5000$ to spend on mods. Advice??

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Hey Guys,
I have JLT intake, new Power Slot Cryo Rotor(about to be installed with TCE ss lines). Ive got about 5k to spend over the next 3 or 4 months. I want to make the marauder comfortable for a daily but have some power for a sunday cruise. Thinking about. But subject to your suggestions. Appreciate all knowledge.
-Exhaust-borla stingers with h or x pipe-about 1000$
-Suspension-KYB shocks w detroit eaton springs, addco sway bars and metco control? Moog? 1000$
-New ford LSD with 4.10, maybe moser axles?? 1k
-Tune? Lidio or anything else. I'm chicago and michigan is a far drive. Not sure price.
-Under drive pulleys or any other suggestions.
-Want to make a fun first car. Appreciate all instructions, experience and problems lowering the car, how much to lower?

[Curless]

Hey Guys,
I have JLT intake, new Power Slot Cryo Rotor(about to be installed with TCE ss lines). Ive got about 5k to spend over the next 3 or 4 months. I want to make the marauder comfortable for a daily but have some power for a sunday cruise. Thinking about. But subject to your suggestions. Appreciate all knowledge.
-Exhaust-borla stingers with h or x pipe-about 1000$
-Suspension-KYB shocks w detroit eaton springs, addco sway bars and metco control? Moog? 1000$
-New ford LSD with 4.10, maybe moser axles?? 1k
-Tune? Lidio or anything else. I'm chicago and michigan is a far drive. Not sure price.
-Under drive pulleys or any other suggestions.
-Want to make a fun first car. Appreciate all instructions, experience and problems lowering the car, how much to lower?




ONE WORD..... BOOST!:banana:There is not one single thing you can do to make this car anymore fun, or the way it should have been from the factory. Put a blower on it... DONE!

[NorthShoreChiMM]

I'm worried if Run a blower like a whipple ill bend a rod or blow a hole in my block. I really don't want to get down in the engine and put new pistons and rods or the supporting engine mods. I like the stock power and if I do suspension, rear end, and exhaust=nasty panther. Any more I think I'd get in trouble more than I already do.

[RubberCtyRauder]

your car has a trak loc (same as lsd) can be rebuilt when doing 4.10 gear swap. Tune does not mean you have to go to the shop. Lidio does not do email tunes any longer I hear. Marty O from MO's speed shop does. or I think there is Tim Barth in Rockford. Chicago guys will know.

Underdrives are a 50/50 split on if worth doing or not. idle rpm needs turned up if doing them (done thru a tune)

you don't need new axles unless you have a groove worn inthem from bad bearings. they don't make the car faster.

don't recommend Detroit eaton spring, not many happy with their result and they don't offer any help after. KYB also has been subject to some scrutiny lately with shocks leaking in less then a year. not everyone has experienced this though.

Get long tube headers. Stainless Works..MO's is a dealer with better pricing than direct.

Your car has an h pipe already, but it is smaller dia. only Stainless works make s a full exhaust, you'll have to get custom made if you want different.

[RubberCtyRauder]

stock motor not designed for a whipple, can only do a eaton swap.

4.10's and a proper tune wake the car up then do handlingmods, sway bars, rear control arms,watts link.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

What do you guys recommend for shocks and springs. I have no air rear. Went out from last guy who had it and replaced with springs and shocks.

Can you have just the stainless system without the headers or must have. Headers=extra 1200 and want to know if the sound is worth it. Thanks-Mike

[RubberCtyRauder]

email member martyo about stainless works, he is a dealer for them and can tell you. I don't know if the system can connect to stock manifolds., you may just have to change out mufflers and leave the rest alone.

many use Monroe magnum severe duty, many have had fine experience with kyb, try CSS or ccs? custom coil spring in KS I think, a lot of crown vic guys use them for lowering springs.

[Serge]

Stainless Works exhaust with long tubes, 4.10s, tune.

[martyo]

I would be happy to help you with a tune, and SCT x4, and Stainless Works headers (we are a dealer for them).

You can reach me through the shop or on my cell, which is (914) 582-6262. You can reach me from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Hope to speak to you.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Cool thanks martyo, I will be in contact. Would one get the tune after rear end and suspension and the whole shebang or does it not matter the order, (speedometer off due to 4.10s program computer for gearing, etc.
Thanks-Mike.

