Beware of these cars:

[BillyGman]

There's probably not too many of these cars left on the streets, but if you see a young guy driving one, and you have a factory stock Marauder, don't mess w/him unless you're prepared for a real close race, and possibly even being beat. This is the 94-96 Buick Roadmaster, and General Motors put the LT-1 Corvette engines in them from the factory, and they're surprisingly fast for being the big boats that they are. As some of you might already know, this is also the same engine that the 94-96 Impala SS had under the hood also.

I borrowed my brother's 94 Buick Roadmaster, and when he told me that somebody gave it to him, that it had 101K on the odometer, but it was pretty fast, and does great burnouts, I was very skeptical. But I had to borrow it from him since I'm in the middle of some minor work to my Marauder, and I'm very surprised how fast this car is.

It weighs 4500 LBS, which is 300 LBS more than the Marauder, but the thing not only leaves rubber well into second gear from a dead punch, but it goes great when you're driving down the street, and you peg it. So I was curious exactly how fast this thing really is, and I used the same G-meter device as I've been using for my Marauder ever since it was bone stock.

And let me tell you, the ET that I recorded w/this car was a bit better than what I got w/my Marauder when it was stock!!! This car turned a 15.0 sec ET, w/a 99 MPH trap speed, and a 0-60 MPH time of 6.3 seconds.

Consider this, my Marauder in the stock configuration recorded a 15.2 sec ET, a 96 MPH trap speed, and a 0-60 MPH time of 7.0 seconds!!!! The HP rating of the LT-1 engine that this car has is only 260, but the torque rating is 330 ft/lbs, which is about 20 more than the stock Marauder. Here's a pic of these cars. They're no where near as nice looking as the Marauder is, but man O man to they move. So beware!!! If you pull up next to someone driving one of these, it might just be me.

[hitchhiker]

This one is for sale on ebay right now. It has 48000 miles on it...



http://photos2.ebizautos.com/74/310979_1_400.jpg


Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6143&item=2476061638&rd=1

[bigslim]

I remember when Motor Trend did an article on the Roadmaster. They had a guy dressed as a little old lady doing a burnout. They said is was easier doing a burnout in it than an Impalla. The 260 hp versions did not come until the later in their run. They have the dual exhaust. They earlier versions were slower and had a single exhaust. Most of them still have skinny all-season tires so burnouts are easier. As Billy said they do have same engine as the SS but it is also the same engine as the Cadillac Brougham had.

[RCSignals]

The Toadmaster? naw.

It's already been established here that stock for stock there isn't a whole lot of difference between an Impala SS of that period and out Marauders (2003s anyway), and in fact the Marauder is better at the upper end. (not to mention handles twisties a whole lot better)
The Toadmaster is not faster than an Impala SS

[BillyGman]

That one on E-bay looks like it's in excellent shape. That's also an interesting point about the Caddy's. I didn't know that they also came w/the LT-1 engine at that time. That explains why my Dad's 94 Caddy was so fast. But if given the choice, I'd much rather have the Buick since the Caddy's had very poor service records in the early and mid 90's.

As far as the first Buick's being slower, I dunno about that, because my brother's car is a 94 which I believe was the first year that they came w/the LT-1 engine, and his car has dual exhaust. That's funny that Motor Trend did an article like that w/a guy dressed up as an old lady doing burnouts because in a way, I can relate to that since I've been driving my brother's car. It's an old man's car as far as the way it looks, but this thing really can crank!!!! And because of that, I've surprised a couple ricer boys. They looked shocked when I embarrassed them w/this car. Yep, the Buick Roadmaster has to be the best "sleeper" car to come out of the factory in the last three decades.And as I've previously mentioned in another thread, the brakes on these cars are also ecellent. better than the Marauder's brakes are. The leather interior is also much thicker, and of higher quality than the beloved Marauder's interior.

I mean, this car that I've been driving has 101K on it, and has seen it's better days, and despite all that, I'm still very impressed w/it.

[BillyGman]

The Toadmaster? naw.

It's already been established here that stock for stock there isn't a whole lot of difference between an Impala SS of that period and out Marauders (2003s anyway), and in fact the Marauder is better at the upper end. (not to mention handles twisties a whole lot better)
The Toadmaster is not faster than an Impala SS

Sorry, I don't agree that it's ever been "established" on this board. Because if it has, then you show me how many guys on this board who came to that conclusion even bothered to show up at the Atco race track in NJ last year during the event titled, "The Impala SS vs. the Marauders" in order to prove their claims.

I can tell you how many Marauder owners were there. A pathetic three of them!! Because I was one of them, as was Marty, and Fat Bastid. And let me tell you, the only Impala SS cars that I beat that day were the ones that were NOT moded as much as my car was. And out of three of us, my car was the fastest Marauder there that day. So no offence to anyone here, but until you've met w/the Impala guys to race them on the track, talk is cheap my friend.

[RCSignals]

note stock for stock. and yes it was established here. before your time.

[BillyGman]

How is anyhting established before my "time" or anyone else's time over the internet? Tell me who here has met w/the Impala SS at the race track. I have. :burnout: :burnout:
Furthermore, name someone on this board who has not only raced several Impala SS's at the track, but who has also driven an LT-1 equipped car themselves as well as owning a Marauder that was once stock. Because you're talking to one now. Unless you've driven both of these cars in their stock configuration, then how can you or anyone else here possibly make a fair or accurate comparisant???

I wasn't saying that the Roadmaster is a more desireable car all around. I was just pointing out a few of it's strong points, which also happen to be the marauder's weak points (brakes, lack of low end torque). I believe a race between a Roadmaster and a stock Marauder would be very close, and that the Roadmaster would definatley take the marauder off the line and stay in the lead until about 70 MPH where the marauder would begin to catch up, and tie the Roadmaster going over the finish line but would not pass it.

They're that close I believe. And that's going by my experience driving a Roadmaster w/101K on it, vs. a Marauder w/merely 5K on it.

[01 Interceptor]

I believe you are mistaken...but if that Buick your brother has is really a '92, it doesn't have an LT1(at least from the factory), nor will it give a Marauder or SS a run for their money. ALL...and I mean all 91-93 B-bodies (Caprice/Roadmaster/Custom Cruiser Wagon[Olds]/Fleetwood{although really a D-body}) were equipped with either the L03 5.0L, or the L05 5.7L, both are TBI. Now in 94-96, this is where the LT1(not to be confused with the LT-1 used in Corvettes in 70-72) made a name for itself. The LT1 and L99 were used in the 94-96 Roadmaster/Caprice/Fleetwood(the Olds ended in '92 I believe). At the end of '96 (Dec. 13th), the last Impala SS rolls off the line in Arlington, TX ending GM's large RWD sedan to make pickups and SUV's. Please see link below for VIN information and decoding.


http://www.theherd.com/articles/gmvin.html

Have a great weekend!

[BillyGman]

01 Interceptor, that's some great info in that link. Thanks for keeping me on my toes. my Bro's car is right out in the parking lot right now where I live, and now you have my curiousity enough to go check out the VIN. Maybe I misunderstood my brother, and the car is a 94 and not a 92, but I'll go look right now.

The only thing I do know, is that this car of his IS atleast as fast (if not a bit faster than) my Marauder was when it was stock, and it absolutely moves from 0-60 MPH faster and quicker than my Marauder did stock, and I'll race anyone here from Connecticut who has a stock Marauder to prove it if anyone here cares to try.

But I'll be back in a few w/that VIN. Again, thanks for that link. I'll keep ya posted....

