Humorus Ride Home

[427435]

The first 5 miles of my commute is on a new, fairly straight piece of 2 lane (55 mph limit). Most people drive at 60-64 mph, me included. About a 1/4 mile ahead, I see a crotch rocket. He has to slow down for turning traffic and I close to within a 100 feet. Then he accelerates strongly back to 60 something. Then he turns his head to check behind him (he has no mirrors which is a violation of Minnesota laws). He sees my car (which is about the same color as the dark red Minnesota highway patrol cars) and promptly slows to 55 mph. I get closer, he looks again, and carefully stays at 55 mph despite a clear road in front. I let him sweat for about 15 seconds and then pass shortly before some curves and my turn.


:cool4:

[FiveO]

:lol:

Gotta love those imatation trooper cars ;)

BTW: What part of MN are you from?

[Bigdogjim]

Ah! The first of many such encounters.........Enjoy it as just gets better...........

:wasntme: :whistle:

[BillyGman]

here's another one, although it's somewhat different and doesn't focus on a Marauder......

So I'm cruising at my usual 70 MPH and see up ahead that there's a pack of cars that are moving at 55 MPH and are all slowing down and congregating behind this one car that has a lightbar on top of it. So I move in a little closer and spot that it's an early 90's Crown Vic. I wasn't close enough to it to see any markings on the car. Like everyone else, the only thing I saw was a lightbar on it, and the way that everyone was afraid to pass it indicated that everyone thought it was the PD. But because I've always loved the body style of Crown Vics, I immediatetly spotted that it was a 92-94 because of the shape of it's tail light lenses.

So I was the only one who knew that it wasn't a police officer since none of the PD's in CT have Crown Vics that are older than 97's, and even the 97's cruisers are rare. So I made my way through the fearfull crowd as they moved over for me one by one, and I passed the Crown Vic which was traveling at 55 MPH. I passed him doing about 68 MPH and he looked over at me like he was very surprised that there was someone passing him. Perhaps he was used to slowing everyone down simply because he had a lightbar on the top of his car. But it turns out that it said "fire dept" on the door.

What got me was that once I set the pace by passing that CV, most of the drivers behind me who now decided to follow my lead and pass it also, now were riding my tailgate and all of a sudden 70 MPH wasn't fast enough for them and they had to pass me. So I hit my turn signal and moved over to the righthand lane to let them by as they raced past me doing 75 MPH and some of them atleast 80 MPH. I wish I had a sign at that moment that said "chickens".:baaa:

[Patrick]

That cool Billy!!!! I have a few but I still like coming over a hill or a curve and seeing the expression (especially RICERS) who think have just been dun in by the Cops. They just see What they think is a Police car and then I see the brake lights as they pass!!!! PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Patrick]

The first 5 miles of my commute is on a new, fairly straight piece of 2 lane (55 mph limit). Most people drive at 60-64 mph, me included. About a 1/4 mile ahead, I see a crotch rocket. He has to slow down for turning traffic and I close to within a 100 feet. Then he accelerates strongly back to 60 something. Then he turns his head to check behind him (he has no mirrors which is a violation of Minnesota laws). He sees my car (which is about the same color as the dark red Minnesota highway patrol cars) and promptly slows to 55 mph. I get closer, he looks again, and carefully stays at 55 mph despite a clear road in front. I let him sweat for about 15 seconds and then pass shortly before some curves and my turn.


:cool4:


:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :high5: :high5: :high5:

[427435]

I live just north of Rochester but commute to Rosemount everyday on "Suicide Alley"--------otherwise know as Highway 52. :sweat:



:lol:

Gotta love those imatation trooper cars ;)

BTW: What part of MN are you from?

[Bradley G]

When I first got the MM several months ago. I was traveling on a country backroad 40 45 mph I came around a corner and the car in front of me pulled off the road (with no shoulder!!)I thought they had trouble but as I passed them I noticed the people looking at Me.The look on thier faces was desperate turning to relief then the driver got back on the road continuing on thier way.I thought to myself WOW what kind of car do people think it is ??:confused:

[FiveO]

I live just north of Rochester but commute to Rosemount everyday on "Suicide Alley"--------otherwise know as Highway 52. :sweat:


Eh...not too far from me.

