Mach 1 runs very well first time at the Dragstrip.

[MI2QWK4U]

This past Friday I had the chance to take the Mach 1 and Marauder to Norwalk for Smackdown. First off the only mods to the Mach are 4:10 gears and a chip. A recent dyno revealed 275 RWHP and xxx Torque. The weather was warmer than we wanted, just about 70 at the track. The Mach ran great, after a get aquainted pass (13.66 @ 101.7 mph), I leaned on it hard. The third pass turned out the best run of the day, 13.301@102.92 mph. Other runs netted times of 13.60, 13.53, 13.42 Lidio says that is remarkable for an automatic Mach 1 with no major mods. If it had headers, MAF, and throttle body, and exhaust, it would be running mid to hi 12's all day long. Not a bad winter to do list for the Mach... I will tell you, this car really was made for the strip. Throw on the Kenne Belle and it will be in the 10's. I can tell you this much, the Mach's 4.6L will be pushing well over 550 RWHP by the time things are done, in spite of the naysayers and doomsday criers that wet their pants at the thought of approaching 500 HP on that engine. I hate to admit it, boo if you must, but the Mach 1 is a LOT more fun at the track. Anyone interested in a low mileage trilogy Marauder?

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1664m-med.jpg

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1662m-med.jpg

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1667m-med.jpg

[wesman]

Your Marauder is about 726 times more badass looking than your Mach 1.

[mpearce]

Glad to see you had fun with the Mach 1 at Norwalk. I love that track! Those are very impressive numbers as well. How did the Marauder do?

-Mat

[hdwrench]

Anyone interested in a low mileage trilogy Marauder?
well if you are serious let's hear the specifics... i havent bought one yet and i was thinking sc...

[martyo]

Nice Dave!!! Be sure to keep us in mind as you work up the Mach.

[sailsmen]

The nite I ran a 14.26 in my MM with Reinhart Chip, 4:10, Denso & Stat a manual stock Mach I ran a 12.9!

[stevengerard]

Your Marauder is about 726 times more badass looking than your Mach 1.
That's funny I thought the same thing, though I do like the Mach 1s thre MM just looks baaad in that pic.

[Patrick]

Great #'S!!! :high5: :high5:

[BillyGman]

Your Marauder is about 726 times more badass looking than your Mach 1.
I agree. But I still will look forward to your future posts Dave.

[Bradley G]

Nice Dave!!

I like that color of the Mach I.I am glad you've found a new love.I wish I could justify buying your MM (If YoU were serious).A word of caution :You can mod that Mach to the extent that you have your MM.....But when all is said and done What then?? Yea you'll have a 10-11 sec machine ....But after the newness subsides, Is the Mustang gon'na fill the bill? , all things concidered; style, size,comfort,exclusivity ect. ect.And by the by what did that Marauder run?? and who was responsible for those runs??Dude don't sell your MM, cause I don't want to hear you :bigcry: after it's too late!

[THE_INTERCEPTOR]

Your Marauder is about 726 times more badass looking than your Mach 1.

I couldn't agree more. The Mustang is nice looking and all, but that 'Rauder is just b@dass!

[ADE 1000]

Your Marauder is about 726 times more badass looking than your Mach 1.


I was thinking the exact same thing myself when looking at that picture.

Those are impressive numbers, I was actually considering a Mach 1 before I bought the Marauder as they were giving them away as well. But once I sat in one, I remembered why I could never get used to 1994-2004 Mustangs. It has the most awkward and uncomfortable driving position of any modern car I have been in.

[jakdad]

That's funny I thought the same thing, though I do like the Mach 1s thre MM just looks baaad in that pic. Only because the Mach isn't black!
:D :D :D

[bigslim]

This guy loves his MM. He won't selling it anytime soon, will you Dave???????

[Smokie]

I hate to admit it, boo if you must, but the Mach 1 is a LOT more fun at the track. Anyone interested in a low mileage trilogy Marauder?

