Noob questions

[MaskedMarauder]

After years of admiring from afar, I recently bought a 2003 Marauder with 45,000 miles on it as a way to honor my grandfather (who loved them) who passed recently.

I have a couple questions, though:

1) What sizes are the speakers? Are they the typical Ford 6x8? What size is the factory sub?

2) I'm going to be doing a custom exhaust setup and want to replace the resonated tips, but want something that looks as close to factory as possible. Recommendations?

[Invective]

After years of admiring from afar, I recently bought a 2003 Marauder with 45,000 miles on it as a way to honor my grandfather (who loved them) who passed recently.

I have a couple questions, though:

1) What sizes are the speakers? Are they the typical Ford 6x8? What size is the factory sub?

2) I'm going to be doing a custom exhaust setup and want to replace the resonated tips, but want something that looks as close to factory as possible. Recommendations?

I advise to just maintain the car as stock instead of trashing it up, until you gain some perspective. Head Unit for the Symphonic Premium Sound System is Alpine, thinking the optional cd changer, subwoofer are too. A 17yo car can be a challenge to maintain, especially one as complex as the Marauder. Low mileage is good - my 2004 just turned 48k miles. Recent compression check revealed #4 was down to 150psi, still above the 140psi service limit. Rear Cylinder Head Crossover Cooling Modification is the first mod I would perform, if it hasn't been performed already. Cylinder Head #8 (driver's side rear) isn't cooled adequately in stock form - the mod corrects this. Google search it and plenty of info here on this website. Many people like myself have loved these cars from their (4th gen) introduction in 2002. My car from its last cleanup a few weeks back.

https://i.imgur.com/kpgwkuil.jpg

[Peace2Peep]

After years of admiring from afar, I recently bought a 2003 Marauder with 45,000 miles on it as a way to honor my grandfather (who loved them) who passed recently.

I have a couple questions, though:

1) What sizes are the speakers? Are they the typical Ford 6x8? What size is the factory sub?

Yes, the speakers are the typical Ford 5x7/6x8 sizes. Many here have tries various coaxial sizes. I used components in my first Marauder and loved them.

2) I'm going to be doing a custom exhaust setup and want to replace the resonated tips, but want something that looks as close to factory as possible. Recommendations?

Custom is generally the way to go and in my experience was actually cheaper than most pre-fab options. The rear set of cats can be removed with good sound effect. The mufflers can be redone with varying effect (I used magnaflow before, not sure what I'll use next on my new to me vehicle.)

***Invective has a point...take your time: measure twice/cut once approach will result in no regrets***

Enjoy the ride baby!!!

[Mr. Man]

First mod if the car is totally stock is to call Marty at Mo's Speed Shop (site sponsor) and get a tune for the car. Worry about the other stuff later.

[MyBlackBeasts]

First mod if the car is totally stock is to call Marty at Mo's Speed Shop (site sponsor) and get a tune for the car. Worry about the other stuff later.

^^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS!!! It will be the best $$$ you ever spend on the car. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[RubberCtyRauder]

I believe stock sub is 6.5

[kirk]

First mod if the car is totally stock is to call Marty at Mo's Speed Shop (site sponsor) and get a tune for the car. Worry about the other stuff later.

#3 on that

[sailsmen]

Check on the defects such as Lighting Control Module and Rear axles.

[justbob]

I believe stock sub is junk

Fixed.


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[the fat bastid]

Yeah, typical paper cone 6x8s in all four corners, the sub is 6.5"
Any aftermarket speakers will make a world of difference, I used infinity for the speakers and jl for the sub. The sub is more work than a drop-in because of the enclosure shape and size of the magnet on aftermarket subs. Most will hit the curved side of the sub box but you can heatgun and press it out.

[offroadkarter]

Stock speakers are 6x8's and the sub is a 6.5". I think people used to replace the factory sub with an infinity basslink setup for a simple upgrade. I had swapped in a new 6.5" sub with a new amp into my box as well as filling it with polyfill, it made an improvement but I don't know if I'd bother doing it again. Was just a bit of an experiment.

