My MM just arrived; What are the best mods to start with?

[DarthVader]

I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX. Took 2 weeks, but was delivered to my home in PA Friday morning. Went with the Men In Black theme and drove it to work. Got the same question from everyone.....what is THAT?!? I just smile knowingly.

So, as a virgin owner, what are the best low-buck mods to start with? K&N? Flowmasters? Chip? I do not intend to take it to the track, but want something that sounds like a hotrod and pulls hard at the light.

So where should I start?

[MI2QWK4U]

I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX. Took 2 weeks, but was delivered to my home in PA Friday morning. Went with the Men In Black theme and drove it to work. Got the same question from everyone.....what is THAT?!? I just smile knowingly.

So, as a virgin owner, what are the best low-buck mods to start with? K&N? Flowmasters? Chip? I do not intend to take it to the track, but want something that sounds like a hotrod and pulls hard at the light.

So where should I start?

Welcome aboard as a new owner....Not that I am partial or anything!....but... if you want the baddest black Marauder on the dark side of the Sith, then you want an Eaton Supercharger...best bang for your credits.

*Disclaimer-this is my personal opinion!

[bigslim]

Welcome and congrats on your MM. I also think that if can spend the money go with a supercharger. There are a couple different vendors that have them but I would recommend the Trilogy. If you can't swing that kind of money get a chip and 410 rearend. I have it and love it. Makes the car feel 500 pounds lighter. With a supercharger the car feels 2000 pounds lighter. Good luck with whatever you do.

[martyo]

*Disclaimer-this is my personal opinion!

Grasshopper, you have learned your lessons well...

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Use this site to research what you would like to do to your MM. Enjoy!!!!!

[mad man]

I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX. Took 2 weeks, but was delivered to my home in PA Friday morning. Went with the Men In Black theme and drove it to work. Got the same question from everyone.....what is THAT?!? I just smile knowingly.

So, as a virgin owner, what are the best low-buck mods to start with? K&N? Flowmasters? Chip? I do not intend to take it to the track, but want something that sounds like a hotrod and pulls hard at the light.

So where should I start?Welcome to the site and get use to the car wash . Been there done that :up:

[BillyGman]

As you can see by my signature, I've done many modifications to my Marauder, w/the Trilogy S/Cer kit being the last. if I had it to do all over again, I would install the Trilogy S/Cer kit First, and forget about all the other mods I've done w/the exception of the Kooks headers and complete exhaust package along w/the 18" straight-thru design Magnaflow mufflers that Kooks sells, since that makes the car sound great.

[Smokie]

So, as a virgin owner, what are the best low-buck mods to start with? K&N? Flowmasters? Chip? I do not intend to take it to the track, but want something that sounds like a hotrod and pulls hard at the light.

So where should I start?
My answer is based directly on the statement above:
K & N drop in filter.
Flowmaster Mufflers.
Denso Iridium Plugs
Chip or reflash
4:30 gears
Steeda underdrive pulleys.

This will provide the sound and pull at a reasonable cost.

[sailsmen]

You might consider a tuner in lieu of the chip. There are several supporting vendors that sell them.

The advantage is you up load the stock program into the tuner and down load the performance program ( either Reinhart or Alternative Auto) with out leaving physical evidence for a more warranty friendly mod than a chip.

[merc406]

I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX. Took 2 weeks, but was delivered to my home in PA Friday morning. Went with the Men In Black theme and drove it to work. Got the same question from everyone.....what is THAT?!? I just smile knowingly.

So, as a virgin owner, what are the best low-buck mods to start with? K&N? Flowmasters? Chip? I do not intend to take it to the track, but want something that sounds like a hotrod and pulls hard at the light.

So where should I start?

Low buck mods, to pull hard at the lights? 4:56 gear, and tuner, and still have a warranty I believe. :up:

[MikesMerc]

I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX. Took 2 weeks, but was delivered to my home in PA Friday morning. Went with the Men In Black theme and drove it to work. Got the same question from everyone.....what is THAT?!? I just smile knowingly.

So, as a virgin owner, what are the best low-buck mods to start with? K&N? Flowmasters? Chip? I do not intend to take it to the track, but want something that sounds like a hotrod and pulls hard at the light.

So where should I start?

My opinion....save up your money by passing up on the small stuff and get the Trilogy supercharger to start with. All the other little mods combined provide almost no gain when compared to what you get with a roots blower on the car.