[BillyGman]

okay, I'm back. The one mistake I made was by saying that this car is a 92. Infact it IS a 94 Buick Roadmaster, NOT a 92. Again, thanks for correcting me on that 01 Interceptor. And for the record, the eigth digit in the VIN of this car is a "P" which indicates that it DOES have the LT-1 engine in it, and I stand behind my previous claims. This car weighing in at a whopping 4575 LBS curb weight(w/out a driver), having over 100K on it's clock, and having rear end gears that are not as tall as a stock Marauder, will still beat ANY stock Marauder off the line, and from 0-60 MPH, and if anyone in my area wants to challenge me on that today, then just say the time and place and I'll be there w/the car & $200 that says I'm right.

my brother will get the $200 that I win since it's his car.

[01 Interceptor]

No problem Billy, owning a '96 Impala SS and being a member of a b-body club...you learn where to look for info. :up:

I also agree with your passionate statement about the Roadmonster as it has been referred to. It is just as quick as the SS, but those skinny wheels and the one wheel peels put a damper on performance. A posi rearend is rare on the Roadmasters, but usually so equipped if it has a tow package. Look on the trunklid for a "G80" code to see if posi was a factory option. Also next to it, on the left I believe will be another "G"(actually a "GU") number...if you can tell me that, I can tell you what gears you are running.

[BillyGman]

Hey, you're really a wealth of info on these cars! Cool. I know that the car does NOT have posi because of the burnouts both me and my brother have done w/it. But now you have my curiosity about what gear ratio it has. hang on if you can. I'll go back out there and check!

[01 Interceptor]

(tick...tick...tick...) :D

[BillyGman]

okay, there's a white label on the trunk lid that has about 30 different three digit letter/number codes. So I was at a loss there. However, at the bottom of the label and slightly towards the right was one longer number/letter code. that read as follows: U9800 A8291 and that's it. there was nothing else at all on the trunk lid.

I guess if that doesn't tell us anything, then if me or my Bro really want to find out bad enough, then we can raise the car up on jackstands, and place it in nuetral in order to turn the back wheel one full turn to see how many rotations the driveshaft makes.

[01 Interceptor]

Exactly...that is the SPID Label(Service Parts Identification) Look about 2 or 3 rows down near the mid...they are almost alphabetized. Look for the "G's" I think you may have a "GU4"(3.08 gears.) Since there is no posi...there will not be a "G80" code.

[BillyGman]

no, I specifically looked for a "G" or "GU" code, and didn't see anything like that at all. But if I notice anything else when I bring it back to my brother later on today, then I'll definately let you know. I am curious. I kinda figured though that it must have 273's or 3.08's. I'm sure it isn't 3.55's like the stock Marauders have.

[01 Interceptor]

Well, here's a guide for you to see what gears you have.

GU1 2.41
GU2 2.73
GU3 2.93
GU4 3.08
GU5 3.23
GU6 3.42
GU7 2.77
GU8 3.90
GU9 3.91

However, I remember reading somewhere that all LT1 cars has 3.08's (GU4).

Edited the edit: After further research, it could be another letter. Source:

http://www.drivetrain.com/GMtrkratio_posidata.html

I have only seen "G" codes for the B-body cars myself though.

[BillyGman]

Okay John. Thanks bud.......


and BTW, my offer to anyone w/a stock Marauder in my homestate or just over either state line still stands. This car w/100K on it will spank any stock Marauder off the line and atleast up to 70 MPH.And either way, it would be very close in the 1/4 mile also. But this could only be challenged today since I have to get the car back to my brother by late afternoon since it is his car.

That is unless something unexpected goes wrong w/the minor fix that I'm doing to my Marauder today, and I have to borrow the car from him for another day.

[MAD-3R]

I ran aguenst Imapalla's at SSHS3 in Atlanta. Stock for stock, it comes down to lane choice and driver skill. They take us off the line, but we pull hardwe and longer. At the trap, it could go ether way.

It has been established to my and many SS owners satifaction. (or in there case dissatisfaction)

[sailsmen]

I test drove a clients Roadmaster with the LT1 option that was for sale.

I was impressed with the engine. It had a lux interior and was roomy.

The problem was the guy that drove it weighed 400lbs and the drivers seat was shot! The rest of the car was in VG condition. It was gold metallic, not a good color for me.

I passed on it and bought a new GM.

[duhtroll]

I am curious about what you mean when you say "stock."

Are you meaning stock 03? I am assuming so, because IIRC the "stock" referrals at least in this thread seem to be coming from people that drove/are driving stock 03 MMs.

Has anyone figured out how much faster an 04 MM is - stock? I would assume it would be slightly faster due to different shift programming/TC/whatever they did to them.

Just a thought I had. I have driven both the MM and an (95?) Impala SS, and have raced against that Impala in my MM. I don't believe it is any faster than my MM was stock. They are very similar speed-wise. Everything else is very different. I can conclude that if the Impala ain't much faster if any, then the Roadmaster for my purposes ain't either. Not that it really matters much.

Thanks,
-A

[89VERT]

Do you need to wear white shoes and a matching belt to own one of these ?

[gpfarrell]

My Father-in-Law has a Roadmonster Estate Wagon. Perhaps not coincidentally, his other car is a BMW M-Roadster.

Outside of a 10-disc changer, his car is bone stock down to the fake wood.

With four adults in it and the A/C blasting, you'd swear it was a 455 with some kind of RV cam in it. Silly powerful. 170k on everything, and he jumps on it all the time. A wagon that size also makes a nice truck. I don't make fun of his station wagon.

I think the point of the original thread was that if one of these gets the jump on us, it might not be easy to catch up... so be careful.

I've seen one supercharged... think it was a whipple charger, but it was a cold night at the drags and I was more impressed with his white wall tires and wire wheel hubcaps. Pimply lookin' kid driving it... could smoke my 5.0 without any trouble. I think it was running low 13s and it still looked like something grandma would drive to play Bingo.

Oh, it wasn't a Motor Trend article, it was Car & Driver. If I recall, wheelspin kept the Porthole mobile from matching the SS in 0-60... but from a 10 mph street start, wheelspin is usually more of a fantasy than a problem.

So... I guess we all have one more reason to mod!

[lgetz]

I think these Roadmasters are fast cars. A buddy had a modded 94 Chevy reg. cab 350 (Headers,chip,cam,dual exhaust,intake,TransGo,etc...) and some guy passed us in a white Roadmaster going down the expressway. Well we repass him then he got on it and stomped us bad. You'd have thought the Chevy had a V-6 because we got creamed beyond belief. BTW I couldn't see if the driver had on the white shoes or belt because both vehicles had limo tint.

The truck was a stepside.

[Fourth Horseman]

There's a young guy with a black Roadmaster that I see on my commute into work nearly every morning. He and I kind of bully our way through all the *****ty four banger econo-boxes on the road. :)

My only complaint with his car is that he's got tiny little bling-bling wheels on it. But hey, to each their own. He probably looks at my Marauder and says something like: "Nice car, but what's with those big arse 18" rims!?"
:lol:

[teamrope]

I am curious about what you mean when you say "stock."

Are you meaning stock 03? I am assuming so, because IIRC the "stock" referrals at least in this thread seem to be coming from people that drove/are driving stock 03 MMs.

Has anyone figured out how much faster an 04 MM is - stock? I would assume it would be slightly faster due to different shift programming/TC/whatever they did to them.

Just a thought I had. I have driven both the MM and an (95?) Impala SS, and have raced against that Impala in my MM. I don't believe it is any faster than my MM was stock. They are very similar speed-wise. Everything else is very different. I can conclude that if the Impala ain't much faster if any, then the Roadmaster for my purposes ain't either. Not that it really matters much.

Thanks,
-A
After driving Mrs teamropes 04, I would have to agree...Off the line there is a noticable difference between her 04 & my 03.

