NBC Shooter's Marauder SLAMMED! . . . and, it's a good thing.

[studio460]

Finally, after millions of dollars, and years of research and development, I finally have my new Nitto NT-555 245/40 ZR18; 255/45 ZR18 Extreme ZR radials with the Eibachs installed! Car dropped 0.8" (both front and rear tires are 1.6" smaller in diameter, respectively, compared with the factory BFGs), and the Eibachs dropped the car another 1.2"!!! Total drop: 2.0"!!!!!!

Here's the pictures . . .

BEFORE:

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1535-800.jpg


AFTER:

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1554-752.jpg

Whaddya think?

[studio460]

Oh . . . by the way, the ride home was . . . interesting. On the freeway, travelling REALLY fast, the tires and springs made the car ride, uhhh . . . softer? Really weird. Everything feels, uh . . . smoother? Sure, the speedbumps and dips in the road are a bit more jarring (but not by as much as I thought it was going to be), and the handling, uhhh . . . AMAZING. But I can't deny this sensation that the car just feels "smoother" somehow. I think part of it is that the NT-555 tread pattern seems to be much quieter, both on grooved freeway lanes, and on paved asphalt boulevards, than the stock BFG tread pattern. The shop put 35 lbs. PSI on all fours. I dunno exactly what's all affecting the road feel, but damn, these feel NICE!

Lastly, I took the final 'S' curve leading to my home with new confidence . . . At the speed I took the curve, the backend normally would've flown around a good several feet--this time, the car BARELY broke traction at all! Sorry to keep bragging (I'm just so pleased with my new set-up), but I was truly amazed. Can't tell at what speed I took the corner, since my speedo's all messed up, due to the tire size change . . .

I've got the Nittos/Eibachs/Addco swaybar making this all happen now. Next week: Zack and Mac's rear control arms go in . . . Can't friggin' wait!!!

[bigslim]

I like the look.

[01 Interceptor]

Looks great. I see that your tips are also at a different angle...much better!

[studio460]

Oh, thanks, '01. But that's actually a mistake. My tailpipes are actually temporarily out of position, and will soon be ripped out. Flowmasters are also coming out and will be replaced by 18" Magnaflow glasspacks. All the stock pipe will be yanked too. I've got some beautiful new SLP tips in my trunk, just waiting for me to make a decision on which header system to buy and install.

[hitchhiker]

Finally, after millions of dollars, and years of research and development, I finally have my new Nitto NT-555 245/40 ZR18; 255/45 ZR18 Extreme ZR radials with the Eibachs installed! Car dropped 0.8" (both front and rear tires are 1.6" smaller in diameter, respectively, compared with the factory BFGs), and the Eibachs dropped the car another 1.2"!!! Total drop: 2.0"!!!!!!

Here's the pictures . . .

BEFORE:

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1535-800.jpg


AFTER:

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1554-752.jpg

Whaddya think?

L@@k's great! :beer:

How do the nittos compare with the BFG's on wear and other specs?

Thanks,

David

[Patrick]

Oh . . . by the way, the ride home was . . . interesting. On the freeway, travelling REALLY fast, the tires and springs made the car ride, uhhh . . . softer? Really weird. Everything feels, uh . . . smoother? Sure, the speedbumps and dips in the road are a bit more jarring (but not by as much as I thought it was going to be), and the handling, uhhh . . . AMAZING. But I can't deny this sensation that the car just feels "smoother" somehow. I think part of it is that the NT-555 tread pattern seems to be much quieter, both on grooved freeway lanes, and on paved asphalt boulevards, than the stock BFG tread pattern. The shop put 35 lbs. PSI on all fours. I dunno exactly what's all affecting the road feel, but damn, these feel NICE!

Lastly, I took the final 'S' curve leading to my home with new confidence . . . At the speed I took the curve, the backend normally would've flown around a good several feet--this time, the car BARELY broke traction at all! Sorry to keep bragging (I'm just so pleased with my new set-up), but I was truly amazed. Can't tell at what speed I took the corner, since my speedo's all messed up, due to the tire size change . . .

I've got the Nittos/Eibachs/Addco swaybar making this all happen now. Next week: Zack and Mac's rear control arms go in . . . Can't friggin' wait!!!

Keep bragging!!!!!!!!1

[studio460]

Funny thing how having dramatically improved handling ability makes you feel . . . You immediately sense the utter NEED for MORE POWER!

[studio460]

Another SLAMMED view, from the rear . . .

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1564-rear.jpg

[Patrick]

Another SLAMMED view, from the rear . . .

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1564-rear.jpg

Oh my!
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :bows: :bows: :bows:

[emcars]

Finally, after millions of dollars, and years of research and development, I finally have my new Nitto NT-555 245/40 ZR18; 255/45 ZR18 Extreme ZR radials with the Eibachs installed! Car dropped 0.8" (both front and rear tires are 1.6" smaller in diameter, respectively, compared with the factory BFGs), and the Eibachs dropped the car another 1.2"!!! Total drop: 2.0"!!!!!!

