Question

[Motorhead350]

Alright I have noticed something. In the ads and what not a car with this supercharger is supposed to run a 12.9 and a few have not been able to get outta mid 13s. My question is was 12.9 the record for a stock Marauder with just the blower or are other things needed to run 12s such as headers, slicks (of course and probably the answer) or gears? Someone please shead some light on this. I'm sure the answer is more simple then I realize. And please no one stone me for asking a question. :nono:

[Rider90]

It could also be the driver.

[Motorhead350]

ok I can see that

[BillyGman]

With Marauders, once you start getting over 325 HP (at the wheels), then you'll need drag radials on the back to hook up coming off the line at the dragstrip. It's as simple as that. your Marauder can have the most powerful supercharger set-up around, but if you're using standard radial tires instead of drag radials, then your ET's will be all over the place, and it will be hit or miss when it comes to breaking into the 12 second bracket.


For whatever reason, there are a number of guys on here that go and spend the 5 or $6K for the S/Cer set-up, but won't spend the extra grand for the widened rims and the drag radials. So when they go to the dragstrip, their typical 60' times are often the same as bone stock Marauders have done (about 2.0 seconds)despite their cars having 140 HP more than the stock Marauders do. And that's a direct result of massive tire spin off the line. That kills your ET's. Any S/ced car with a V8 engine has to have drag radials to put all the power to the pavement at the track. If you have a S/ced Marauder with drag radials, then you'll likely get into the high 12's (usually 12.9's like you've implied). But definately 13.0's. But you have to keep in mind the track temperatures too. Running your car while in the 90's is a lot different than while in the 50's and 60's.

[Bradley G]

Not being able to get ET's down to the advertised numbers has been perplexing to say the least.
For the set-up the Marauder I am driving, with 4:10 gears and a cone filter, most everyone has a Half second or better quarter mile time.
Justified the slower times, when it was hot, but the last time we had a drag racing outing, the temps were mid to upper 70's.
The car has run consistantly in the 13.6 range.
Doesn't seem to matter to the car if it is 90*+ or 70* still the same times.
I had planned on Drag Radials quite some time ago, but some poor decisions have prevented the aquisition thus far.
I have inquired to several credible sources, as to the reason/conditions preventing the thirteen flat or 12.9's not being achieved so far.
A couple days after the Trilogy went on, Lidio was in Chicago @ an NMRA event.
He was generous enough to chech the cars' parameters, via his laptop and tuning equiptment.
At that time, all the levels displayed and the way the car performed during the session felt fine.
Not done with the quest, to make the car go faster, the power is very addictive, as some people will agree.
Stay tuned!


Alright I have noticed something. In the ads and what not a car with this supercharger is supposed to run a 12.9 and a few have not been able to get outta mid 13s. My question is was 12.9 the record for a stock Marauder with just the blower or are other things needed to run 12s such as headers, slicks (of course and probably the answer) or gears? Someone please shead some light on this. I'm sure the answer is more simple then I realize. And please no one stone me for asking a question. :nono:

[Bradley G]

I agree Jason,

The last time, the car was at the track, Zack took a pass in it and did not run it any faster than 13.7


It could also be the driver.

[BillyGman]

Not being able to get ET's down to the advertised numbers has been perplexing to say the least.
!Uhmm, didn't you read post #4? Your problem is due to lack of drag radials. Just look at your 60' times on your timeslips, and that should reveal the whole story. You must have noticed a traction problem on the dragstrip, right? If you didn't, then you must not have been giving it full throttle off the line either, and ofcourse that would also explian your poor ET's.

[Bradley G]

I disagree with you Billy, The Trilogy kit can not be purchaced for 5K, the only kit available for five thousand is F.I.T. or Dennis Rienharts' and I have not seen anyone post ET's with out a higher stall converter.
2.0 60' times are not typical, for a stock Marauder.
The only way to do Drag radials and widened rims for a $G is to use your existing rims.For me this is not practical, although my oem tires now, wont last any longer than the drag radials are capable of.
You may have the record for the least mileage on OEM tires.
Eventhough we disagree from time to time, you are still my Hero!


With Marauders, once you start getting over 325 HP (at the wheels), then you'll need drag radials on the back to hook up coming off the line at the dragstrip. It's as simple as that. your Marauder can have the most powerful supercharger set-up around, but if you're using standard radial tires instead of drag radials, then your ET's will be all over the place, and it will be hit or miss when it comes to breaking into the 12 second bracket.