[BillyGman]

Thanks for your replies people. I think gpfarrell put it best. The original intent of this thread was simply to say, just to avoid underestimating these big behemoth Buick Roadmasters. they have horrible styling as compared to our Marauders, and so they look like anything but sporty. But they have an engine under the hood that delivers a bit more torque than our Marauders do from the factory, which is due to more displacement, and from 94-96 they were equipped w/the most potent engine that General motors had to offer at that time, and the one that they used to put in Vettes.

So because of that, and because they look like granny's car, they can surprise you. yes, ofcourse i rather drive my Marauder, but when it comes to being quick, these 94-96 Buick Roadmasters are no joke either, and will give you a good run for your money if your Marauder is stock. They're simply faster than they look. A definate factory "sleeper".

[THE_INTERCEPTOR]

my old room mate has a 94 roadmaster with the LT1. that thing is quick. MUCH faster than my CV, even after $500 worth of mods. :(

[woaface]

Good lord that thing is ugly!

And there are a lot of ugly things that can be quick in straight lines...

MAN that thing is grotesque! (sic?)

Looks like a PIG!!! Oink oink oink!


But thanks BillyG...I'll be sure not to challange one:alone:

[THE_INTERCEPTOR]

my old room mate has a 94 roadmaster with the LT1. that thing is quick. MUCH faster than my CV, even after $500 worth of mods. :(

That reminds me...my old room mate is deployed now. I need to go over to his house and convince his wife to let me "borrow" the roadmaster for a second and see what I can do with her at the track this Sunday... :rock:

Maybe let some air out of those rear tires...prevent that one wheel peel...see if I can get into the low 15's with her.

[01 Interceptor]

While the LT1 is the same designation to the one in the 'Vette...I want to make it clear that it is different. The Camaro/Corvette variants were all aluminum. The B-Body cars had cast iron block/heads. One of the more popular mods is to get alum. heads to save some weight and make the car faster! :burnout:

Another reason these engines last so long...the reverse cooling design. The heads get cooled first! :up:

[merc406]

15 second slugs....... :lol:

[Lowell]

Having in my family a 95 Roadmaster and an 03 Marauder. The Roadmaster is no match for the hooking and handling of the Marauder! The Buick will smoke the tires while the Marauder moves forward. If the buick and the Marauder are at 35 mph there is no comparison. The Marauder wins. Both cars are quick. The Marauder is much more refined.

[BillyGman]

Lowell, thanks for your input guy. I wish you lived in my homestate, cuz I got my brother's car for the weekend, and we would settle this. When youhave a car that has more low end torque than your tires can hook up to the pavement, then you have to walk it out for the first 20 feet by using half pedal, and then once it gets moving, you then hammer tha gas pedal down. That's what I've had to do w/my Marauder since I've performed the mods that I have. But that doesn't mean that it isn't faster than it was before the mods when I didn't have a traction problem. The reason why your stock Marauder seems to hook up is simply because it doesn't have any low end torque to cause any significant wheel spin like the LT1 equipped Roadmaster does.

The Roadmaster does 0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds, while the Marauder takes a full 7 seconds to get to 60 MPH. I know this because I've tested both cars. And I can prove it given a chance against any stock Marauder represented here within a reasonable distance of my residence. I welcome a real challenge. All I hear is talk.

Woaface, I totally agree w/you that the Roadmaster is UGLY. That's what makes it such a surprise. It loks like Grandpa's car, but when you step on the gas, wow!!!

01 interceptor, again, thanks for the info.

[TripleTransAm]

While the LT1 is the same designation to the one in the 'Vette...I want to make it clear that it is different. The Camaro/Corvette variants were all aluminum. The B-Body cars had cast iron block/heads. One of the more popular mods is to get alum. heads to save some weight and make the car faster! :burnout:

Another reason these engines last so long...the reverse cooling design. The heads get cooled first! :up:


No, the LT1 was a cast iron block all around, in all applications. The LS1 was the first all-aluminum V8 in the Camaro/Firebird/Vette. But I think you are right about the aluminum heads being reserved for the F/Y bodies (I'll have to look up my material...).

The reverse cooling design was an attempt to reduce cylinder head temperatures to allow for more aggressive (and efficient) compression ratios without detonating themselves to death. While I think it did the trick, I always heard they had a great number of problems with this system (notably, proper bleeding) and that's why they returned to a standard coolant flow for the LS1/LS6, having improved the cylinder cooling through a different combustion chamber and port design.

One thing to watch out for on an LT1, besides the awful awful awful spark delivery system (optically triggered, called an Opti-Spark) is the ever-recurring intake manifold oil leak. Once you get this on an LT1, it will take a very conscientious technician to do a proper and thorough job of completing resolving this problem.

[RCSignals]

Do you need to wear white shoes and a matching belt to own one of these ?As the Marauder came with a Black leather jacket, so the Roadmaster came with white shoes and a matching belt

[RCSignals]

I ran aguenst Imapalla's at SSHS3 in Atlanta. Stock for stock, it comes down to lane choice and driver skill. They take us off the line, but we pull hardwe and longer. At the trap, it could go ether way.

It has been established to my and many SS owners satifaction. (or in there case dissatisfaction)
Yes, but it's wasted in this thread

[MapleLeafMerc]

Unless you've driven both of these cars in their stock configuration, then how can you or anyone else here possibly make a fair or accurate comparisant???.

I have, and I have no problem saying that from the factory, stoplight to stoplight, my stock 96 Impala SS was faster than my 03 MM. On curvy roads, the MM wins, no contest. Quarter mile— haven't tried it in either one.

[BillyGman]

I have, and I have no problem saying that from the factory, stoplight to stoplight, my stock 96 Impala SS was faster than my 03 MM. On curvy roads, the MM wins, no contest. Quarter mile— haven't tried it in either one.

I think Mapleleaf is one of the several people who understands what I've been saying all through this thread, and who knows what I'm claiming is accurate. Thankyou.

[BillyGman]

Yes, but it's wasted in this thread

RC, if anything has been "wasted" in this thread, it's because you originally jumped in here, and disagreed, however, you didn't make it clear exactly what you were disagreeing with. I originally stated a faster 0-60 MPH time w/a Buick Roadmaster than w/my Marauder, and a very close ET. I also later claimed in some of my other posts here as well as in that first one that it would be a very close race between the two, and that the Roadmaster would definately spank a stock Marauder off the starting line and would reach 60 MPH BEFORE the stock Marauder would.

But you still argued, however you never made your argument that clear. I've pretty much said things that don't contradict nor disagree w/what MAD 3R just stated, so your claim that this has been "wasted in this thread" is neither true nor relavent.

Perhaps you originally misunderstood what my point was (and still is), but whatever the case, I guess it really isn't worth arguing about.

[RCSignals]

RC, if anything has been 'wasted" in this thread, it's because you originally jumped in here, and disagreed, however, you didn't make it clear exactly what you were disagreeing with. I originally stated a faster 0-60 MPH time w/a Buick Roadmaster than w/my Marauder, and a very close ET. I also latter claimed in some of my other posts here as well as in that first one that it would be a very close race between the two, and that the Roadmaster would definately spank a stock Marauder off the starting line and would reach 60 MPH BEFORE the stock Marauder would.

But you still argued, however you never made your argument that clear. I've pretty much said things that don't contradict nor disagree w/what MAD 3R just stated, so your claim that this has been "lost in this thread" is neither true nor relavent.
I jumped in? You mean I had the nerve to post something slightly contrary to your post. You've since edited and revised your first post since I posted to this thread.

Not clear you say? Here it is again, Mad3R understood it, Duhtroll understood, MapleLeafMerc understood.


The Toadmaster? naw.

It's already been established here that stock for stock there isn't a whole lot of difference between an Impala SS of that period and out Marauders (2003s anyway), and in fact the Marauder is better at the upper end. (not to mention handles twisties a whole lot better)
The Toadmaster is not faster than an Impala SS

note stock for stock. and yes it was established here. before your time.