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1664m-med.jpg

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1662m-med.jpg

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1667m-med.jpg


No boos here Dave, fun is what you say it is. My viewpoint is: a 13 second Mustang at a track is a dime a dozen, a 12 second Marauder.....special, unique, one of about 50 in the entire country.:D

[MI2QWK4U]

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1667m-med.jpg


No boos here Dave, fun is what you say it is. My viewpoint is: a 13 second Mustang at a track is a dime a dozen, a 12 second Marauder.....special, unique, one of about 50 in the entire country.:D


Thats a good point Smokie, but it wont always be a 13 second Mustang, with whats done and adding the Kenne Belle blower, it will scream into mid 10's easliy. Now consider this...the Mach 1 will be running 10's, the Marauder is into the high 11's, the 85 Mustang GT runs 12's, maybe I will keep up the pattern and get a 13 second car to round out the set! I like the number of 11 second Marauders better, dont you? No where near 50 of them out there.

[THE_INTERCEPTOR]

My viewpoint is: a 13 second Mustang at a track is a dime a dozen, a 12 second Marauder.....[i]special, unique, one of about 50 in the entire country.:D


Once again, I couldn't agree more. Well said.

:bows: :bows: 12 Second Marauder :bows: :bows:

[David Morton]

Your Marauder is about 726 times more badass looking than your Mach 1How typical. :(

Those over-the-top, black & white, good vs. evil type statements tend to make us Marauder owners look like we don't live in a real world and make others suspect we are like the guys with small ding-dings running around talking about our stuff like it was the greatest thing in the world and anybody that doesn't think like we do are jerks. There's no need to make overstatements like that. I think the Marauder looks better by far as well. Let's try to keep it realistic though.

It only looks about 314.2 times better (Pi x 100). :D

[jakdad]

How typical. :(

Those over-the-top, black & white, good vs. evil type statements tend to make us Marauder owners look like we don't live in a real world and make others suspect we are like the guys with small ding-dings running around talking about our stuff like it was the greatest thing in the world and anybody that doesn't think like we do are jerks. There's no need to make overstatements like that. I think the Marauder looks better by far as well. Let's try to keep it realistic though.

It only looks about 314.2 times better (Pi x 100). :D All depends on where you're standing...................... ..
:confused: :rolleyes: :confused: :rolleyes: :confused:

[Smokie]

I like the number of 11 second Marauders better, dont you? No where near 50 of them out there.Now that is an exclusive club, and I believe you will become a member soon, keep the faith. :D

[69marquis conv]

I was thinking the exact same thing myself when looking at that picture.

Those are impressive numbers, I was actually considering a Mach 1 before I bought the Marauder as they were giving them away as well. But once I sat in one, I remembered why I could never get used to 1994-2004 Mustangs. It has the most awkward and uncomfortable driving position of any modern car I have been in.I have to agree with that awkward seating position. I had a '96 Cobra convertible that was the most uncomfortable car I've ever owned- not to mention its tendency to slam me from door to console when going over a parking lot entrance at an angle, and I'm just a little guy! I can't imagine being over 190# and fighting that thing on a rough road.

[hdwrench]

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1667m-med.jpg[/QUOTE]
i like that pic. i thought about a mach1 and i think azure blue like that one, or competition orange are the best colors on that car. seeing them side by side though i like the MM.

[MI2QWK4U]

Now that is an exclusive club, and I believe you will become a member soon, keep the faith. :D
.....Soon?

[wesman]

Wait a minute, maybe I spoke to soon. It will look better after it gets the MI2QWK4U treatment.
Lowered. Tinted. Removed Grilled. Wide back tires.
Its getting better looking already.

[wesman]

BTW,
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Wesman%20II/aa/bunnypancake.jpg



How typical. :(

Those over-the-top, black & white, good vs. evil type statements tend to make us Marauder owners look like we don't live in a real world and make others suspect we are like the guys with small ding-dings running around talking about our stuff like it was the greatest thing in the world and anybody that doesn't think like we do are jerks. There's no need to make overstatements like that. I think the Marauder looks better by far as well. Let's try to keep it realistic though.

