[Mcgilles]

The Car: 1997 SHO Ebony Satin
Factory Options: Yes
Name: Silent Thunder

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Fall%208.jpg' alt='' width='400' height='300' class='attach' />[/url]

After plenty of time waiting for the best time, I have finally decided to enter Car of the Month for June, my car's second anniverary of being with me.

[b]Some Stats:[/b]
My best run at the 1/8 mile track was a 10.0, which I'm told is good for about a 15.0 in the quarter. this is before some of the latest performance mods though.

My stereo was metered at 141.9db shortly after upgrading to the two 15s from two 12s the day I had it metered the crossover went out, so only 2 of my 8 speakers were working right at the time. The two that were running were the subs of course.

[color=red][b]Modifications List:[/b][/color][list][*][b]8 Speaker Stereo:[/b][list][*]Rockford Fostgate Class D db1000.1 Sub Amp.
[*]///Alpine 45x2 Amp on the front speakers.
[*]Denon 2 channel amp for rear speakers.
[*]///Alpine CDA-9815 receiver. CDRW, mp3, wma, speaker distance correction.
[*]Sony electronic crossover mounted in dash.
[*]///Alpine 6 disc CD shuttle, also reads CD-RW, mp3...all the goodies.
[*]Media expansion unit to add an aux input for my computer.
[*]Boston Acoustics Rally Series 5x7 highs and mids in the doors.
[*]Ford Premium Sound (Mach) 5x7 Rear speakers (disconnected, they sound terrible compared to my Bostons.)
[*]Boston Acoustics Rally Series Tweeters mounted on the dash.
[*]Rockford Fostgate HX2 15 inch dual voice coil subwoofers in separate custom built boxes, 1.5" MDF walls. [*]Custom in Dash CD-Player Mounting.
[/list][*][b]Alarm System:[/b] (factory alarm still in and working)[list][*]2 way paging FM remote control, 1 mile communication range.
[*]Remote start and shutdown.
[*]Dual sirens.
[*]Radar motion sensor.
[*]2 stage shock sensor.
[/list][*]Apten performance chip, 3 program including stock.
[*]APC Xenon Fog Lights, with Sylvania Silverstar H3 55W bulbs
[*]Xenon Headlights.
[*]Blue LED Interior lighting.
[*]Blue LED Washer Nozzles.
[*]Blue LED Instrument cluster illumination lights, blue numbers!
[*]Red pulse to the music neon 15" tube in front of the sub. [*]Neo Blue 9" Neon arc tube with pulse. [*]dual 6" blue neons for trunk lights. [*]9" blue neon floor lights. [*]Chrome dual bladed wipers and tire valve caps.
[*]Mustang dual gauge pod with Autometer Sport Comp series Voltmeter and Oil Pressure gauges (both electric)
[*]LED lights and system status display in the gauge cluster.
[*]Aluminum painted gauge surround.
[*]Switchable Red and Amber brake lights mod.
[*]Bright red brake calipers.
[*]K&N E-0940 Conical Intake Filter (designed for Mustangs). Mounted to a CAI "Nimz" intake in the fender wall. [*]Disabled EGR.
[*]Removed Air Silencer and Restrictor Cone.
[*]Flowmaster 40 Series 2 1/4" offset/offset mufflers. [*]Jegs exhaust cutout in place of 3rd catalytic converter, with McCord Power Plate 2...HELLGATE!
[*]Custom designed switch panel below head unit.
[*]Clear front side markers.
[*]Autoventshades smoke headlight covers/protectors.
[*]LED exterior lights for side markers and interior.
[*]Auxiliary Transmission cooler, keep the AX4N alive longer
[*]Strut adjustment for a 3/4" - 1" lower ride stance compared to a stock V8, subwoofer weight drops the rear about 1 1/2" [*]CAMS welded by Doug Lewis of Ford Performance Specialists in Douglasville Georgia. 3/11/04
[*]98-99 style taillights, with operation modification 4/02/04
[/list][b]In addition to these modifications, some pending mods:[/b]
VAK, I have it on hand, but with classes and Exams, I haven't been able to install it, may be coming this weekend though!
Anonda Motorsports Strut Bar, and Sub Frame Connectors, due to Bob's hectic life, they are still on the way.


All this information and much more can be seen on my web site:
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/shomain.asp]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/shomain.asp[/url]
my web site contains many more images, and a few write ups on some of the more creative modifications. Please check it out!

Now for a few more pictures:
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Fall%209.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Fall%209.jpg' alt='' width='640' height='480' class='attach' />[/url]

[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Fall%204.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Fall%204.jpg' alt='' width='640' height='480' class='attach' />[/url]

[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Fall%201.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Fall%201.jpg' alt='' width='640' height='480' class='attach' />[/url]

[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/engine.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/engine.jpg' alt='' width='1600' height='1200' class='attach' />[/url]

here are the modified tail lights, both lenses now illuminate when the parking lights or headlights are on, in addition to the brake lights.
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/DSCN0022.JPG][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/DSCN0022.JPG' alt='' width='640' height='480' class='attach' />[/url]

Here is the in-dash CD player install, along with the switch panel below which houses interior lights switches, the Rockford sub amp's bass boost, and the McCord Power plate controls
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Switch%20Plate%2035.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Switch%20Plate%2035.jpg' alt='' width='1600' height='1200' class='attach' />[/url]

[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Amp.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/Amp.jpg' alt='' width='640' height='480' class='attach' />[/url]

[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/dual%2015s2.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/dual%2015s2.jpg' alt='' width='1600' height='1200' class='attach' />[/url]