The factory tips are 26" long with a 3.5" diamater and a 30 degree roll cut. Most of the aftermarket tips you'll find are between 18-22" long and normally you'll see the end of the tip and where its welded to the pipe sticking out of the bumper.

Honestly you're better off just leaving the stock tips on, they don't dampen that much noise.

What exactly are your plans for this car? Its better to have a clear direction on where you want to go before you start replacing stuff.



A 17yo car can be a challenge to maintain, especially one as complex as the Marauder.

I would love to hear what on these cars is so complex, your 2005 Mustang has more technology than your Marauder, let alone that Ranger.

[fastblackmerc]

I have new stock MM tips that are non-resonated for sale.

[Ambitious1]

The best mods (in my opinion) are CAI, 4.10 gears, Marty's tune, 2nd cat delete. If your wallet is big enough: Stainless Works Headers and Exhaust and then Boost!
If you are just starting out, then do the 4.10 gears and Marty's tune and you will be very happy. Then go from there.

[Invective]

I would love to hear what on these cars is so complex, your 2005 Mustang has more technology than your Marauder, let alone that Ranger.


Hmmm...where do I start? Recalling my HS days - we usually wanted to change out the radio, wheels and exhaust first, no questions asked. Perfectly good cars turned into sht within 6 months. OP is clearly brand new to Marauder (and cars in general?). Air Suspension, EATC for starters.

[MaskedMarauder]

OP is clearly brand new to Marauder (and cars in general?). Air Suspension, EATC for starters.

New to the Marauder, yes. New to cars with finicky parts, no. My past 3 cars have been a 2004 Lincoln LS V8, a 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, and a 2014 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost. I currently own (along with the Marauder) a 2016 Ford Edge Sport. The Lincoln LS cost me more money to fix the more complex parts than I'd care to admit. I was just asking for some specs of some components. I went into this eyes wide open. It's 16 years old. Things are going to break. Parts are becoming scarce. I have every maintenance record for the car from the past 16 years. It was garage-kept until sold. I've done my homework.

[offroadkarter]

Hmmm...where do I start? Recalling my HS days - we usually wanted to change out the radio, wheels and exhaust first, no questions asked. Perfectly good cars turned into sht within 6 months. OP is clearly brand new to Marauder (and cars in general?). Air Suspension, EATC for starters.

I'm sure the cars from your HS days would have shocked drivers from the 1920's with how advanced they were

EATC and air ride can be found on Ford products from the mid to late 1980's. Hell, a 80's Mark 7 and Continental had 4 wheel air ride, we don't even have that!

Again, these cars are simplistic, I mean for Christ sake, how advanced is a car when two methods of fixing its electronics are "hit it" (The BCM and LCM).



New to the Marauder, yes. New to cars with finicky parts, no. My past 3 cars have been a 2004 Lincoln LS V8, a 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, and a 2014 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost. I currently own (along with the Marauder) a 2016 Ford Edge Sport. The Lincoln LS cost me more money to fix the more complex parts than I'd care to admit. I was just asking for some specs of some components. I went into this eyes wide open. It's 16 years old. Things are going to break. Parts are becoming scarce. I have every maintenance record for the car from the past 16 years. It was garage-kept until sold. I've done my homework.

You have NOTHING to fear if you came from owning a LS V8. The Marauder specific parts are getting scarce yes, but since most of this car is the same as your basic panther platform, plenty of service parts will be around for decades to come.

Top tip, since the forum search function is trash, if you need to search anything, open google and use site:mercurymarauder.net followed by whatever you need. it'll search just this forum for your query.