PM me if you ever want to do lunch or something. I get over that way when I can. I have a buddy who lives in Pine Island.


52 is a bit rough....especially with all that construction going on.

[Kelly]

I live just north of Rochester but commute to Rosemount everyday on "Suicide Alley"--------otherwise know as Highway 52. :sweat:

Hey! when I'am crossing over 52 at county 46 they now have a traffic light so I dont have to pray quite so much. :party:

[TripleTransAm]

Left Montreal really early Friday morning to head to Dayton Ohio for the T/A nationals. About 1/2 way between Montreal and Toronto, a Civic starts following me closely. Too closely, for my comfort. There was an older couple in the car, the driver very concentrated on the road ahead of him (and the sight of my bumper, no doubt) and his female passenger appeared to be the type that spoke as loudly with her hands as with her voice... no doubt, a nag artiste extraordinaire.

I guess this guy must have been a frustrated Nascar-driver wannabe, because he must think he's going to do the long distance haul on the 401 with minimal fuel consumption just by grabbing a draft off the back of my MM.

So, staying focused on the task at hand (getting myself, wife, and one 2003 Marauder safely through 14 hours of driving), I tried to ignore the little turd. However, in more than one occasion after I'd complete passing a slower car, he'd whip out from behind said car and tuck right back behind me, sometimes literally sliding across what seemed like my back bumper.

:mad:

With wife and kid asleep, I goosed it up to around 80 mph from my previous cruising speed of 70 mph, just to get some distance. I figured I'd eventually gain enough ground on him to kill his draft, but the SOB would speed up and stay within a couple of car lengths!

:mad: :mad:

At one point, I pulled out to pass but instead applied the brakes, thinking I'd get him to finally slingshot past me once and for all. Amazingly, the little sheep humper got as far as my passenger mirror, and DROPPED BACK, waiting to tuck in behind me again!!!!

I lost it.

One very vicious foot-to-the-mat downshift later, I had the MM racing right to the speed limiter in what seemed like a mere instant... damn these things may be soft off the line, but sudden acceleration at 70+ is downright explosive. The speed limiter, however, is pretty lame... for a car of this class and power, having it limited at this speed is a pure joke, even though I don't see myself ever needing to go that fast (unless I'm in another similar situation and all other options are exhausted).

Honestly, the whole scene was VERY reminiscent of that scene in Smokey and the Bandit I when Burt mats the T/A and leaves Jackie Gleason's Sheriff Justice in his dust.

Anyway, the car stayed at the limited top speed for no more than 10 seconds or so, it was enough to put the Honda's headlights at the horizon. I dropped it back to 80 and then maintained a steady 70 the rest of the way, without hassles.

[BillyGman]

Honestly, the whole scene was VERY reminiscent of that scene in Smokey and the Bandit I when Burt mats the T/A and leaves Jackie Gleason's Sheriff Justice in his dust.."BYE-BYE-BABIEEEEEE"......... ;)

[spub]

The first 5 miles of my commute is on a new, fairly straight piece of 2 lane (55 mph limit). Most people drive at 60-64 mph, me included. About a 1/4 mile ahead, I see a crotch rocket. He has to slow down for turning traffic and I close to within a 100 feet. Then he accelerates strongly back to 60 something. Then he turns his head to check behind him (he has no mirrors which is a violation of Minnesota laws). He sees my car (which is about the same color as the dark red Minnesota highway patrol cars) and promptly slows to 55 mph. I get closer, he looks again, and carefully stays at 55 mph despite a clear road in front. I let him sweat for about 15 seconds and then pass shortly before some curves and my turn.


:cool4:How interesting. I have the same car, in the same color combo, built on the same day:rock: .

[TripleTransAm]

"BYE-BYE-BABIEEEEEE"......... ;)


Yes, that's exactly the scene I'm referring to.

