First post! A few questions...

[cgm9999]

Hello to all Marauder owners,

I've been lurking for over a week now, and am very impressed by your guys' rides! Ever since I learned of the Marauder back in '02, I've always liked the concept of the Marauder and its looks, but was somewhat put off by the underwhelming performance from the factory. This opinion stayed relatively the same years later until now, as a senior in college, I find myself thinking about what car I'm going to replace my 13 second Buick Regal GS. Ironically, I learned of the enormous power potential of the Marauder from regalgs.org, and needless to say, after taking a second look at the Marauder, I'm drooling over the aftermarket and performance potential. I have a few questions before I'm completely smitten, however:

1.) The Panther bodies have body-on-frame designs as opposed to a unibody. Can someone lay out the pluses and minuses for such a design? Does the Marauder suffer from a floppy, creaky chassis, or does it feel relatively firm and stable? I ask because my Regal has the dreaded GM W-body (that they're STILL using unfortunatly). As such, it feels like driving a wet noodle. If I go over a pot hole or expansion joint, I can literally see the hood flex and vibrate and my dashboard jolts around. It's very disconcerting to say the least. So, does the Marauder suffer from similar maladies yet?

2.) The Marauder has a Mach 1 engine with slight differences to accomodate the Panther body, correct? If this is so, could one purchase a used 03/04 Cobra engine and transplant it into a Marauder with little trouble? I ask because I'm interested in a daily driver sleeper that is both very fast (11 or 12 second quarter mile times), BUT, also reliable and dependable. That last part is very important. I'm more interested in highway performance, so I wouldn't be doing constant burnouts from stoplight to stoplight. Would a Cobra transplant, and thus all the aftermarket that comes with it be possible? Is there a cheaper and just as affective way to garauntee bottom end strength and durabillity?

3.) What are my options for performance struts? After conducting numerous searches, I've found that there really isn't much. Is anything in the pipeline?

4.) And finally, I was wondering if you guys could just give me your overall general pros and cons of the vehicle. I'd really appreciate your honesty, here. If there are some problems to look out for, please let them be heard! I'll also be open to biased gushing and raves about the Marauder as well!;)

Otherwise, thanks a bunch ahead of time! You guys have a great site and even better members!

[Sully008]

cgm9999,

Welcome to the site!! I'd answer your questions, but there are much more knowledgeable people on here that will chime in. We may have to do some talking, however. My parents just got a 2001 Regal GS w/the 3.8L S/C. The only thing I can say is, I love my MM more than their Regal. The MM handles better and looks better (IMO).

[Eric91Z]

Welcome to the site. I will say that the Regal GS is one of the cars I was considering along with the Marauder. But this site and the people here makes the Marauder so worth it. Well, so does the car itself.

I really can't think of any negatives with the car. It is built on a well established platform that is very solid and stable. There is the QA1 front shock/spring combination and rear shock (has rear airbags instead of springs). A good amount of bolt on items available, too.

As for the Cobra motor, I think you are better off putting one of the 3 available supercharger kits on the car and calling it a day for a sleeper. The Trilogy will be closest to the cobra setup and much easier to install than swapping motors.

I am sure many other on here will chime in, especially those that have the sleeper you are looking for. I just picked mine up this past weekend after a 2 year wait and can't be any happier. I think I would have felt like I missed out on something if I went with another vehicle.

[Bradley G]

Welcome cgm9999,

I believe this is why many of us chose the Marauder.
The service platform is tough.
A minus is, that it is heavier than unitized, for racing.
I went to a local car show yesterday(Buss Ford), The only other Marauder in the show pulled in behind me.
Turns out, It was the very persons car, I spotted 21 months ago, which inspired me to purchace a Marauder instead of a C-Vic sport.To show my gratitude,
I tried to get him behind the wheel of my Trilogy supercharged Marauder,
But he refused with a large grin.
If you do choose to get a Marauder, I don't believe you will be disapointed.
Especially if you make it into a street sleeper.
Any of the supercharger offerings available will put a big smile on your face!
I do believe their are suspension upgrades as well.
I'm still stuck on makin it faster.:burnout:
If you stick around, you're in for a real treat!:beer:

[Joe Walsh]

Welcome Aboard!