For whatever reason, there are a number of guys on here that go and spend the 5 or $6K for the S/Cer set-up, but won't spend the extra grand for the widened rims and the drag radials. So when they go to the dragstrip, their typical 60' times are often the same as bone stock Marauders have done (about 2.0 seconds)despite their cars having 140 HP more than the stock Marauders do. And that's a direct result of massive tire spin off the line. That kills your ET's. Any S/ced car with a V8 engine has to have drag radials to put all the power to the pavement at the track. If you have a S/ced Marauder with drag radials, then you'll likely get into the high 12's (usually 12.9's like you've implied). But definately 13.0's. But you have to keep in mind the track temperatures too. Running your car while in the 90's is a lot different than while in the 50's and 60's.

[BillyGman]

Uhmm, I never said the T kit was $5K, did I? I stated S/cer kits were going for $5K and $6K. And as for 13.0's and 12.9's, I believe that Chuck's Trilogy equipped car did that. The bottom line is that 2.0 second 60' times are terrible for a S/ced Marauder, and that's a direct result of tire spin off the line. What's so difficult for some people on here to understand that? You're not getting into the high 12's because of your lousy 60' times PERIOD. If that bothers you, then spend the $$ for the drag radials. You can't have your cake and eat it to.

[Bradley G]

Sorry if I mis interpreted, the message.

Just trying to keep facts straight.
I have not seen anyone, post times with a centrifical super charger only.
Do you know of anyone?

I actually don't think my 60' times are lousy, for this set up.
I have not seen any better 60' times on stock rubber.I have not seen anyone post a 2.0 60' time stock.
I don't disagree that drag radials would net me better 60' or ET's.
Some people have run much better, than My car, with stock tires.
I do plan on drag radials, but probably not till next season.
MMM,......I like cake!
Did I mention, You are my hero?:P


Uhmm, I never said the T kit was $5K, did I? I stated S/cer kits were going for $5K and $6K. And as for 13.0's and 12.9's, I believe that Chuck's Trilogy equipped car did that. The bottom line is that 2.0 second 60' times are terrible for a S/ced Marauder, and that's a direct result of tire spin off the line. What's so difficult for some people on here to understand that? You're not getting into the high 12's because of your lousy 60' times PERIOD. If that bothers you, then spend the $$ for the drag radials. You can't have your cake and eat it to.

[BillyGman]

Hero schmero......Marty was running 1.8 60' times when his car was N/A. And that was with the stock rubber, and the same gears as you have. But that's because he didn't have any traction issues just as most owners of N/A Marauders don't. So how does it feel to drive a car that weighs the same, is puting down atleast 75 RWHP more than the N/A Marauders are, and yet you're accomplishing poorer 60' times? Oh well, we can beat this to death, but I guess that won't help.

[AzMarauder]

Not being able to get ET's down to the advertised numbers has been perplexing to say the least.
For the set-up the Marauder I am driving, with 4:10 gears and a cone filter, most everyone has a Half second or better quarter mile time.
Justified the slower times, when it was hot, but the last time we had a drag racing outing, the temps were mid to upper 70's.
The car has run consistantly in the 13.6 range.
Doesn't seem to matter to the car if it is 90*+ or 70* still the same times.
I had planned on Drag Radials quite some time ago, but some poor decisions have prevented the aquisition thus far.
I have inquired to several credible sources, as to the reason/conditions preventing the thirteen flat or 12.9's not being achieved so far.
A couple days after the Trilogy went on, Lidio was in Chicago @ an NMRA event.
He was generous enough to chech the cars' parameters, via his laptop and tuning equiptment.
At that time, all the levels displayed and the way the car performed during the session felt fine.
Not done with the quest, to make the car go faster, the power is very addictive, as some people will agree.
Stay tuned!
What elevation is your dragstrip?

[Bradley G]

The 13.6 ET's are based on Norwalk Mi., Joliet Il. , and Union Grove Wi.
I can check if that "elevation" information is available.From what I just read, Il and Wi are considered sea level.

What elevation is your dragstrip?

[AzMarauder]

The 13.6 ET's are based on Norwalk Mi., Joliet Il. , and Union Grove Wi.
I can check if that "elevation" information is available.From what I just read, Il and Wi are considered sea level.
I would tend to think (since you were three different strips) that elevation isn't the issue. I am sensitive to that possibility as I run at 3100' elevation. That will make a major difference in my times compared to the rest of the know world! :D

[Bradley G]

So how does it feel to drive a car that weighs the same, is puting down atleast 75 RWHP more than the N/A Marauders are, and yet you're accomplishing poorer 60' times?{Quote}
You have just been relieved from your duties as "Cheer-up committe Director"

[CBT]

It makes me feel funny in my special place, and special in my funny place.

