greyghost
02-16-2004, 03:45 PM
I bought Nick's Xmas special system back in December. I finally got it installed this last Saturday and had Grand Muffler, In Marietta, GA., to complete welding the rear of the muffler to the exhaust pipes. It is done and I have a few pearls to share and a few questions to ask.
Now for those not acquainted with the Marauder System that Nick sells it consist of the med length tube stainless steel headers with the O2 sensor bung installed, Cat pipes with O2 sensor bungs installed, Awesome custom X-Pipe, and Polished Stainless 18” Magnaflow mufflers.
I used all the notes that FordNut (Brian) had collected and added to. I had the access to a frame lift, pneumatic tools and all the other amenities of a complete shop.
The Lt. header (drivers side) wasn’t bad the worse was using the factory studs and retightening the nuts. I did have a Snap-On shorty ratcheting combination wrench that really helped a lot. Yes, I used the OEM gaskets. Mine MM is a 300B and the steering shaft was real close, about 1/16” clearance, upon completing the drivers side. We didn’t take off the wheel on the driver’s side or remove anything extra, pretty straightforward.
The Rt. header (passengers side) was the "Header from Hell”. It wasn’t that bad because we had all the proper tools. The Rt manifold came off easy enough. We removed the A/C comp, Rt wheel, and the soft flap in the fender well. Now, putting the header on the studs. We removed all the upper studs and shortened the #4 stud about ˝”. It was nice having the Snap-On stud removal/install kit. We took the starter completely out. We ended up loosening the eng. mts. and then unbolting the Rt eng mt from the block and were able to install the header and tightening the nuts back on was easier on the left than it was on the right. That damn right side I must have cramped out my hand and or forearm at least six times.
Once the headers were installed the cats, x-pipe, and mufflers were a snap.
Total time 5.5 hrs.
Now, I am ordering some heat wrap for the Brake line on the driver’s side, fuel lines on the passenger side, transmission shift cable, and possibly a blanket for the starter.
I will see what the “Southern Marauders” think of the sound and performance this Saturday at the monthly breakfast. Brian has his finished also. So, we can compare all the moded MMs.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Now for those not acquainted with the Marauder System that Nick sells it consist of the med length tube stainless steel headers with the O2 sensor bung installed, Cat pipes with O2 sensor bungs installed, Awesome custom X-Pipe, and Polished Stainless 18” Magnaflow mufflers.
I used all the notes that FordNut (Brian) had collected and added to. I had the access to a frame lift, pneumatic tools and all the other amenities of a complete shop.
The Lt. header (drivers side) wasn’t bad the worse was using the factory studs and retightening the nuts. I did have a Snap-On shorty ratcheting combination wrench that really helped a lot. Yes, I used the OEM gaskets. Mine MM is a 300B and the steering shaft was real close, about 1/16” clearance, upon completing the drivers side. We didn’t take off the wheel on the driver’s side or remove anything extra, pretty straightforward.
The Rt. header (passengers side) was the "Header from Hell”. It wasn’t that bad because we had all the proper tools. The Rt manifold came off easy enough. We removed the A/C comp, Rt wheel, and the soft flap in the fender well. Now, putting the header on the studs. We removed all the upper studs and shortened the #4 stud about ˝”. It was nice having the Snap-On stud removal/install kit. We took the starter completely out. We ended up loosening the eng. mts. and then unbolting the Rt eng mt from the block and were able to install the header and tightening the nuts back on was easier on the left than it was on the right. That damn right side I must have cramped out my hand and or forearm at least six times.
Once the headers were installed the cats, x-pipe, and mufflers were a snap.
Total time 5.5 hrs.
Now, I am ordering some heat wrap for the Brake line on the driver’s side, fuel lines on the passenger side, transmission shift cable, and possibly a blanket for the starter.
I will see what the “Southern Marauders” think of the sound and performance this Saturday at the monthly breakfast. Brian has his finished also. So, we can compare all the moded MMs.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.