Body-on-Frame Cars have superior ride characteristics and are very sturdy/tough.....But also significantly heavier than a Unibody.

Cobra engine swap is a LOT of work because All the Mustang intakes are on the passenger's side, while the Marauder's intake is on the driver's side.
It has been done (by PHP), But it will take a lot of re-working the OEM Marauder accessories. Cheaper to buy a S/C kit designed for the Marauder.

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard.
The MM does not have struts. QA1 does offer coil over shocks.
Enjoy the site.

[Bluerauder]

Hello to all Marauder owners,

I've been lurking for over a week now, and am very impressed by your guys' rides!
:welcome: Welcome to the MM.Net and get ready for that Marauder grin. :D


1.) ... Does the Marauder suffer from a floppy, creaky chassis, or does it feel relatively firm and stable?

My '03 Blue MM feels solid as a rock with no creaks, rattles, or shimmies after 25,000 miles.


2.) ... I ask because I'm interested in a daily driver sleeper that is both very fast (11 or 12 second quarter mile times), BUT, also reliable and dependable. That last part is very important. I'm more interested in highway performance, so I wouldn't be doing constant burnouts from stoplight to stoplight.

Check the "Timeslips" section at the top menu and check out what others have done to get into the 11's, 12's, and 13's.

As far as highway performance, she is good to go "as is" with plenty of pull until you hit the limiter around 117-120 mph. The jump from 45 to 90 is easy even in stock form. The limiter can be removed rather easily with a chip or tune.


3.) What are my options for performance struts? After conducting numerous searches, I've found that there really isn't much. Is anything in the pipeline?

No input here from me. :rolleyes:


4.) And finally, I was wondering if you guys could just give me your overall general pros and cons of the vehicle. I'd really appreciate your honesty, here.

Honesty .......... I enjoy this car every darn day and it is the most fun ride that I have ever owned. If there are any cons ... I haven't really noticed. :rolleyes:

[cgm9999]

Welcome Aboard!

Body-on-Frame Cars have superior ride characteristics and are very sturdy/tough.....But also significantly heavier than a Unibody.

Cobra engine swap is a LOT of work because All the Mustang intakes are on the passenger's side, while the Marauder's intake is on the driver's side.
It has been done (by PHP), But it will take a lot of re-working the OEM Marauder accessories. Cheaper to buy a S/C kit designed for the Marauder.
I hear you on the Cobra motor swap. Basically, if one was interested in making over, say, 500 rwhp, the best way to go about it would be to beef up the internals with forged pistons, rods and crank and throw a Vortec, Procharger, or Trilogy blower on it? What's a good website to find forged internals for the 4.6 engine?

What transmission options are there? Does anyone have a strengthened transmission for these cars? What is the so called J-Mod?

As for the frame and chassis, it seems pretty stiff and rigid to most of you guys?

Again, sorry about the newb questions, but I don't see many Marauders here in KS that I can test drive, otherwise I'd jump at the chance!

[Rider90]

I learned of the enormous power potential of the Marauder from regalgs.org
Some interesting reads...

http://www.regalgs.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24314&start=0

http://www.regalgs.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24011&start=0

http://www.regalgs.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17677

Welcome to the board!

[HwyCruiser]

Again, sorry about the newb questions, but I don't see many Marauders here in KS that I can test drive, otherwise I'd jump at the chance!

What part of KS are you from?

[STLR FN]

How close are you to KC, there are two members there that have a Procharger S/C. maraudernkc(Greg) and HwyCruiser(JD). Greg owns F.I.T-Forced Induction Technologies. Hit one of them up via PM.