[DEFYANT]

So how does it feel to drive a car that weighs the same, is puting down atleast 75 RWHP more than the N/A Marauders are, and yet you're accomplishing poorer 60' times?{Quote}
You have just been relieved from your duties as "Cheer-up committe Director"
Hey Bradley, dont feel bad, Billy gave me this toilet line over on SVTP.com when I posted my FIRST track experiance. I also had stock rims and tires.
This is the tread (http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197375)
The point is correct though. These Trilogy cars need wide tires!

[SergntMac]

I agree that drag radials will improve the launch and this is seen in lower 60 foot times, but it is not impossible to get lower times without them. Helpful, yes. Borderline essential, yes. Mandatory, no.

Last Friday night, I ran 12.21/113.08 MPH with a 60 foot time of 1.816, on Pirelli street tires, 285/45/18, 20 PSI. Street tune, pump gas as well.

Bradley, are you adjusting tire PSI for the track? I suggest you try 50 PSI in the front tires, and 20 PSI in the rear, see what happens? This will probably wreck the rears, but it sounds like they are wrecked anyway. If you can see a sub 2.0 sixty foot, and a 13.2x, you know you'll see the 12s next season with drag radials.

Just my .02c...Carry on.

[Dragcity]

I have done a fair bit of dragracing in my day. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pair of used slicks from a Pro-stock racer that was done with them. 11" wide 32" tall. Any-way, try to hook up with some of the big boys and see what leftovers they have for you to see the difference. These were tubed tires and I screwed them into an extra set of wheels I had. I was pushing 485HP on my street car, the slicks really did do the trick. Street tires lit up 1/4 of the way down the track. Slicks grabbed in after about 1 revolution off the line. I think I ran only 12 psi. Be careful if you are going to lower the psi and try to hook up. you may spin the tires off the rim as they are not screwed in and you have no tube.

You want the tire to spin a bit off the line, if it's any more than 3 revs, you need to adjust. Temp, psi, width, height.

End of the season is a good time to get used stuff. See if anyone is getting rid of something you can get a couple runs out of...

[Bradley G]

I drop the pressure to 22# when drag racing.

I have not tried to pump up the fronts, past what I run on the street.(40#)
Yea!, my stock rears are toast. How'd you know?:rolleyes:
Noisey too!
Congrats on the 12.2, how did Zack do?

I agree that drag radials will improve the launch and this is seen in lower 60 foot times, but it is not impossible to get lower times without them. Helpful, yes. Borderline essential, yes. Mandatory, no.

Last Friday night, I ran 12.21/113.08 MPH with a 60 foot time of 1.816, on Pirelli street tires, 285/45/18, 20 PSI. Street tune, pump gas as well.

Bradley, are you adjusting tire PSI for the track? I suggest you try 50 PSI in the front tires, and 20 PSI in the rear, see what happens? This will probably wreck the rears, but it sounds like they are wrecked anyway. If you can see a sub 2.0 sixty foot, and a 13.2x, you know you'll see the 12s next season with drag radials.

Just my .02c...Carry on.

[BillyGman]

Brad, I didn't mean to beat up on ya. I was just getting extreme with my comments to get my point across.This lack of drag radials thing on S/Ced Marauders being taken to the dragstrip is just one my pet peeves I guess. And I don't neccessarily consider all of the Perelli tires to be standard radials since some of them are made with very soft rubber compounds, and don't even provide high mileage. Kind of like drag radials almost. All is I know is that if your tires are spinning off the line, that eat's up more time, and can effect your ET's in a negative way, more than in any other part of the 1320. And if you are others who have driven your car at the dragstrip are backing off the throttle during the launch in order to avoid tire spin, then that's also wasting torque that's provided by your S/cer.


I buy the Nittos, have em heat cycled by discounttire direct, and I take the burnout into second gear with the tires down to 17 PSI (I wouldn't recommend that with standard radials) and I just let the engine idle at the line until the last amber light, and then I hammer the go pedal all at once, and the tires just grab w/out spinning anymore than about one half of a turn in atleast 70% if not 80% of my runs.

