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Thread: Building the Ultimate Ford Based Marauder

  1. #1
    modularmuscle Guest

    Lightbulb Building the Ultimate Ford Based Marauder

    Hey MM Clan!

    I'm not new to the board as a guest, but this officially my first post here. I've taken a strong interest in these cars after evaluating what my next build is going to be.

    Let me also state...The word "Ultimate" is different for everybody. My interpretation as of right now is a car that can handle it all, with minimum breakage, and still be a useful car in rain, cold weather and daily use. (thought I don't drive cars daily--I work from home doing web development)

    In the interest of needing a very large car that seats 2 adults and (now) four kids (8,6,3, and 1), I've selected to replace my modified 06 Mustang GT with a Marauder. This was the car I wanted back in 04 and should have purchased but didn't. However given the prices in the market it looks like I might have saved my self some negative equity by not buying one new (however I lost my ass on the 03 Cobra that I bought, modified and then sold!!)

    Anyway, I'm getting into the market to now build what I'd call my Ultimate version of the Marauder. I'd like your help in designing how the car could be layed out on paper and which model of the car (03-04, 300A-B etc) I should be targeting for the project (I own a shop out in Naperville IL and we do all the work ourselved except paintwork which we outsource to a partner bodyshop)

    The car will have to qualify for the following roles:

    • Operation of less than 10K miles a year (I don't commute for work)
    • Retaining Power Steering, brakes and A/C
    • Needs to be able two adults up front, and carry 4 properly seatbelted children under the ages of 8 years old in a back seat (with a custom modified seat and belt setup that seat 4 kids but doesn't sit any adults--this car only gets used with family anyway)
    • Needs to operate on the street on 93 pump, and at the track on 108 through a duel comparment fuel tank (we created one for the stang, the pump pulled from tank that was rewelded to hold 70/30 pump and race fuel respectivly)
    • Car needs to be the full bodied full interior looking Marauder (reduced weight will only be allowed so long as integrity and safety aren't compromised) Mostly rotating mass and any body panel that can be reproiduced in carbon fiber
    • Capable of consistant 10.50's on a drag radial tire through full exhaust
    • Car won't be towed to the track. It's a street car!
    Modifications that I have planned thus far for the base car are: (budgeted total Mods are 40K or less)

    • Shelby headed Iron blocked 5.4L stroker 4-valve, Single Turbo/intercooler
    • Refitted electronically shifted Automatic trans and custom converter and NHRA safety requirements
    • Complete Ford 9inch rear with ABS rings and aftermarket brakes, aftermarket driveshaft
    • Complete aftermarket rear suspension (Metco)
    • Needed Frame Reinforcement Front to rear
    • Safety equipment per NHRA for 10.50 or slower slips
    • Custom-width rear factory Marauder wheels
    • JUST ADDED - Quarter mile consistancy, weather tunable setup (interesting with the turbo)

    Any other ideas or suggestions on the build? Tune will be performed at SD Concepts in RI.

    Thanks Guys!
    Last edited by modularmuscle; 09-22-2008 at 01:55 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Welcome, i'm in wheaton she should hook up.
    SOLD 12/31/2021

    Cobra short block / ProCharger F1-A / Cog drive upgrade / Manley valves / Brian Tooley Racing valve springs / 80# inj. / -8 fuel line / -6 return / Aeromotive 340 pumps and regulator / 2012 GT500 TR6060 six speed / twin disc clutch / Driveshaft Shop GT500 upgraded CV joint shaft / BA5000 blow thru MAF/ 4.10's / Ford Racing 31 spline set up and Girdle / Metco D.S. safety loop / Stainless Works headers, cats, and everything else out back / ClassGlass hood / Bob's hood strut mod / Hurst line lock / Metco control arms / Addco front and rear sway bars / Monroe severe duty shocks all around / Race concepts rotors / Badgeless grille / 35% tint / FBM's interior LED kit and ambient lighting kit / Pioneer FB700 deck / kenwood speaker 4 Ch. / Rockford Fosgate 10" sub and amp / Kicker 6 X 8's all around / back up cam / bluetooth / Pioneer Xm / 704 RWHP 603 RWTQ tuned by Mo's Speedshop.