[BillyGman]

Yes, that's exactly the scene I'm referring to.
Yep, I knew that, because I've had people tailgate me like that who also wouldn't pass me when I moved over for them, and I've done the same thing as you did, and when I have, I thought of that same movie scene, and have even said those words as they're disappering in my rearveiw mirror. :shot:

[427435]

Hey! when I'am crossing over 52 at county 46 they now have a traffic light so I dont have to pray quite so much. :party:

Do you mean Dakota County 46? If so, that's where I get off/on State 52 every workday. I sure hope they get that done before the snow flies!!

[427435]

Yes, that is interesting. I've also noted that there aren't many DTR's in inventory but lot's of black. I wonder how many more cars they might have sold if DTR would have been available within 90 days of launch (and if all their dealers kept one in stock). Four out of five Mercury dealers, here in Minnesota, never kept any MM's in stock.

The dealer I ordered the car from had to keep it on his lot for 60 days until my old car lease ran out (part of deal). He actually kept it inside and said he sold another, just like it, because of someone seeing it.

But then we all know how great Mercury's marketing department is.

:censor: :censor:


How interesting. I have the same car, in the same color combo, built on the same day:rock: .

[427435]

How interesting. I have the same car, in the same color combo, built on the same day:rock: .

Yes, that is interesting. I've also noted that there aren't many DTR's in inventory but lot's of black. I wonder how many more cars they might have sold if DTR would have been available within 90 days of launch (and if all their dealers kept one in stock). Four out of five Mercury dealers, here in Minnesota, never kept any MM's in stock.

The dealer I ordered the car from had to keep it on his lot for 60 days until my old car lease ran out (part of deal). He actually kept it inside and said he sold another, just like it, because of someone seeing it.

But then we all know how great Mercury's marketing department is.

:censor: :censor:

[GarageMahal]

Yes, that is interesting. I've also noted that there aren't many DTR's in inventory but lot's of black. I wonder how many more cars they might have sold if DTR would have been available within 90 days of launch (and if all their dealers kept one in stock). Four out of five Mercury dealers, here in Minnesota, never kept any MM's in stock.

The dealer I ordered the car from had to keep it on his lot for 60 days until my old car lease ran out (part of deal). He actually kept it inside and said he sold another, just like it, because of someone seeing it.

But then we all know how great Mercury's marketing department is.

:censor: :censor:

If DTR was available day one I would be driving one. Every car I had before the MM was highway patrol maroon. I just don't have that kind of patience ;)

jta

[Dan]

Steve,

I know that you take pride in having the fastest unmodified Marauder but what happened to you tells me that you need to, at the ver least, get rid of that limiter.

If you want, I'll send you up my SCT and you can take care of it.

-Dan

[TripleTransAm]

First off, the SCT can only be used on one vehicle, I believe.

Secondly, removal of the limiter would mean I'd have to upgrade the driveshaft as well.

Lastly, I don't think I'll be hitting any speed limiters again anytime soon. This car is p*ssing me off. Got back from Dayton late last night without any hiccups, ran 70-75 mph pretty much for 14 hours straight (with a lunch break near St.Thomas Ontario of all places!). I came home at lunch to deal with some landscaping issues and decided to stay home for the afternoon since I'd developed a migraine due to some unpleasant things I had to take care of at work this morning. When I left to go get my wife and kid, the car had developed a "tap" that was RPM-dependent.

Not a ticking, per se... seems like what was described as the cam-holddown torque issue... more of a metallic rapping sound, although it did seem to be cylinder-dependent and this time actually audible from inside the car (it's been getting worse over the course of the evening). Again, from the driver's side of the engine, it seems.

"Fastest unmodified Marauder"... not such a bloody fast car when it's lying in a dealership service bay in pieces, would you say?

This is it, the freebies are up. Once I get this issue resolved (by whatever means), the very next thing that goes wrong with this car, it's history.

[SergntMac]

Man-oh-man, this thread is wasted...Hey, can I play too?