[Mike M]

Alright I have noticed something. In the ads and what not a car with this supercharger is supposed to run a 12.9 and a few have not been able to get outta mid 13s. My question is was 12.9 the record for a stock Marauder with just the blower or are other things needed to run 12s such as headers, slicks (of course and probably the answer) or gears? Someone please shead some light on this. I'm sure the answer is more simple then I realize. And please no one stone me for asking a question. :nono:

I think putting a blower on a stock Marauder will give you just enough HP to go a high 12 but you MUST have sticky tires. I just made a pass Fri night in the heat (ARIZONA) and it went 103 mph and that was with me babying it out of the hole and I still got loose. Yes I have 4:10s but otherwise my new converter won't be in until this wed and the rest of the car is stock.

[Mike M]

Sorry if I mis interpreted, the message.

Just trying to keep facts straight.
I have not seen anyone, post times with a centrifical super charger only.
Do you know of anyone?

I actually don't think my 60' times are lousy, for this set up.
I have not seen any better 60' times on stock rubber.I have not seen anyone post a 2.0 60' time stock.
I don't disagree that drag radials would net me better 60' or ET's.
Some people have run much better, than My car, with stock tires.
I do plan on drag radials, but probably not till next season.
MMM,......I like cake!
Did I mention, You are my hero?:P

My FIT SC Marauder just went 13.52 at 103mph in 90 degree weather with the stock converter. I am sure if I could have left hard without spinning I would have gone a 13.0 and it was HOT!
I ordered my Nittos today!

[Mike M]

Brad, I didn't mean to beat up on ya. I was just getting extreme with my comments to get my point across.This lack of drag radials thing on S/Ced Marauders being taken to the dragstrip is just one my pet peeves I guess. And I don't neccessarily consider all of the Perelli tires to be standard radials since some of them are made with very soft rubber compounds, and don't even provide high mileage. Kind of like drag radials almost. All is I know is that if your tires are spinning off the line, that eat's up more time, and can effect your ET's in a negative way, more than in any other part of the 1320. And if you are others who have driven your car at the dragstrip are backing off the throttle during the launch in order to avoid tire spin, then that's also wasting torque that's provided by your S/cer.


I buy the Nittos, have em heat cycled by discounttire direct, and I take the burnout into second gear with the tires down to 17 PSI (I wouldn't recommend that with standard radials) and I just let the engine idle at the line until the last amber light, and then I hammer the go pedal all at once, and the tires just grab w/out spinning anymore than about one half of a turn in atleast 70% if not 80% of my runs.

Have you tried loading the converter and making boost at the launch? It works great with my turbo regal.

[Tallboy]

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, so please indulge me one more time...

Since the Trilogy was installed, my car has run consistent low 13s. It'll vary from 13.1 to 13.3 seconds. My 60' times are 1.9 seconds. I have well over a dozen timeslips from different times of the year at different tracks with different drivers-all between 13.1 and 13.3 seconds.

Once again, please indulge me while I hop up on my soapbox for a moment: :soap:
My car is raced at the track exactly like it's driven on the street. I do not drop air pressure in the rears, I do not raise it in the fronts. I do not take out my headlight. I do not fold in my mirrors or ice my car down between runs. When my car is raced, it's raced three or four times in a row, not just once. I have never used race gas or a race gas tune. The car runs on OEM KDWS tires. [I have never used drag radials.] 3/4 of a tank of Amoco 93 octane. Full size spare in the trunk along with the organizer and all my crap in it. My fat-a$$ behind the wheel. [Off soapbox]

Billy is right about the drag radials. If you want that 12.XX timeslip, or be consistent and competitive at the track, you need drag radials. Our OEM tires suck at the track and too many of my runs have gone up in smoke. However, it seems I have developed a pretty good lauch technique for my car.

That being said, I do not look down upon anyone who does do any of the things I don't. More power to ya. But, for me, I want to know how fast my car is. Not how fast it can be.

[Tallboy]

My FIT SC Marauder just went 13.52 at 103mph in 90 degree weather with the stock converter.

Your sig says you have a Stallion 3500 stall converter.?
EDIT: Nevermind. I just saw you don't have it installed yet...

[Big House]

If you ask me...it is not your E/T time to 60' or quarter mile. It is the frighten smile you pit on your partner's face when you gunnit down the highway...Seat of the Pants :burnout: is the only measuring stick I use, because if I can run a faster time and still loose the race, it ain't much to be said abou this E/T quarter time thing.

[Motorhead350]

Alright so I guess I was right on the tire issue, one more thing: do the tires that you guys reccomend fit on our stock Marauder wheels?