[BillyGman]

yeah, and???? The only things that I've edited in my posts was that I originally stated that my brother's car was a 92 Buick Roadmaster, and because of one of 01 interceptor's posts where he pointed out that the Roadmasters did NOT come w/the LT1 engines until 1994, I realized that I had made a mistake and if you go back and read the excahnged between him and I in this thread, you'll see that not only did that happen, but I was quick to admit that he was correct, and that I had made a mistake, and that after going out to look at the VIN #, I had realized that this car IS a 1994 Buick Roadmaster, and NOT a 92. And that's the only thing I've edited RC. I've changed the "92" to "94". So please show me where I ever stated anything contrary to what MAD-3R just did. The fact is that I never did. I often edit posts ONLY to correct me spelling which is often needed, and I'm not in the habit of using a spell checker. I've alwyas figured that if I do use it, I'll never come close to speling things correct. That's all.

You originally came out with "Toastmaster? NAW" but you never explained why you said "naw". "NO" (or "NAW") what???? That's what caused our entire debate!! I was pretty much saying the same thing as you, but you were throwing this "NAW" at me. So I didn't understand what you were disagreeing with, and frankly I still don't.

[RCSignals]

Billy, your original contention was that there was no way a Marauder stood a chance against one.
When I said that it had been established here, that stock for stock there wasn't a lot of difference, (which you now agree with)
You took exception:

Sorry, I don't agree that it's ever been "established" on this board. Because if it has, then you show me how many guys on this board who came to that conclusion even bothered to show up at the Atco race track in NJ last year during the event titled, "The Impala SS vs. the Marauders" in order to prove their claims.



I can tell you how many Marauder owners were there. A pathetic three of them!! Because I was one of them, as was Marty, and Fat Bastid. And let me tell you, the only Impala SS cars that I beat that day were the ones that were NOT moded as much as my car was. And out of three of us, my car was the fastest Marauder there that day. So no offence to anyone here, but until you've met w/the Impala guys to race them on the track, talk is cheap my friend.

Mad3R contributed with a statement that it had been established

Quote:
Originally Posted by MAD-3R
I ran aguenst Imapalla's at SSHS3 in Atlanta. Stock for stock, it comes down to lane choice and driver skill. They take us off the line, but we pull hardwe and longer. At the trap, it could go ether way.

It has been established to my and many SS owners satifaction. (or in there case dissatisfaction)


So basically, we are in agreement here now.
Hopefully you are not still confused, as I'm done. There is no point to arguing this, and I really do not want to.

If you want to search the board archives, fill your boots, but I'm done.

[BillyGman]

naw, I don't have to search, because my original post in this thread simply stated, to "beware" and not to be very quick to think that you'll make light work of any Buick Roadmaster even though the car looks like granny's car. Your post was stating that something has "already been established" but you weren't willing to explain why or for what specific reasons. And that was the reason for my above statements that you've quoted. I'm not gonna get into a quoting war here, cuz people can read the whole thread for themselves.

So this whole debate wasn't even neccessary and still isn't. perhaps you simply didn't like that somebody was implying something negative about our precious Marauders. I dunno, but I'm done trying to figure out what your "NAW" was all about. it isn't worth it. I've never had a big problem(and still don't) w/admitting that the Marauder lacks low-end power, and cubic inches, which BTW is where the Buick Roadmaster shines, as well as the Impala SS. And these cars will take the marauder off the line w/highway gears such as a 2.73 ratio as well as weighing in at 300 LBS heavier than the Marauder does. That's directly because of more displacement under the hood.I don't have any problem admitting it, and that's why I've S/Ced my Marauder. A 281 cubic inch engine in a 4200 LB car just isn't enough for high performance IMO. And that's why cars like the Buick Roadmaster, and the Impala SS of old had 350 engines in them.

Put the 3.55:1 gear ratios in them just like you have in a stock Marauder, and they WILL beat a stock Marauder in the quartermile all day.

[stevengerard]

I found a 94 Roadmaster for my sister and although it definately feels quick my MM still feels quicker after 20mph, I drove them both last night. Maybe today my brother-in-law and I can do a little stoplight action to 60 and see what happens. That car is just a floating barge and when I do drive it I keep a dead body in the trunk to keep with the image and my last name.

[BISHOPSS95]

Here we go again.

Its actualy lots of fun now that the Imp and the Marauder are neck and neck.
:beer:

But lookout I see a 300C in my mirror and it's getting Bigger!!!

BTW SSHS 4 will have a 300 in the mix this year.

Sorry to hijack the thread. Now back to Cheby bashing.

Bwahahahahahah :rock:

[BillyGman]

I found a 94 Roadmaster for my sister and although it definately feels quick my MM still feels quicker after 20mph, I drove them both last night. Maybe today my brother-in-law and I can do a little stoplight action to 60 and see what happens. That car is just a floating barge and when I do drive it I keep a dead body in the trunk to keep with the image and my last name.

LOL....yeah, I know what you mean. The thing has that really soft kinda suspension that makes it float over bumps like a boat on the water going over wakes left from other boats. It's really a comfortable ride w/it's also really plush/soft leather seats. But you can't have everything. Because of it's soft cushy ride, it also exibits a lot of body roll, and therefore forget about going around turns quick w/it unless you want to end up in someone's front yard. :D

That would be interesting if you and your brother in law have a little race w/those two cars. especially if yours is completely stock(no chip or anything).If he was to half pedal it out to the first 20 feet, and then hammer it in order to avoid the massive wheel spin that you get in firdt gear w/that car, then I know it would beat you off the line.

[01 Interceptor]

TripleTA, you are right...I stand corrected. I was misinformed about the F-Body and Corvettes, but they did get the aluminum heads I am sure of it. Thanks for the clarification.

[Smokie]

Here we go again.

Its actualy lots of fun now that the Imp and the Marauder are neck and neck.
:beer:

But lookout I see a 300C in my mirror and it's getting Bigger!!!

BTW SSHS 4 will have a 300 in the mix this year.

Sorry to hijack the thread. Now back to Cheby bashing.

Bwahahahahahah :rock:
Hey Bishop, how you been ? Long time no hear, I think you did a great job at Shootout 3 and I thank you for pronouncing my first name correctly, I know it ain't easy. I hope to make Shootout 4. Javier.

[MapleLeafMerc]

I think the Marauder is a fine car. I also owned a 96 Impala SS. I hope we can all agree that you can like both of them.

[BillyGman]

I like the marauder MUCH better. That's why I bought it. However, that doesn't mean that I will deny any of it's weaknesses simply because it was my choice to buy it, or because it's a Ford product. I've been saying all along that these cars lack Low-end torque, and that it's simply due to a lack of cubic inches under the hood. That's why so many of us rush to replace the 355's w/more extreme ratios in an effort to get this car to move off the line. I don't think tht anyone can deny that.

So if General Motors(or anyone else for that matter) makes a car, or has produced one in the past that doesn't have that weakness, or has better brakes (like the Buick Roadmaster does) then I don't have a problem admitting that nor pointing that out even if the other car in question doesn't happen to be a Ford product. I have no Loyalty to any car manufacture. Why should I? What loyalty do they have to me? If any of them make a car that I like, then I'll buy it if I can afford it. that's all.

The Marauder looks waaaaay better than the Buick Roadmaster, the Impala SS, or most cars on the street these days do. It also has cylinder heads that breath pretty well due to having 4 valves per cylinder. And having Dual overhead cams, it revs pretty good also. Those are the Marauder's strong points. But it DOES have weaknesses also. I sometimes think that some guys are in denial about that.

[Fourth Horseman]

But it DOES have weaknesses also. I sometimes think that some guys are in denial about that.