However, if the SC is totally out of the question, a gear and chip will do ya. These will provide the most noticeable seat of the pants improvement by far. Skip the other little stuff if you're on a tight budget. The only seat of the pants difference you'll notice is the lump of your wallet is smaller.

If you want a sound change, a simple set of mufflers wouldn't be a bad idea either.

But, I'd really get the Trilogy (roots type) supercharger kit. You would be amazed at the big block feel of the car right of idle at low rpms.



Grasshopper, you have learned your lessons well...
I dunno why anyone needs a disclaimer like that. Just about every post on this forum is someone's opinion. That's the nature of a BBS.

[Cobra25]

Tuner or Chip,plugs,Stat 180, eather 410 or 430 gears. You will notice a nice gain. Also the Steeda pulley's are the best bang for your buck. By the way good luck with your new marauder,and welcome .

[Thomas C Potter]

Make sure to check the wire harnesses at rear of heads and brake booster. Sharp edge issues.

[DarthVader]

Thanks, all, for the great ideas!! Gonna start pricing the S/C install today!! :up:

BTW, what does a good set of headers cost? :help:

[merc406]

Also you don't have to spend big bucks for mufflers, Maramount make's bullet ones for 20 bucks apiece, (leave on resonators) and they last forever. :rasta:

[merc406]

Thanks, all, for the great ideas!! Gonna start pricing the S/C install today!! :up:

BTW, what does a good set of headers cost? :help:

Oh, so you do have some extra bucks, then the S/C would be the way to go. :rock:

[mrjones]

[QUOTE=DarthVader]I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX.


Just curious - what dealer did you buy from?

[REpson]

DarthVader,

If you're on a budget, I would recommend a new gear i.e. (4:10) & a High Performance Chip. Indeed later (After you have saved some $$$), then I would go w/ a SC.

FYI I just had my MM upgraded from Stock w/ the above items and I noticed a Big difference.

My next project is a Trilogy SC that will be custom installed by Alternative Auto Performance.

:rock: :banana2:


I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX. Took 2 weeks, but was delivered to my home in PA Friday morning. Went with the Men In Black theme and drove it to work. Got the same question from everyone.....what is THAT?!? I just smile knowingly.

So, as a virgin owner, what are the best low-buck mods to start with? K&N? Flowmasters? Chip? I do not intend to take it to the track, but want something that sounds like a hotrod and pulls hard at the light.

So where should I start?

[MI2QWK4U]

DarthVader,

If you're on a budget, I would recommend a new gear i.e. (4:10) & a High Performance Chip. Indeed later (After you have saved some $$$), then I would go w/ a SC.

FYI I just had my MM upgraded from Stock w/ the above items and I noticed a Big difference.

My next project is a Trilogy SC that will be custom installed by Alternative Auto Performance.

:rock: :banana2:


I couldnt agree more with Robert. The absolute best must get mod has to be the 4:10s and a chip from a competent tuner. I have ridden in many cars that have been through Lidios shop when he tunes them, and all the cars with 4:10s and his chip appreciate a night and day difference. Several members of our local club have had this done and its amazing.

[jgc61sr2002]

Welcome to the site and congrats on the purchase of your Marauder. :up: Your questions were answered very well. That's what makes this site rock. :coolman:

[Big Joe P]

Total package?? Kenny Brown

[DarthVader]

[QUOTE=DarthVader]I finally took the plunge and bought an '03 MM with 4K miles on it from a dealer in TX.


Just curious - what dealer did you buy from?
Johnson-Sewell Ford in Marble Falls, TX. Worked out well overall, though serious delays on the shipping. :up:

[HwyCruiser]

Zack's Badgeless grill. Worth 40HP of attitude. Check out the pic in my garage...

- JD

[woaface]

Your car sucks, give it to me...the Marquis is SO much cooler, you can supercharge it no problem!

[Marauderman]

Total package?? Kenny Brown
Big Joe P--Like Logan says- you need to put your sig . now in the " Garage"- with everone else....before he makes it mandatory......will still be supper there as well ----

[Dan]

Darth,

Money is not the issue. The issue is time. You see, if you can live with the car the way it is long enough you will eventually be able to afford the supercharger. If you can't you will bolt on 5 horse here and 50 horse there and then be out your money and have to wait that much longer for the supercharger.

Don't get me wrong. It is a fact. You WILL want a supercharger. The day will come when you get a chance to drive someones S/C car and you WILL want one. It is an eventuality as sure as day turns into night and night into day. :)

I just got my car last week. On the drive home I stopped at Trilogy and drove their car. That was it. I was done. I realized then that I am going to save my money on all of that other stuff and just save for the S/C. I might get a chance to drive other S/C cars but unless their design philosophy, their relationship with Ford and the approach to S/C design are similar I think that my heart is set on the Trilogy unit.

