Going to look at a Marauder tomorrow...

[CKMustangCobra]

I finally found a Marauder that will work for me and I'm going to go take a close look at it tomorrow.

It's a 2003 300a w/ 53K miles.

Anything I should pay real close attention to?

My wife already looked at it in person and said it's damn mint.

Adult female owned, always garaged, FL car, under a cover most of the time too. It was a 25th wedding anniv. present and now she has a new car.

[ImpalaSlayer]

when you get it make sure you put up pics!

[CKMustangCobra]

when you get it make sure you put up pics!

Ohhh.... but of course!

[FastMerc]

Good luck and enjoy! :banana:

[jgc61sr2002]

Good luck and enjoy! :banana:

What he said.:D ^^^^^

[MM2004]

I finally found a Marauder that will work for me and I'm going to go take a close look at it tomorrow.

It's a 2003 300a w/ 53K miles.

Anything I should pay real close attention to?

My wife already looked at it in person and said it's damn mint.

Adult female owned, always garaged, FL car, under a cover most of the time too. It was a 25th wedding anniv. present and now she has a new car.

Jot down the VIN and Pm it to RoylPita. He'll run it for ya'.

Good luck!

Mike.

[Peace2Peep]

The most imp to me......MAINTENANCE RECORDS!

[CKMustangCobra]

I went down yesterday to take a look. Everything the owner said it was. Only 2 minor imperfections in the paint (2 small scatches). Just turned 53000 miles, adult female driven, wheels were perfect, drove nice (first time behind the wheel of one).

I will be picking it up sometime mid week. I will have pcitures as soon as I detail it! :)

I'm very excited.

BTW.... backround on me.... I'm newly married, 25 years old, gearhead+++. This will be my 9th Ford product and my 3rd 4.6L 4V. I started with Mustangs (username) until they got me into some trouble... I calmed down a little bit... but I still need a car with some balls. I have a Lincoln Mark VIII now and it has served me well.... time for an upgrade and I think a nice big 4 door sedan with the same drivetrain as the Mark will also serve me well.

:)

Pics in a few days.

[Seneca]

I went down yesterday to take a look. Everything the owner said it was. Only 2 minor imperfections in the paint (2 small scatches). Just turned 53000 miles, adult female driven, wheels were perfect, drove nice (first time behind the wheel of one).

I will be picking it up sometime mid week. I will have pcitures as soon as I detail it! :)

I'm very excited.

BTW.... backround on me.... I'm newly married, 25 years old, gearhead+++. This will be my 9th Ford product and my 3rd 4.6L 4V. I started with Mustangs (username) until they got me into some trouble... I calmed down a little bit... but I still need a car with some balls. I have a Lincoln Mark VIII now and it has served me well.... time for an upgrade and I think a nice big 4 door sedan with the same drivetrain as the Mark will also serve me well.

:)

Pics in a few days. Mark VIII is a sweet car i like those. Enjoy the MM and Welcome aboard!! Seneca

[xopher]

Welcome CKMustangCobra! While a stock Marauder is no 4-door Cobra, you won't be let down on this purchase in the long run, after I predict you gearhead+++ it up a bit. I bought almost the exact same car you did in May 07, even the mileage matches. Since you are already a Mustanger, I'm sure you've got plans for 4.10s and a tune. Now your only challenge will be convincing the wife you need to save $4k-$8k for "investing in the performance of the car" {cough-supercharger-cough} you'll drive the kids in. My supercharger fund sadly turned into a winter beater fund (it warmed up to -5F today here in Wisconsin), so I have to live vicariously through you guys til I can get the funds built back up. Welcome to the site, and let us know about the Mark VIII too!

[jgc61sr2002]

I went down yesterday to take a look. Everything the owner said it was. Only 2 minor imperfections in the paint (2 small scatches). Just turned 53000 miles, adult female driven, wheels were perfect, drove nice (first time behind the wheel of one).

I will be picking it up sometime mid week. I will have pcitures as soon as I detail it! :)

I'm very excited.

BTW.... backround on me.... I'm newly married, 25 years old, gearhead+++. This will be my 9th Ford product and my 3rd 4.6L 4V. I started with Mustangs (username) until they got me into some trouble... I calmed down a little bit... but I still need a car with some balls. I have a Lincoln Mark VIII now and it has served me well.... time for an upgrade and I think a nice big 4 door sedan with the same drivetrain as the Mark will also serve me well.

:)

Pics in a few days.


Congrats twice and good luck.:D

[ImpalaSlayer]

cant wait to see the pics!

[CKMustangCobra]

Only plans I have for the Marauder are:

-4:10s
-JLT Intake
-Tune (which I have some questions on..... )
-Deck Spoiler (the small little flat lip one)
-Weld in some DynoMAX ultra flows
-TC
-Speakers
and possible an HID kit.