Forum:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=59

Site:
http://www.superchargemyride.com/

[JACook]

1.) The Panther bodies have body-on-frame designs as opposed to a unibody. Can someone lay out the pluses and minuses for such a design? Does the Marauder suffer from a floppy, creaky chassis, or does it feel relatively firm and stable? The Panther chassis was significantly redesigned for the 2003 model year, with hydroformed rails, and extensive
use of forged aluminum in the front cradle and suspension. It also got rack & pinion steering. Front suspension
is short/long arm with coil-overs, and some very tasty camber curves. The rear got a nice 4-bar with air bags
and a Watts linkage. The Marauder suspension is calibrated to be much stiffer, and corner flatter, than other
Panther cars. Whatever images you might have about Crown Vics wallowing around, fugeddaboutit.


I'm more interested in highway performance, so I wouldn't be doing constant burnouts from stoplight to stoplight... Despite what you've heard about the Marauder's performance, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well it
runs. And how easy it is to improve the performance. The 4-valve 4.6 is a breather, and loves to rev. For many
owners, a set of 4.10s and a PCM reflash are all it needs. For others, it's only the beginning in a long list of mods.
But if highway performance is your priority, then it's already there. This car goes from 50-90 faster than my '85 GT.


4.) And finally, I was wondering if you guys could just give me your overall general pros and cons of the vehicle. My Marauder is comfortable, quick, and handles better than any 4400 lb car has any right to. It's utterly rock
steady at 120MPH, and it'll cruise all day long at that speed, if you can keep from getting arrested. I also
like the fact that I don't see myself coming and going every day. Kinda cool to have a 1-of-328 car.
Yes, I'd like more low-RPM grunt, but at least the parts are available to satisfy that desire. It also tends
to eat tires, but that's easily as much my fault as the car's. :)

Hang out here awhile, and get a feel for what the car is about, and how different owners have modded their MMs
to suit their own personalities. I think it's safe to say you'll be hooked. Just don't ask about which kind of supercharger
is best... :rolleyes:

[1stMerc]

Welcome to the world of Marauder.
If you decide to purchase you will have a lot of fun and get a lot of stares. You will be inventing ways to just go for a drive and be wanting to keep her clean, especially with a Black or DTR. cruzin around the site you can find all kinds of goodies to get just what you want out of your ride.
The only downside might be the fact that you can only use premium gas. Only you can decide how important gas mileage is to you. You will find it difficult to gently press the go pedal especially if you go full on aftermarket exhasut or just mufflers, or a CAI kit.

This is a great car for it's size and weight.

Smiles for miles
Waymon

[cgm9999]

What part of KS are you from?
I'm a Psychology and Criminology Student at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. I've noticed that F.I.T. is in K.C. only about 2 hours east of me.

[cgm9999]

like the fact that I don't see myself coming and going every day. Kinda cool to have a 1-of-328 car.
Yes, I'd like more low-RPM grunt, but at least the parts are available to satisfy that desire. It also tends
to eat tires, but that's easily as much my fault as the car's. :)

Hang out here awhile, and get a feel for what the car is about, and how different owners have modded their MMs
to suit their own personalities. I think it's safe to say you'll be hooked. Just don't ask about which kind of supercharger
is best... :rolleyes:Exactly why I'm now considering a Marauder. I love sleepers, and I love not having something everyone else has. Anyone can mod a Mustang, Camaro, WRX, EVO, ect. I prefer to not only drive something different, but something under the radar, something that demands respect when its showing its taillights to some abnoxious ricer. That's why I purchased my 97.5 Regal GS (well, besides the fact that it was only $5100 ;) ). Honestly, though, I can't see myself keeping the Regal when I can afford better. Too many GM problems like the aforementioned floppy W-Body (drives me nuts more than anything else; my female roommates new Elantra absorbs bumps better), lackluster interior materials, mysterious rattles, and an abundance of NVH.