Gawd...this was so funny...I hope I can write the color as it unfolded before me. Okay...First, y'all need to understand that Chicago (like elsewhere big metro areas) is a snakepit of Interstate highways with "I-names" the traffic reporters use. Most have secondary "official" names that help our city dwellers and suburbanites communicate directions, such as our I-55 is known as "the Stevenson,", and our I-90/94 is called "the Dan Ryan." We got more highways around Chicago named after dead politicians, but we also have affectionate nick-names for these highways, which we all laugh at. The highway that joins Gary IN. to Lansing IL. is officially known as "I-80," but right now, it's called "the alley," because it's that wide and full of...

Anyway, one night I'm headed home, and I'm approaching a big interchange. I've got my "hum" on, my MM fills my head and heart while I'm fussing with my new GPS toy. I'm not really paying more attention because I'm near "home ground" too. Next thing I know, I'm lit up and getting pulled over by (as the light bar color combo and location tell me) a State Trooper in a Z-28 Camaro. Rather than grab some curb right now, I cruise to safe shoulder I know of down the road just a bit more, but it's a well lit location. I sense this Trooper knows that.

We get there as a team, and by the time this Trooper gets to my window, it's down. My engine is off, interior lights on, keys on dash, and both paws are doing a Dr. Pepper on the steering wheel. Afterall, I'm driving out of the alley at high speed, in a shinny and loud sedan with oversized wheels, and this Trooper and I, have both read this page before.

"Sir. Stay in your car until I ask you to step out. Do you hear me." "Yes..Ma'am?" Trooper steps cabinside, looks me and my MM over a bit, peeks here and there briefly, and asks "where's your stuff." "Sittin on 'em both Ma'am." Trooper blinks, says "okay. "Please step out of your vehicle," and I do. Now we're face to face and damn...She's cute, and I think she's stopped me before, maybe two years ago? However, right now, it's her job, and my playtime. She's clean and right, and I've got a smidgen of grease on my cheek on two counts. Now we're both holding back chuckes.

"Sir. You were driving 80 mile per hour in a 55 zone, license and registration please." I don't reply, but while I produce my wallet, I turn to look above us. Because of this "snakepit" of interchanges around Chicago, my "well lit" location happens to be just beneath a series of road/route decisions anyone just coming out the alley has to follow. I look up, and point first to the sign just a few feet infront of us. The interstate sign for "I-80."

In my best "Rainman," I point to the sign and say "eye" and point to my tummy and say "80." She can't hold her chuckle much longer, and comes to point to the same sign, then touches her badge (just above a delicious set of perky...Nevermind, I digress) and says "Eye...55!"

We're both laughing out loud now, but not saying anything to each other. Lots of body friendly language here...Finally, I get enough air to whisper "you're lucky too" and she gets enough air to whisper back "why is that?"

"We're not on I-294..."

I get a wave, she leaves the shoulder before I recover, and she leaves her impression on me, both on the pavement, and in my heart.

Come back here, You! I want to laugh more! But, she's gone.

Nevermind...I guess y'all had to be there...

[GarageMahal]

Thanks Sarge, I needed a really good laugh :sunshine:

[RCSignals]

First off, the SCT can only be used on one vehicle, I believe.

Secondly, removal of the limiter would mean I'd have to upgrade the driveshaft as well.

Lastly, I don't think I'll be hitting any speed limiters again anytime soon. This car is p*ssing me off. Got back from Dayton late last night without any hiccups, ran 70-75 mph pretty much for 14 hours straight (with a lunch break near St.Thomas Ontario of all places!). I came home at lunch to deal with some landscaping issues and decided to stay home for the afternoon since I'd developed a migraine due to some unpleasant things I had to take care of at work this morning. When I left to go get my wife and kid, the car had developed a "tap" that was RPM-dependent.

Not a ticking, per se... seems like what was described as the cam-holddown torque issue... more of a metallic rapping sound, although it did seem to be cylinder-dependent and this time actually audible from inside the car (it's been getting worse over the course of the evening). Again, from the driver's side of the engine, it seems.

"Fastest unmodified Marauder"... not such a bloody fast car when it's lying in a dealership service bay in pieces, would you say?

