wow thos Ford Taurus SHO are fast!!!

[macdoanld]

thos touris are fast wow i seen one kill a sts last night the sts did catch it later on but the ford taurus had a litle head start

[STSJohn]

NEVER HAPPEN!!!!! Ive raced SHO countless times and never once was I beat, Just the other night I raced one on the interstate from a Highway speed (65mph). I took my baby all the way up to 150MPH for the first time, I had him from the the second the pedal it the floor.

The Sho is a fast car but it can hardly take on the Lincoln LS and we all know that the STS eats the LS's up for breakfest.

[macdoanld]

it was from 0 tho and he had a head start like almost a holl intersection but the sts was catching him once it got 2 about 80 kmph but the sts let off at like 120kmph. when it was enuf to show that it was catching him

[tjtjwdad]

Those SHO's are pretty snooty (I used to have one) but a well oiled Northstar will end up in front. The SHO's don't have any traction off the line and as we all know the Northstar just Hmm's when it's all wound up.

But I will say this ... a SHO (1st & 2nd generations) will run circles around a STS (2004 & earlier ... don't know about these new ones) when the road gets curvey.

Jim

[STSJohn]

it was from 0 tho and he had a head start like almost a holl intersection but the sts was catching him once it got 2 about 80 kmph but the sts let off at like 120kmph. when it was enuf to show that it was catching him

Sorry aboith that then I didnt know it was that much of a head start, but anyway ill just say I love when cas mess with me when Im doing highway speeds, this northstar is a beast from 60 and beyond

[STSJohn]

Those SHO's are pretty snooty (I used to have one) but a well oiled Northstar will end up in front. The SHO's don't have any traction off the line and as we all know the Northstar just Hmm's when it's all wound up.

But I will say this ... a SHO (1st & 2nd generations) will run circles around a STS (2004 & earlier ... don't know about these new ones) when the road gets curvey.

Jim

dont know how true that is, My friend has a SHO and my 98 STS rips him everytime there is almost a 1.2second 0-60 difference

[556393]

YEA, OUR CADDIES ARE FASTER THAN SOME OF THE OTHER CARS OUT THERE AND SOME OF THE CARS OUT THERE ARE FASTER THAN OUR CADILLACS. ITS A DRAW BUT, THE FORD SHO`S IS STILL A FORD POS.....HE ALREADY LOST THE RACE.

[Regis]

thos touris are fast wow i seen one kill a sts last night the sts did catch it later on but the ford taurus had a litle head start

Sounds to me that the STS driver didn't know what he was doing and how to properly exploit the power of the Northstar.

[macdoanld]

that is true i just bought the car and i want expecting him to race but when he did i nailled it bad idea i spun almost in to second gear which lost the race defintly and he did have a large head start which made it worse.

[macdoanld]

i gess my next question shood and is how can I properly exploit the power of the Northstar?? please do tell! thanx guys it is my first car u got 2 cut me some slack lol

[speedyman_2]

Well, hopefully you can brush up on the English because it's killing my brain trying to translate. Only thing the after market makes is exhaust kits. Or you can go with a custom nitrous kit. Other than that, your limited to modding these cars. Which really sucks

[Regis]

Well, hopefully you can brush up on the English because it's killing my brain trying to translate.

Speedy beat me to the punch. Macdoanld (was that supposed to be macdonald?) you'll notice that this board is made up of a diverse group of members ranging from 16 to the very very very mature. You'll also notice that they are a bit more refined in general than members on other boards. I have to admit that your typing reminds me of a few honda, lexus, as well as some domestic "mullet" discussion sites. I must be getting old because you did lose me a couple times. Best to leave the aol chat type style parked outside. Trust me you'll get more favorable responses.

Next time you decide to race from a dead stop drop the gear selector into 2nd. Try to get a rolling start. Also you might want to dissengage the traction control. There should be a On/Off switch for the traction control in the glove box. Now you're pretty much set to run. If the race should exceed 60-65mph then you might want to consider manually shifting into 3rd at the appropriate time. Even with this knowledge it's going to take practice practice and more practice. You need to get to know your car. Once again I don't necessarily condone this type of behavior.......good luck.

