Engine

 

Yamaha created this naturally aspirated V6 with a variable intake.  This gives the engine a smooth rise in horsepower up to 7300 RPM.  It also gives some great low end torque.  It's easy to spin the tires.  The growl the engine makes is like no other.  When the secondary intake opens around 4000 RPM, it sounds even better!  Since it is not boosted it runs cooler.  Many people have added superchargers along with many other modifications to increase performance.  I do not recommend installing a supercharger to this engine with out a rebuild because of the high mileage.  There are other mods you can do with out supercharging.  This car is still a great performer! 

 

If you like to do it yourself, there are websites that have some really good articles to help.  Some more detailed than others, but all are great, like: The SHO Phoenix Project and SHO Forum.  There are also places to get aftermarket parts like Performance Plus, RCM Automotive, MidwestSHO and Cincysho.  Most of the parts I bought to have my friend install were purchased locally at Car Quest.

 

Parts Replaced

The following parts have been replaced since I purchased the car in November 2004.  None of these new parts have more than 5000 miles on them:

Rear brake calipers and pads

Rear flexible brake hoses

Metal brake lines

Spark plugs

All plug wires

Valve cover & Plug well seals

Intake Manifold Gaskets

Thermostat

Timing belt

Water Pump

Radiator and radiator hose

Crank Position Sensor

Front main seal

Front and Rear engine mounts

Transmission mount

Accessory belt

Fog lights

Alternator

Sub frame bushings

 

Issues

There is currently a small oil leak coming from the Cam Positioning Sensor (Sometimes referred to as CPS or CID) seal.  It is not enough to have to add oil or drip to the ground.  What is annoying about it, is it does drip onto the exhaust to create a little smoke and a burning smell.  It does not affect how the engine runs.  The CPS seals can be purchased 3 for $15 or less.  If you can do it yourself, you'll save some money.  Again, I don't have the tools or the time to do it. 

The serpentine belt squeaks.  When one of the coolant hoses were replaced, coolant got on the belt from filling the reservoir.  I also think some oil from the leak got on it.  The belt still works fine, just makes some noise.  I didn't want to replace it until the oil leak was fixed. 

 

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