:D

[MI2QWK4U2]

This past Friday I had the chance to take the Mach 1 and Marauder to Norwalk for Smackdown. First off the only mods to the Mach are 4:10 gears and a chip. A recent dyno revealed 275 RWHP and xxx Torque. The weather was warmer than we wanted, just about 70 at the track. The Mach ran great, after a get aquainted pass (13.66 @ 101.7 mph), I leaned on it hard. The third pass turned out the best run of the day, 13.301@102.92 mph. Other runs netted times of 13.60, 13.53, 13.42 Lidio says that is remarkable for an automatic Mach 1 with no major mods. If it had headers, MAF, and throttle body, and exhaust, it would be running mid to hi 12's all day long. Not a bad winter to do list for the Mach... I will tell you, this car really was made for the strip. Throw on the Kenne Belle and it will be in the 10's. I can tell you this much, the Mach's 4.6L will be pushing well over 550 RWHP by the time things are done, in spite of the naysayers and doomsday criers that wet their pants at the thought of approaching 500 HP on that engine. I hate to admit it, boo if you must, but the Mach 1 is a LOT more fun at the track. Anyone interested in a low mileage trilogy Marauder?





http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/252Marauder_1667m-med.jpg

Man, that is one sweet Mach 1! Looks fast just sitting there!

[Bradley G]

Funny, I thought the same thing about that black car in front!:D

[MikesMerc]

Dave,

Great times with the Mach!

I've been away for a while and probably missed it, but what have you done to the Mach to get those times? For an automatic, those are excellent times!

[MI2QWK4U]

Dave,

Great times with the Mach!

I've been away for a while and probably missed it, but what have you done to the Mach to get those times? For an automatic, those are excellent times!


Welcome back brother....
Well...Just a chip and gear combo, and a whole lot of Lidios famous Mustang tuning. Hard to believe, even he was a little shocked at how it ran. No K&N filter, no exhaust, no Denso plugs, no cooler stat, or any of the junk folks are tossing on the 4.6's in hopes of a thousandths of a second! It just feels tight on the track, just doesnt seem right that its still slower than the Marauder!

[MikesMerc]

Well...Just a chip and gear combo, and a whole lot of Lidios famous Mustang tuning. Hard to believe, even he was a little shocked at how it ran. No K&N filter, no exhaust, no Denso plugs, no cooler stat, or any of the junk folks are tossing on the 4.6's in hopes of a thousandths of a second!

Yummy! That's some seriously good bang for the buck. Ya know, I was never much into the "fluff" stuff myself either. If you can't really feel it with your own butt, it's hardly worth it. But, hey, that's just my opinion:)

Keep up the good work Dave :beer:

[MI2QWK4U]

Yummy! That's some seriously good bang for the buck. Ya know, I was never much into the "fluff" stuff myself either. If you can't really feel it with your own butt, it's hardly worth it. But, hey, that's just my opinion:)

Keep up the good work Dave :beer:


Your opinion is dead right. Comparing mods to the Mach and the Marauder...its interesting, same 4.6L block, and some of the bs mods are the same between the cars. Both cars can benefit from a gear change and definetly from a well tuned chip. Aside from those two items, add a blower, and you are done. For the Marauder its the Eaton blower thats best, and from what I have been fortunate enough to see, the Kenne Belle is the best call on the Mach 1. I have seen a Mach equipped with a vortech and a Kenne Belle, and on the dyno and strip the Kenne Belle crushed the Vortech. Maybe a little exhaust work, but thats about it for the Mach. If you want to spend a lot of money on junk, do it. Ill bet there are some that have spent far more on modding the Marauder to run fast, than if they had just got an eaton blower and be running in the 12's. Again, this is my own opinion.

[bigslim]

I see that Car and Driver tested a new 05' Mustang GT with a 3-valve engine. Their GT got a 13.2 quarter mile time and a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad for a stock $25,000 Mustang.

[FiveO]

I see that Car and Driver tested a new 05' Mustang GT with a 3-valve engine. Their GT got a 13.2 quarter mile time and a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad for a stock $25,000 Mustang.


Give it a power adder and watch out. I remember that Trilogy was working hard on a power adder to the 3V 05....we'll have to see what they come out with.

Either way...its still a Mustang...no offense...but they'll be a dime a dozen and even the aftermarket powered ones will be plentiful.

I'd rather have a 12 sec Marauder anyday....and pushing 11's with the right stuff :D


To each their own....Mustangs are nice...just don't expect to be the only one on the block!

I have a 1984 GT, Red in color...mint with 58K....but then again...how many foxbodies do you see in stock, near mint condition :)

[bigslim]

I feel the same way Five-0. Mustangs are on every street corner.