  3. #3
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    Some of the design criteria are mutually exclusive. Seat 4 kids in the rear, with a roll cage? 5.4 DOHC won't fit under AC system and brake booster. So far, the only Marauders in the 10's are on slicks, not drag radials.
    Thanks to Darrin @ BC Automotive:
    $1800 and it was worse than when he started!

    Brian (FordNut) FPG # 1458 of 7838
    03 MM 300A (Lotsa mods, 130k mi) was 303rwhp/318rwtq N/A
    then 476/410 D1SC ProCharged on stock block
    then 660/555 D1SC PC on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    then 365/369 N/A on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    Now 751/617 3.4L Whipple on 5.3 Boss5.0 iron big bore stroker

    03 MM 300B Silver (Mostly stock, originally wife's car, 370k mi) FPG # 7053 of 7838 or 49 of 417 SB
    03 MM 300B Silver, Stock, wife's next one, 136k mi FPG # 7134 of 7838 or 89 of 417 SB
    04 MM Silver, Stock, on standby 85k mi, FPG # 1212 of 3214 or 432 of 997 SB
    01 F150 longbed
    01 F150 shortbed
    00 F150 4x4 stepside
    01 F150 4x4 7700
    68 Stang FB (70 351C 4V, 4 wheel discs, project car)

    Mods listed here (some items not current): FordNut's Mods

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    plymouth, mn
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    Quote Originally Posted by FordNut View Post
    Some of the design criteria are mutually exclusive. Seat 4 kids in the rear, with a roll cage? 5.4 DOHC won't fit under AC system and brake booster. So far, the only Marauders in the 10's are on slicks, not drag radials.
    Yeah, what he said

    Welcome!

  5. #5
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    You won't do it on drag radials, no offence to your dreams unless you get around 800ish to the wheels with the weight they have.

    My dream setup would be a 5.1 stroker, 3.4L Whipple, and let it rip. You won't need a turbo. You also won't need a 9" if you build the 8.8 correctly.

    There is someone on here thats kinda already done what you did. He's procharged and runs high 10's, drives it 90 miles back n' forth to the track. Also The Prorauder is pretty sick too...Although I havn't seen any times posted from that custom ride yet.
    Last edited by Vortech347; 09-04-2008 at 04:43 PM.

    Matt H.
    (sold)2004' SB, 268rwhp/295tq
    1990 Mustang GT, Dart 363, Si-trim, T56, Holley Terminator X. 622rwhp/527tq
    2003 SVT Cobra, Posi Port 497rwhp/481tq. SCT Pro Racer Pack.
    2017 F-150, 5.0
    2013 SHO DIB Performance Pack

  6. #6
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    check out the trilogy car, its 10.30s, but HIGHLY modified

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
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    Welcome aboard.
    2003 Marauder 300B,
    6468 out of 7839 - Thanks Brian
    Heated Seats
    35% Tint
    Mercury All Weather Mats
    Trunk Organizer - Thanks MartyO
    Sold 4/3/2009 Now resides in AL.
    1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
    1973 Oldsmobile Toronado
    2012 Kia Sedona Van
    2008 Corvette Convertible
    2003 Marauder 300 A Thanks Larry O 6/14/17
    2021 Prius Prime Limited
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado High Country
    Member # 440
    ----- John

  8. #8
    modularmuscle Guest
    Thanks for the warm welcomes...

    reasons for my mod choices, and remember I've built a ton of really fast other cars and have drag raced them all (8 second duster, 9 second IRS 03 cobra, 10 sec 383 roadrunner, 67 Camaro 540 8.20's street car)

    Reason the 9 inch - I've invested equal money in the 8.8 and by no means do I think its a bad unit. However, starting with a fresh slate, there are 20 choices for every one that the 8.8 offers (gears, axles, housing ends, brakes etc) the housing will be an aftermarket unit. I'm basically thinking that to move a 4000 lb+ car into the 10's (and maybe later into the 9's) I don't want to have to make a change later. I prefer this to be a one time thing.