I recommend that you live with the car, save your pennies, and do your best to line up a ride in a S/C'd car.

I hope that this helps somewhat.

Best,

Dan

[Dennis Reinhart]

Makes do difference who Supercharger kit you buy, its been proven there are other improvement that can be done to improve the cars longevity as well as, improve its over all performance, before bolting on any ones Super Charger. Some new members may not have 6,000 to spend all at once, just do a search there are all kinds of options you can choose from look at the forums like you would homework, arm your self with solid knowledge, and you cant go wrong. You will find the members here helpful, and this is a great club. Welcome set back and enjoy this site.


Dennis A Reinhart

[Bigdogjim]

Darth: Welcome to our version of the dark side:)

Best mod???? WAX!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't care how fast your Marauder is, if it looks like :censor: :baaa: :baaa:

Wax and read and re-read the post above mine by Dennis:)

[deerejoe]

Delete content.

[MI2QWK4U]

Darth,

Money is not the issue. The issue is time. You see, if you can live with the car the way it is long enough you will eventually be able to afford the supercharger. If you can't you will bolt on 5 horse here and 50 horse there and then be out your money and have to wait that much longer for the supercharger.

Don't get me wrong. It is a fact. You WILL want a supercharger. The day will come when you get a chance to drive someones S/C car and you WILL want one. It is an eventuality as sure as day turns into night and night into day. :)

I just got my car last week. On the drive home I stopped at Trilogy and drove their car. That was it. I was done. I realized then that I am going to save my money on all of that other stuff and just save for the S/C. I might get a chance to drive other S/C cars but unless their design philosophy, their relationship with Ford and the approach to S/C design are similar I think that my heart is set on the Trilogy unit.

I recommend that you live with the car, save your pennies, and do your best to line up a ride in a S/C'd car.

I hope that this helps somewhat.

Best,

Dan

Well said Dan,
Thats what I try to get across to folks. If you keep nickle and diming your mods, eventually you have spent a mint on things that some say you need eventually. Save your money, wait till you can comfortably buy a blower. I was sold the first time I drove #1 over a year ago, and I was fortunate enough to be the first Trilogy customer, and Trilogy #2 is sitting in my garage. 12.23 second 1/4 mile at 112 mph....total performance mods: Trilogy Eaton Supercharger, Prop-M MAF and Conical filter, and a cat back Magnaflow exhaust with tuning. Total spent? about $7,500. Decide whats best for you, I did, and I couldnt be happier. The one thing here you will find a lot of is advise, take it all in and you will do just fine.
Dave

[MI2QWK4U]

Darth: Welcome to our version of the dark side:)

Best mod???? WAX!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't care how fast your Marauder is, if it looks like :censor: :baaa: :baaa:

Wax and read and re-read the post above mine by Dennis:)


Damn....I hate it when Jim is always right! Wax is VERY important!

[woaface]

Yeah we're a bunch of ignorant pigs who couldn't and won't help you because we've got sticks up our ! Haha!

Yeah, this is the best site on the web!:D Just arm yourself with knowledge man before you get a supercharger like Dennis said...

But for mods otherwise, it's pretty straight-forward...just do it!

[MikesMerc]

I'm not gonna get into a "who's S/C is better" debate, but I will say emphatically that it does indeed matter what type of supercharger you buy. Who you buy from may only end up being a by product of deciding what kind of blower application you feel will be the best fit for your MM and driving style.

The type of blower makes a HUGE difference. Contrary to what some folks might think, the difference between a roots type blower, versus a centrifugal blower is substantial. The roots blower makes more boost at low rpms and has a constant "charge" of boost readily available at the crack of the throttle. The resulting torque curve is usually very flat and very broad. It gives you the "big block" grunt feeling off the line and pulls hard all the way through.

The centrifugal blower makes its peak boost at the upper ends of the rpm band, and usually doesn't even come into significant boost until 3500 rpm or so. However, when the boost does start to come on....hold on baby! It feels like an exponentially increasing thrust. Very exhilarating indeed.

I've driven cars with both types. Each has their strengths and weaknesses. In *my opinion* a roots blower is a better fit for the MM. The low end and midrange is where the most help is needed. This is especially true for street driving.

So, don't think it does not matter what S/C kit you get. It matters a lot. Do your homework and get what you think fits best.