[FiveO]

I feel the same way Five-0. Mustangs are on every street corner.


I own a Mustang and love 'em....just the older ones. I love Lidio's 2003 Mach...and have alot of respect for Stangs that set themselves apart from the others.

If I was forced to buy a new Mustang...I'd have a power adder on it immediately along with widened rims. They're awesome looking with fairly good weight...but again.....Mustangs are common. Gimme something thats rare anyday!

[MI2QWK4U]

Boys.....
There was a reason I bought a Mach. The production numbers are unbelievably low.
Total for 2003 Mach1 was 9652

Total for 2004 Mach1 was 7,182

Both years they made less than appx 3400 automatic Machs.

If you further break it down by color and transmission, I have one of less than 300 Grabber Blue Automatic Mach 1. Far from common! I did my homework. So no matter how you break it down, color, trans, year, my Mach 1 is rarer than that overweight/underpowered Grand Marquis GT sitting in your garage. And when you can get that rare car into the mid to low 10s at the strip, forget about it. If you cant tell that the Machs, and Cobras for that matter, are different than the common Mustang, go buy a focus. Machs, bullits, cobras are on the top of the Mustang food chain, bottom line, the only Mustangs that have their engine bay painted to color match the car.
Trust me, there wont be any Mustangs on my block like mine! 10 second Machs wont be on every street corner, or on my street! Just like there wont be any 11 second Marauders in my neighborhood. Then to top it all off, dont forget the White 1985 Mustang GT, sitting in the garage! That one is the rarest one I have, very very low production numbers due to it being an automatic with T-Tops. Between the trans, T-Tops, and color, I have the letter from Ford Motor Company that puts mine as one of 208 if I remember correctly. I get offers on that one all the time from guys wanting an old 4 eyed Mustang! Mint and looking good.... 1985 Mustang GT Link (http://www.cardomain.com/id/mi2qwk4u2)

So give the Stangs a break! Without the Mach donating its motor, the Marauder would have had a V-6 in it!

[Bigdogjim]

overweight/underpowered Grand Marquis GT sitting in your garage.


Well that's a new one? Grand Marquis GT?

[MI2QWK4U]

Well that's a new one? Grand Marquis GT?

Yep Jim, thats what one idiot salesman called it when it first came out!

[Bigdogjim]

So give the Stangs a break! Without the Mach donating its motor, the Marauder would have had a V-6 in it!


Hey Mach one boy! That engine came from the Lincoln Mark VIII before it every saw service in a Rustang

[MI2QWK4U]

Hey Mach one boy! That engine came from the Lincoln Mark VIII before it every saw service in a Rustang

Took the Mustang boys to get it right, thats why they get the credit!

[FiveO]

So...is it an 11 sec Marauder or an 11 sec Mach....or both :D





If I had to choose I'd take an 11 sec MM.....as there will be less of those... :)

PS: You never did answer my PM :D

:rolleyes:

[MI2QWK4U]

So...is it an 11 sec Marauder or an 11 sec Mach....or both :D





If I had to choose I'd take an 11 sec MM.....as there will be less of those... :)

PS: You never did answer my PM :D

:rolleyes:



uhhhhh yes?
what PM?!

[FiveO]

uhhhhh yes?
what PM?!


I'll resend...!

[bigslim]

If you like it Dave more power to you. I myself am not too much of a Mustang fan. I guess that is because some smart a$$ kid is usually driving them. By the way, I can't think which came first, the MM, the Mach or the Aviator. They all use the same 300hp 4.6. Nice runs though. Still like your MM better.

[MikesMerc]

I see where Dave's point is about the Mach. He has indeed done his homework.

example: back in the day when EVERYONE and thier brother had 5.0 mustangs, I put myself into one as well. I started off with an 86 GT that I bought used in 1988 that I had very lightly modded (ehxuast and gears). By the end of 1990, I knew quite well where this 5.0 craze was headed. So, I did my homework and picked up a brand new 5.0 LX notchback (aka a "trunk"). I skipped even looking at the Cobra, fastback LXs, and GTs. Never gave them a thought.