Truthfully, the Marauder has much of what I want: A certain amount of rarity; subtle, but hansome, muscular looks; everyday practicality; affordable replacement parts; affordabillity; a very large aftermarket; four doors (it's cooler going fast in a four door :cool4: ); and perhaps most importantly, rear-wheel drive. As long as I can make it faster, handle better, and do it reliably, I think I'd be sold on a Marauder.

Oh, and about the supercharger issue; been there done that. It's a huge topic on ls1gto.com, of which I'm also a member (I don't have any brand loyalty; just a lover of cars of all makes and models here!).

[HwyCruiser]

I'm a Psychology and Criminology Student at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. I've noticed that F.I.T. is in K.C. only about 2 hours east of me.

I read your posts on the regalgs site posted by Rider90 a few replies up ^^^. Pretty fair opinions.

I have one of the F.I.T. Procharger kits with a few other mods that you can check out through my signature link. I don't know of any Trilogy blown MMs in the area but there's a Reinhart Vortec blown MM with a built motor around. Drop me a line if you're going to be in the KC area and want to kick the tires sometime.

[cgm9999]

The only downside might be the fact that you can only use premium gas. Only you can decide how important gas mileage is to you. Ha! No biggie, here. I already have to put premium in my S/C Regal. As for gas mileage, you "pay to play" just like in every aspect of life. I'm a gearhead. I love cars, especially high-performance ones. As such, I realize many stops to the gas station come with the territory of owning a hi-po vehicle. No worries. I say let the good times roll! :burn:

[cgm9999]

I read your posts on the regalgs site posted by Rider90 a few replies up ^^^. Pretty fair opinions.

I have one of the F.I.T. Procharger kits with a few other mods that you can check out through my signature link. I don't know of any Trilogy blown MMs in the area but there's a Reinhart Vortec blown MM with a built motor around. Drop me a line if you're going to be in the KC area and want to kick the tires sometime.
Cool! I appreciate the invite. However, if I rode in a 12 sec. Marauder, I'd become too infatuated; I don't think I'd be able to drive my Regal back home without sobbing! Graduation couldn't come soon enough.

[Rider90]

Cool! I appreciate the invite. However, if I rode in a 12 sec. Marauder, I'd become too infatuated; I don't think I'd be able to drive my Regal back home without sobbing! Graduation couldn't come soon enough.
This is a reason I am hesitant to get in a supercharged Marauder :D I'm 19, and you're right - anyone can get a hold of a Camaro, or a Mustang, and usually for cheap - and mod the hell out of it and think they're hot you know what. All I see around here are stangs and camaros, all loud, fast, and targeted by the local fuzz. It isn't everyday you catch a Mercury Marauder rumbling down the road or tearing it up in high gear on the highway and thats why this car rocks. It'll turn heads, make people wonder, make them point and tell a friend. People come up to me at the pump and ask if I like the car, they walk around it and get a good look. They pull up next to me in a traffic jam to scream out their window and tell me "It looks sick!"

Agreed, this car lacks a little down low. Its no well kept secret or avoided topic, but it feels like a couple extra cylinders at anything above 4,000 RPM. When/if you get one, take it on the highway and bring it to about 75/80 if you wish, rather than flooring it click off O/D and THEN put the pedal to the floor - this way is better for the trans - and feel the power. I was coming back from Chicago last night and I did this same thing, man, after 24k miles I was still blown away. I could not believe the power this thing produces all the way to the red line, there is no leveling off at 5600...5700...6000 RPMs. It keeps pulling and pulling.

The frame is solid. Very solid. Back in the day I recall Kenny Brown making a frame stiffening treatment for the Crown Victoria, similar to those uni-body bars underneath...whatchmacallems.. .I forget. I never thought our cars needed that. My 99 Crown Vic P71 was a boat compared to the stock Marauder, and I have sway bars on the way so I should be damn impressed soon.

