Tips and Tricks for a Newb?

[kwkbox]

I just got my first Marauder today. It is a 2004 Black with 80K miles and all options but spoiler and trunk organizer. I plan on using this vehicle as my daily driver for the time being and want to keep it in the pristine condition I got it in. Are there any tips and tricks that a newcomer should be aware to keep this great classic in good shape forever? Also I live in Northwest Indiana and am currently looking for a good mechanic I can trust that knows this car well and can assist me in keeping it going for a very long time. If anybody has any info to help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[Granddaddy Marq]

Welcome, you live close to 2 of most knowledgeable guys on Marauders in the world. Justbob and Zack. I don't know if they do a lot of work on other people's cars, but they will give you good advice. As far as keeping it running, regular oil changes, and see if it has one of Zach's cooling mod's on it. If it doesn't contact Zack on this forum to get one. They're a motor saver. Check into an after market tune if you don't already have one. Marto ( Mo's Speed Shop) can help with that. Enjoy your car.

[justbob]

Thanks for the prompts Lou but I'm not in that category. [emoji6]

But yes, Zack is in NW Indiana and never stops keeping these going for others. And for too damn cheap I'm always telling him!

However if you need something dreamed up, fab'd up, cut up, and welded to military spec then I guess I still have some thoughts floating around. [emoji6]

I never did get around to the AWD yet. Hmm..


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[Ambitious1]

Congratulations! You will love your new ride!

[kwkbox]

Welcome, you live close to 2 of most knowledgeable guys on Marauders in the world. Justbob and Zack. I don't know if they do a lot of work on other people's cars, but they will give you good advice. As far as keeping it running, regular oil changes, and see if it has one of Zach's cooling mod's on it. If it doesn't contact Zack on this forum to get one. They're a motor saver. Check into an after market tune if you don't already have one. Marto ( Mo's Speed Shop) can help with that. Enjoy your car.

I look forward to conversing with these gurus to better enhance my Marauder enjoyment.

Thanks for the info and welcome wagon words from everyone.

[Gerry24]

Welcome to the site :beer:

[loud2004marquis]

Welcome and congrats on your purchase! Do you have an alarm on it?

[kwkbox]

Welcome and congrats on your purchase! Do you have an alarm on it?

It is all stock so unless it came with one it is news to me. Who would steal a police car?

[Ambitious1]

It is all stock so unless it came with one it is news to me. Who would steal a police car?

The alarm was the first thing I did when I bought mine. The MM is not a police car (although it has been used by a few law enforcement agencies), that was not the designer's original intent... it's much more. I have owned CVs, GMQs and now MMs. The MM is far better than the other Panthers and in my opinion, including the Lincoln Town Car. The MM also has enormous potential for mods (especially since it it the only Panther with the 32V DOHC engine), which increases the driving experience. 4.10 gears, Marty's tune, Zack's cooling mod, catback exhaust and if you have a little extra time and money, an Eaton swap.

Yes, get an alarm on it. You will be happier later.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

The alarm was the first thing I did when I bought mine. The MM is not a police car (although it has been used by a few law enforcement agencies), that was not the designer's original intent... it's much more. I have owned CVs, GMQs and now MMs. The MM is far better than the other Panthers and in my opinion, including the Lincoln Town Car. The MM also has enormous potential for mods (especially since it it the only Panther with the 32V DOHC engine), which increases the driving experience. 4.10 gears, Marty's tune, Zack's cooling mod, catback exhaust and if you have a little extra time and money, an Eaton swap.

Yes, get an alarm on it. You will be happier later.

How does one install this alarm, what brand, etc. And how much of a difference does zach's cooling mod make.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Zack's cooling mod makes no power difference, it is just cheap insurance to number 8 valve bending due to a poor circulation pocket in the head. it allows coolant to flow better by cylinder 8 (driver side rear most cylinder) hopefully preventing head work. it's not just these cars. Various mustangs have the same issue, almost every mustang performance seller has a head cooling kit for sale

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Alarm?-Brand, usefulness, ease of installation, let me know. Thanks to anybody that has an alarm and will provide knowledge.

[Ambitious1]

Zack's cooling mod makes no power difference, it is just cheap insurance to number 8 valve bending due to a poor circulation pocket in the head. it allows coolant to flow better by cylinder 8 (driver side rear most cylinder) hopefully preventing head work. it's not just these cars. Various mustangs have the same issue, almost every mustang performance seller has a head cooling kit for sale


Alarm?-Brand, usefulness, ease of installation, let me know. Thanks to anybody that has an alarm and will provide knowledge.