[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/DSCN0045.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/DSCN0045.jpg' alt='' width='1024' height='768' class='attach' />[/url]

Many many hours went into this modification, using the stock gear indicator, which sits idle in the 97s, I built an LED status display right in the dash, it includes warning lights for any non-street legal lights, and status indicators for fog lights, brake lights, and I extended and custom mounted the Apten chip LED in here as well.
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/LEDpanel.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/LEDpanel.jpg' alt='' width='640' height='480' class='attach' />[/url]

[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/track.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/track.jpg' alt='' width='896' height='592' class='attach' />[/url]

so how loud are those 15s? Keep in mind that dB is a log scale, each increase of 10 dB is a doubling of percepting loudness (volume) when converted to sound Intensity, you can really see how much difference there is in these sounds. The stereo is in fact 1.5 times a loud as the gunshot (140dB = 100 W/m^2 vs 141.9dB ~= 155 W/m^2)
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/soundgraph.jpg][img]http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/images/soundgraph.jpg' alt='' width='1335' height='909' class='attach' />[/url]

[b]Sound Clips:[/b] (may need to right-click -> Save As)
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/sounds/sho2.mp3]Flowmaster 40's[/url]
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/sounds/sho3.mp3]Flowmaster 40's[/url]
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/sounds/sho4open.mp3]Hellgate Open[/url]
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/sounds/sho5openincar.mp3]Hellgate Open from Inside the Car, returning to parking space after recording these sounds[/url]

[b]Movies:[/b]
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/movies/SHO%20vs%20Subaru.mov]SHO vs. Subaru (.mov)[/url] Camera turns to the next race too soon, I won by a large margin, even after that terrible start
[url=http://filebox.vt.edu/users/migilles/movies/V8sho%20vs%20Probe%20GT.WMV]SHO vs. Modified Probe GT (.wmv)[/url] I won this one too.

Thanks for checking out my car on Car of the Month!

 

[MaltaTaurus69]

Sick SHO, you got my vote, awesome car. Good luck in COTM

 

[godspunk32]

That looks [email protected]$$!!! I think you might have my vote!

I wanna see pix of the engine bay!

JR

 

[Mcgilles]

Originally posted by godspunk32@May 13 2004, 12:41 PM
I wanna see pix of the engine bay!

oops, I was going to put one in there, guess I forgot, time for an edit...

thanks for the compliments!

 

[firespirit]

omg. I think I just wet my underwear (since I don't have pants on right now) ...

GOOD GOING. :boink:

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[Mcgilles]

haha Ashley you're hilarious!

Modified again to add a couple of pictures, I also forgot to put my Apten chip in the list of mods...oops

 

[Troper8]

Damn, I threw my bull into the voting this month, bad decision, you got my vote!! I am a sucker for black G3 V8 SHO.

 

[CometGSR]

Wow!! That is one of the best looking GEN3 SHOs here. I always liked your signature pic and was hoping to see more of your car someday.

You got my vote, thats a great looking car!

 

[WillieSHOMe]

Mike

I had no idea you had so many mods on your SHO! It looks good! :thumb:

 

[Mcgilles]

thanks Willie! and the mental gears are still turning. there are even more in the works. I have a strut tower brace and sub frame connectors coming when Bob gets them done. first thing for this summer is going to be installing my VAK, I've got it right here but I haven't put it on yet. now that classes are over I'll have time. also on the agenda is a pretty major overhaul/upgrade to the sound system as well as a couple of classified mods that I have in mind...more details on them if they ever become a reality. this car is so much fun!

 

[Mcgilles]

I think maybe I should pull out of the running for this month and wait for a better one.
http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/index.php?...opic=5634&st=0&

 

[firespirit]

I think you should stay in it You still have the car!!!!

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[TrueBlue]

Still repairable, and still an amazing machine. I think you've got my vote as well! :thumb:

And keep your head up, she'll be as good as new soon enough.

 

[golovko]

dude, that car is :****:

Nicely done!

 

[WillieSHOMe]

Mike

I told you in the other post about your SHO being messed up that I would still reply to your post here.


I know what you mean about the mental gears still turning. Mine haven't stopped since I got this thing. :blink:
I also am waiting for my FSTB from Bob. I got it already, but sent it back and he is sending another. I also will be getting some subframe connectors soon. I got the VAK about a month ago and got it in already. The only thing I want to do with my stereo is put a bass speaker in the center hole in the package tray, for a little more bass. And like you said. I got some things in mind for the engine that I will be getting to soon I hope.

 

[gryphon1011]

Bro your car is STILL the :constipated:!!
How's she doing by the way?
Mike don't pull out bro. You have the ability to take a car like Taurus and make people cream their pants. Stay in it for her if not for yourself!!

 

[Mcgilles]

Originally posted by gryphon1011@May 21 2004, 11:23 AM
How's she doing by the way?

thanks for asking. things are going alright, I've taken some stuff apart to get a better look at all that happened. the insurance company is not treating me very nicely, but I kind of expected that. she will be fine, just have to give it time to heal. there's a better update on the other thread I linked earlier

 

[showhat9]

Mike also contributed his time and knowledge over on V8SHO.COM putting together a killer screen saver. It has become a running history of the people and their cars.
Mike absolutley has my vote.

 

[3.0cammer]

hey mcgilles i was messing around with some new stuff with photo chop and thought you might like to see this

 

[Mcgilles]

that look amazing! how did you do that? If I gave you a larger high res version of that pic could you work your magic again?