FHP Marauder Police Interceptors

[Dennis Reinhart]

Well, I got a call last week, from the FHP here in Florida, earlier this year, they bought four Marauders for Broward County and are using these as pursuit vehicles, the dealership that sold them the cars send me there customers, so they referred the FHP to me.

I sent them tuners and plugs and stats for the four cars, these were the cars shown on date line, the FHP is trying to stay in pace with the crotch rockets and some of the ricer cars, last week they chased a fleeing felon on a crotch rockets and they had clocked him on radar at 155 plus, they caught him and the bike is history, well the cars I have sent tuning for have had the rear tailshaft bearings go bad, this should be proof to all the skeptics in the past that the MMDS was not needed even wit 3:55 gears much less 4:10's, well any way they have bought up every Marauder in the State, 18 black silver and red.

I am going to install 18 MMDS and ADDCO rear sway bars and KVR carbon fiber pads and my tuning on these 18 FHP cars right after Turkey day, so I have a very full schedule for the rest of the month, I am planning on going to Bradenton this weekend for the Marauder get together there. I will take product there, and I am taking the Mark 8 and the 587 RWHP Marauder we have here. I will then come back for the grand opening and then the FHP wants me to come to Tallahassee for there convention.

I am trying to get a FHP car here for static display the day of the grand opening. So I want to thank every one for your continued support and purchases, I am trying hard to improve all aspects of the new business, but without customers like you it would be all for nothing. There is a continuing interest in the Marauder, I am hoping this interest from the Police agencies may help push this car back in production in 2006.

[DEFYANT]

What is MMDS? As a LEO, I am green with envy!

[Slowpoke]

I bet Dennis doesn't get speeding tickets in Florida.

Congrats on the business relationship. Hopefully they will tell other police departments about your good work and you can help ensure the safety and security of all us good citizens......

.

[BruteForce]

What is MMDS? As a LEO, I am green with envy!

MMDS = Metal Matrix Drive Shaft. Does the "police interceptor" version one better. Highly recommended for those high speed chases (or test runs ;) ).

PS. I refer to mine as a "MMXDS" in my list of mods.

[Dennis Reinhart]

What is MMDS? As a LEO, I am green with envy!

MMDS = Metal Matrix Drive Shaft

[Marauder386]

Dennis, your expertise with Marauders is highly complimented by the FHP entrusting you and your company to give them the high powered tools they need to complete their jobs. I am proud of and for you ! I keep thinking of the wrenchhead in "Mad Max" that turned Mel Gibson's character on to a blower...

M386

[Bigdogjim]

18 Marauder...........lucky Officers:):):)

[jgc61sr2002]

18 Marauder...........lucky Officers:):):)


The only negative thing is that they won't last too long with the mileage and beating they will take. Most patrol vehicles have approximately a two year life expectency.

[CRUZTAKER]

Great account you just landed! :cool:

[stevengerard]

The only negative thing is that they won't last too long with the mileage and beating they will take. Most patrol vehicles have approximately a two year life expectency.

Yeah but think, we know what they have. We can have Dennis keep track and when they "give" them away at auction, buy 'em cheap, build the engine from the ground up and kik some butt.

[David Morton]

Yeah but think, we know what they have. We can have Dennis keep track and when they "give" them away at auction, buy 'em cheap, build the engine from the ground up and kik some butt.Or better yet, take the money we save buying them, and use it to get a VT ProRacer engine.

[Bigdogjim]

Yeah but think, we know what they have. We can have Dennis keep track and when they "give" them away at auction, buy 'em cheap, build the engine from the ground up and kik some butt.


Good though your on the right track :banana2: :up:

[SergntMac]

I'm very happy for you Dennis, congrats!

[Murader03]

Way to go Dennis! Looking forward to hearing about these cars when and if you ever get the time......Keep up the "GREAT" work. We are all behind you and wishing you well!

[Haggis]

I'm very happy for you Dennis, congrats!