I'd say the biggest weakness is just that the engine is too darn small. Don't get me wrong, I'm really impressed with my DOHC 4.6 liter V8. It runs and runs hard. It really makes up for it's relatively few cubes by being sophisticated and revving high. But in a perfect world it'd have about another 100 cubic inches. Or, as I stated in another thread, a supercharger as stock equipment. :)

[BillyGman]

I agree w/you completely on that. They should've atleast put a 350 (5.7L) under the hood. And I've been saying that since May of last year when I bought the car. Overall, a very cool car, and it looks great. I don't regret buying it at all. But only 281 cubes of UN-supercharged displacement in a 4200 LB tank? It leaves something to be desired. there isn't much else to be had for 30K, but still for that price you should expect more.

[merc406]

I think the Roadmaster looks more like a Whale than a toad, that big whale, the Humpback, that grille reminds me of the Hump's outer surface from the mouth down. :rock:

4 valve motors are inherently stuck with low grunt off the line, they need all the air they can get to get up torque, that's why the need for an air maker at lower rpm's. :D

[BillyGman]

Hmmm. Well, maybe that's true about 32 valve engines. I dunno. I'll assume you're correct on that. However, even if that's true, w/more cubes of displacement, you'll get more Low-end torque weather the engine in question is a 16 valve, or a 32 valve power plant. Infact, even if the Marauder had a 16 valve engine just as the Roadmaster "Whale" does, it would still be lacking Low-end grunt w/only 281 cubes, and being N/A.

[merc406]

Hmmm. Well, maybe that's true about 32 valve engines. I dunno. I'll assume you're correct on that. However, even if that's true, w/more cubes of displacement, you'll get more Low-end torque weather the engine in question is a 16 valve, or a 32 valve power plant. Infact, even if the Marauder had a 16 valve engine just as the Roadmaster "Whale" does, it would still be lacking Low-end grunt w/only 281 cubes, and being N/A.


If it wasn't touted as a "Muscle Car" this motor would be just fine for the M/M. :rasta:

[rookie1]

I think the Marauder is a fine car. I also owned a 96 Impala SS. I hope we can all agree that you can like both of them.

Ditto, had to sell the SS last month(tears beginning to form). If you like big, American, RWD, body on frame, vehicles with nice motors, how can you not like both cars?

[BillyGman]

Perhaps......I'm probably not the typical Marauder customer. I want my car to be a muscle car.Some guys that I know have asked me "Since you're modifying this car so much, then why didn't you just buy a 2003 Cobra?" And my answer to that is, that if I saw a smaller and faster car for about the same money as I paid for the MM that I think looked as good as the MM does, then I would've bought it instead of the MM. However, I didn't see one, and I've never liked the Mustang body style since the early 70's.

[RCSignals]

If it wasn't touted as a "Muscle Car" this motor would be just fine for the M/M. :rasta:In fact it would probably more than just fine.

The biggest complaint and criticism of the magazine reviewers was that the Marauder wouldn't "smoke" the tires without using the brake to help.

In Hot Rod magazines review of the DCX 330C with HEMI, they say it won't "smoke" the tires, but will if you use the brake. It's written as if that's all just fine.

Go figure.

[merc406]

I don't think Chysler is advertizing this car as a muscle car, the mag's are.

[RCSignals]

I don't think Chysler is advertizing this car as a muscle car, the mag's are.
yes, the ads I've seen portray the 300C more as a luxury, formal out on the town car.

DCX however does make insinuations about the new "HEMI"

(which is also interesting in the HR article, they say it's a pent roof combustion chamber, not a true hemi, in one area, then in a side bar state it has "hemispherical" combustion chambers)

[teamrope]

I have no Loyalty to any car manufacture. Why should I? What loyalty do they have to me? If any of them make a car that I like, then I'll buy it if I can afford it. that's all.
I'm with you there Billy. The big 3 have all had their winners, and their loosers.

[BillyGman]

I'm with you there Billy. The big 3 have all had their winners, and their loosers.

yep. Most of them losers IMO.

[01 Interceptor]

Ditto, had to sell the SS last month(tears beginning to form). If you like big, American, RWD, body on frame, vehicles with nice motors, how can you not like both cars?


I hear you! I like both, and pretty soon will be a proud owner of both.

[stevengerard]

That would be interesting if you and your brother in law have a little race w/those two cars. especially if yours is completely stock(no chip or anything).If he was to half pedal it out to the first 20 feet, and then hammer it in order to avoid the massive wheel spin that you get in firdt gear w/that car, then I know it would beat you off the line.

Finally got around to having some fun with the Roadmaster. As we were driving along the street trying to time it right to land at a light together we were slowing down and punching it. It wasn't even close, my MM always pulled ahead and rather quickly. After a couple of miles of that we finally hit a light. I waited for the interesection to completly clear so he had a split second jump. As soon as I heard his tires squeal I jumped on it. From a dead start that Roadmaster is definately quicker - it surprised me after our rolling results, but within a half a block I caught him and then we had to slow. I would have easily over taken him but they seem quicker off the line.

[BillyGman]

LOL....very interesting Steve.....thanks for sharing that. I wish I was there to see it. I always enjoy a good race. What year is his Roadmaster???? And is your Marauder void of any modifications including a chip or reflash???

[RCSignals]

I waited for the interesection to completly clear so he had a split second jump. As soon as I heard his tires squeal I jumped on it.
From that description he had more than a split second jump.

I'm guessing though that your '04 is completely stock?

[BillyGman]

From that description he had more than a split second jump.


Yeah, but I'm also wondering if he backed off the gas pedal as much as he should of to get some traction off the line. If not, then he could've had even more of a jump off the line than he did.....where's Steven when ya need em???

[stevengerard]

Yeah, but I'm also wondering if he backed off the gas pedal as much as he should of to get some traction off the line. If not, then he could've had even more of a jump off the line than he did.....where's Steven when ya need em???

It was a quick squeal, he did let go a little so it pulled well. Yes, my car is completely stock, '04 with 1,200 miles on it, no chip, flash, etc - even extra weight of Sunroof, trunk organizer, heated seats and the 1oz of traction control switch. The first time I pushed it "that hard!"

changed 8oz to 1 oz

[BillyGman]

Steve, do you know what year his Roadmaster is???

[stevengerard]

Steve, do you know what year his Roadmaster is???

its a 1994 with a pair of 1978 black loafers and a white dago t in the trunk.

[bnvus]

its a 1994 with a pair of 1978 black loafers and a white dago t in the trunk.


LOL...Not bad for a 10 year old car, huh? 94-96 Impala's, Roadmaster's and Caprice classic's...It all starts with swiss cheesing the air box with a hole saw and you create a monster. Am I right Bishop??? :beer:

[STAPrap]

That's what we use to call them.I use to be a "LotBoy" at a GM dealership here in London.I have driven a pile of these cars and yes,they are sleepers.I laugh at these punks in their little Civics at a set of lights beside Aunt Mage in her RoadMaster.Pretty funny,if the punks with the exhaust pipes only knew what was under the hood of that husky car beside them...... :burnout:

DD

[jaywish]

I was wondering if anyone happened to run against this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6143&item=2481213383&rd=1

[BillyGman]

That's what we use to call them.I use to be a "LotBoy" at a GM dealership here in London.I have driven a pile of these cars and yes,they are sleepers.I laugh at these punks in their little Civics at a set of lights beside Aunt Mage in her RoadMaster.Pretty funny,if the punks with the exhaust pipes only knew what was under the hood of that husky car beside them...... :burnout:

DD
Yes, they don't know what that big ark has under the hood until you surprise and embarrass them when you step on the go pedal.:D

[hbarrett]

I owned a new 95 Imp SS w/5.7L. It was rated at 225 hp, and I owned a 90 Vette. It's not actually the same engine, but close. The Imp was fast, but the chasais was not stiff. I prefer the MM any day, and it's all as fast as the Imp, with much better acceleration. Perhaps you encountered a modified 5.7 L whatever?