    Reason for the Turbo - Hood clearance, the ability to tune power levels, and frankly as a personal choice because the sound of the turbo is just unbeatable. I ran turbo buicks for years and learned alot about how to tune them. I did 3 blower changes on my cobra, and did the procharger units on the B-1 engines we ran in the Duster (we did 1500 hp on 103 octane intercooled with a 400 inch based mopar B block with a D3M procharger)

    4 Seats with a roll cage will fit - The interior will be slightly redesigned with the car as close to the body edges as possible (I already worked this up in my 2003 Grand Marquis)

    Drag radials aren't a must---as I'll certainly have slicks prepared, but there has to be a way for this car to weight transfer in a large drag radial. Testing will prove this out on whether or not it will work...it will be interesting.

    Thanks FordNut - The car has to have A/C so maybe the 5.4 isn't the engine base of choice isn't the way to go. I just really like the idea of the deck height and cubes of the 5.4, but maybe the 4.6 deck is the way to go. I was thinking to have more than necessary to start might be better, but if its really going to jazz the other items like the firewall.

    What is the current record holder for ET's on these cars?

    I'm really excited to be part of this group guys. These cars are very cool and I wish I could have spent the last 5 years owning (and investing in!) one of them.

    What about color choice? Is toreader red the rarest...or should I just go black? ideas?

  9. #9
    4 kids in the back seat are going to be a problem, car seats for kids, that are safe, are wide and 4 likely will not fit even in a Marauder.

    A Chysler Executive Limo (K car form 1983-8) no problem, but not all in a row. Said car has jump seat. Now Jump seats might be possible in a Lincoln TownCar L but you would have to put a divider or a rollbar/cage in. But you plan to do that anyway. The Towncar L is just a little bit heavier but has all steel body panels.

    Just for the four kids seats alone I would have to say a Marauder isn't going to work.

    Now I read your above post but I'm skeptical about this working and being safe, it's your kids in the back not four dogs or cats, you want it to be safe. A side hit and your kids seats will shatter rather than move with the hit.

    Have you considered making a Lincoln Aviator or Navigator go fast?
    Last edited by Aren Jay; 09-04-2008 at 07:12 PM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Cape Coral, Florida
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    Quote Originally Posted by FordNut View Post
    Some of the design criteria are mutually exclusive. Seat 4 kids in the rear, with a roll cage? 5.4 DOHC won't fit under AC system and brake booster. So far, the only Marauders in the 10's are on slicks, not drag radials.
    Negative, FYI my 10.9 et was on Nitto Drag Radials Brian..
    former owner - Extreme Procharger Marauder
    2004 Silver Birch - Built 01-08-04 - Pur. 07-03-04
    "Proud Member of Sunshine State Marauder's"

    Extreme Procharger Bullitt Completed - still on the hunt for another 04 Marauder to build

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Cape Coral, Florida
    Age
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    Quote Originally Posted by modularmuscle View Post
    Hey MM Clan!

    I'm not new to the board as a guest, but this officially my first post here. I've taken a strong interest in these cars after evaluating what my next build is going to be.

    In the interest of needing a very large car that seats 2 adults and (now) four kids, I've selected to replace my modified 06 Mustang GT with a Marauder. This was the car I wanted back in 04 and should have purchased but didn't. However given the prices in the market it looks like I might have saved my self some negative equity by not buying one new (however I lost my ass on the 03 Cobra that I bought, modified and then sold!!)

    Anyway, I'm getting into the market to now build what I'd call my Ultimate version of the Marauder. I'd like your help in designing how the car could be layed out on paper and which model of the car (03-04, 300A-B etc) I should be targeting for the project (I own a shop out in Naperville IL and we do all the work ourselved except paintwork which we outsource to a partner bodyshop)

    The car will have to qualify for the following roles:

    • Operation of less than 10K miles a year (I don't commute for work)
    • Retaining Power Steering, brakes and A/C
    • Needs to be able two adults up front, and carry 4 properly seatbelted children under the ages of 8 years old in a back seat (with a custom modified seat and belt setup that seat 4 kids but doesn't sit any adults--this car only gets used with family anyway)
    • Needs to operate on the street on 93 pump, and at the track on 108 through a duel comparment fuel tank (we created one for the stang, the pump pulled from tank that was rewelded to hold 70/30 pump and race fuel respectivly)
    • Car needs to be the full bodied full interior looking Marauder (reduced weight will only be allowed so long as integrity and safety aren't compromised) Mostly rotating mass and any body panel that can be reproiduced in carbon fiber
    • Capable of consistant 10.50's on a drag radial tire through full exhaust
    • Car won't be towed to the track. It's a street car!
    Modifications that I have planned thus far for the base car are: (budgeted total Mods are 40K or less)