Here's the pictures . . .

BEFORE:

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1535-800.jpg


AFTER:

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1554-752.jpg

Whaddya think?

hey whats up nbc how did you black out the chrome around your windows?
please help i want to do mine.

[TAF]

Way to go Shooter...it looks GREAT! And MEAN! :up:

[Petrograde]

WOW great pics!

[MM03MOK]

hey whats up nbc how did you black out the chrome around your windows?
please help i want to do mine.See this thread:

Blacked out window trim.....what do you think? http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5967

[Silver_04]

Absolutely beautiful. :up:

[Donny Carlson]

Impressive. I like the look, especially that there is a bit more room above the front Nittos than the stock tires.


Sure, the ride is less forgiving on bumps and holes, but hey, more than makes up for it in the curves!

[woaface]

You know, I've never really liked a drop more than 1.5 inches on most cars because it makes the fender well and tires look out of proportion.

But that looks very nice, and I am impressed.:up:

[Fourth Horseman]

Whaddya think?

What do I think? Dude! I think it looks fantastic! Seriously, Shooter, this is a really nice look. Well done!
:up: :up: :up:

[gdmjoe]

:up:

BTW - Nice black-out job.

Do have a question though ... How much work was it to relocate the gas filler and door pad to the RH side. :lol:

[jgc61sr2002]

:up:

BTW - Nice black-out job.

Do have a question though ... How much work was it to relocate the gas filler and door pad to the RH side. :lol:


You have a sharp eye. IMO one photo ( the left side) copied on the R/S picture.

[studio460]

Nice black-out job.
Yes, thanks to your excellent tutorial and diagram! The 3M stuff is great. Couldn't have done it without your help, gdmjoe! Thanks! After I applied the tape, I slicked the whole thing up with ArmorAll, and I ended up with a slick black finish that looks almost factory! I'm VERY pleased with the results!!!


How much work was it to relocate the gas filler and door pad to the RH side.
HA! I was wondering how many of you would notice that mod!

[studio460]

I like the look, especially that there is a bit more room above the front Nittos than the stock tires.
Really? That's what bugs me the most! I think I'm going to raise the rear 0.5" to increase the rake a bit. I know the car looks nice in the pictures, but I think I would still prefer larger Nittos, especially in the rear, but I would either need to have my rims widened or wait for Nitto to come out with some new sizes. I think the lower-profile tires, although great for performance, are still a little undersized in proportion to the Marauder's body lines, making the car look a little fatter--so if you choose this set-up for your Marauder, know this going in.

Thanks for the thumbs-up, everyone!

[Donny Carlson]

Really? That's what bugs me the most! I think I'm going to raise the rear 0.5" to increase the rake a bit. I know the car looks nice in the pictures, but I think I would still prefer larger Nittos, especially in the rear, but I would either need to have my rims widened or wait for Nitto to come out with some new sizes. I think the lower-profile tires, although great for performance, are still a little undersized in proportion to the Marauder's body lines, making the car look a little fatter--so if you choose this set-up for your Marauder, know this going in.

Thanks for the thumbs-up, everyone! I think it looks great just as it is. My comment about the gap over the front wheels, well, I LOVE the look of my car, but yours looks more, eh, "normal" in the front wheel area.

Be careful about raising the rear. Todd? You want to chime in here? Didn't you say that the rear can't be too high or it will have an effect on handling?

[stevengerard]

Looks great to me, but I'm all for a little bit of rake myself, it will be the cats meow after that.

[DallasCV]

Like the looks but I can't hardly get into my driveway now without scraping the front....I would think with the way the frontend is on the Marauder it would be even worse....I think I'll put bigger tires on mine to close the gap. :)

[THE_INTERCEPTOR]

I'm with everybody else. It looks more aggressive. Sweet mod there, NBC!!

[jettle]

I think it looks great just as it is. My comment about the gap over the front wheels, well, I LOVE the look of my car, but yours looks more, eh, "normal" in the front wheel area.

Be careful about raising the rear. Todd? You want to chime in here? Didn't you say that the rear can't be too high or it will have an effect on handling?

I am still having a hard time deciding on where to leave the back of mine after putting on my Eibachs. Todd...Can you share the hight of your rear wheel well? When I dropped mine to the suggested hight that Eibach listed the car was too harsh over bumps. I may have went to low though....

Thanks!

[gonzo50]

Way to go Shooter...it looks GREAT! And MEAN! :up:
It definitely makes a statement....."Out of my way, I'm coming thru" with authority ! :uzi:

[Donny Carlson]

I am still having a hard time deciding on where to leave the back of mine after putting on my Eibachs. Todd...Can you share the hight of your rear wheel well? When I dropped mine to the suggested hight that Eibach listed the car was too harsh over bumps. I may have went to low though....