[Jerry Barnes]

O.K. Guys,

Let me refresh everyone's memory. When the kit was developed it was intended for STREET USE. We were trying to provide a substantial power improvement that was reliable, cost effective and had good streetable use. WE ACCOMPLISHED OUR GOALS!!!!! A short time passes and customers have falling in love with their new found power in a BIG 4 DOOR SEDAN. I did not garantee high 12's on the drag strip when we sold the product. We did say it would substantially improve the performance of the car.

But, then customers would say, "How fast does your car go in the quarter mile?". I said we can get into the high 12's if you have better traction and the temps are good and the track is not junk, etc., etc. But, I also told everyone that the stock tires could not launch the car properly to achieve this if you did not replace the rear tires with something more suitable for traction. Remember, we give you lots-o-low-end-torque, how you use it is up to you. And remember the answer I give people when they ask, "What is the second mod you would make after supercharger my car?" The answer, BIGGER REAR TIRES! Who would have thunk(smile) we would take a bunch of mild mannered guys with BIG 4 DOOR SEDANS and turn them into fanatical drag racers!!!!!!!! I can't tell you how many times I have heard from my customers, "I only want a little more power for passing or getting on the expressway or beating up a little Mustang on Friday night".

Now look at you guys, Drag Radials, Nitrious, Smaller Pulleys, Cold Air Kits, 4:56 gears...... What's next Drag Shuts, Wheelie Bars, Full Roll Cages, Beautiful Blondes(Oh, that's if your turn Professional). I think I have uncovered a bunch of serious closet Type A personalities! The G-Man and the world record Burn Out, Virgil Woodward with 185 MPH Top Speed Runs on a new completed public road(before it was officially opened) with his State Trooper pal using his radar gun to make the run official or Marauder on the brink of breaking into to 10's!!!!!!!!! What the ***** is goin on????????? And are you ready for this. Steve Babcock(Father of the Marauder at Ford) stops by last week unannounced with his new partner in crime at SVT and does a tour of the office and then asks me to take the guy for a ride in the Marauder. Sure, I say! A very tasteful burn out later, the new partner says, "What does it do in the quarter mile?". I say the best time is 11.21 E.T. on a 85 degree day. His eyes and mouth open to a very large size and it states, "That's faster then the stock Ford GT in the quarter mile". I say, wow! He says, would you be interested in doing a little PR thing for the Ford SVT crew at the drag strip in a couple of weeks? I say, sure! He says, " I want to bring a couple of Ford GT's and a video camera and race against your Marauder #1". Sounds like a fair match to me, A $160,000 Ford Supercar against a $30,000 BIG BLACK 4 DOOR SEDAN that's no longer in production. I always bring a squirt gun to a nuclear war!

So, my point is: When does it stop? Remember, we only wanted to give the Marauder some grunt! Now I am setting up races with Ford's Premier Supercar! So you know what my recommendation is to you all, "Go buy the widen wheels, Nitto Drag Radials, find a Ford GT in your neighborhood and HAVE SOME FUN!!!!!!!!!!". The Blondes will appear after that!

Sincerely,

Jerry

[Tallboy]

Drag day with the SVT guys? Against a Ford GT? :banana:

Must...buy...plane...ticket...

[txmarauder]

Quote from Jerry (A $160,000 Ford Supercar against a $30,000 BIG BLACK 4 DOOR SEDAN that's no longer in production. I always bring a squirt gun to a nuclear war! )
You only have 30k in a 11 sec MM. What mods do you have.:D

[the_pack_rat]

My car is raced at the track exactly like it's driven on the street. I do not drop air pressure in the rears, I do not raise it in the fronts. I do not take out my headlight. I do not fold in my mirrors or ice my car down between runs. When my car is raced, it's raced three or four times in a row, not just once. I have never used race gas or a race gas tune. The car runs on OEM KDWS tires. [I have never used drag radials.] 3/4 of a tank of Amoco 93 octane. Full size spare in the trunk along with the organizer and all my crap in it. My fat-a$$ behind the wheel. [Off soapbox]

Billy is right about the drag radials. If you want that 12.XX timeslip, or be consistent and competitive at the track, you need drag radials. Our OEM tires suck at the track and too many of my runs have gone up in smoke. However, it seems I have developed a pretty good lauch technique for my car.

That being said, I do not look down upon anyone who does do any of the things I don't. More power to ya. But, for me, I want to know how fast my car is. Not how fast it can be. Interesting thoughts on the ability of ones car.