[BillyGman]

I've driven a 1994 Buick Roadmaster for a good part of a week, while I was performing the Supercharger installation on my Marauder. The car is my brother's car, and it has that same LT1 engine in it, and for a car that weighs in 300 LBS heavier than the Marauder does (4500LBS) the thing flies, and ofcourse it does better burnouts than my Marauder ever did when it was stock.

According to what I've read about both the Impala SS and the Buick Roadmaster, they're rated at 260 HP, NOT 225 as you claim. Furthermore, it's the Torque rating that exceeds that of a stock Marauder, which is 330 FT/LBS as opposed to 318 FT/LBS of the Marauder. And having an engine w/more displacement than the Marauder, the power that these cars do have is avaialable for a slightly wider RPM range than the Marauder. It sure feels like it anyway.

But a race between the two I think would always be close, and would depend on the skill of the two drivers in question. But as I have previously pointed out, the Marauder looks a whole lot better. And I think most people would agree w/that. But I've always wished that the Marauder had a 5.7L engine just as the Impala SS, the Roadmaster, and the Caprice Classic came with because of the extra low end torque that the 5.7L engine has. I've taken care of that deficiency by Supercharging my MM w/a roots type S/Cer.

[hbarrett]

Yes, I was mistaken. The SS had 260 hp, not 225, but I don't remember it being faster than the MM, but it was fast and a fun car nonetheless. I definitely like the looks of my MM better, but the SS was great looker for it's day (and today) too. Like I said before, I feel that the MM platform is stiffer than the SS. I can remember the SS feeling like it was twisting or flexing at highway speeds above 65.


I've driven a 1994 Buick Roadmaster for a good part of a week, while I was performing the Supercharger installation on my Marauder. The car is my brother's car, and it has that same LT1 engine in it, and for a car that weighs in 300 LBS heavier than the Marauder does (4500LBS) the thing flies, and ofcourse it does better burnouts than my Marauder ever did when it was stock.

According to what I've read about both the Impala SS and the Buick Roadmaster, they're rated at 260 HP, NOT 225 as you claim. Furthermore, it's the Torque rating that exceeds that of a stock Marauder, which is 330 FT/LBS as opposed to 318 FT/LBS of the Marauder. And having an engine w/more displacement than the Marauder, the power that these cars do have is avaialable for a slightly wider RPM range than the Marauder. It sure feels like it anyway.

But a race between the two I think would always be close, and would depend on the skill of the two drivers in question. But as I have previously pointed out, the Marauder looks a whole lot better. And I think most people would agree w/that. But I've always wished that the Marauder had a 5.7L engine just as the Impala SS, the Roadmaster, and the Caprice Classic came with because of the extra low end torque that the 5.7L engine has. I've taken care of that deficiency by Supercharging my MM w/a roots type S/Cer.

[Ladyhawke]

Yes, I was mistaken. The SS had 260 hp, not 225, but I don't remember it being faster than the MM, but it was fast and a fun car nonetheless. I definitely like the looks of my MM better, but the SS was great looker for it's day (and today) too. Like I said before, I feel that the MM platform is stiffer than the SS. I can remember the SS feeling like it was twisting or flexing at highway speeds above 65.


hbarrett, welcome to the site and welcome to The Capital Area Marauders.

[David Morton]

okay, there's a white label on the trunk lid that has about 30 different three digit letter/number codes. So I was at a loss there. However, at the bottom of the label and slightly towards the right was one longer number/letter code. that read as follows: U9800 A8291 and that's it. there was nothing else at all on the trunk lid.

I guess if that doesn't tell us anything, then if me or my Bro really want to find out bad enough, then we can raise the car up on jackstands, and place it in nuetral in order to turn the back wheel one full turn to see how many rotations the driveshaft makes.Call your local Buick dealership parts man and he will tell you which of those three digit codes is the gears.

I worked for a Buick store in '95 and had many a test drive with a Roadmaster LT1 under my arse. They are at least as fast as the stock Marauder, but...

It's a hog! It wallows like a hog, swallows like a hog, has one weak leg like a hog and stops like a hog. Big car, pig car, full of "chuggles", "shakes", "shimmeys" and "rattles". Rear brake cyliders rusting at 30,000 miles and front discs barely able to keep up with moderate driving. A lot of the people that bought them felt they didn't get what they paid for, and that's the truth. They paid too much for a souped-up Caprice with Buick emblems on it.

One guy called his a "Blowedbastard".

More GM, (stands for Going to Mexico) high priced junk!

[Bradley G]

Call your local Buick dealership parts man and he will tell you which of those three digit codes is the gears.

I worked for a Buick store in '95 and had many a test drive with a Roadmaster LT1 under my arse. They are at least as fast as the stock Marauder, but...

It's a hog! It wallows like a hog, swallows like a hog, has one weak leg like a hog and stops like a hog. Big car, pig car, full of "chuggles", "shakes", "shimmeys" and "rattles". Rear brake cyliders rusting at 30,000 miles and front discs barely able to keep up with moderate driving. A lot of the people that bought them felt they didn't get what they paid for, and that's the truth. They paid too much for a souped-up Caprice with Buick emblems on it.

One guy called his a "Blowedbastard".

More GM, (stands for Going to Mexico) high priced junk!My uncle Jim die in the wool ford man allways refered to GM as "Generous Motors" "using the public as thier test market:down: "

[BillyGman]

David Morton, believe me, I don't have a lot of enthusiasm when it comes to defending the premise of owning a Buick Roadmaster. Perhaps you've misunderstood me. I wasn't toting this as the car to have, nor a car that's overall a better choice than the Marauder even when it was new. But it's simply a real nice sleeper car to have as a beater to have fun with. It looks more like an old granny's car than a Marauder would ever look like reagerdless of what wheels you have on it.

Thereofre there are a lot of people who will challenge you while you drive a Roadmaster, who would never challenge you while you're driving your Marauder. But as far as your comparisants of these two cars, I don't agree w/everything you've stetd anyway. My brother's Buick roadmaster has better brakes than my Marauder does. The car stops noticeably better, and it's just an old clunker that my brother never puts any money into. It sounds to me like you simply might be one of those diehard Ford guys who just like to bash General Motors. Soory, I'm not into that. it makes no difference to me what manufacture produced the car you drive. Weather it's Ford, GM, Mopar, or whatever, I don't really care. Arguing about that is just like arguing about some baseball team, and I really don't give a rip. Those companies/organizations don't have any loyalty to me, and so why should I then have any to them?

Bottom line is, if your car is fast, and it doesn't look like a spaceship, nor the typical wrong-wheel-drive jellybean/easter egg on wheels(which BTW rules out most cars these days), I think it's cool regardless of the manufacture. All the manufactures have products that leave something to be desired. And I do mean "ALL". Even the great Marauder has performance flaws right out of the showroom. If that wasn't true than the vendors on this board wouldn't even be here. there would be no biz for them here. But the fact remains that there is.

[Bradley G]

There are a few GM products that I do like, none they make anymore . Full size RWD caprice, roadmaster ect. are cool fast comfy cruisers. I do like to pick on GM for mistakes they have made . But I also Ford has also made thier share as well.:( BillyGman Please don't be flamed at me as I was looking foward to meeting you (MvilleII) and possibly ridin in that BAD CAT of yours:burnout:

[BillyGman]

Naw man..wecool. My post was directed at what David Morton had stated in his post. I shoulda made that clear in the first place. So I just edited it. But me and David are cool too. I just have a different viewpoint, and I'm not gonnas get into a non-sense GM vs Ford debate. I really don't care about car manufactures. After all none of them care about me. Right? Those type of debates are for school kids IMO.