Same here. :)

[sailsmen]

Congrats!!!!!!! :banana2:

Oh Marauder Master, teach me the ways of Speed Racer! :bows:

[Amsoil_Dealer]

Fantatstic news Dennis. Congratulations.

I am going to be in Jax tomorrow and if I get time I'll stop by the shop. If not, I'll likely see you Saturday.

Don Stevens
AKA Amsoil_Dealer

[SouLRioT]

Happy to hear you got this account, maybe you could talk them into getting a few of them S/C'd. Any idea on where these new ones will be located, still in south florida? I'm also glad to hear that you'll beable to make it this weekend. See you there.

[Patrick]

Good deal Dennis!!!! And maybe a S/C intercepter........ That would be awsome!!

[Marauderman]

Great to see you get recognition by the FHP --finally! and ..Huh..BTW...I think you meant to say that the MMDS ...."was" needed with the 355s etc., rather than .."was not" , thus why your .."going to install 18 MMDS...",
just to clairfy that point so some don't get confused.....

Again --looks like you have gotten at least one "get-out-of-jail" free card "I would think--..Good Luck...Tom



Well, I got a call last week, from the FHP here in Florida, earlier this year, they bought four Marauders for Broward County and are using these as pursuit vehicles, the dealership that sold them the cars send me there customers, so they referred the FHP to me.

I sent them tuners and plugs and stats for the four cars, these were the cars shown on date line, the FHP is trying to stay in pace with the crotch rockets and some of the ricer cars, last week they chased a fleeing felon on a crotch rockets and they had clocked him on radar at 155 plus, they caught him and the bike is history, well the cars I have sent tuning for have had the rear tailshaft bearings go bad, this should be proof to all the skeptics in the past that the MMDS was not needed even wit 3:55 gears much less 4:10's, well any way they have bought up every Marauder in the State, 18 black silver and red.

I am going to install 18 MMDS and ADDCO rear sway bars and KVR carbon fiber pads and my tuning on these 18 FHP cars right after Turkey day, so I have a very full schedule for the rest of the month, I am planning on going to Bradenton this weekend for the Marauder get together there. I will take product there, and I am taking the Mark 8 and the 587 RWHP Marauder we have here. I will then come back for the grand opening and then the FHP wants me to come to Tallahassee for there convention.

I am trying to get a FHP car here for static display the day of the grand opening. So I want to thank every one for your continued support and purchases, I am trying hard to improve all aspects of the new business, but without customers like you it would be all for nothing. There is a continuing interest in the Marauder, I am hoping this interest from the Police agencies may help push this car back in production in 2006.

[ParkRanger]

Well, I got a call last week, from the FHP here in Florida, earlier this year, they bought four Marauders for Broward County and are using these as pursuit vehicles, the dealership that sold them the cars send me there customers, so they referred the FHP to me.

I sent them tuners and plugs and stats for the four cars, these were the cars shown on date line, the FHP is trying to stay in pace with the crotch rockets and some of the ricer cars, last week they chased a fleeing felon on a crotch rockets and they had clocked him on radar at 155 plus, they caught him and the bike is history, well the cars I have sent tuning for have had the rear tailshaft bearings go bad, this should be proof to all the skeptics in the past that the MMDS was not needed even wit 3:55 gears much less 4:10's, well any way they have bought up every Marauder in the State, 18 black silver and red.

I am going to install 18 MMDS and ADDCO rear sway bars and KVR carbon fiber pads and my tuning on these 18 FHP cars right after Turkey day, so I have a very full schedule for the rest of the month, I am planning on going to Bradenton this weekend for the Marauder get together there. I will take product there, and I am taking the Mark 8 and the 587 RWHP Marauder we have here. I will then come back for the grand opening and then the FHP wants me to come to Tallahassee for there convention.

I am trying to get a FHP car here for static display the day of the grand opening. So I want to thank every one for your continued support and purchases, I am trying hard to improve all aspects of the new business, but without customers like you it would be all for nothing. There is a continuing interest in the Marauder, I am hoping this interest from the Police agencies may help push this car back in production in 2006.

