i was wondering if the sho front end/bumper was a straight forward swap?

I'm not sure if it is that simple, but I know it is not too hard. Shouldn't be too much different.

What year SHO and non-SHO Taurus are you referring to? I've read elsewhere on this forum that the Gen 3 SHO front end requires a different core support or something. Haven't looked into it though.

For the Gen 2 I suspect you'd need the SHO headlights, possibly front fenders for the SHO or Sable, wiring for and driving lights, etc.

-Rod

i have a 97 gl so it would be that bodystyle.

for a '97 you'd need an SHO bumper cover, core support, and turn signals.