Which Sport would you rather have?? Need advice quickly

[Robert]

Having had a '94 OHV that I only kept for 24K miles and now currently have a '97 SOHC, I would without a doubt go for the '97 SOHC. Try and find out when the SOHC was sold new so you will know if it is still covered under ONP 00M12 for noisy tensioners. It is still covered under ONP 01M01 regardless since it is for 7 years 100K miles. If the chain guides develop noise within the next year or so, you can get the replaced at no charge. If the tensioners haven't been updated and develop the rattle, it's a $250 fix if the '97 SOHC is more than 6 years old. The price difference between the two engines was $400 new. There is no proof that the OHV is a more reliable engine either. It's been out seven years longer than the SOHC. It's true the SOHC has some issues with noisy tensioners and chain guides but as long as Ford fixes them under warranty it isn't that big of an issue. I've seen an equal number of issues with the OHV as well, one of which is an annoying ping-type sound. I have 104K on my SOHC and had my tensioners replaced at around 50K. My engine is still as quiet as it was new. It doesn't burn a drop of oil during it's 3K-5K oil change interval and still gets mileage that is better than new. I only had my '94 OHV for 24K miles, however it did need a new O2 sensor at 24K. When I went to pick it up from the Service Department, I spotted a nice '95 V8 T-bird I wanted so I traded for it a couple of days later.

For another $300, 45 more HP, 25 more ft./lbs. of torque and 26K less miles to me it's a no-brainer. As a SOHC owner, I have no concerns with regards to its reliability whether it's proven or not.

 

[Majisto]

Originally posted by Robert
For another $300, 45 more HP, 25 more ft./lbs. of torque and 26K less miles to me it's a no-brainer. As a SOHC owner, I have no concerns with regards to its reliability whether it's proven or not.

Amen Robert. Thank you for sticking with the SOHC and believing in it as much as I do There is no substitue for the SOHC power. The roar at 6K alone is enough to buy it.

 

[rkj082000]

As far as the SOHC, I have a SOHC w/ 102,000 miles. I have had no reliability problems and the engine runs great. I admit there were numerous recalls for that engine in 97, but it had never given me a problem. Would I buy another ex w/ SOHC? Yes without fear or hesitation. I also wanted to mention to look at the paint very carefully on all 3, mine is snowflaking from the bottom up.

 

[section525]

Originally posted by Majisto
There is no substitue for the SOHC power.

Yes there is!

 

[410Fortune]

hahahaha.

I too think the SOHC kicks butt.

The OHV is no slouch either, especially for towing and 4x4ing........plus it IS more reliable then the Sohc, that doesnt mean the SOHC is not reliable but it is not the work horse the OHV is......

 

[Campo]

I too love the SOHC. My advise.......... If you're getting the SOHC make sure that 00m12 and 01m01 have been done, also see if you can get them to do TSB 02-08-01 (engine rattling @ 2-3K rpm) which includes a new chain, guides, sprockets(famous ford nylon)..etc...
Mine is in there now for this w/ just over 50K on the odo, Ford fails to acknowlege that the 00m12 was the cause to 02-08-01 so it's gonna cost me $855 to fix (with new waterpump and powersteering pump gaskets).. So just check and make sure those were done....