The interior is comfortable, cozy, and the seats will move in 8 ways. Plus power lumbar. The interior temperature is set and forgotten about if don't want your windows down. No more playing with the temp and fan speed, unless you want to. The audio, climate, and cruise controls are at your finger tips on the steering wheel. You lazy bastage, you don't even have to stretch your arm! Auto dimming interior mirror for the night time, digital compass, some have a sun roof and heated front seats for the winter time. Auto-down driver side window. Automatic headlights and foglights...your car decides when its too dark. CD, Cassette, AM/FM, and a subwoofer. Auto leveling rear suspension so when you are done knocking off Vinny, Tony, and Georgio, your car won't sag on the way to the lake. And a quick-release trunk opener inside the trunk that you'll be well aware of if you aren't the best hitman.

It is a full-framed, 4-door, 4200lb, American V8 Powered sonnuva beech that can do more than it is given credit for.

Also, if you do purchase one...

There are certain "mods" that are known as the must-have's if you want power. 4:10 rear end gears, sounded steep to me, but we've got 28" tall rear tires and a motor the craves mid to high RPMs. After doing 4:10 gears I can only describe it as keeping my engine in it's G-Spot around town and on the highway. You'll loose MPG, but you and I both you as you've pointed that you pay to play and thats the game. If I wanted MPG I'd be driving an unrespected compact.

Another must have is a programmer/tuner. Many many many people around this board went with Superchips, and a handful have gone with Diablosport. I don't really know which is better, but I went with Diablosport and won't look back.

There are hundreds of topics based on what people have done to their Marauder and the results they got. Some even have dyno graphs. That is the place to start, the search button. I've done some things to my car as well, and if I have the time I could use up a couple good paragraphs describing them, so shoot me a PM if you have any questions about anything I've already done.

Happy Motoring :cool:

[DEFYANT]

As a happy 12.6 second MM owner, I will not repeat all the quality answers given already. How about this: The Marauder has front and side air bags and a 5 star crash rating. So chances are, if you wreak, you'll probably live to tell about it.

[BillyGman]

The Panther chassis was significantly redesigned for the 2003 model year, with hydroformed rails, and extensive
use of forged aluminum in the front cradle and suspension. It also got rack & pinion steering. Front suspension
is short/long arm with coil-overs, and some very tasty camber curves. The rear got a nice 4-bar with air bags
and a Watts linkage. The Marauder suspension is calibrated to be much stiffer, and corner flatter, than other
Panther cars. Whatever images you might have about Crown Vics wallowing around, fugeddaboutit.

Despite what you've heard about the Marauder's performance, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well it
runs. And how easy it is to improve the performance. The 4-valve 4.6 is a breather, and loves to rev. For many
owners, a set of 4.10s and a PCM reflash are all it needs. For others, it's only the beginning in a long list of mods.
But if highway performance is your priority, then it's already there. This car goes from 50-90 faster than my '85 GT.

My Marauder is comfortable, quick, and handles better than any 4400 lb car has any right to. It's utterly rock
steady at 120MPH, and it'll cruise all day long at that speed, if you can keep from getting arrested. I also
like the fact that I don't see myself coming and going every day. Kinda cool to have a 1-of-328 car.
Yes, I'd like more low-RPM grunt, but at least the parts are available to satisfy that desire. It also tends
to eat tires, but that's easily as much my fault as the car's. :)

Hang out here awhile, and get a feel for what the car is about, and how different owners have modded their MMs
to suit their own personalities. This^ is one accurate post. I agree with everything he's stated above. I've owned my 03 Marauder for 2 years and four months, and I've put 34,000 miles on it. I LUV driving this car, and it sure is one solid car at that. The one major complaint I had with the car is that it lacked low RPM power, but I took care of that deficiency back when it had 11,000 miles on it with the Trilogy Motorsports roots supercharger kit which includes the same basic Eaton M112 supercharger as the 03/04 Cobra engines have, but in a kit that includes parts and an installation manual that are specifically for the Marauder.