For the next several years, I was surrounded by 5.0 stangs and it was indeed a bit tought to stand out. But, by 1996 things had changed dramatically. The SN95 chassis arrived in 1994 with the Fox body coming to an end. Then another sheet metal change in 1998 further put the old fox 5.0s into the history books. That plus the fact that the "kids" had abused and driven off the wheels on most of the everyday street stangs left me with one fairly rare ultra clean 5.0 notchbacks. By 2000 I was sitting on a gold mine. Yep, just a "plain jane" "dime a dozen" 5.0 mustang became highly sought after. Everyone wanted the LX model....and particularly the notchback due to its lighter weight, more rigid bodysheet metal, and low production numbers. In the end, I sold the car on a whim at the Woodward Dream Cruise in 2000 for a price that I could not refuse. I sold the car for 80% of original sticker PLUS a premium that covered all my mods (alum heads, cam, intake, S-Trim blower, exhuast, etc, etc). Its a rare occurence to ever "get your money out" of a modified muscle car like that.

Bottom line is that Dave is sitting on car much more rare than we may want to ackowledge. If he keeps it nice, it'll be a collector for sure. So, I see where he is coming from.

That all said, we all must understand that it is not surprising that a Mustang, of any model/color/year/etc isn't gaining a ton of respect from every member here on MM.net. Most of the guys here love thier marauders for very distinct reasons, and few of them overlap with any mustang. So, lets just try to keep that in mind. I love my MM and would not trade it for any mustang. BUT, if I could indeed have a second fun car....well, you know where I am going with that:D

[SergntMac]

By the way, I can't think which came first, the MM, the Mach or the Aviator. They all use the same 300hp 4.6.
The MM was released for retail sale first. It hit the blacktop in June '02. The Aviator and Mach I were held back until Aug. '02, due to engine/head problems I wish I knew more about today. The only difference among the three engines, is the manual shift Mach I comes with a forged 8 bolt crank, and a 7000 PRM redline. Hope this helps.

[DEFYANT]

I had to reply to this. Well said sir! Mustangs and MMs are in different classes. They dont compare. I have a 98 Cobra that is a blast to drive. It led to the MM. We had (have, its for sale) a mini van, but I hated it. Now, th MM is the family transport / grocery getter. Why? Safe car and is done in style with performance.

As for asthetics. There are alot of mustangs out there. But I see alot more Grang Marquis and Crown Vics than stangs. It is what we do to the cars that set them appart from all others. My Cobra is unique in the mods I have done. As will the MM in time. I will sell the Cobra only for another stang. Amazing how two cars can be so alike and yet so different.



Boys.....
There was a reason I bought a Mach. The production numbers are unbelievably low.
Total for 2003 Mach1 was 9652

Total for 2004 Mach1 was 7,182

Both years they made less than appx 3400 automatic Machs.

If you further break it down by color and transmission, I have one of less than 300 Grabber Blue Automatic Mach 1. Far from common! I did my homework. So no matter how you break it down, color, trans, year, my Mach 1 is rarer than that overweight/underpowered Grand Marquis GT sitting in your garage. And when you can get that rare car into the mid to low 10s at the strip, forget about it. If you cant tell that the Machs, and Cobras for that matter, are different than the common Mustang, go buy a focus. Machs, bullits, cobras are on the top of the Mustang food chain, bottom line, the only Mustangs that have their engine bay painted to color match the car.
Trust me, there wont be any Mustangs on my block like mine! 10 second Machs wont be on every street corner, or on my street! Just like there wont be any 11 second Marauders in my neighborhood. Then to top it all off, dont forget the White 1985 Mustang GT, sitting in the garage! That one is the rarest one I have, very very low production numbers due to it being an automatic with T-Tops. Between the trans, T-Tops, and color, I have the letter from Ford Motor Company that puts mine as one of 208 if I remember correctly. I get offers on that one all the time from guys wanting an old 4 eyed Mustang! Mint and looking good.... 1985 Mustang GT Link (http://www.cardomain.com/id/mi2qwk4u2)

So give the Stangs a break! Without the Mach donating its motor, the Marauder would have had a V-6 in it!

[FiveO]

True info on the Machs and their rarity.

Other Mustangs are very common in my area....very common.

Don't see more than a 1 Mach every week or two though.

[Eric91Z]

Dave,

Are you seriously considering getting rid of the MM? If so, how about you hold on to it until next summer and sell it to me. While it is a 300A without traction control, I would be interested in buying. Especially if it is as nice and well taken care of as it looks.

