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terryg
01-05-2003, 09:29 AM
I aquired a used marauder last month with 8000 miles on it. I have had a couple of problems with it. One of the head lights was clooecting moisture inside the lens (dealer has ordered part, warranty item).

And on the way from the airport the dash lights and rear running lights went out. I found the blown fuse and tried to replace it but their must have been a short and it would blow the fuse as soon as it was replaced. I took it to the dealer and they finally fixed it after 3 days of searching.

I also had a problem with the insturment pod in front of the shifter being loose. This to has been fixed.

I now have it in the shop to investigate what I think is excessive top end noise. I have not heard back yet, the service consultant..said that it is common to hear top end noise in this motor. Has anyone else noticed what sound to me like lifter noise under light acceleration? The car seems to run fine otherwise.

I am also interested in increasing low end torque and I have seen what seems to be the typical approach mentioned: Performance chip, 4.10 rear end, exhaust. I plan to use the car for some road trips and do not want to drop to a low a ratio on the rear drive. I heard mention of 3.73? Has anyone done this? Also how loud is the performance exhaust compared to stock. I enjoy a good rumble, but not when crusing on the highway with the radio on.

I have a cougar convert with cobra jet motor which I added the mufflers from the 2002 mustang cobra. It has a good rumble with the factory replacment mufflers without being excessive. I had flow masters on it and it was just plain mean sounding but not very enjoyable.

I would appreciate your comments..

ONEBADMK8
01-05-2003, 10:01 AM
I wouldnt even bother with the 3.73's. The 4.10/4.30's are the only gear for this car imho.

We have been doing 4.10's and 4.30's in the Mark's since 97' to much ridicule until theyy drive it. Then they say WOW!!

Remeber we have one of the tallest passenger car OD gears with the 4R70W transmission so why not take full advantage of it? I have gotten 29.9 in my Mark going to the all Ford carlisle event last year at 75 mph while turning 2650 rpm's.

Perfect formula. Inbox me if you need more info.

tym2fly
01-05-2003, 10:06 AM
Some top end noise is normal, however should not be excessive. If so try to go to a synthetic oil (mobil one 5-30), hopefully this will help. As for your gear selection, you should go to 4.10s if you plan to keep it normally aspirated/ 3.73 if you plan to supercharge it. the increase in rpm is minimal (approx. 350rpm with the 4.10s, less than that with the 3.73s). As for your other problems, sorry to hear that. Enjoy this car, I love mine. OH, by the way, I used flowmaster mufflers and went to a 2.5inch exhaust and it sounds great. For a custom chip, Find a reputable shop and have them do the gears and mods then burn the chip for max performance. Bob.

RF Overlord
01-05-2003, 10:10 AM
terry:

I've never heard a DOHC V8 before this, so I'm not sure what's normal, but I don't hear anything scary on mine, just a little different sounding than the pushrod motor in my T-bird... (3.8L SC).

One thought...maybe the previous owner put in the wrong oil...? I've seen a lot of posts on another board that indicate people really don't seem to have a good handle on the right oil to use in an OHC motor...

Murader03
01-05-2003, 11:13 AM
Terry:

Frst welcome to the board and the MM family. I've had several DOHC's since they arrived in the first Mustang Cobra in '96. I have since had another '99 Cobra, and several CV (SOHC) since it came out in '92. You may be hearing lifer noise, or it could be the injectors firing. I haven't had any excessive noice from any of the engines. But, what may be normal for one person amy seem excessive to another.

Next, oi is basically a personal choice. If your comfortable with the brand you use, then why change. I would go to a full synthetic brand in the range recommended.

I've already installed the chipand plugs from Reinhart Automotive. Makes a really big difference in the car. I'll be having 4.10's installed this coming week, so I'll have better first hand experience after Friday. IMHO, again, 4.10' seems the ideal way to go, there's jsut not that much difference between the 3.55's and 3.73's.

Directedby
01-05-2003, 11:34 AM
I believe 3:90 gears are also available.

Logan
01-05-2003, 11:48 AM
4.10 or 4.30's are definately the way to go. I drove a 3.73 equipped car and it just simply isn't enough gear for the motor. Anyone putting 3.73's in the car would be disappointed if they ever got the opportunity to drive 4.10 car...

SergntMac
01-05-2003, 03:19 PM
Welcome TerryG, seems you've have the best in advice here, I took these words at face value several months ago, and I am very pleased with m MM today.

This is my first DOHC motor too, and I thought I was going crazy hearing lifter noise in low RPMs. It reminded me of a bow-tie solid lifter one quart low. Oddly, when I'm a passenger, and not driving, I cannot hear this lifter noise. It was present from day one, but everything checks out okay.

One other thing, gotta add bumper decal. It's rude to kick a** at the stop light, and not introduce yourself after the fact.

looking97233
01-06-2003, 11:50 AM
The recommended oil for the Madauder is 5W-20 synthetic. The motor having "tight" tollerences may not be happy with a oil that is much thicker. Especially in the winter when it's cold out.

Bigdogjim
01-06-2003, 01:14 PM
terryg: Welcome! Hopy you enjoy the MM as much as the rest of us. The transmission is from Fords F-250 line up that is why it might not be a smooth as you like it. Throttle tip-in is very quick. Car and Driver noted "crazy up shifts" during there road test. I start out with o/d button in the off position. Works very well around town.

Big Dog :rock:

RF Overlord
01-06-2003, 01:36 PM
Bigdogjim:

The Reinhart chip also raises the shiftpoints back where they belong, so it drives like a "normal" car...mine doesn't shift into O/D until about 40-42 mph...holds 1st and 2nd a bit longer than stock, too...I like it much better this way...

LincMercLover
01-06-2003, 02:48 PM
looking,

I believe the manual calls for a synthetic blend.