A good friend of mine hit it big in the tuning world down here in FL. He is the owner of Velocity Mustang Performance and quoted me $550 for a custom dyno tune and SCT Xcalibrator II. Good deal? I really don't see the value of 15rwhp for $550.

Pics will be up THE DAY I bring it home (Saturday).

[Paul]

welcome to the club. I would recommend you get the tune from one of the two guru's known to the MM: dennis reinhart or Lidio of Alternative Auto. Either can provide you with the xcal 2 or 3 with tunes customized to the marauder - these guys are both experts with the MM, expertise your buddy likely does not have. Dennis and Lidio each have forums on this board.

also, we are having our annual picnic on Sat Feb 23rd in Tampa, followed by a drag day at the track in Bradenton on Sunday the 24th. The picnic will have 91 people and 43 MM's as of last count. You've gotta go. Check out the Sunshine State Marauder's forum for threads with details.

[mbrown]

Anything I should pay real close attention to?

My wife already looked at it in person and said it's damn mint.

You answered your own question. A wife who can appreciate a Marauder deserves to be paid attention to.:D

[ckadiddle]

Only plans I have for the Marauder are:

-4:10s
-JLT Intake
-Tune (which I have some questions on..... )
-Deck Spoiler (the small little flat lip one)
-Weld in some DynoMAX ultra flows
-TC
-Speakers
and possible an HID kit.

A good friend of mine hit it big in the tuning world down here in FL. He is the owner of Velocity Mustang Performance and quoted me $550 for a custom dyno tune and SCT Xcalibrator II. Good deal? I really don't see the value of 15rwhp for $550.

Pics will be up THE DAY I bring it home (Saturday).

Contact me if you want to drive an MM with a Reinhart xcal2 tune. Only other speed mods are PHP CAI and Magnaflows. You will be shocked at the diff over how the stock MM drives. Xcal2 with tue from Lidio or dennis Reinhart will run you close to 400 bucks. Well worth it because it they also fix the screwed up shifing issues that you feel at low speed around town driving in addition to more horses down low. Reinhart also usually includes a 4.10 tune since it is such a common mod, that way you can swap it yourself quickly.


I am no mechanic but what I have gathered here in the last couple years is that the "mail order" tunes are very good from our two site-supporting vendors for lightly modded MMs. The more extreme you go in mods, the more likely you are to really need a dyno tune.

Just do not assume that because some can tune a Mustang, he can do a great job on a Marauder. Some things are pretty equivalent between the platforms, but some are not. Your Mustang buddy may be able to give you a great price on 4.10 install though.

[Aren Jay]

And make sure you have RoyLPita check out the vin # before you buy.

[RF Overlord]

Welcome to the club, CK...

While I mean absolutely no disrespect to your buddy, I agree with the others who suggest getting your tune from either Dennis or Lidio. There are very few people with more knowledge and experience in tuning the Marauder than those two.

You're right..$550 dollars for 15 RWHP isn't worth it...both Dennis and Lidio will deliver a superior product for less money.

Also, getting tuned isn't just about horsepower...it's also about throttle response and fixing the factory transmission shift schedule, which is awful.

[CKMustangCobra]

welcome to the club. I would recommend you get the tune from one of the two guru's known to the MM: dennis reinhart or Lidio of Alternative Auto. Either can provide you with the xcal 2 or 3 with tunes customized to the marauder - these guys are both experts with the MM, expertise your buddy likely does not have. Dennis and Lidio each have forums on this board.

also, we are having our annual picnic on Sat Feb 23rd in Tampa, followed by a drag day at the track in Bradenton on Sunday the 24th. The picnic will have 91 people and 43 MM's as of last count. You've gotta go. Check out the Sunshine State Marauder's forum for threads with details.

I know my buddie has the knowledge... not worried about that. I just don't see the value of $550 for 13rwhp and some minor drivability enhancements.... a decent nitrous kit is $400... and that would net me 100rwhp and probably 150 ft-lbs of TQ. :)


You answered your own question. A wife who can appreciate a Marauder deserves to be paid attention to.:D

She hates my Mark... with a passion. Don't know why. But when I sent her to look at this Marauder I got a text message from her,

"No words... just beautiful"

:)



Contact me if you want to drive an MM with a Reinhart xcal2 tune. Only other speed mods are PHP CAI and Magnaflows. You will be shocked at the diff over how the stock MM drives. Xcal2 with tue from Lidio or dennis Reinhart will run you close to 400 bucks. Well worth it because it they also fix the screwed up shifing issues that you feel at low speed around town driving in addition to more horses down low. Reinhart also usually includes a 4.10 tune since it is such a common mod, that way you can swap it yourself quickly.


I am no mechanic but what I have gathered here in the last couple years is that the "mail order" tunes are very good from our two site-supporting vendors for lightly modded MMs. The more extreme you go in mods, the more likely you are to really need a dyno tune.

Just do not assume that because some can tune a Mustang, he can do a great job on a Marauder. Some things are pretty equivalent between the platforms, but some are not. Your Mustang buddy may be able to give you a great price on 4.10 install though.