[hbarrett]

I joined this group just a few days ago after purchasing my Silver 2004 MM at Ramsey Ford in Cecil County, MD. I traded a 2000 CV, LX HPP. It was a great car, and it was my experience with the CV that gave me the confidence in the Ford full-frame platform to want the MM, but I've been waiting for months to see the MMs start selling for a big discount, actually I've wanted a MM since 2002 when I first heard about them. The fact that they are being discontinued may prove to be a windfall in a few years. Only time will tell, but for now I am really enjoying this car. The ride is great and has all the power needed in any situation, short of the race track. As a CV owner, I belonged to CrownVic.net, and it is much like this group for the CV owner. I hope to have the MM for many years, assuming it is a robust vehicle, and stands the test of time.


hbarrett, welcome to the site and welcome to The Capital Area Marauders.

[David Morton]

BillyG, it's alright man. I see your point and agree somewhat. Those brakes aren't bad, they just can't compare to the Marauders, not even close. I'd have been in for a pulsing pedal before 2000 miles if I drove it the way I drive my Marauder.

I hope you noticed, I worked on those suckers, they were my bread and butter. The 4L60E Transmission is one of the sweetest designed automatics in automotive history, lightweight, compact and gets 4 forward gears and reverse from only two planetary gearsets, no dedicated overdrive set. An older design from the 80's, every problem had been redesigned out and it was almost bullet proof, up to a certain torque level. And the LT1 engine is very good. I'd put both of these items on my boat any day.

Perhaps I know too much about how the car is built.

We agree on one thing, it is a beater. And I'll stand by my earlier statement, It's a high priced, souped-up, Chevy Caprice with Buick emblems.

But hey, don't take it personal. I'd buy one if the price was right. It just isn't anything comparable to what I've got now except it can beat me off the line for 1/4 mile (dammit). After that, I'm not sure. But put him on a winding road, or in a city grid and I'll lose him in two minutes, or stick to him like glue, as the case may be.

Never heard of the troopers using Buicks. :D

[BillyGman]

Maybe you do know too much about those cars Dave. And maybe if you've worked on Marauders as much as you have Buicks, and Impalas in the past, then you might feel the same way about our cars too. that is probably typical. I'm a helicopter mechanic. We manufacture the Blackhawk helicopter where i work which is considered by the military to be the best helicopter around as far as dependability(don't listen to the news reports, but ask any military people and they will tell you the same as what I've just stated). However many people who work there (including myself) always say that given the chance they would never want to ride in a Blackhawk helicopter. We see firdthand what goes on in the manufacturing plant and what bonehead mistakes management and engineering make on a daily basis.

So that's why I agree w/you that it's likely that yes, you do know too much about those cars. All is I know is that thise brakes on my brother's Roadmaster DO work alot better than the brakes on my Marauder. But even though his car was quicker off the line than my Marauder was in the stock configuration, my Marauder now would make it look like that old Buick was standing still if I ever saw my brother at a traffic light.:D

[RCSignals]

someone, please let this thread die along with the Buick Roadmaster.

[David Morton]

Hey BillyG yours isn't a 2004 is it? Do you have ABS? Mines a 2004 with ABS and I know the Roadmasters had it (dump type system) but I don't remember them being as good as what I've got now and I did an awful lot of brake jobs on them. Especially for warped front rotors. Turned a lot of overheated blue and cracked rotors. Durability problem I thought.

[01 Interceptor]

The B-Body cars were plagued with brake issues from the inception of the rear disc in 94. They never re-proportioned the system for rear discs and therefore you could own a b-body car and never replace the rear pads! the ratio was close to 90-95 front 5-10% rear. I have since done the proportioning valve mod on my Impala SS and the thing stops as it should...no hard nose-diving action like before. The fronts warped easily on these cars because of the improper proportioning. Now I have all new powerslots on all 4 corners and this 2 ton beast stops on a dime. I agree with RC though...this thread has surpassed it's usefulness.

[BillyGman]

Hey BillyG yours isn't a 2004 is it? Do you have ABS? Mines a 2004 with ABS and I know the Roadmasters had it (dump type system) but I don't remember them being as good as what I've got now and I did an awful lot of brake jobs on them. Especially for warped front rotors. Turned a lot of overheated blue and cracked rotors. Durability problem I thought.
Dave, my MM is an 03, but they have ABS also just as the 04's do. It's the traction control that mine doesn't have (and I'm glad it doesn't).


The B-Body cars were plagued with brake issues from the inception of the rear disc in 94. They never re-proportioned the system for rear discs and therefore you could own a b-body car and never replace the rear pads! the ratio was close to 90-95 front 5-10% rear. I have since done the proportioning valve mod on my Impala SS and the thing stops as it should...no hard nose-diving action like before. The fronts warped easily on these cars because of the improper proportioning. Now I have all new powerslots on all 4 corners and this 2 ton beast stops on a dime. I agree with RC though...this thread has surpassed it's usefulness.
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________
Hey that's some interesting info there about the brakes. I'll pass that along to my brother. Thanks 01........BTW, this thread has lasted longer than I ever anticipated, but I think it's amusing how two of you guys are saying it should end, but yet you keep posting in it also.:D

[Wags]

Well, I have to put my .02 in here. I have been a Chevy guy all my life until I got my Marauder (2 yrs now). I had a '95 SS and a '96 SS, which I bought new back in '96. I also have been racing since 1976, so I think I can offer a somewhat accurate opinion. From stoplight to stoplight, the Impala will beat the Marauder pretty much every time (both cars being stock). We raced my MM and my SS many times before I sold the SS. My SS beat the MM in short runs, but the MM would pull more in the 1/4. The best that I ran with the MM when stock was 14.93. It did get "faster" after reaching the magical 5k point. In the 1/4, the SS edged the MM 6 out of the 10 runs that we ran. But this was when the MM had under 3k miles on it. The times were 14.99 up to 15.6. (except for 1 bonehead pass where I ran an outstanding 16.2...oops). The SS ran 14.76 up to 15.4. I really had buyers remorse after getting the MM for a long time. I was one of the few that got the car when they were first out, and paid alot for it. It just does not have the low end torque of the LT1 (which is NOT the Vette engine, iron heads and a milder cam profile, the Camaro and Vette had alum heads, with a bigger cam for each one with the Vette having the higest profile cam). But....some of my disappointments have been solved with the mods that I have, but my warranty will be over in 250 mi., so I will be going with the Trilogy set up. I think that it is the best way to go to get the low end grunt that we all are looking for. I've driven the Vortec equiped cars (including the 1st one, back in Nov. of 2002, before Mac got it), but I have not had the chance to drive a roots style one yet, but from my research, this seems to be the way to go. I'm done.....

Wags :burnout:

[Bradley G]

:rock: This thread has staying power because the GM platform is the closest thing to the MM. From the posts here sounds like a "pretty fair fight"

[wesman]

Creak another old thread back from the dead.
My father ordered one of these cars back in 1994 after I pointed out the Car & Driver article to him. I made sure he ordered the towing package. Me & my friends spent many a summer night surprising ricers & musclecars in that thing, sometimes with 6 people in it. They called it RoadSmasher, RoadDisaster, RoadMonster etc. That extra couple seconds where a cop goes 'huh, wtf!?' proved to be very valuble one night. The guys still talk about that one.
The one time I had it long enough to take it to the track it rained. To make matters much worse, my Mom told my Dad where I was going. He called on the car phone, long distance from a business trip, going "You didn't intend to race my car did you???' ......Ahh no Dad, its slow & people would laugh at me.......
In the doghouse again...
The only thing my father hated more than taxes was buying tires.

