Check out my web site http://www.paul-fisher.com/
Amsoil dealer http://www.paul-fisher.com/oil.htm

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----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Nottingham" <nottingham@alltel.net>
To: "'SHOtimes'" <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2003 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] (OT) Do I still love my SHO?


> Not to belittle any vehicle used in the GRM "test" :-)  but have you ever
> driven either a 356 or an XKE?
>
> The 356 predates the 911 and if I'm not mistaken, the 356 utilized a
"swing
> axle" rear suspension, as used in the VW Beetle.  I haven't driven a 356
and
> can only guess at the handling feel of one, but given it's 40+ year old
> suspension design and tires (the test vehicle used reproduction Coker
> Tires), it really isn't too much of a surprise the stock tired Odyssey
kept
> up with the 356, and  when shod with aftermarket 17's, handily beat the
356.
> The 356 was saved from complete disgrace by low weight alone.
>
> I have driven an XKE, and can comment on them.  While I would love to have
> an XKE, the shape is pure unadulterated sex on wheels, the handling is
just
> this side of pathetic.  Given the fact that they handled a little better
> than muscle cars of the era is not really saying much.  That I6 engine in
> those cars is extremely heavy.  Even though the entire engine is behind
the
> front axle, trying to get all that weight to slow down and make a turn is
an
> exercise in futility.  The XKE is not a low speed handling car, but more
of
> a high speed handling car.  Get the XKE on a race track and away from an
> autox course, it will shine.  At faster speeds, the XKE feels much better,
> and it handles higher speed turns better than lower speed corners.  The
XKE
> does not inspire confidence in high speed, tight handling situations.  I
> figured the 356 would trounce the XKE in an autox course, which it did, by
3
> seconds.
>
> What I would like to see, though, is a test between the Odyssey and
> something like a Fiat X1/9, Porsche 914 or even a 924, Triumph TR8, TVR
> Tasmin, or Lotus Elan or Europa.  Of all the sportscars GRM could have
> chose, I think they stacked the deck by chosing the two challengers they
did
> (everyone knows an XKE is not an autox car, and the 356 would be happered
by
> it's ancient suspension design).
>
> As minivans go, I would purchase an Odyssey before any other minivans.
>
> Ron N. - Dalton, GA
> 90 SHO
> 89 325i
> "It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile"
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul L Fisher" <sho@paul-fisher.com>
>
>
> > Grassroots Motorsports just bought an Odyssey and they love it.
Actually,
> in
> > the last issue, they put it head to head against a Porsche 356 and a
> Jaguar
> > XKE. It quite handily spanked the two exotics in handling.
> >
> > They tested it 0-60 also and it was at 8.2 seconds. Not too bad for a
> brick
> > on wheels.
> >
> > I would seriously consider one myself.
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Mark Matthews" <mash4@pacbell.net>
> >
> >
> > > Sable would be cheaper to operate. Odysseys have a really high resale
> > > value so you probably won't get a deal on it.
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
> > >
> > > So, my dear old mother calls me today, and asks me how much I know
about
> > > Tauri and Sables.  I tell her quite a bit.  She says a friend of my
> > > grandmother is getting a new car today and is either trading in her
'96
> > > Sable or selling it for the trade-in price the dealer quoted: $3500.
> > >
> > > Anyway, it's a '96 with a bunch of options.  24V Duratech, 16" rims,
red
> > > with tan leather interior, EATC, moonroof, etc.  Pretty much loaded,
and
> > > it has but 49k miles.
> > >
> > > I have been feeling a bit jealous that she found this deal.  I keep
> > > thinking that I wish I could buy this car.  Am I cheating on my SHO?
> > > Would I really be any happier driving around this Sable around?  I
don't
> > > know.
> > >
> > > I just need some support right now...some people to tell me that's
it's
> > > okay that I'm still driving my old SHO around.  It is, isn't it?  I
> > > mean, look at what my SHO could become if I dumped $3500 into it
today.
> > > A whole new paint job and some fresh black leather inside would make
it
> > > absolutely beautiful again, and far more enjoyable than some Sable.
> > >
> > > On a brighter side, this same older couple may be selling their 2001
> > > Odyssey with only 19k miles.  If it's anywhere as good a deal as the
> > > Sable, my wife (with our first child on the way) may soon be an
official
> > > member of the "Soccer Mom Club".
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