Did the Taurus SHO have a Yamaha engine in it?
The original Taurus SHO used a Yamaha-designed engine, while the later SHO generation did not. The early model’s high-performance, 3.0-liter V6 became a hallmark of Ford’s SHO identity, whereas the 1996–1999 SHO shifted to a Ford-made 3.4-liter V8 with no Yamaha involvement.
Below is a detailed look at how Yamaha contributed to the Taurus SHO’s first generation and what changed with the second generation, along with a concise takeaway on Yamaha’s role in the lineage.
First-generation Taurus SHO (1989–1995)
Design and Yamaha involvement
In the original SHO, Ford collaborated with Yamaha to create a high-performance V6 option that would stand out in the mid-size family-sedan market. The result was a Yamaha-designed 3.0-liter V6 with dual overhead camshafts and a 24-valve configuration, marketed as the SHO engine. This collaboration helped give the SHO its distinctive performance credentials for its era.
Key facts about the first-generation engine and Yamaha involvement:
- Engine: 3.0-liter DOHC V6 (Yamaha-designed, often referenced as the Yamaha engine).
- Configuration: 60-degree V6 with 24 valves and dual overhead camshafts.
- Power output: commonly cited around 220 hp in early models, with some year-to-year variation as tuning evolved.
- Development and collaboration: Ford and Yamaha Motor Company partnered to develop and bring this high-performance powerplant to the SHO.
- Production period: Used in the Taurus SHO from 1989 through 1995.
Taken together, the first-generation engine defined the SHO’s performance identity and became a key selling point for Ford’s performance-oriented midsize sedan during that era.
Second-generation Taurus SHO (1996–1999)
Transition to a Ford V8; no Yamaha involvement
When Ford redesigned the SHO for the 1996 model year, it moved away from the Yamaha-backed V6 to a Ford-developed 3.4-liter DOHC V8 for the SHO II. This engine was produced by Ford and was not a Yamaha collaboration, reflecting a shift in the model’s engineering approach and performance emphasis for the late-1990s market.
Key facts about the second-generation engine and Yamaha involvement:
- Engine: 3.4-liter DOHC V8 (Ford-developed, not Yamaha-designed).
- Configuration: V8 with DOHC and 24 valves; aimed to deliver stronger torque and higher performance.
- Power output: typically cited in the mid-200s horsepower range, varying by model year and calibration.
- Collaboration: No direct Yamaha involvement in design or manufacturing for this generation.
- Production period: Used in the Taurus SHO from 1996 through 1999.
In summary, the SHO’s switch to a Ford-built V8 for the second generation marked the end of Yamaha’s notable engine involvement in the model’s production run.
Bottom line: Yamaha’s ongoing legacy with the Taurus SHO
The Taurus SHO’s legacy includes a notable early collaboration with Yamaha that produced a distinctive high-performance 3.0-liter V6 engine. This Yamaha-assisted powerplant defined the SHO’s early identity. The subsequent SHO II generation abandoned Yamaha involvement in favor of a Ford-developed 3.4-liter V8, shifting the model’s character but continuing the SHO lineage.
Summary
Yes—the original Taurus SHO (1989–1995) featured a Yamaha-designed 3.0-liter V6 engine. The later SHO II (1996–1999) did not; it used a Ford-developed 3.4-liter V8. Yamaha’s involvement is thus tied to the first-generation SHO, while the second generation marks a move away from Yamaha-engine collaboration.
Who made the engine for the Taurus SHO?
The Ford Taurus SHO engine was designed and produced by Yamaha Motor Corporation, which developed a high-revving V6 for the first generation and a V8 for the third generation of the car. For the third generation SHO (1996-1999), Ford partnered with Yamaha to create the 3.4L V8 engine, which was based on the company's Duratec engine.
- First Generation (1989-1991): A 3.0L DOHC V6 engine was developed by Yamaha, specifically for the Ford Taurus SHO.
- Third Generation (1996-1999): A 3.4L V8 engine, built in conjunction with Yamaha, was developed and was based on the Ford Duratec engine.
Does Yamaha make engines for Ford?
The Ford Taurus SHO engine was 100% designed and produced by Yamaha in Japan. Yamaha designed a great engine. I enjoy watching your builds. I'm building an SHO V8 for a Lotus 7 type car.
What's so special about the Ford Taurus SHO?
And 350 foot-lbs of torque that kicks in down low at 1500 RPM. And stays with you almost all the way to red line at 5200. RPM that's not just respectable. And that's spicy.
Did Yamaha make the Taurus SHO engine?
The Ford Super High Output (SHO) V8 engine was designed and built by Ford Motor Company in conjunction with Yamaha Motor Corporation for use in the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO.
