The Taurus Reaching for the 9’s

Zach Wright affectionately calls his Ford Taurus SHO “The Blue Turd”. The name might be self-deprecating but nothing about this car is modest. Zach has spent the last seven years turning it into one of the fastest Taurus.

The project started seven years ago with the purchase of a 1995 Taurus SHO with a 3.0 L V6. It wasn’t too long before Zach started his first swap. He removed the factory engine for a 3.2 L V6 that was mostly stock except for better camshafts and a few bolt-on upgrades.

The next big engine mod was installed a 3.3 L V6 with a 13:1 compression ratio. The engine was upgraded with ShoShop Stage II camshafts, ported intake, and SHO Source big bore butterflies. Running on E85 fuel through 1000 cc injectors the engine produced 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. You can read more about the engine build here.

After enjoying that combo for a while Zach decided it was time to go forced induction. The 3.3 L V6 was rebuilt with a lower 12.5:1 compression ratio. The engine still retains the factory bottom-end and heads but with upgraded pistons, camshafts and springs.

The biggest difference came with the inclusion of turbo system built by EBTEC with a BorgWarner EFR 8374 twin scroll turbocharger. Zach’s goal is to make 15+ psi of boost for around 600-700 horsepower to the wheels.

Backing up that much power requires an upgraded transmission. Zach has rebuilt the five-speed manual with a full set of straight cut gears, new syncros and a Quaife differntial. This is connected to the engine through a custom twin-disc clutch.

When you are turning a street car into a race car there are some amenities that will have to go. You can see the Taurus’ one plush interior has been stripped in the name of speed. The steel hood and truck lid have been replaced with carbon fiber versions.

When Zach started the recent round of mods he set a goal of reaching the 9’s in the quarter-mile. With the car only weighing 2,600 lbs I have no doubt he will accomplish it.

The Taurus SHO has a loyal following but it isn’t the first choice for high speed events or drag strips. For there to be one that will reach the 9-second mark speaks to Zach’s talent and perseverance.

Source: Blue Turd Taurus and photos by Boosted America and Zach Wright