Thanks!
I think Todd is away on "pre-breakfast" secret bidness.

[TAF]

I think Todd is away on "pre-breakfast" secret bidness.
I'm back...just a quick trip to New Jersey...

I'll get my measuring tape out and give you the "in the garage...no, I'm not starting it up and waking the wife" measurement...then I can follow up in the a.m. with the measurement in the same spot after started/air bags inflate.

[martyo]

...no, I'm not starting it up and waking the wife" measurement...

Chicken!! :D

[TAF]

Chicken!! :D
Yep.........

[Bigdogjim]

Yep.........


Smart man:):):)

[jettle]

I'm back...just a quick trip to New Jersey...

I'll get my measuring tape out and give you the "in the garage...no, I'm not starting it up and waking the wife" measurement...then I can follow up in the a.m. with the measurement in the same spot after started/air bags inflate.

Thanks Todd,

I dont blaime you for not wanting to wake the wrath of the wife....

I fear mine too :)

[studio460]

http://24framefilms.com/slammedatsantamonica.jpg

[Patrick]

[QUOTE=NBC Shooter]http://24framefilms.com/slammedatsantamonica.jpg[/QUOT

Oh my!!! Now thats what my Rauder should look like
:beer: :beer: :up: :up:

[Patrick]

[QUOTE=NBC Shooter]http://24framefilms.com/slammedatsantamonica.jpg[/QUOT

Oh my!!! Now thats what my Rauder should look like
:beer: :beer: :up: :up:

Zaino????????

[studio460]

Adobe Photoshop Gloss Enhancer filter.

[studio460]

Actually, it's about an eight-month old coat of Turtle Wax Formula 2000. Gonna clay bar/3M Swirl Remover the entire car and try that can of Liquid Glass stuff I keep yammering about next weekend.

[Patrick]

Still Sweet!!!!!! I'll send ya PM later tomorrow. Got a few questions, but S**&&t it almost 5:15 am. bed time!

[martyo]

Thanks Todd,

I dont blaime you for not wanting to wake the wrath of the wife....

I fear mine too :)


You are all sissys!

[MYSTA KANG]

NBC man you have a clean ride. And the photos are high quality too.

[jettle]

You are all sissys!

Yeah pretty much... Mine is 7 months pregnant. I fear for my life sometimes...

[TAF]

Todd...Can you share the hight of your rear wheel well? When I dropped mine to the suggested hight that Eibach listed the car was too harsh over bumps. I may have went to low though....

Thanks!
From my garage floor, car sitting at rest for several hours, center of the wheel to the wheel-well lip = 28 1/4"

Starting the car, me sitting in it, let the airbags fill = 28 9/16 "

Hope that helps.

[jettle]

From my garage floor, car sitting at rest for several hours, center of the wheel to the wheel-well lip = 28 1/4"

Starting the car, me sitting in it, let the airbags fill = 28 9/16 "

Hope that helps.

Thanks Todd...You rule!

[teamrope]

I only have one thing to say...that thing looks
Scha-WEEET!

[studio460]

Thanks for all the compliments, guys. Someoone asked this in a PM, but I thought the rest of you might also like to know what I did to my taillights . . .

"I got rear-ended a couple months ago and they had to re-paint the bumper cover, trunk, etc. I said, "Hey, would you mind painting these lenses while you're at it?" When I asked how much, they said, "Don't worry about it!" So, I got my rear decklid holes from the debadging filled and painted AND the "S55" concept taillights and the reverse lenses. They almost screwed up and tinted them instead. I told them, "make it look just like the body panels--glossy black and OPAQUE!" Awesome, isn't it? Take your car to a good body shop and have them prep and paint it--I would guess they would only charge about $200 or so. Forget NiteShades--go with the paint!"

[Donny Carlson]

Shooter,

Would you post a rear shot of your car so we could see how these "painted" tail lamps look? Maybe a close up shot of the lamps?

[TAF]

Another SLAMMED view, from the rear . . .

http://24framefilms.com/PICT1564-rear.jpg
Here it is Donny.

[studio460]

Donny:

My car's not "done" yet (waiting for my grille from Zack, exhaust work, etc.), so I haven't taken many pictures of it yet. Will shoot some good close-ups and night shots of the taillights as soon as I get a chance and post in a new thread.

Also, if you go back to page '3' of this thread there's a better rear end shot in one of the posts.

[Donny Carlson]

Yeah, I saw that pic, and it's good.... but not want I wanted.

What I want is something I can print out and take to Team Collision, point to the pics and say "Make mine look like this."

So, I need a shot where the end is not in shadow, and a close up of each lamp assembly and the back up light assembly, preferably left profile, rear, right profile. You get the drift.