[JasonA]

The best way to exploit the power of the Northstar is to put the pedal down and hang on. If you "spun almost into 2nd gear" something is wrong with your traction control system. The TCS will intervene if a tire slips and regain control of it and you'll blast away. If the road is wet, sometimes both front tires will spin and the TCS won't engage, but this is rare.

The early generation SHOs (like the early '90s, when you could get manual transmissions) are quick. 0-60 in the mid-6s and mid-to-high 14 quarter miles...just like our Cadillacs. If someone with a '91 SHO knew how to drive it, I wouldn't be surprised a bit to hear of a close race. The '96-later SHOs, with the V8 and 4-speed automatic, are much tamer and won't hold a candle to a Northstar.

[Regis]

The best way to exploit the power of the Northstar is to put the pedal down and hang on. If you "spun almost into 2nd gear" something is wrong with your traction control system. The TCS will intervene if a tire slips and regain control of it and you'll blast away.

I'm not sure that that's necessarily a problem with the traction control system. Mine works fine and I certainly can finesse the traction control to engage if I so desire from a dead stop. A lot depends on variables such as driver capabilities, tires, road surface and weather conditions. But then again I'm sure I've logged more time in my 94. I know it intimately.

Macdoanld, hopefully you'll get a chance to converse with Mark (Mark 99STS). He's a racer and constantly pushes his car to the edge. I think he could steer you into the best race mode setup.

[MARK 99STS]

i gess my next question shood and is how can I properly exploit the power of the Northstar?? please do tell! thanx guys it is my first car u got 2 cut me some slack lol

The biggest bang for the buck is to go with an open exhaust and open up the intake. If you really want to wake up these N*, put in a Yank 3600 stall converter and a limited slip differential from Engineered Performance.

[growe3]

But I will say this ... a SHO (1st & 2nd generations) will run circles around a STS (2004 & earlier ... don't know about these new ones) when the road gets curvey.

I have on occasion past a SHO that was hammering through traffic; I am not impressed at all.

SHO run circles around the earlier STS's? Bring it on.

If you know how to drive the STS, is a very quick handling car in straight line, or on winding roads.

Most of the complaints that I “hear” are from both young and/or inexperienced drivers that just do not know how to properly handle this high performance car.

As for traction control, I have found it very good to avoid wasting time burning up my tires, and actually getting moving down the road faster. Part of the trick is to not just floor it, which will kick in the full effect of the traction control. A quick power brake run-up, then hit the throttle at about 2/3 throttle. This allow the brakes to overcome slippage, but will avoid the injectors dropping off, and then within a second or two completely pin the throttle and never let up until you are ready to slow down.

Start in 2nd gear, a quick partial run-up of the throttle, hit the throttle at about 2/3, and then floor it! Let the computer shift it to 3rd, while 3rd is winding out bump the shifter to Drive; foot pinned to the floor the computer will shift to Drive, and then into overdrive at redline.

If you have the open road, the guts, and a Z rated version of the STS, you will be at 150 MPH in a hurry.

PS

Keep in mind a less then sharp performing STS (Northstar), is likely not maintained properly. It is driven until poor driving problems persist, and then reluctantly taken in to the dealer for diagnostics/repairs.

Some have complained about poor handling of their high mileage cars, that have broken shocks/struts, sway bar bushings “mashed” out, control arm bushing are shot, spark plugs and plug wires long past replacement time, poor quality tires, adding on various “go fast” gadgets that hinder performance, etc. That is just owner failure, not car failure.

Keep up with the STS and it handles very well and is plenty fast. The fastest on the road, of course not there is always someone faster, and lest we forget the STS is a performance luxury car not a dragster.

Last but not least, save the real high speed for the track.

-George

[JasonA]

I'm not sure that that's necessarily a problem with the traction control system. Mine works fine and I certainly can finesse the traction control to engage if I so desire from a dead stop.

Yes, it's very easy to engage the TCS from a dead stop. But what McDonald said was he was spinning his tires almost through 2nd gear. That's a problem. If the TCS is working properly, the tires won't spin, and you'll go faster. If he's having problems beating SHOs and it's because his tires are spinning aimlessly, it's because his TCS isn't working properly.