    • Shelby based 5.4L stroker 4-valve headed engine, Turbocharged
    • Refitted electronically shifted Automatic trans and custom converter and safety equipment
    • Complete Ford 9inch rear with ABS rings and aftermarket brakes, aftermarket driveshaft
    • Complete aftermarket rear suspension
    • Needed Frame Reinforcement Front to rear
    • Safety equipment per NHRA for 10.50 or slower slips
    • Custom-width rear factory Marauder wheels
    Any other ideas or suggestions on the build? Tune will be performed at SD Concepts in RI.

    Thanks Guys!
    Prepare to spend a lot of money. I know. Consistant 10.5 ets will be extremely difficult. But, best of luck with your project. I spent four years on mine. And it has been worth every penny.
    former owner - Extreme Procharger Marauder
    2004 Silver Birch - Built 01-08-04 - Pur. 07-03-04
    "Proud Member of Sunshine State Marauder's"

    Extreme Procharger Bullitt Completed - still on the hunt for another 04 Marauder to build

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Near Knoxville TN
    Age
    67
    Posts
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    Quote Originally Posted by modularmuscle View Post
    Reason the 9 inch - I've invested equal money in the 8.8 and by no means do I think its a bad unit. However, starting with a fresh slate, there are 20 choices for every one that the 8.8 offers (gears, axles, housing ends, brakes etc) the housing will be an aftermarket unit. I'm basically thinking that to move a 4000 lb+ car into the 10's (and maybe later into the 9's) I don't want to have to make a change later. I prefer this to be a one time thing.

    Reason for the Turbo - Hood clearance, the ability to tune power levels, and frankly as a personal choice because the sound of the turbo is just unbeatable. I ran turbo buicks for years and learned alot about how to tune them. I did 3 blower changes on my cobra, and did the procharger units on the B-1 engines we ran in the Duster (we did 1500 hp on 103 octane intercooled with a 400 inch based mopar B block with a D3M procharger)

    Thanks FordNut - The car has to have A/C so maybe the 5.4 isn't the engine base of choice isn't the way to go. I just really like the idea of the deck height and cubes of the 5.4, but maybe the 4.6 deck is the way to go. I was thinking to have more than necessary to start might be better, but if its really going to jazz the other items like the firewall.

    What is the current record holder for ET's on these cars?
    Biggest problem with the 9" is the rear suspension. It has a watts link that connects to a stud on the the 8.8" just above the yoke. The 9" will have to have some sort of custom design to fit this.

    Biggest problem with the turbo is exhaust pipe routing. Unlike the Mustang's unibody, we have a full frame as well as a big, beefy crossmember for mounting the engine and suspension. Routing is very difficult. The tubing for every turbo setup I've seen in a Marauder runs under the crossmember and gets banged up pretty bad since it's so close to the road.

    A 5.4 SOHC will fit, but the deck height combined with 4V head size makes the 5.4 DOHC too big. A 5.3 big bore stroker can be put together with a 4.6 deck height. It's big $$$.

    I believe the record is 10.3 and it is with a blower + nitrous. There have been 3 Marauders in the 10's to my knowledge, and all 3 have been with blower + nitrous.
    Thanks to Darrin @ BC Automotive:
    $1800 and it was worse than when he started!

    Brian (FordNut) FPG # 1458 of 7838
    03 MM 300A (Lotsa mods, 130k mi) was 303rwhp/318rwtq N/A
    then 476/410 D1SC ProCharged on stock block
    then 660/555 D1SC PC on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    then 365/369 N/A on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    Now 751/617 3.4L Whipple on 5.3 Boss5.0 iron big bore stroker

    03 MM 300B Silver (Mostly stock, originally wife's car, 370k mi) FPG # 7053 of 7838 or 49 of 417 SB
    03 MM 300B Silver, Stock, wife's next one, 136k mi FPG # 7134 of 7838 or 89 of 417 SB
    04 MM Silver, Stock, on standby 85k mi, FPG # 1212 of 3214 or 432 of 997 SB
    01 F150 longbed
    01 F150 shortbed
    00 F150 4x4 stepside
    01 F150 4x4 7700
    68 Stang FB (70 351C 4V, 4 wheel discs, project car)

    Mods listed here (some items not current): FordNut's Mods

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by FordNut View Post
    Biggest problem with the 9" is the rear suspension. It has a watts link that connects to a stud on the the 8.8" just above the yoke. The 9" will have to have some sort of custom design to fit this.