Wow... CK... I'm CK! LOL Well... once I get the car (Saturday) and put a few miles on it and get used to it, I might take you up on that! Seems like you guys really hold Dennis and Lidio high... I will have to check them out.


And make sure you have RoyLPita check out the vin # before you buy.

Already did, everything is sweet!


Welcome to the club, CK...

While I mean absolutely no disrespect to your buddy, I agree with the others who suggest getting your tune from either Dennis or Lidio. There are very few people with more knowledge and experience in tuning the Marauder than those two.

You're right..$550 dollars for 15 RWHP isn't worth it...both Dennis and Lidio will deliver a superior product for less money.

Also, getting tuned isn't just about horsepower...it's also about throttle response and fixing the factory transmission shift schedule, which is awful.

Wow..... :) I could defend him and his business all day, but I really don't have to. He is pretty well known and doesn't tune just Mustangs... he does everything. He hand-built his own mobile dyno and is even married to 5.0 Magazines Babe of the Year (http://www.mustang50magazine.com/babes/m5lp_0710_babe_of_the_year/index.html).... so no defending him is needed. His head is on straight.

Sounds like I have some decision making to do and saving some $$$ as well.

I CAN'T WAIT until tomorrow! It's going to be the best drive home ever!

[sailsmen]

I think the Xcal are in the $400 range. Dyno tunes have yielded 28-40.

The shift schedule yields as much preformance as the HP increase.

If you go nitrous you best get a tune.

Driving a stock car and driving a car with a tune is nite and day.

Do what you want it's obvious you made up your mind before you asked the questions.

[CKMustangCobra]

I think the Xcal are in the $400 range. Dyno tunes have yielded 28-40.

The shift schedule yields as much preformance as the HP increase.

If you go nitrous you best get a tune.

Driving a stock car and driving a car with a tune is nite and day.

Do what you want it's obvious you made up your mind before you asked the questions.

I haven't read anywhere that a tune is worth up to 40rwhp.... :/

A Xcal II and a shelf tune is still in the cards, but I figure I'd just wait and get a custom dyno tune for $150 more after I get a few mods done.

[CKMustangCobra]

Well.... bank just called... paperwork didn't show up. So, now I am screwed and pick the car up for another week.

This sucks ass and I am really bummed out now.

[Sinister]

jack up the rear end and see if the axles wobble in the shafts ($1200)
or just drive it next to a barricade and listen for squeaky sounds.

make sure A/C blows out the vents and not just the defrost ($500)
make sure radio stations don't cut out to all static ($500)

these are common problems.

[CKMustangCobra]

jack up the rear end and see if the axles wobble in the shafts ($1200)
or just drive it next to a barricade and listen for squeaky sounds.

make sure A/C blows out the vents and not just the defrost ($500)
make sure radio stations don't cut out to all static ($500)

these are common problems.

Thanks. I test drove it already and all appeared normal. Stereo sounds good, Air blew cold (same A/C setup as my Mark VIII).

Tomorrow should be the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CKMustangCobra]

Finally picked it up.

Badass.

All I can say! Pics when I get it cleaned up and it stops raining!

[jgc61sr2002]

Congrats and Good Luck.:D

[DOOM]

Congrats on the purchase. Have you developed the marauder grin yet :D

[CKMustangCobra]

Congrats on the purchase. Have you developed the marauder grin yet :D

I have the Marauder grin.... just like Marauder sleepless nights, Marauder thoughts at work.... I think it has consumed me. LOL

I made the mistake of telling my new wife that when we picked it up, I was as excited as I was when I saw her walking down the isle....

she now hates the competition. LOL

[Paul]

oh shlt! you'd better pretend to lose interest in the MM for a while...

[CKMustangCobra]

I don't know if that is possible.

[Aren Jay]

You best let her take you for a drive. You may end up looking for a Marauder all your own but atleast when she see's you smile she will know exactly what your smiling about.

[ckadiddle]

I have the Marauder grin.... just like Marauder sleepless nights, Marauder thoughts at work.... I think it has consumed me. LOL

I made the mistake of telling my new wife that when we picked it up, I was as excited as I was when I saw her walking down the isle....

she now hates the competition. LOL
CK, now you just have to buy the wife a Marauder too. :D

Don't worry, like any other love affair, your initial infatuation and lust will gradually blossom into a stable, reliable long term marriage. With the Marauder I mean. ;)

[CKMustangCobra]

CK, now you just have to buy the wife a Marauder too. :D

Don't worry, like any other love affair, your initial infatuation and lust will gradually blossom into a stable, reliable long term marriage. With the Marauder I mean. ;)

hahahaha @ replies!

She's a good girl..... so good infact I was waxing it today afterwork and she came out and just started helping without me asking!

:)

She's in the market for another car now also... but she doesn't want a Marauder.... she wants a Fusion or a SportTrac.... :/ Dunno guys.