Congratulations Dennis! :beer:

It's not about the contract (although the money is nice) it's about the fact that a major police agency has validated your experience and knowledge. A thing no amount of money could ever buy.

Don't forget to get a couple "get outta jail" cards.

Park Ranger :burnout:

[Cobra25]

Glad to hear you got the FHP account. A few of them have showed up at our meets at the Tower Shops. A real nice bunch of guys. Glad to hear your going to Bradenton, see you then.

[PJR]

Congrats. Don't forget to take some pictures. That way I can show the powers-that- be what a real unit should look like. Not those Wimpala's.

[SouLRioT]

Congrats. Don't forget to take some pictures. That way I can show the powers-that- be what a real unit should look like. Not those Wimpala's.

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1105000_0021.jpg

[DEW34]

soul the cars about 9 of them are located right off 595 their is a trooper station right where it splits off for i-75 north south and the sawgrass i had a chance to see them up close i had some un expected business :poke: with some of s fl finest all color cars no black the new ones any ways
mike

[SouLRioT]

Mike I hope you were taken careof though, sorry to hear about your unexpected meeting with them

[Embassy]

The only negative thing is that they won't last too long with the mileage and beating they will take. Most patrol vehicles have approximately a two year life expectency.That is simply not accurate. I have traveled all over the US and seen plenty of 1995 and present Police Interceptors still in service. Look around your own town/state the next time you are out. Odds are that just about ever unit you se is not 2002 or newer model.

If durability was so poor with Police Interceptors, Ford would not have 75% of the police/fleet vehicle marketplace. ;)


Back on topic: Congrats on being entrusted with the FHP's toys.

[jstevens]

Whats the car do when the rear tailshaft bearing goes bad?
Curious.

If you install flashing headlights, do you have to drill holes in them for ventilation?

[Embassy]

Whats the car do when the rear tailshaft bearing goes bad?
Curious.

If you install flashing headlights, do you have to drill holes in them for ventilation?I guess they will perform the forced tailshaft lube, if needed or if steeper gears are installed.

You can order a Police Interceptor w/3.55 gears and you do not hear of widespread tailshaft bearing failure from law enforcement agencies.

As for the headlights, if they simply installed wig-wags, you just splice into the wiring harness. If they installed strobes, you would drill a hole in the reflector to mount the strobe.

Neither method requires ventilation.

[valleyman]

Congrats, Dennis. It's good to see your hard work rewarded.

[vegasmarauder]

Actually I like the idea there will be 18 "test mules" to see how durable the MM is an an accelerated basis. I would be interested in seeing if they have similar problems at similar mileage. This way we could get an idea of we might run into in the future when running the MM they way it was supposed to be driven.

As a PS, we in LV trade out our marked police units at 75K or 5 years whichever is first (usually in 2-3 years), and unmarked PI's at 100K or 5 years.

[kurly]

[QUOTE= There is a continuing interest in the Marauder, I am hoping this interest from the Police agencies may help push this car back in production in 2006.[/QUOTE]

Dennis,

Congrats to you and to FHP.

Your the best!

:high5:

[PJR]

That is simply not accurate. I have traveled all over the US and seen plenty of 1995 and present Police Interceptors still in service. Look around your own town/state the next time you are out. Odds are that just about ever unit you se is not 2002 or newer model.

If durability was so poor with Police Interceptors, Ford would not have 75% of the police/fleet vehicle marketplace. ;)


Back on topic: Congrats on being entrusted with the FHP's toys. 1997 CVPI 92,000 miles. No major problems, still going strong. It'll be on patrol for years to come.

[captJ696]

Congratulations Dennis! :beer:

It's not about the contract (although the money is nice) it's about the fact that a major police agency has validated your experience and knowledge. A thing no amount of money could ever buy.

Don't forget to get a couple "get outta jail" cards.

Park Ranger :burnout:

Dennis, don`t forget pics of FHP Marauder cars ..if possible AND get them to give ya a few FHP PBA cards, GOOD FOR AVOIDING PARKING TICKETS ;) :rolleyes:

Joe.

[jgc61sr2002]

That is simply not accurate. I have traveled all over the US and seen plenty of 1995 and present Police Interceptors still in service. Look around your own town/state the next time you are out. Odds are that just about ever unit you se is not 2002 or newer model.

If durability was so poor with Police Interceptors, Ford would not have 75% of the police/fleet vehicle marketplace. ;)


Back on topic: Congrats on being entrusted with the FHP's toys.


I was thinking of the NYC PD vehicles. The marked units usually last two years and the unmarked somewhat longer. The streets in NYC are horrendous. For the most the City is one big pot hole.

[Zack]

A little comment about driveshafts for the newbies here.
I was probably the first (and maybe the only) member here to lose my tailshaft bushing. I remember the car was 2 months old, I had just installed a chip and the 4:10's. I found a Mustang GT on the highway and gave him a run for his money, all the way up to about 125mph (I beat him by the way) Anyway, a horrible vibration started right at that speed, so I backed off the gas and watched the trans fluid smoking off the exhaust in the rear view. Got it home about 3 miles, never stopped to see what was wrong (I just bought the warranty, what did I care, right?). Sure enough, the tailshaft bushing was sitting on the yoke of the driveshaft.
When I took it in to be fixed, the Tech was telling me how many Police Cruisers had been in for the same problem in the past few years, and this is a small dealership! The problem started when Ford switched from 3:27's to 3:55's in the Cruisers. And this was WITH the speed limiter in place.
So the bottom line is I drive my car like a maniac, most of you here wouldnt even dream of taking your MM to those speeds. But the simple fact is that the driveshafts ARE a problem, and not having to worry about it ever again is exactly why the Florida State Patrol made a good decision .

[Scott Leininger]

I read that a Pre 2001 drive shaft out of a cvpi was as good as a metal matris. ANyone heard that also??



A little comment about driveshafts for the newbies here.
I was probably the first (and maybe the only) member here to lose my tailshaft bushing. I remember the car was 2 months old, I had just installed a chip and the 4:10's. I found a Mustang GT on the highway and gave him a run for his money, all the way up to about 125mph (I beat him by the way) Anyway, a horrible vibration started right at that speed, so I backed off the gas and watched the trans fluid smoking off the exhaust in the rear view. Got it home about 3 miles, never stopped to see what was wrong (I just bought the warranty, what did I care, right?). Sure enough, the tailshaft bushing was sitting on the yoke of the driveshaft.
When I took it in to be fixed, the Tech was telling me how many Police Cruisers had been in for the same problem in the past few years, and this is a small dealership! The problem started when Ford switched from 3:27's to 3:55's in the Cruisers. And this was WITH the speed limiter in place.
So the bottom line is I drive my car like a maniac, most of you here wouldnt even dream of taking your MM to those speeds. But the simple fact is that the driveshafts ARE a problem, and not having to worry about it ever again is exactly why the Florida State Patrol made a good decision .

[Dennis Reinhart]

I read that a Pre 2001 drive shaft out of a cvpi was as good as a metal matris. ANyone heard that also??


Its not even the 03/04 are now having problems and have gone to the MMDS

[jstevens]

Zack and others,

I took my car up pretty high and noticed a vibration and of course backed off.

Everything seems fine, I'm assuming it would drive really crazy if I did any permanent damage, you agree? Thanks for all comments.

[RF Overlord]

I took my car up pretty high and noticed a vibration and of course backed off. Everything seems fine, I'm assuming it would drive really crazy if I did any permanent damage, you agree?

If you only did it the once, then no, you probably didn't hurt anything...but keep an eye on the tailshaft seal...it doesn't take much to ruin the bushing, then the seal starts to leak...and it won't necessarily drive really crazy when it happens...it would be best to either not drive that fast anymore, or spring for the AMMC driveshaft...

[CRUZTAKER]

I read that a Pre 2001 drive shaft out of a cvpi was as good as a metal matris. ANyone heard that also??
Shhhhh...we don't talk about that around here...:P

And yes, myself, and a few others went this route. They are really hard to find new now as that part number and part was since changed to the one all the MM's and such come with stock. Most of them went from the parts whse's back to Ford for RMA credit. I got mine for $175 new, and yes it's an MMC POLICE as well, made by the same company.

Perhaps not balanced as well as the $525 new one, but I am quite satisfied and have had no issues with the occational 135+ romps.:D

[SergntMac]

If you only did it the once, then no, you probably didn't hurt anything...but keep an eye on the tailshaft seal...it doesn't take much to ruin the bushing, then the seal starts to leak...and it won't necessarily drive really crazy when it happens...it would be best to either not drive that fast anymore, or spring for the AMMC driveshaft...
The history on my Kenny Brown #1x tells me that this MM had some tailshaft problems early in it's life. It came to me with the DynoTech "metal matrix composite" driveshaft installed. I do not know if other KB Marauders have it, but this is the same driveshaft Dennis Reinhart now supplies to us.

Since I took over ownership, I added the forced tailshaft lube kit, and have had no problems with the tailshaft, nor any driveline vibration. I did blow out the rear end, but that's another story.

I have replaced two pinion seals though, and I attribute this to my tendency to pursue higher RPMs. Considering the power this car makes to the rear wheels, and how I tease that power on demand, and on a daily basis, replacing my pinion seal every year, or, so, is no big deal to me. I check my garage floor daily, and when evidence of rear end leaks appear, I have the seal inspected, and replaced if necesssary.

In the past, I have cautioned others here who upgrade to 4:10s to be aware of possible driveshaft whip, and tell-tale vibration over 6000 RPM in third gear, which is 120 MPH or more on the blacktop. But...Please...Test for it first, K? Maybe put the car on a dyno, where road noise and and other "normal" vibration gets ruled out by the tool, before investing 500 bucks, or, so on a MMC driveshaft from Dennis.

IMHO, not every 4:10 upgrade will require a driveshaft upgrade, a lot of our miscellaneous "vibration" issues come to be traced back to other things, like tire balance and so on. However, be prepared to purchase a MMC driveshaft, because once you chip and upgrade to 4:10s, seems like it is more common than not...IMHO.

[wesman]

So since you're selling so many of these things is the price going to come down?

[Dennis Reinhart]

So since you're selling so many of these things is the price going to come down?


They always sell for less on group buys, there is very little profit in these so if I can buy ten at a time I can get a better deal and yes then I can reduce the price

[Scott Leininger]

OK, I.m lost but thats normal. Is the Drive shaft out of a pre-01 cvpi better thant he stock MM drive shaft? I have access to one if it would be better than the stck shaft.???




Shhhhh...we don't talk about that around here...:P

And yes, myself, and a few others went this route. They are really hard to find new now as that part number and part was since changed to the one all the MM's and such come with stock. Most of them went from the parts whse's back to Ford for RMA credit. I got mine for $175 new, and yes it's an MMC POLICE as well, made by the same company.

Perhaps not balanced as well as the $525 new one, but I am quite satisfied and have had no issues with the occational 135+ romps.:D

[Panther dude]

Does anybody here own one of these former Marauder patrol cars?

[fordmike65]

This has to be the oldest thread I've ever seen resurrected on any forum! Cool read though. Thanks for bringing it back up.

[Vortech347]

A friend of mine that works for St Louis PD said the higher ups have contracted to purchase 2-3 of them.

[88LTDCV351]

I hope some of the folks with Police Car Owners of America and copcar.com grabbed a few of them. It would be a shame to see thier FHP use get forgotten.

[fastblackmerc]

From what I understand the gentleman that donated these took them all back after the FHP was done with them.

Many have tried to acquire one of these but no one has succeded.

[Embassy]

Several years ago, some showed up on eBay.

IMHO, all you would be getting is a high-mileage, possibly abused, and riddled with install holes MM.