[tjtjwdad]

Let me see if I can clarify a couple of things.

I use to own one of these cars, a 1992 with a 5 speed MTX. It was in good mechanical condition when I got rid of it. While I owned it the performed was as good as one could ask of a car, but like all cars it had it’s issues, which is not worth mentioning here.

My statements here are comparing “my” SHO vs “my” 2001 STS. Both are stock and my STS has the “Z” option (sports package, or what ever it’s called). It also takes into comparison equally spirited drives in each car (an important element).

1. In the acceleration department my SHO (while respectable) is not going to out accelerate my STS. The STS will win in 0-60, 0-1/4 mile and in all likelihood 0-top end. The End! Having said that, my STS isn’t going to stomp the SHO very bad, but at the end of the line (where ever that is) the SHO will be looking at the STS’s back bumper. The automatic transmission version will be a tad slower. However, if it was a rolling race (34 MPH or less) the race would be more even then you think. I say 34 MPH because at 35 MPH my STS will not down shift to 1st, where at 34 MPH it will. Also, at 34 MPH the SHO probably won’t break traction. I still believe in the end the STS will be out in front but it will not be a cakewalk for the STS.

2. The SHO, due to its stock open-wheel transaxle is horrible for traction. Those of you who think a STS has bad torque steer, I’m here to tell ya’ the torque steer is virtually non-existent when compared to a SHO. Those that like to drag or do the 0-60 stuff knows the ole saying; “… if you’re spinnin’, ya’ ain’t winnin …”. If a SHO owner has gone to the expense of installing a Quaif (spelling) then their take offs, 0-60 times & quarter mile times will improve.

3. If one was to live on numbers the V6 SHO has a higher output per liter than the 300 HP Northstar. However due to the hook up described in para (2) it isn’t worth beans if you can’t take advantage of it with the rubber to the highway (the STS really shines here). It has a very flat torque curve and from 1600-6400 RPM’s it doesn’t loose much. The RPM limiter on mine cutout the engine out at 7600 RPM. Allegedly, the engine was good for much more, up to 10K but the accessories couldn’t take it. In 5th gear, the engine rpm was halted at 4800. Since this was a 92 model, this could easily be removed. I’ve read were some folks had there SHO’s over 150 MPH. No first-hand experience on my part, though my STS shifts into 4th gear @ 132 MPH (or so) and is pulling hard. I’ve often wondered if a STS will can actually get to 155 MPH. There is or used to be an article regarding this on this website. As I recall, it was felt that the top end of a STS is actually around 145 MPH or so … but that’s just 1 test.

4. Now as for my comment “… SHO will run circles around a STS…” has to do with the handling of the vehicles. I’m stating: “my” SHO will run circles around “my” STS on a winding and curvy road. Simply put, it (SHO) is a superior handling automobile. End of Story! If a STS is going to tangle with one of these (say on California 1 between Muir State Park to Sonoma) don’t let that SHO get buy because you’re going to have your work cutout for trying to get back in front. As good as the transmission is in a STS, it’s no match for a manual transmission and a high revving power plant like a SHO when the trail is winding and hilly.

5. In retrospect the SHO is an engine and suspension package … nothing else. The rest of the car is a Taurus (no need to say more). The saying was ; ”… it’s one hell-of-a engine, but the rest of the car is a Ford”. Just to remind all, when I say SHO again I’m referencing my 1992 SHO 5-speed. All 1989-1995 V6 (Yamaha) 5-speed models in sound condition should perform in similar fashion. The 1993-1995 4-speed automatic models will perform slightly under par compared to their manual transmission counterparts. The V8 versions are much more refined than their V6 counterparts and performance is not as good … IMHO of course! The SHO was originally designed to have it’s own body style but for whatever reason, it didn’t materialize. Much like the BOSS 429 ending up in Mustangs in the 1969 & 1970 models.

The STS on the other hand is a whole package wrapped into one and damned hard to improve upon. So, in comparing the cars, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. One thing the SHO and the Northstar have in common; there aren’t very many aftermarket performance upgrades available.