I think that is what I want to find next year. A low mileage, Trilogy supercharged (preferrably Lidio tuned), and extra clean 2003 300B or 2004 MM. That way I can get right in to the supercharger to start with. Just hope I find an owner that is as anal as I am so that all maintenance is done and repairs taken care of and coats of Zaino to keep it pretty!!!

Oh I can only hope. Oh yeah, nice Mach 1, Dave!!

[MI2QWK4U]

In my opinion, there are two main groups of people buying the Marauders. I think you have an older crowd, 45 and up, that was into hot rods when they were younger, when technology was a lot simpler. They now see the Marauder as a nice comprimise over a Crown Vic or Marquis, and holds promise for being a modern "hot rod". Then I see a crowd of guys here, I can probably rattle off a dozen names right off the bat, that like me, cut their musclecar teeth on Mustangs from the mid 80s on up. We ate, drank, lived for building up those Mustangs when most of us were in our 20's and were single. The Marauder came along and by now us Mustang guys were married and had young kids. It offered a refreshing option to stale minivans and family cars. I bought the Marauder with no desire to mod it as heavily as I have. I have a car that will run high 11's at the strip and that afternoon take the family out to dinner, with no drivablility issues. It seemed a logical choice, family car with some attitude that wont break the bank, my wife loves the car and if our lease was up on her Wimpala, she would have one now too. But dont think for a second that I, or any other old Mustang guy that will admit it, forget where I came from. None of my Mustangs, the Mach or the 85 GT, are family cars. I have been blessed enough to be able to keep them around and they are mine to play with, mod, and have ass-thumping fun with. Got the family car thing covered, these are Daddy's toys. There will be times when I want to head out and roast anything on the road, for that I will have a mid 10 second Mach, without the bulk and weight of the Marauder. As some have pointed out, its a different experience from car to car! When the 85 GT is done, that one may be even faster. Bottom line is my heart belongs to the mystique and legacy of the Mustang, not many car lines even are worthy of comparison, actually, the Corvette is the only one worthy. With Jerry developing the supercharger kit for the 05 Mustang GT, and Lidio already working on tuning for it, a new 05 or 06 Mustang is on the horizon! The new ones have really grown on me, what can I say, It's a Mustang. So while the Marauder has its place in my heart, most of it belongs to the Mustangs! I think some people here need to take a deep breath, look at their Marauders, and say 'Its just a car!" Thats the way I feel about all of mine, just sheet metal. Just a few thoughts on my part, make what you want of them...

[Bradley G]

Hey Dave,

You had to use age 45?? I must be a tweener from the the two divisions you mentioned.As a younger man I had a Shelby and a Mach I, They too have a special place in my heart.Being Bigger than your average bear, And having a family of 5(3@6'+).The Mustang is no longer an option.tHE '05 MODEL IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A FEW MORE INCHES OF LEG ROOM .so at least I would fit but I got some beefcakes for children. They barely fit in the Marauder.They will be done with high school in 5 years(hopefully)And I may entertain another youthful car.Whatever your like dude no right or wrong;)


In my opinion, there are two main groups of people buying the Marauders. I think you have an older crowd, 45 and up, that was into hot rods when they were younger, when technology was a lot simpler. They now see the Marauder as a nice comprimise over a Crown Vic or Marquis, and holds promise for being a modern "hot rod". Then I see a crowd of guys here, I can probably rattle off a dozen names right off the bat, that like me, cut their musclecar teeth on Mustangs from the mid 80s on up. We ate, drank, lived for building up those Mustangs when most of us were in our 20's and were single. The Marauder came along and by now us Mustang guys were married and had young kids. It offered a refreshing option to stale minivans and family cars. I bought the Marauder with no desire to mod it as heavily as I have. I have a car that will run high 11's at the strip and that afternoon take the family out to dinner, with no drivablility issues. It seemed a logical choice, family car with some attitude that wont break the bank, my wife loves the car and if our lease was up on her Wimpala, she would have one now too. But dont think for a second that I, or any other old Mustang guy that will admit it, forget where I came from. None of my Mustangs, the Mach or the 85 GT, are family cars. I have been blessed enough to be able to keep them around and they are mine to play with, mod, and have ass-thumping fun with. Got the family car thing covered, these are Daddy's toys. There will be times when I want to head out and roast anything on the road, for that I will have a mid 10 second Mach, without the bulk and weight of the Marauder. As some have pointed out, its a different experience from car to car! When the 85 GT is done, that one may be even faster. Bottom line is my heart belongs to the mystique and legacy of the Mustang, not many car lines even are worthy of comparison, actually, the Corvette is the only one worthy. With Jerry developing the supercharger kit for the 05 Mustang GT, and Lidio already working on tuning for it, a new 05 or 06 Mustang is on the horizon! The new ones have really grown on me, what can I say, It's a Mustang. So while the Marauder has its place in my heart, most of it belongs to the Mustangs! I think some people here need to take a deep breath, look at their Marauders, and say 'Its just a car!" Thats the way I feel about all of mine, just sheet metal. Just a few thoughts on my part, make what you want of them...