    Biggest problem with the turbo is exhaust pipe routing. Unlike the Mustang's unibody, we have a full frame as well as a big, beefy crossmember for mounting the engine and suspension. Routing is very difficult. The tubing for every turbo setup I've seen in a Marauder runs under the crossmember and gets banged up pretty bad since it's so close to the road.

    A 5.4 SOHC will fit, but the deck height combined with 4V head size makes the 5.4 DOHC too big. A 5.3 big bore stroker can be put together with a 4.6 deck height. It's big $$$.

    I believe the record is 10.3 and it is with a blower + nitrous. There have been 3 Marauders in the 10's to my knowledge, and all 3 have been with blower + nitrous.
    Once your car is ready, there will be four......
    former owner - Extreme Procharger Marauder
    2004 Silver Birch - Built 01-08-04 - Pur. 07-03-04
    "Proud Member of Sunshine State Marauder's"

    Extreme Procharger Bullitt Completed - still on the hunt for another 04 Marauder to build

  14. #14
    Join Date
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    Near Knoxville TN
    Age
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    Quote Originally Posted by MarauderTJA View Post
    Negative, FYI my 10.9 et was on Nitto Drag Radials Brian..
    Cool, I'm glad to hear that. I'm planning to stick with the Nitto DR too. Or maybe I'll try the MT if these won't stick?
    Thanks to Darrin @ BC Automotive:
    $1800 and it was worse than when he started!

    Brian (FordNut) FPG # 1458 of 7838
    03 MM 300A (Lotsa mods, 130k mi) was 303rwhp/318rwtq N/A
    then 476/410 D1SC ProCharged on stock block
    then 660/555 D1SC PC on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    then 365/369 N/A on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    Now 751/617 3.4L Whipple on 5.3 Boss5.0 iron big bore stroker

    03 MM 300B Silver (Mostly stock, originally wife's car, 370k mi) FPG # 7053 of 7838 or 49 of 417 SB
    03 MM 300B Silver, Stock, wife's next one, 136k mi FPG # 7134 of 7838 or 89 of 417 SB
    04 MM Silver, Stock, on standby 85k mi, FPG # 1212 of 3214 or 432 of 997 SB
    01 F150 longbed
    01 F150 shortbed
    00 F150 4x4 stepside
    01 F150 4x4 7700
    68 Stang FB (70 351C 4V, 4 wheel discs, project car)

    Mods listed here (some items not current): FordNut's Mods

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Near Knoxville TN
    Age
    67
    Posts
    10,717
    Quote Originally Posted by MarauderTJA View Post
    Once your car is ready, there will be four......
    Maybe, but no giggly gas for me!
    Thanks to Darrin @ BC Automotive:
    $1800 and it was worse than when he started!

    Brian (FordNut) FPG # 1458 of 7838
    03 MM 300A (Lotsa mods, 130k mi) was 303rwhp/318rwtq N/A
    then 476/410 D1SC ProCharged on stock block
    then 660/555 D1SC PC on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    then 365/369 N/A on 5.3 wet sleeved Teksid alum big bore stroker
    Now 751/617 3.4L Whipple on 5.3 Boss5.0 iron big bore stroker

    03 MM 300B Silver (Mostly stock, originally wife's car, 370k mi) FPG # 7053 of 7838 or 49 of 417 SB
    03 MM 300B Silver, Stock, wife's next one, 136k mi FPG # 7134 of 7838 or 89 of 417 SB
    04 MM Silver, Stock, on standby 85k mi, FPG # 1212 of 3214 or 432 of 997 SB
    01 F150 longbed
    01 F150 shortbed
    00 F150 4x4 stepside
    01 F150 4x4 7700
    68 Stang FB (70 351C 4V, 4 wheel discs, project car)

    Mods listed here (some items not current): FordNut's Mods

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