Yep, the auto trannies are the weak point on the Gen 2 SHO. You may want to browse
www.shotimes.com for details on items to look at when thinking of purchasing an SHO.
The engines are quite solid, but like most unique performance engines, when they do need work, the parts can be difficult to find and pricey. For example, make the previous owner show you documentation that the 120k was performed, including valve adjustment, or drop the purchase price by at least $600 (unless the price is already more than that under Fair Market Value).
Drive the car and pay attention to the tranny. The factory programming for the auto is for pretty soft shifts, don't be surprised if it doesn't shift like you would expect a performance sedan to shift. However, if the tranny seems to slip during shifts, walk away, or the asking price better be VERY CHEAP. It's probably safe to say that a tranny rebuilt for a '95 SHO with 143k miles will probably exceed the market value of the car (unfortunately).
Also, get the car up on the highway and make sure that Overdrive works. There is a $0.17 e-clip on the OD solenoid that tends to break and cause the OD to stop working. The OD Off indicator on the instrument cluster does not come of for this, the tranny just never shifts to overdrive. If you DIY, it's not expensive, but does require small hands and the right tools.
You may also want to pull any spark plug wires that you can get to (probably only the front 3 easily) and inspect for leaking spark plug well seals. The rubber seals to keep oil out of the plug wells were also pretty common to leak. Not a bad fix if you have a free day and don't mind getting a bit dirty and somewhat frustrated. If the plug wires are sitting in oil though, they will start to cause an annoying misfire.
-Rod
02-02-2006, 12:39 PM