[MI2QWK4U]

Hey Dave,

You had to use age 45?? I must be a tweener from the the two divisions you mentioned.As a younger man I had a Shelby and a Mach I, They too have a special place in my heart.Being Bigger than your average bear, And having a family of 5(3@6'+).The Mustang is no longer an option.tHE '05 MODEL IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A FEW MORE INCHES OF LEG ROOM .so at least I would fit but I got some beefcakes for children. They barely fit in the Marauder.They will be done with high school in 5 years(hopefully)And I may entertain another youthful car.Whatever your like dude no right or wrong;)


Bradley,
Having met you at woodward, I can easily see how you couldnt cram yourself into a Mustang if you wanted to! And the groups I picked happened to be a couple of ones that were obvious to me and some others, didnt mean to shoehorn everyone into them. With a healthy sized crew like yours, whats your grocery bill!

[Bradley G]

Hey Dave,
I can fit in a Stang, but I could'nt do a long trip.We do go through some groceries here at the ponderosa.We shop at Costco, and rarely do we get out of there without dropping a small fortune.My son at 13 is over 6' and weighs more than I did when I finished Highschool(200+).My daughters are both 6'ers@ 15,My wife is the shortie of the bunch@5'6.I'm glad the Marauder has a big trunk.;)

[Bigdogjim]

Dave: You have posted a good point as to your view on the Mustang.
Your opinion far and square. Thanks for sharing:)
I never considered the mustang a "muscle car" pony car yes.
I know to some I am splitting hairs but, to those of us who grew up with the cars it is a fact! Muscle cars started life as the “family” car with a larger engine and sometimes a different transmission, suspension.
The late ‘60's did not afford as may “bolt ons” as today. Time moves forward and technology advances everything. Life with a carburetor was “fun” to say the least. My ‘70 Marauder X-100 had a 429 4V. My ‘03 has a 281 fuel injection. My ‘70 got about 8 MPG the ‘03 19-22 MPG. See technology advances. Yes the ‘03 is a hair faster than the ‘70. My ‘70 did not say “stock” for long. Had a lot of fun with the car and moved on. No regrets.
Mustang has always had my respect. Funny but if I was smaller in size I would have bought one. So my main reason for the Marauder was simple. I fit in it! (Well almost)
I have seen a few Mustang sell for some fair money. Like Mike said it’s rare that you ever get your money out of one. I do not think any of us started out with either the Mustang or Marauder looking to “make” money? Poor investment I feel. So if you want a Mach 1 that’s fine! Go for it. Keep us posted on your trip. :coolman:

[MikesMerc]

Then I see a crowd of guys here, I can probably rattle off a dozen names right off the bat, that like me, cut their musclecar teeth on Mustangs from the mid 80s on up. We ate, drank, lived for building up those Mustangs when most of us were in our 20's and were single. The Marauder came along and by now us Mustang guys were married and had young kids. It offered a refreshing option to stale minivans and family cars.

Hey, watch it now! I resemble that comment ;)

Good points Dave. Mustangs will always have a special place for me too. But, until I can have a second toy, it'll be all about the MM as it holds the numba one spot in my heart and drops the most jaws on the street and at the track when it thumps some ass.

That said, the idea of a Stang in the garage along side the MM for days when I feel for somethng different, well, that would indeed be nice! Dave? Have you ever considered adoption? I am potty trained you know:)