This is it, the freebies are up. Once I get this issue resolved (by whatever means), the very next thing that goes wrong with this car, it's history.

Sorry to hear that Steve. I'm just glad my Marauder is nothing like your Marauder....

Maybe she's upset that you took her to the T/A nationals instead of MV2? :dunno:

[RCSignals]

Great story Mac. Thanks.

[Dan]

First off, the SCT can only be used on one vehicle, I believe.

Secondly, removal of the limiter would mean I'd have to upgrade the driveshaft as well.

Lastly, I don't think I'll be hitting any speed limiters again anytime soon. This car is p*ssing me off. Got back from Dayton late last night without any hiccups, ran 70-75 mph pretty much for 14 hours straight (with a lunch break near St.Thomas Ontario of all places!). I came home at lunch to deal with some landscaping issues and decided to stay home for the afternoon since I'd developed a migraine due to some unpleasant things I had to take care of at work this morning. When I left to go get my wife and kid, the car had developed a "tap" that was RPM-dependent.

Not a ticking, per se... seems like what was described as the cam-holddown torque issue... more of a metallic rapping sound, although it did seem to be cylinder-dependent and this time actually audible from inside the car (it's been getting worse over the course of the evening). Again, from the driver's side of the engine, it seems.

"Fastest unmodified Marauder"... not such a bloody fast car when it's lying in a dealership service bay in pieces, would you say?

This is it, the freebies are up. Once I get this issue resolved (by whatever means), the very next thing that goes wrong with this car, it's history.

Sorry about the car thing, Steve. Also sorry about my post. I either hit a nervw, caught you mid-migraine or both. I hope that you can get your baby squared away quickly.

-Dan

[TripleTransAm]

Dan, I didn't see anything in your post that necessitated an apology, so I'm not sure where you're coming from with that. *shrug*

Basically about one year on the road (if I subtract the months it was parked during the winter): Since earlier this spring (with not even 20000 miles on it), I've had to endure the WOMP WOMP WOMP of the wear strips on the various corners of my car... the fronts worn incredibly low on HALF the innermost tread block (the rest of the tire looks like it could handle another 30000 miles!!!!), and the rears wearing a nice band straight down the middle. I've priced replacement tires locally and gotten ridiculously high quotes... ("yeah, but these tires have a good wear rating...") :lol:
I know Tire Rack has good prices on the tires, I will see if I can somehow swing getting them across the border without paying a testicle or two.

So, one effective year on the road, and I suspect the driver's side head will be off the car for a second time. Now that I've thought about it, I'm thinking the long highway trip might have cooked the problematic area at the driver's side rear yet again. I kept an eye on the temp gage all through the trip, but I'm thinking the reported loss of flow around that area keeps the heat localized and the gage will simply keep seeing satisfactory coolant temps where the sensor is located. Either that, or the temp gage is another one of Ford's idiot gages like the Oil Pressure gage fiasco...

So, let's say the head gets replaced again. Next long trip, I'll be paranoid yet again about something burning up... or the tranny losing OD... or ...

So much for dependability. I honestly like the way folks describe this car as a canvas on which to build your car to your specs... but I truly feel the canvas is a bit wrinkled for my taste. Go figure, I am satisfied with the car's performance stock (okay, I'll wait for folks to quit laughing) but am unwilling to have to spend yet MORE of my coin to address simple reliability issues.

I wanted this car to be an image car for me... something to feel good about while I couldn't take a T/A out for whatever reason. For months last year, it backed that image up with the engine sound reminiscent of an old worn-out wheezer with badly adjusted and/or burnt valves. That got fixed (hoorah!). And now, I've got what sounds like a diesel-powered muscle-car. And I've got to lose yet more work time to take that thing in for repair. *sigh*

If the engine does get taken apart, I'm torn between asking for (umm... demanding?) a brand new engine or requiring that some pre-emptive mods be applied free of charge (including the coolant-routing fix kit). At the same time, I'll be investigating what actions to take should I decide Ford needs to buy this car back from me. I'll be honest: I spent a LOT of time on Dodge web sites last night looking for Hemi Magnum information.