[Turbov6Bryan]

I would do 3000 stall converter ~$500.00

Jerry / Zack front big brake kit~$600.00

Fix the rear air suspension 50-400.00

Tune

Cut off 2 rear cats and call the exhaust loud enough

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Air is not an option. Past experience has left me with a grudge with them. Air went out on my gm and was so expensive i just scrapped the car. Granted it had 160k but engine was strong. Got a quote of 1500 to fix air in the rear :( On my MM I'm going to do the power slot cryo rotors, napa ceramic pads with TCE ss lines, 4.10 gears and deciding on new LSD as mine has 123k and debating if its worth to rebuild it or not. Tune, addco Front and rear bars, and metco arms. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on shocks and springs. Anybody out there that has tried multiple brands of shocks and springs.

Mainly want it to be a luxury yacht. LED lighting, soft close doors, backup camera, woodgrain trim for interior, custom door ashtrays to add "that classic feeling" even though I don't smoke. Any suggestions for interior upgrades. Sorry for the constant badgering. Love the car and want advice from the experts. Thanks-Mike.

[Mr. Man]

1. Tune - Call Marty at Mo's and talk to him about what you hope to achieve. He'll have a few questions and you'll need to know the computer code located on the drivers door area near the foot well. Should be a sticker w/ a 4 digit code, he wants that code.

2. Replace the exhaust mid pipe that chokes down to 2" from the rest of the system 2 1/4". The exhaust flows fairly well from the factory. Muffler noise level of your choice.

3. Suspension mods-[Ca's and Watt's link,(Sparta or Metco, both vendors here)] Sway bars(Addco). And any worn other parts with Motorcraft or Moog.

4. Get in touch with FastBlackMerc for lighting mods.

5. Not much in the way of interior mods other that LED's(FBM), Radio, (personal choice and lots of threads, use google rather than the sites search function, much easier to find what your looking for) I personally wouldn't cover the faux CF look that Mercury did with the wood look. If you like that look you should have bought a Marquis.

6. Check out the vendor forum for other bling type mods. There aren't many as the aftermarket dropped the Marauder quickly, but a few members make stuff in their spare time and there are a few companies that make stuff for the CV that will fit. Pedal covers come to mind.

Never apologize for asking questions that's how we learn. :)

[RubberCtyRauder]

ford does not call it lsd, thats gm. its a trac lok and can have it rebuilt for half of a new one. wood grain? what? thats the uniqueness of marauder, leave the dash trim and do the town car wood and leather wheel.

[lji372]

ONE WORD..... BOOST!:banana:There is not one single thing you can do to make this car anymore fun, or the way it should have been from the factory. Put a blower on it... DONE!

^^^^^^^this

an eaton swap up to 4-420rwhp is quite safe, reliable and FUN!! :banana2:

next on the list would be big brakes or an upgraded radio

[stevengerard]

Get a tune, 4:10s and a 3500 stall that will wake the car up - forget headers and exhaust isn't worth the money for HP/TQ, then do brakes. Bigger brakes really help with these cars.

Boost is the most bang for the buck but is still an expensive investment.

there are still lots of us in Chicago with these cars, try to hook up with some of us for a test drive and see what each is like

[MOTOWN]

If you want to make the car enjoyable and fun get a set of Ridetech coilovers , a tune , and Jerry's big brake kit.

[GoldPanther]

There goes the income taxes refund lmao!

[champ1173]

I would do 3000 stall converter ~$500.00

Jerry / Zack front big brake kit~$600.00

Fix the rear air suspension 50-400.00

Tune

Cut off 2 rear cats and call the exhaust loud enough

Where do I find this $500 stall converter?

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Sounds good. Thanks guys.-mike

[Turbov6Bryan]

Where do I find this $500 stall converter?

http://www.roadrunnerconverters.com/ford-transmission-torque-converters.htm

[loud2004marquis]

Stainless Works exhaust with long tubes, 4.10s, tune.

^^^BIIIIIIIIG +1 on that!^^^

This should leave you money left over as a good starting point to keep saving for boost because your gonna want boost after those mods...

[lji372]

Imho a roots blower eliminates the money spent on 4:10's

Fact of the matter is dollar for dollar boost is the best bang for the buck.

[Ambitious1]

Fact of the matter is dollar for dollar boost is the best bang for the buck.

+1 on Boost. You will be very happy that you did.

[martyo]

Cool thanks martyo, I will be in contact. Would one get the tune after rear end and suspension and the whole shebang or does it not matter the order, (speedometer off due to 4.10s program computer for gearing, etc.
Thanks-Mike.

The tuning can grow with the car, so there is no need to wait for the tune.

[martyo]

Imho a roots blower eliminates the money spent on 4:10's

Fact of the matter is dollar for dollar boost is the best bang for the buck.

You are just afraid to go fast which is why you are anti-gear! :P

[justbob]

I'm in Wheaton if you want a sample of a full S.W. system, cut coils and Monroe severe duty shocks, sway bars, control arms, well almost just about everything actually.

It gives you a chance of taste testing at least.


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[guspech750]

I'm in Wheaton if you want a sample of a full S.W. system, cut coils and Monroe severe duty shocks, sway bars, control arms, well almost just about everything actually.

It gives you a chance of taste testing at least.


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I like your sample.


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

[blkZooM]

6R80 Swap. Then save the rest for next year and add boost.

[champ1173]

http://www.roadrunnerconverters.com/ford-transmission-torque-converters.htm

Thank You sir.

[Chayton]

Thank You sir.

I am running one of these as well. Works great

[Bradley G]

Sixteen and a Marauder, that would have not gone well for me !
save your money ! It's gonna break ! It's 13-14 years old ! :stupid:

[Turbov6Bryan]

Thank You sir.

Hey no problem :)

[NorthShoreChiMM]

I hope it doesn't break I spent 5k on repairs and maintenance- new chains, tensioners and arms, gears, timing belt, almost every gasket without getting into the pistons and valves, tranny flush, coolant flush, and brake bleed, new power steering pump and owner before me took care of it well, garage kept, he did timing belt at 90k with the water pump, new alternator and rear shocks and springs, did some suspension work as long with new diff fluid. I put new condenser in and headlights and grill after slight fender bender, (FL caliper wasn't working and had bald tires + wet road=grill goes through toe hitch.) But car is strong and runs amazing. Is my dream car and I have it when Im 16. Couldn't get better.
Mike

[Zack]

I hope it doesn't break I spent 5k on repairs and maintenance- new chains, tensioners and arms, gears, timing belt, almost every gasket without getting into the pistons and valves, tranny flush, coolant flush, and brake bleed, new power steering pump and owner before me took care of it well, garage kept, he did timing belt at 90k with the water pump, new alternator and rear shocks and springs, did some suspension work as long with new diff fluid. I put new condenser in and headlights and grill after slight fender bender, (FL caliper wasn't working and had bald tires + wet road=grill goes through toe hitch.) But car is strong and runs amazing. Is my dream car and I have it when Im 16. Couldn't get better.
Mike

:shake::bs::lol::lol::lol:

[martyo]

:shake::bs::lol::lol::lol:

You're mean. Lol

[Bradley G]

Zacks' nose was still wet and running @ age 16

You're mean. Lol

[8UWITH6]

Don't blow 5 grand on a car all at once, just saying. You gotta be methodical and stuffs. Boost........ wait, there went your 5 grand! Well spent, good luck.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

If you want to keep it nice, spend the 5 grand on a decent beater.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

You guys seem to forget without those repairs and maintenance your boost means nothing. You all will have to do your chains and fluid flushes if you keep your car long enough.

[RubberCtyRauder]

45k miles here, not driven Nov. til April, not daily driver so I may never see chains replacement. Prolly move on to something else before that happens..:D

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Got me. Daily Driver in Chicago=10 degree cold starts + salt and crap roads=repairs

[loud2004marquis]

If you want to keep it nice, spend the 5 grand on a decent beater.

https://media.giphy.com/media/3oEduTPUHNbgKsYLYs/giphy.gif

[BAD MERC]

4.10's and a proper tune wake the car up then do handling mods, sway bars, rear control arms,watts link.


That's where I am and the difference is dramatic. The next mod will be a blower since everything else has been done.

[stevengerard]

Is my dream car and I have it when Im 16. Couldn't get better.
Mike

That is awesome, and if you are really 16 don't spend another dollar on the car, save your money.

Also, unfortunately for you, I must retract my offer to drive my car. :D

[justbob]

You guys seem to forget without those repairs and maintenance your boost means nothing. You all will have to do your chains and fluid flushes if you keep your car long enough.



Not if you've over maintained all its life and yes even all new Ford Racing timing kit just because. [emoji6]




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[Turbov6Bryan]

You guys seem to forget without those repairs and maintenance your boost means nothing. You all will have to do your chains and fluid flushes if you keep your car long enough.

16 year old telling US

Lol :)

[gpfarrell]

This is a great thread.

With $5000, first... drive carefully. Aside from any personal injury, accident damage would immediately destroy your car and budget.

Next... upgrade the radio to something modern; Bluetooth, satellite, speakers, etc. Much of your interfacing with this machine that's nearly your age will be through that double DIN slot. Make it good.

Second... snoop around and you'll find Bluetooth keyless entry. Couple modules, mate your phone, and when you approach the car it will unlock. When you walk away, it locks. Just like a new car. You'll still need the key to start it, but at least your out of the rain when you reach for it.

Speed wise... gears and tune. If you like loud exhaust, change the mufflers. Performance wise, I think the stock exhaust is fine. My Trilogy breathes easily through it. But if you want more rumble, go for it. Skip headers... too much labor costs for the improvement they'd give in street driving. Looser converter? I'd skip that too. 4.10's and a tune. It'll really wake up for minimal cost.

Handling... cut half a coil in the front, drop the rear a smidge. Nearly free. You'll lower the center of gravity and slightly increase the spring rate. If after 3 months you want to cut another car half coil, go for it. But... if there's anything you don't like about cutting the first half, the next half will be much more of a step away from stock, so proceed carefully.

Repair anything that's not perfect... replace the rug, broken trim, etc. The new stuff will feel great.

When it needs brakes, better pads and rotors that suit you.

If there's money left over... bank it!

[1Marauder]

I would do 3000 stall converter ~$500.00

Jerry / Zack front big brake kit~$600.00

Fix the rear air suspension 50-400.00

Tune

Cut off 2 rear cats and call the exhaust loud enough

This plus full suspension mods... And serious rubber.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

16 year old telling US

Lol :)

Am I wrong about the maintenance? I bought the car knowing it needed the repairs. Why so rude...

[RubberCtyRauder]

Am I wrong about the maintenance? I bought the car knowing it needed the repairs. Why so rude...

He's not being rude..Tone does not come across internet forums. He was being funny.." A 16 yr. old telling us old folks" lol..you have not been here
long enough or are old enough to fully get that ..yet.. he was not ribbing you. it would be like telling a pro golfer how to hit the ball when you are 16 and just learning how to play...

nothing wrong with being young..just remember when we were your age (not everyone here) there was no internet, forums, facebook, cell phones, I tunes, xbox4, amazon, ebay etc...

Alot of sarcasm runs thru this site at times..

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Gotta get used to the sarcasm and dry humor.

[guspech750]

Gotta get used to the sarcasm and dry humor.



That's not the only thing going in dry.

HEHEHEHEHEHEHE. LOLzzzzzzz


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

[tbone]

A 16 year old has to get used to sarcasm. :confused: :D

Guspech WILL take some getting used to....

[NorthShoreChiMM]

And forgot to mention that the owner before me did a major sound upgrade. Pioneer double din head unit, all new speakers in doors( dont know specs) and theres an amp in the trunk. Sounds great but the stock speaker near the trunk(is it a sub??) always vibrates at louder volumes. Can this be removed easily

[2,4shofast]

Yes, it can be easily removed. They weren't known for their quality.

[lji372]

That's not the only thing going in dry.

HEHEHEHEHEHEHE. LOLzzzzzzz


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

Post of the day!!

Pfff of the week!!! :rofl:

[mm svt]

It's good there are 16yr olds interested in a nice car like the marauder. Do maintenance, keep it clean, Especially the engine compartment

[1Marauder]

A 16 year old has to get used to sarcasm. :confused: :D

Guspech WILL take some getting used to....


^^^^^This is funny^^^^^

Laughed out loud on plane and the snobby first class people looked at me funny.

[Danger Cart]

You're mean. Lol
None of this adds up lol. 16yro's first car is the Marauder, but he had a Grand Marquis before that that the air ride blew out on.

... and the timing "belt" + other fun stuff was done by the P.O...

And then the last bit of this is "when I'm 16".