[MENINBLK]

I remember when Motor Trend did an article on the Roadmaster. They had a guy dressed as a little old lady doing a burnout. They said is was easier doing a burnout in it than an Impalla. The 260 hp versions did not come until the later in their run. They have the dual exhaust. They earlier versions were slower and had a single exhaust. Most of them still have skinny all-season tires so burnouts are easier. As Billy said they do have same engine as the SS but it is also the same engine as the Cadillac Brougham had.

The Buick RoadMaster re-appeared in early 1991 as a 1992 Model.
My Uncle bought the first one to roll into the dealership I was working in.
It was a BLACK LIMITED with a RED Leather Interior.
The 92 RoadBlaster was released in March 1991.

There were 2 versions. Custom and Limited.
The LIMITED says so on the rear quarter panels.
The Custom doesn't have this marking.

One of the differences is that the LIMITED comes WITH a DUAL EXHAUST...
The engine has DUAL THROTTLE BODIES instead of Sequential Injectors.
The Sequential Injectors came to the LT-1 in 1994.

So if you drive up behind a RoadBlaster and see 2 pipes, look for the LIMITED on the Rear Quarters.
If you see it, don't mess with it...

[BillyGman]

Holy Dinosaur thread Batman!!!! I thought this thread was long gone......yeah my brother's old 94 Roadmaster is a real sleeper, and a pretty good burnout machine too.

[Patrick]

Holy Dinosaur thread Batman!!!! I thought this thread was long gone......yeah my brother's old 94 Roadmaster is a real sleeper, and a pretty good burnout machine too.

And I took a look you started it. 4-30-04!!! Thats staying power!!!

[BillyGman]

And I took a look you started it. 4-30-04!!! Thats staying power!!!WOW!!! Now that you mention it, I remember that the reason why I started the thread when I did, was simply because I was in the middle of installing the Supercharger on my Marauder back then, and because of that I had to borrow my brother's Roadmaster for the better part of that week.



I think that one of the reasons this thread lasted so long was because initially it was a bit controversial simply because it was some positive points being brought up on a Marauder board about a General Motors vehicle, and some of the diehard Ford guys had to throw some fuel on the fire. But I'm glad that they did, because it made it more interesting.

[Patrick]

WOW!!! Now that you mention it, I remember that the reason why I started the thread when I did, was simply because I was in the middle of installing the Supercharger on my Marauder back then, and because of that I had to borrow my brother's Roadmaster for the better part of that week.



I think that one of the reasons this thread lasted so long was because initially it was a bit controversial simply because it was some positive points being brought up on a Marauder board about a General Motors vehicle, and some of the diehard Ford guys had to throw some fuel on the fire. But I'm glad that they did, because it made it more interesting.

True Billy, And its still a usefull thread!!!!

[Bowtie]

Hey, I couldn't help but skim back through this one, and what did I find? - some asylum escapees claiming the MM looks better than the SS !
:lol:

[BillyGman]

Hey, I couldn't help but skim back through this one, and what did I find? - some asylum escapees claiming the MM looks better than the SS !
:lol:
hmmm, not only are you delusional, but apparently you need glasses too. :argue:

[Bowtie]

Nuh uh! I'll give you empirical evidence to prove I'm right.
You get your votes and I'll get mine, and then we'll compare numbers.
:burn: :banana2:

[BillyGman]

Nuh uh! I'll give you empirical evidence to prove I'm right.
You get your votes and I'll get mine, and then we'll compare numbers.
:burn: :banana2:Well that's predictable....you'll merely go to the Impala board which has about four times the membership as this board does simply because there were more Impalas made than Marauders. That's where you'll get your votes from. If you ride w/a Marauder driver for about an hour or so, you'll see how much attention this car gets. However, if you cannot see w/your own eyes, then it would be time for another visit to your Doc since your medication must be running low again. :eek:

But I think the ultimate would be a Marauder w/a Impala SS LT1 engine under the hood. Or better yet, an LS1 engine.Ofcourse, I'm sure that it would be a sacrilige to all the Ford and Chevy loyalists out there. But I have no loyalty to either manufacture. They both have made some good stuff, and some junk.

[Patrick]

Well that's predictable....you'll merely go to the Impala board which has about four times the membership as this board does simply because there were more Impalas made than Marauders. That's where you'll get your votes from. If you ride w/a Marauder driver for about an hour or so, you'll see how much attention this car gets. However, if you cannot see w/your own eyes, then it would be time for another visit to your Doc since your medication must be running low again. :eek:

But I think the ultimate would be a Marauder w/a Impala SS LT1 engine under the hood. Or better yet, an LS1 engine.Ofcourse, I'm sure that it would be a sacrilige to all the Ford and Chevy loyalists out there. But I have no loyalty to either manufacture. They both have made some good stuff, and some junk.


:bows: :bows: Billy!!

[Bowtie]

Well that's predictable....you'll merely go to the Impala board which has about four times the membership as this board ....Aw Maaan, Billy, ya saw right through my plan :bigcry:
One thing I would like to have is the MM interior - that's definitely the worst part of our old 1980's design.

Pat

[RCSignals]

Come on Pat, just go buy yourself a Marauder.

You know you really want to :sweat:

[BillyGman]

Aw Maaan, Billy, ya saw right through my plan :bigcry:

LOL....well, atleast your honest Pat.

[Bowtie]

Come on Pat, just go buy yourself a Marauder.

You know you really want to :sweat:If only they came with SBC's :baaa:

Pat

[BillyGman]

If only they came with SBC's :baaa:

Pat
That's one thing you and I agree on Pat. But I've taken care of that deficiency. And the extra power that my car has is all the time, and doesn't depend on me making a trip across town to fill up a bottle. The power is always there whenever I feel the need to bury the gas pedal in the carpet. ;)

[AJAX]

SECRECT SERVICE had stripped down versions with no speed limiters would hit of 150.00 had corvette lt1 engine origanal MEN IN BLACK car.HA


There's probably not too many of these cars left on the streets, but if you see a young guy driving one, and you have a factory stock Marauder, don't mess w/him unless you're prepared for a real close race, and possibly even being beat. This is the 94-96 Buick Roadmaster, and General Motors put the LT-1 Corvette engines in them from the factory, and they're surprisingly fast for being the big boats that they are. As some of you might already know, this is also the same engine that the 94-96 Impala SS had under the hood also.

I borrowed my brother's 94 Buick Roadmaster, and when he told me that somebody gave it to him, that it had 101K on the odometer, but it was pretty fast, and does great burnouts, I was very skeptical. But I had to borrow it from him since I'm in the middle of some minor work to my Marauder, and I'm very surprised how fast this car is.

It weighs 4500 LBS, which is 300 LBS more than the Marauder, but the thing not only leaves rubber well into second gear from a dead punch, but it goes great when you're driving down the street, and you peg it. So I was curious exactly how fast this thing really is, and I used the same G-meter device as I've been using for my Marauder ever since it was bone stock.

And let me tell you, the ET that I recorded w/this car was a bit better than what I got w/my Marauder when it was stock!!! This car turned a 15.0 sec ET, w/a 99 MPH trap speed, and a 0-60 MPH time of 6.3 seconds.

Consider this, my Marauder in the stock configuration recorded a 15.2 sec ET, a 96 MPH trap speed, and a 0-60 MPH time of 7.0 seconds!!!! The HP rating of the LT-1 engine that this car has is only 260, but the torque rating is 330 ft/lbs, which is about 20 more than the stock Marauder. Here's a pic of these cars. They're no where near as nice looking as the Marauder is, but man O man to they move. So beware!!! If you pull up next to someone driving one of these, it might just be me.

[David Morton]

Check it out, Ajax has 9 posts and is on a distinguished road!

Welcome Ajax. And when can we expect Achilles to show up?