Yes, exactly. Zack's cooling mod will help save your number 8 cylinder now and future headaches later .

https://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93567

Also, any reputable alarm dealer can provide you with a Viper, Clifford, Python, etc. of your choice:

https://www.safewise.com/blog/comparing-top-aftermarket-car-alarm-products/

I have always liked the 2-Way Viper system:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H0874IG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=safewicom-20&linkId=e7716e0ef7d746b574ade2f cfb70aa48

[Ambitious1]

Here are some of the links of the people that can help you improving your MM and make it the way you like:

Zack's cooling mod:

https://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93567

Fastblackmerc knows the EATC systems and can provide you with a wealth of knowledge as well as limited edition products:

https://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=99619

https://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=85488

Marty has a great tune that he can help you with:

https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=128

Jerry and Zack did a Big Brake Kit:

https://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=97949

Gdmjoe put together all of the online Marauder documents (like owner's manuals, tech data, specs sheets, etc.)

http://gdmjoe.com/marauder/documents/documents.html

I know I may be forgetting one or two, but most of the people here are amazing and willing to help!

[NorthShoreChiMM]

Would love to get a tune from Marty. Just curious, what is the cost of a tune. And if sent through the mail (the tune), how is it installed. Doesn't your car have to be hooked up to a dyno and OBDII scanner/thingy. Sorry dont know much about tunes and such. Thanks.
-Mike

[Ambitious1]

Would love to get a tune from Marty. Just curious, what is the cost of a tune. And if sent through the mail (the tune), how is it installed. Doesn't your car have to be hooked up to a dyno and OBDII scanner/thingy. Sorry dont know much about tunes and such. Thanks.
-Mike

Give him a call:

https://www.mosspeedshop.com/

"You can reach us at the shop by telephone at: 770-222-5015

You can reach Marty directly on his mobile phone at (914) 582-6262, or by email at marty@mosspeedshop.com or martin_ochs@hotmail.com

You can reach Jeff directly on his mobile phone at (404) 569-3786, or by email at prospeed1@bellsouth.net"

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Marty and his team are the only people I would trust with my car at this point. Worth a drive down there.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

I guess Ill have to take a summer road trip down there.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I guess Ill have to take a summer road trip down there.

you don't need to go there, SCT can be sent with tune on it. plug into your obdII port. all done ups/usps

[SteelQualityMan]

Where are you in NW Indiana? I am in Warsaw with a 2003 300a MM and a supercharged Kenny Browñ Crown Vic. I could use a hand replacing the cam chains añd tensioners and maýbe swapping in a set of Cobra cams, if you are good with a wreñch. Great way to begin learning about the heart of our cars.

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[kwkbox]

Where are you in NW Indiana? I am in Warsaw with a 2003 300a MM and a supercharged Kenny Browñ Crown Vic. I could use a hand replacing the cam chains añd tensioners and maýbe swapping in a set of Cobra cams, if you are good with a wreñch. Great way to begin learning about the heart of our cars.

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I am right on the border about 30 mins away from Chicago.

[1Marauder]

And I will be flying into Grand Rapids soon to pick up my unicorn CVSport. As soon as I get dates, I will let you know.

Call Marty. Tune is first. He will need data from your door jam. He has different tunes. You buy the unit (from him), he will install it on the unit. He mails the unit to you. You call him, and he will walk you through installing it. An eight year old (like me) can do it.

Car will drive 1000 times better.

Best part is, if you ever throw a code... Your unit can tell you what it is and clear it... So having the unit with the car can be helpful A year or three from now.

[Mackdombles]

There's a couple of dudes to talk to about tunes. Marty and Floyd.

[NavySeabee]

Welcome! Read the forums, learn, laugh, and enjoy the familia!

[Mr. Man]

There's a couple of dudes to talk to about tunes. Marty and Floyd.
Who's Floyd?:dunno:

[NorthShoreChiMM]

I'm still taking the trip down. Want to get gauges in, moser axles, 4.10 + ford trac loc diff, (anyone had this. Not trying to pay 700 for a diff, this one is like 260.) and of course the tune. And could somebody explain this "code clearing unit" mentioned before.

[sailsmen]

Welcome!
You can send the $8 via Paypal.

[Mackdombles]

Who's Floyd?:dunno:

Floyd was responsible for the best tunes from 1965 on man.

[jflave]

I was curious about that also, does he have a last name you would share with us.

[justbob]

I was curious about that also, does he have a last name you would share with us.



Waters, first name Roger. "Pink Floyd"


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[cer0413]

Welcome bud

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[kwkbox]

Any suggestions on upkeep? Particular brands of cleaners for exterior/interior? I pretty much use armorall for everything. Also any 3rd party floor mat suggestions that do not break the bank?

[cer0413]

Any suggestions on upkeep? Particular brands of cleaners for exterior/interior? I pretty much use armorall for everything. Also any 3rd party floor mat suggestions that do not break the bank?
Personal preference my opinion but I've learned that the wheels should be treated the same as the paint.

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[RubberCtyRauder]

wheels are clearcoated so aluminum polish does nothing, use paint products

[sailsmen]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DSCN16061.JPG

[NorthShoreChiMM]

soapy water works well for almost everything on the outside except glass. Vinegar and water can work for glass but there are cleaners that are better

[kwkbox]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DSCN16061.JPG

Visual aids are always appreciated. Thank you sir.