???

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[F1erceK]

... there was no internet, forums, facebook, cell phones, I tunes, xbox4, amazon, ebay etc...

Xbox4 isn't out yet

just sayin'

[RubberCtyRauder]

Xbox4 isn't out yet

just sayin'

whatever.....dont care, not the point of my statement, Al Capone is not dead either.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

None of this adds up lol. 16yro's first car is the Marauder, but he had a Grand Marquis before that that the air ride blew out on.

... and the timing "belt" + other fun stuff was done by the P.O...

And then the last bit of this is "when I'm 16".

???

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Well if your so interested the GM was my families car that I drove for a little while. The Marauder is the first car I PURCHASED with my own money. The previous owner did the water pump and timing belt, I paid for all of the nitty gritty work on the timing chains and decided that when the engine was apart why not put a new belt on even the one on there was only a year old. It was only 70 bucks for a belt and better safe than sorry. And I worked 60 hour weeks to pay for this during summer time and made all my own money. Im not one of the kids that got a new car from his parents. I worked for my car.

[RubberCtyRauder]

what's funny is there is no timing belt on the car. timing chains under the front cover. the belt is the drive belt, accessory belt for waterpump, alternator, ac compressor

[NorthShoreChiMM]

By bad, meant serpentine belt.

[gpfarrell]

By bad, meant serpentine belt.

I'm inclined to think your a class kid.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Nope, I got Bs and Cs. Average kid trying to learn about cars and have fun doing crazy ****.

[mm svt]

Post photos please.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Photos of my car?
And getting new Nokian WRG3 tires today, anyone had them, mechanic recommended them.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Photos of my car?
And getting new Nokian WRG3 tires today, anyone had them, mechanic recommended them.

those are primarily winter tires, says year round, but I would want to to know the tread wear rating..most winter tires wear fast in warm climates. summer...I don't see they offer them in the staggered sizes front and rear..if you have tractioncontrol, then it wont work and you will havbe to turn off traction control each time you start the car.

I would have gone with cooper zeon rs3a and buy a set of 17" cv steelies and put winter tires onthem.

[RubberCtyRauder]

you are better off coming here for recommendations than a mechanic who prolly knows little of the marauder. there are members here with 14 years of ownership and know what works. imo

[NorthShoreChiMM]

He got them in the staggered 245s and 235s, Had to order them, will post pictures of tires and wheels when I get home.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Probably should of came to you guys. Just curious do they offer the rs3a in the staggered sizes. That's the main reason going with these winter tires. Couldn't find tires in both sizes with same tread. Im dumb

[RubberCtyRauder]

sorry, I missed the listing of the 245/55/18 on their website, it was the last size and I didn't scroll far enough. they will be possibly noisier in summer, winter based tires generally are.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Also my heater makes a squeal noise when turning off, friend said his car has been doing it for years. Anything to be worried?

[RubberCtyRauder]

yes coopers are staggered so are Nitto motivos..you're not dumb, just new to the car and anxious, we all were at one point. Run the tires and when worn, buy a different set..not a lifetime issue, a few years pending miles you put on it a year.

[fastblackmerc]

By bad, meant serpentine belt.

Keep the old belt in the trunk in case you need it while stranded somewhere.

[Curless]

Do your research, SEARCH is your friend... the basic info you want IS out there.

[loud2004marquis]

Keep the old belt in the trunk in case you need it while stranded somewhere.



Do your research, SEARCH is your friend... the basic info you want IS out there.


^^^+1 on what they both said^^^

[justbob]

Why are you buying winter tires in MARCH???


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[lji372]

Why are you buying winter tires in MARCH???


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Trump won and hell froze over :dunno: :woohoo: :rofl:

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Why are you buying winter tires in MARCH???


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Don't have the green to buy multiple sets and you guys know how nasty winters in chicago get especially with rwd

[stevengerard]

winter tires are not good tires for summer/wet driving - you are better off getting an all-season tire for Chicago. My car has been a 14 year DD and I will tell you I have never had a worse driving car in fresh snow then with the stock tires these cars came with. But we have fresh snow a few days a month (this year - twice all year!) and with my newer Firestones it drove much better. You drive on a service not covered in snow for 8 - 10 months a year, not the other way around. Get all season tires.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Ill probably just get some cheap burners for summer and cv steelies as someone suggested.