I've done a lot of soul-searching... was it something I did? Didn't do? Neglected? Driving style? Frankly, religiously regular oil changes and strict adherence to maintenance schedules have helped little, and considering that all my other cars (past and present) EXCEPT this one have been (and continue to be) rock solid... well, it ain't me. (note: the '85 Parisienne from way back when did have a lot of the GM 80s glitches, but never once did the powertrain require any work... ever....)

With the above: I hereby retire the "Black Cloud" nickname I playfully assumed. Like I said, it ain't me.

RC... yes, I should have taken a T/A to the T/A Nationals. The intention was to take my fuel-sipping WS6 on this trip, the idea being to save a few bucks considering our current situation so soon after a new house construction. But I really wanted my wife and child to attend with me, especially important since my little boy is so into cars lately, and we are best buddies. So, considering her medical status at the moment versus the length of the trip, I conceded in taking the Marauder. Looking back (and looking forward to all the hassles I will have in the coming weeks dealing with this new issue), I agree with you: I should have left the Marauder at home.

Sorry for hijacking the thread... felt better to vent among friends.

[spub]

Yes, that is interesting. I've also noted that there aren't many DTR's in inventory but lot's of black. I wonder how many more cars they might have sold if DTR would have been available within 90 days of launch (and if all their dealers kept one in stock). Four out of five Mercury dealers, here in Minnesota, never kept any MM's in stock.

The dealer I ordered the car from had to keep it on his lot for 60 days until my old car lease ran out (part of deal). He actually kept it inside and said he sold another, just like it, because of someone seeing it.

But then we all know how great Mercury's marketing department is.

:censor: :censor:When I went to look at them at the dealer, he only had one silver one. I had to drive an hour away to see the car in DTR. It was on the showroom floor with 4 miles on it (hmmm, 4 is beginning to be a theme here:cool4: ). As soon as I saw it I knew that was the color I wanted. I had my dealer go get it and picked it up with 48 miles on it.

[RCSignals]

Basically about one year on the road (if I subtract the months it was parked during the winter): Since earlier this spring (with not even 20000 miles on it), I've had to endure the WOMP WOMP WOMP of the wear strips on the various corners of my car... the fronts worn incredibly low on HALF the innermost tread block (the rest of the tire looks like it could handle another 30000 miles!!!!), and the rears wearing a nice band straight down the middle. I've priced replacement tires locally and gotten ridiculously high quotes... ("yeah, but these tires have a good wear rating...") :lol:
I know Tire Rack has good prices on the tires, I will see if I can somehow swing getting them across the border without paying a testicle or two.

.............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. ......
If the engine does get taken apart, I'm torn between asking for (umm... demanding?) a brand new engine or requiring that some pre-emptive mods be applied free of charge (including the coolant-routing fix kit). At the same time, I'll be investigating what actions to take should I decide Ford needs to buy this car back from me. I'll be honest: I spent a LOT of time on Dodge web sites last night looking for Hemi Magnum information.

I've done a lot of soul-searching... was it something I did? Didn't do? Neglected? Driving style? Frankly, religiously regular oil changes and strict adherence to maintenance schedules have helped little, and considering that all my other cars (past and present) EXCEPT this one have been (and continue to be) rock solid... well, it ain't me. (note: the '85 Parisienne from way back when did have a lot of the GM 80s glitches, but never once did the powertrain require any work... ever....)

With the above: I hereby retire the "Black Cloud" nickname I playfully assumed. Like I said, it ain't me.



Steve, A couple of things.

What about the BF Goodrich tire warranty? Have you checked into replacement using that?

I saw Lance's application of the coolant routing "fix". Looked good, and he claims he's seen positive results.

Dodge is making the Magnum a rent-a-car in a big way. (Funny how this seems to be portrayed as a positive, but a Ford product as a rent a car is touted as a bad sign for the product) Maybe you can rent a Magnum for a day or two.

None of this :wasntme: stuff.....Blackcloud is your moniker, You are not shedding it that easy...... Your Marauder may be taking the brunt, but you are still in the equation....;) :whistle: