Who has gone autocrossing in their MM?

[Breadfan]

Just thought I'd check and see who here has taken their Marauder autocrossing. When I had my Grand Am I had no problem taking it, I didn't get the chance this year though...anyway, in May I got the Marauder.

I've been a bit nervous to take the Marauder. I guess because it's new, and not paid off like my Grand Am was. ;)

I'm just wondering if there are any concerns if I go. Maybe it's because the car is so heavy, I just get an odd feeling hitting the corners hard with it. Is the suspension built to take it? (Don't flame me! I'm sure it is, just nervous!)

I'm not lowered at all, there are no bottoming out issues?

If things go well I may take it for the heads up racing/driving school at either VIR or Summitt Point in the near future. So, that'd be actual track driving.

Anyway, I guess what I need is to see who's gone track racing or autocrossing and if it adversely affected your car. (I'm assuming brake pads needed replacement after a weekend at the track though.)

Thanks!

[Sully008]

wesman does:

Linky (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=18463)

He also had a thread with some pics, but I can't remember what it was called.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

The Marauder is probably better suited for road racing. Autocrosses are usually in smaller areas. It can be done obviously. It's just going to be harder on the tires because of the tighter turns. On a road course the Marauder can stretch it's legs a bit. A couple of member here got it up to 140+ on road courses. Wesman has the whole suspension package I think but he does run with a push bar for some reason. He also has two sets of wheels with race rubber on them. Autocrossing will work the tires and brakes a lot. I have another thread here with pictures of my worn front tire.

I've been to autocrosses with one stock CV Sport and two Impala's. The CV's suspension and tires were not up to par with constant autocrossing. I also don't think he had a limited slip differential. It makes a huge difference in turns. One Impala didn't do so bad but I think it was just driver inexperience with his big car. He is used to driving a 65? Cobra. There was another Impala last Friday. He did very well. The Impala just has low end grunt, which is something that comes in handy on small/tight courses. The maximum speed in autocrosses is usually around 50-60 in 2nd gear. He was an aggressive driver. I think his times were very good for a big car. I wasn't able to run with him because I had retired the car because of my front passenger tire.

If you check out the club site www.themclub.net (http://www.themclub.net) you will see the Impala's times for his runs on Autocross VIII - Friday August 5-Giants Stadium.

Two things I have learned from experience, classes and just talking to people are:

Smooth is fast and always look waaaaay ahead. All you see are cones but you have to imagine it's a turn in a street or a road course. You have to look ahead through the cones to see the line so you can line up for the next turn. Looking ahead will prepare you to get the best line and thus be smoother. it's like Chess, you have to think several steps ahead to make the right move. Wrong move or not thinking ahead leaves you handicapped.

If you do autocross, remember amongst all else, just have fun!!! :burn: :burnout:

[Cuyax]

I really enjoyed Autocrossing for the first time in my Marauder. I am used to driving my previous car 2003 Ford Focus SVT but the Marauder (believe it or not) was actually more fun. The little focus seemed like you were close to being out of control. You just got to remember to lose the inertia before you take a sharp corner. Absolutely no problems in the slalom and did not hit any cones. I hit 6 cones in one of my runs with the Focus last time at Texas Motor Speedway infield course. I plan to run again on the 21st. Still Fstock is competitive so don't expect to outrun the GTOs right off the bat. Check out the running stats for the last event: http://www.autocross.com/texasregion/ go to the Solo2 results and look at the Fstock placement. We did not place (me or my co-driver) but it was a hell of a first run. Btw, no one laughed at me if that is what you are worried about. I have some funny pics of my BIG car with little formula body cars in front and behind me waiting on the course.

As stated above "just have fun".

[ADE 1000]

I autocross and roadrace my other car regularily, but have yet to try it with the Marauder. I have not seen any Marauders at the local tracks, but I see Impala SSs frequently.

The Marauder would be fun on a roadcourse and perhaps a bigger autocross. If it was my only car, I would definetly try it. My concerns would be toasting the brakes and keeping all the fluid temperatures in check after several laps on a roadcourse.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

A 2004 CrownVic Sport and I entered the Northern New Jersey Region SCCA

http://www.autox4u.com/2005results/7302005nnjr.htm

I plan on attending the remaining events for this year.

[Warpath]

If everything is stock, you can't hurt the suspension while driving around a parking lot (unless you hit something which is a different story).