The car is my daily driver, and even gets driven in the snow, while at the same time it flies. You can see my track times in my signature below. I use only 93 octane pump gas on and off the track. Most of (if not all of) the Marauder owners who got their cars into the 11 second bracket have done so on 100+ octane race gas, so that's something that you need to consider if your intention is to have a daily driver since you wouldn't be using race gas on the street for your daily commute.

Jerry W who is a former Ford engineer who helped design the transmissions that the Marauders use has stated that they are fine for up to 430 RWHP. So far, my car has been one of those that has proven him to be correct on that since my car dynoed at 400 RWHP, and I haven't had any transmission problems yet. However I do have the fluid flushed out and replaced twice per year as a preventative measure since I'm puting so much power through it.

I now have 23,000 supercharged miles on this car, and so far it's been dependable transportation as well as one blast to drive on the street. I have the stock engine (other than the Supercharger ofcourse) as well as the stock transmission, and everything is holding up well. And trust me, I drive this car hard!! There have been many Camaro SS boys who have tried to keep up with me in this car, and have all failed to do so. I also encountered two Vettes who must have thought that their cars were faster than mine is until they tried to prove it. :D BTW, one of them happened to be a Z06 vette.

I'm satisfied with the way this car handles with the stock suspension. It handles much better than my former Grand Marquis did. And a couple weeks ago a guy in a late 80's Mustang GT 5.0 tried keeping up with me around a bend in the highway. I was doing about 75 MPH, and the bend I speak of has some mild bumps. Nothing abrupt, in fact they're more like waves in the asphalt. My Marauder stuck to the road and followed the contours perfectly, and without any noticeable body roll. But when I looked in my rearview mirror, I saw that the guy in the 5.0 Mustang was all over the road, and had to slow down to avoid losing control. Not bad for such a heavy car as the Marauder is.

I also put the Kooks headers on it, along with the 2.5" diameter bolt-on kooks exhaust and the 18" magnaflow mufflers, and the car sounds fanatastic when I get on it!!! I get compliments all the time about how good it sounds, as well as how good it looks. And many of those compliments are from people who I don't even know. I never thought that I'd have so much enthusiasm about a big four door car, but this car is one of the coolest cars I've ever owned.

[Bradley G]

Yo Billy, What about the 4:56 gears and PI stall converter?

Your specific combo is what enables you to Roast most!:bows:

[BillyGman]

Yo Billy, What about the 4:56 gears and PI stall converter?

Your specific combo is what enables you to Roast most!:bows:Having a higher stall speed like I do (3,000 RPM's) probably doesn't compliment the roots supercharger. In fact, I might have even been better off leaving the stall speed at the stock 2400 RPM with a roots supercharger. The 4.56 gears definately help from 0-80 MPH and in the quartermile overall. But I raced that Z06 from 70-110 MPH and it still couldn't keep up with my car. I beat the guy by two car lengths, and if I had the 4.10's or especially the 3.55's, I would've beaten him by more than that. Probably by four car lengths with the factory stock 3.55 gears.

[Bradley G]

I was referring to your 60' times and 1/4 mi. et's.

Your car, According to your first video, I have watched twelve thousand times, has your wheels spinning untill you run out of pavement.
I can only assume the higher gear ratio and stall converter , (oh yeah the Kooks& Drag radials too), is what makes your car exceptionally, different than mine.

[ckadiddle]

I still get a cheap thrill flooring my stock Marauder from a dead stop. No, the tires don't smoke, and no screeching noises. Fat BFG KDW2 255/55/18 tires with great traction keep that from happening. The beast just stands up a bit and then is gone. Surprises the heck outta people that think it is a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis. Accelerating on the highway from 40 or 50 up to however fast you dare to go is breathtaking, and SMOOTH. This is my first "real" high performance car, and the most luxurious I have ever owned also. I cannot begin to imagine what an evil monster this would become with a supercharger installed. I was pretty much sold when the salesdude had us stand near the back of the car while he started it. There is no music so sweet as that made by a high performance V8 with dual exhaust. Good thing my wife feels the same way.:D I made sure she test drove first. Salesdude was a dragracer and encouraged us to indulge ourselves. Probably the easiest sale he made all month.