[Invective]

New to the Marauder, yes. New to cars with finicky parts, no. My past 3 cars have been a 2004 Lincoln LS V8, a 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, and a 2014 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost. I currently own (along with the Marauder) a 2016 Ford Edge Sport. The Lincoln LS cost me more money to fix the more complex parts than I'd care to admit. I was just asking for some specs of some components. I went into this eyes wide open. It's 16 years old. Things are going to break. Parts are becoming scarce. I have every maintenance record for the car from the past 16 years. It was garage-kept until sold. I've done my homework.

This is good news - probably should have put a bit of this into your original posting. Be prepared as you will experience the gamut of responses. Be sure to check out the numerous Marauder FB pages too. Welcome to the world of the 4th gen Mercury Marauder - previous generations are welcome too.

[Invective]

I'm sure the cars from your HS days would have shocked drivers from the 1920's with how advanced they were

EATC and air ride can be found on Ford products from the mid to late 1980's. Hell, a 80's Mark 7 and Continental had 4 wheel air ride, we don't even have that!

Again, these cars are simplistic, I mean for Christ sake, how advanced is a car when two methods of fixing its electronics are "hit it" (The BCM and LCM).


The OP decided to make his position clear well after his first post - strange. Now that we know portions of his itinerary(?), you may decide to state something worthwhile - or not. Many here make complete fools of themselves for no clear reason, other than to assert some form of obtuse 'supremacy'(?). The choice is yours.

[offroadkarter]

The OP decided to make his position clear well after his first post - strange. Now that we know portions of his itinerary(?), you may decide to state something worthwhile - or not.


He asked about speakers and exhaust work. He wasn't asking how to strap a Saturn V rocket to his car on a P71 owners budget.




Many here make complete fools of themselves for no clear reason, other than to assert some form of obtuse 'supremacy'(?). The choice is yours.

Okay dude, coming from the guy posting like a boomer lost on facebook

[justbob]

This thread hurts my head...

A couple of SIMPLE questions and steered directly into the business end of a freight train.


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[decipha]

I put a pioneer bluetooth player in my marauder. It required triming the radio bezel no big deal.

I have the 6.5" JL w3v2 sub but hadnt cut the box to make it fit. The heat gun idea is much more appealing to me will try ir when i can.

[crownvic97]

Okay dude, coming from the guy posting like a boomer lost on facebook

I had the same feeling.

[MaskedMarauder]

One more noob question. What is the difference between the 4.6 4V in the Marauder and the one from the Cobra other than the supercharger? I'm assuming the heads are different as well. Just curious.

[musclemerc]

Heads are the same. Both have "C" heads

The bottom end is the difference. Cobra is a low compression, forged internal, steel block
Marauder is high compression, non forged internal, aluminum block

[Turbov6Bryan]

Do not go to ford and get the LCM light control module repaired, they will hack your wiring..
Guy on here repairs them.
Forget replacing the stock subwoofer, just use a stock amp on a 8 inch 4th order box off eBay and your choice of subwoofer, sounds 3.785 times better..
Summit sells stainless steel 3 or 4 inch by 24? Tips for about 30-44.00 each. Even have the rolled edge too..

Get a tune, Marty's shift schedule alone will change how nice the car drives

change all the fluids and filters and buy new tires

[fastblackmerc]

OP. I repair EATC's, compass, LCM and BCM. I can also supply LEDs, HIDs and other goodies. See the MARAUDER INNOVATIONS forum.

[Invective]

One more noob question. What is the difference between the 4.6 4V in the Marauder and the one from the Cobra other than the supercharger? I'm assuming the heads are different as well. Just curious.

2003 heads have 4 threads for the spark plugs while the 2004 heads have 9 threads for the spark plugs as I recall. Spark plug torque is critical, around 12 ft lbs. Just had my spark plugs changed for the very first time ever, at 47,900+ miles. 2004 4.6L DOHC motors also have two knock sensors, vs. the 2003 4.6L DOHC, with one knock sensor - presumably to allow the pcm to respond quicker to combustion parameters, octane differences, etc.