Jim

[Regis]

I'm not sure that that's necessarily a problem with the traction control system.  Mine works fine and I certainly can finesse the traction control to engage if I so desire from a dead stop.

Yes, it's very easy to engage the TCS from a dead stop. But what McDonald said was he was spinning his tires almost through 2nd gear. That's a problem. If the TCS is working properly, the tires won't spin, and you'll go faster. If he's having problems beating SHOs and it's because his tires are spinning aimlessly, it's because his TCS isn't working properly.

Ok Jason, before we get into another go around with the TC let's find out exactly what's going on with macdoanld and his caddy. I get the impression that he's fairly young and isn't familiar with his new car and its workings. With that said it could be a number of things and not necessarily a mechanical traction control problem. Perhaps the tires are worn or under rated, tranny is slipping, or just plain inexperience with this particular car. I think we need more detailed info before we start pointing fingers at what might be the problem. Macdoanld, go out and try the same pull out technique as before and mentally record as much information as you can and then tell us in as much detail as you can what is happening.

[JasonA]

Kger2, I agree it could be a number of problems. I'm just going solely on what he's saying. It could be that if he can provide additional information, it would lead us in a different direction.

[macdoanld]

hey guys im sry about not geting back in a whyle yea the car is new to me. thair is nothing rong with the car that i know of because thayr is no codes at all. i think that it spun a bit moer than usual because i was like right on the whight line and i nailled it. the tires would both brake free very eassly the way i started off. it was also very cold out so my tyres would be very sliprey. but i was thinking that i was using alot of my acessoryes when this lil race hapend i had the heat on the both seats wer on heat and the head lights the radio. im gessing this could have taken some of my poiwer away as whell. i am not to shure but i know my ignition wires are leaking sparks so i think that imght make me loos some power as whell. i also know that the fuil fuilter has never bean changed and it has 38000 km on it so thats another power loss. but i did spinn my wheels for a bit like it spunn at least right through the intersection. i never like floring it right off the line but when i seen him starting early i nailed it. if i put it down a litle slower it would have ben faster i belave as whell. i had a friend with me that weighed about 245 and i weigh about 210 so thats alot of weight. the other guy was buy himself. i have a full tank as whell. all in all if i changer a bunch of things id have likked him evin if i let him have a head start. thanx every one i dont entend on racing my car any ways its my first car and i want to take car of it its my baby!!! i will like to know how to if i ever need to show some dam sports car up or civic.

[JasonA]

hey guys im sry about not geting back in a whyle yea the car is new to me. thair is nothing rong with the car that i know of because thayr is no codes at all. i think that it spun a bit moer than usual because i was like right on the whight line and i nailled it. the tires would both brake free very eassly the way i started off. it was also very cold out so my tyres would be very sliprey.

They key here is, did the TCS (Traction Control System) engage when your tire(s) spun? When they broke loose, did you hear a "rumbling" or purring sound from the engine, and the message TRACTION ENGAGED come on the display? It should have. If it didn't, and your tires were just spinning wildly, something is wrong.

[macdoanld]

whell it wasnt relly spinning whyldly it was moer like sliping then grabing then sliping then grabing. the wheels were making like a churping noise. i didnt really look at the dash i was moer loking at whair i was going. but it was icey the other day and when i hit the gass it spun and i dont rember seeing any thing change on the mesage bord. so somthing could be rong whut could it be? i will have 2 try and gtet the wheels spinin and see if it comes on.

[JasonA]

That's exactly what the Traction Control System will do -- keep the tires from spinning wildly. If it's icy out, you won't be going anywhere no matter what kind of vehicle you're in.

As mentioned before, you can adjust your driving style to keep the TCS from engaging if you wish. You'll learn how far and how fast you can step on the gas so the tires don't slip. Myself...I've found that if I step into it smoothly, and use about one full second to go from closed throttle to wide open throttle, the tires (relatively sticky Michelin Pilots) won't spin and the car will move out nicely.

[macdoanld]

yea i went out for a drive 2 night and i was curries about a cople things so i tryed them. first make the wheels slip so to see if the TCS ingages and i got a mesage saying it was active. so thats not a problem it does work. second off i tryed starting in second gear and wow when it shifts u can feal the difrence.