[Warpath]

I didn't read all the posts. So, forgive me if I'm repeating.


The Panther chassis was significantly redesigned for the 2003 model year, with hydroformed rails, and extensive
use of forged aluminum in the front cradle and suspension. It also got rack & pinion steering. Front suspension
is short/long arm with coil-overs, and some very tasty camber curves. The rear got a nice 4-bar with air bags
and a Watts linkage. The Marauder suspension is calibrated to be much stiffer, and corner flatter, than other
Panther cars. Whatever images you might have about Crown Vics wallowing around, fugeddaboutit.
...

The aluminum in the front is cast and not forged. A forging the size of the front cross member would probably cost as much as the rest of the vehicle. The rear suspension has had a Watts link since 98 I believe. Only the front of the frame, front suspension, and rear shocks were changed in 2003. The rear shocks were moved outboard of the frame rails. I wouldn't be surprised if the spring and bushing rates were retuned.

Body on frame puts an extra layer of isolation between the road and you. So, as some stated, it makes for a more plush ride. The drawback is potential for reduced road feed back. That does not mean it would be a lump of crap though. Just because another vehicle is a unibody doesn't mean its better. The cowl shake on my Mustang is horrendous (its a vert though). You shouldn't be alarmed by seeing things shake. It can take it.

[BillyGman]

. The cowl shake on my Mustang is horrendous (its a vert though). You shouldn't be alarmed by seeing things shake. It can take it.No shakes on my Marauder at any speds. It's rock solid.

[BillyGman]

I was referring to your 60' times and 1/4 mi. et's.

Your car, According to your first video, I have watched twelve thousand times, has your wheels spinning untill you run out of pavement.
I can only assume the higher gear ratio and stall converter , (oh yeah the Kooks& Drag radials too), is what makes your car exceptionally, different than mine.Brad, when it comes to doing burnouts, the 4.56 gears helped when my car was N/A, but now that it's supercharged, I think that if I had stayed with the 3.55's the car would actually do even better burnouts (if that's possible) because a roots supercharger doesn't need extreme gear ratios to get the tires spinning really good even from a dead punch, and with the combo of a roots supercharger and the 4.56 gears, the engine hits the rev limiter in first gear so quickly that I cannot avoid that happening during a burnout. And thew rev liomiter does interrupt the power to the wheels a litle bit.

However, the gears I have definately help my ET's. But when you begin a race from a 70 MPH roll and take the speed to insane numbers, the 4.56 gears will hinder your car a little. But not enough to still be very impressive. And as far as the drag radials go, I have to say yes. They're a big plus, and I would never run a supercharger on a Marauder w/out using drag radials. IMO that would be a waste of power since you wouldn't be able to put much of it to the pavement with the standard radial tires until you hit 40 MPH. Unless youonly want to do burnouts all the time.

[DeepSea117]

This thread is one of the ones I've enjoyed reading in a long time. Since I do more reading than posting, that says a lot haha! Seriously, what everyone has been saying here it what it's been all about for me as a Marauder owner. Seeing people care this much about a car reaffirms the fact that I was right to go balls-to-the-wall to get this car. I love reading about owners who could no longer deny themselves and bought a Marauder after a very long wait of possibly years. It pretty much mirrors what I went through to get my Marauder, because God knows I didn't have $36K lying around when this car came out. So now, I look forward to getting home and cruising my (N/A, S/C, stock, modded, DTR, BLACK, you name it) Marauder like all the owners look forward to as well, because it's a Marauder.

Tonight, it's time to turn some heads, and slow some cars down! :D

[merc6]

Wow I learned alot from just reading this post. Seeing I bought the car used and w/o even a owners manual.

[BillyGman]

Wow I learned alot from just reading this post. Seeing I bought the car used and w/o even a owners manual.That's what it's all about. there's a lot on this board that's very informative for all of us the Marauder owners. ;)