I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone lay it out like you just did .....

But I really LIKE it !.

http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif

Not that I'm endorsing(nor knocking it either - NEUTRAL opinion for the sake of argument here) stoplight racing here ...

But when was the last time someone looked over at you & motioned for a "time out" at a stoplight(or vice versa) out in the streets of real world USA so they(or you) could ...

1) Kick any passengers to the curb to save weight.

2) Empty their trunk of any excess weight

3) Slap on a set of drag radials &/or lower tire pressures.

Etc - etc ... you get the idea.

Now ... mind you I'm NOT knocking anyone that makes an effort to do all these other things if a lot of track time is a hobby of theirs ...

But I like the concept of keeping things on more of an EQUAL REAL WORLD level ... street to track & back to street again.

Sure, I can take a street driven car & line up next to another similar powered street driven car on the track ... after I have done some "track only" type tweaks(drags - minimal weight etc etc.) ... when they're running their car EXACTLY AS IS right off the street like they drive it each & every day ...

And it's a pretty safe bet that I will probably get out of the hole faster & make it to the finish line before they do if our driving skills are about the same .....

BUT ...

Who's to say I'm not gonna get my ass handed to me out on the street two days later should I enocounter this same car ... now that I'm not sporting those "track only" tweaks now ?.

Just another perspective.

[G-Man]

I think I have uncovered a bunch of serious closet Type A personalities! The G-Man and the world record Burn Out, Virgil Woodward with 185 MPH Top Speed Runs on a new completed public road(before it was officially opened) with his State Trooper pal using his radar gun to make the run official or Marauder on the brink of breaking into to 10's!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

JerryHold the phone Gentlemen,

I need to stop this one before I get a call from the President for a professional conduct review. :nono:

1.) I am the "G-Man" and am not the one who has the world record burnout. That would be "BillyGman".

2.) I am a type "A" personality. (There never was a closet involved.) :lol:

3.) Jerry, You have created an outstanding product that has exceeded your expectations in both power potential and durability. In my personal opinion, you gave many of us back the affordable, 4 door, rear wheel drive power that we have missed for some time. In doing so, you have created a solid reputation for honesty, poven power, reliability and attention to detail. There are many a businessman out there that could learn from you. :up:

G-man.

[the_pack_rat]

O.K. Guys,

Steve Babcock(Father of the Marauder at Ford) stops by last week unannounced with his new partner in crime at SVT and does a tour of the office and then asks me to take the guy for a ride in the Marauder. Sure, I say! A very tasteful burn out later, the new partner says, "What does it do in the quarter mile?". I say the best time is 11.21 E.T. on a 85 degree day. His eyes and mouth open to a very large size and it states, "That's faster then the stock Ford GT in the quarter mile". I say, wow! He says, would you be interested in doing a little PR thing for the Ford SVT crew at the drag strip in a couple of weeks? I say, sure! He says, " I want to bring a couple of Ford GT's and a video camera and race against your Marauder #1".

Jerry Never in a million years would any Ford produced MM(even if there were one with a $50-60K MSRP) right "out of the box" be able(ALLOWED that is) to run right alongside Fords' $160K super car ...

BUT ... maybe he wants to use this video to convince the brass the MM shouldn't have died before it realized a bit more of its potential.

Hmmmmm.

Hey we can all still DREAM there could have been a S/C Trilogy MM from Ford can't we ?.

[Mike M]

Your sig says you have a Stallion 3500 stall converter.?
EDIT: Nevermind. I just saw you don't have it installed yet...


I do, its in my garage and will be installed Wed.

[Jerry Barnes]

Hold the phone Gentlemen,

I need to stop this one before I get a call from the President for a professional conduct review. :nono:

1.) I am the "G-Man" and am not the one who has the world record burnout. That would be "BillyGman".

2.) I am a type "A" personality. (There never was a closet involved.) :lol:

3.) Jerry, You have created an outstanding product that has exceeded your expectations in both power potential and durability. In my personal opinion, you gave many of us back the affordable, 4 door, rear wheel drive power that we have missed for some time. In doing so, you have created a solid reputation for honesty, poven power, reliability and attention to detail. There are many a businessman out there that could learn from you. :up:

G-man.

G-Man,

Sorry for the mistake. Yes, I was referring to "The BillyGman". What was I smoking?

Jerry

[crimzon]

But when was the last time someone looked over at you & motioned for a "time out" at a stoplight(or vice versa) out in the streets of real world USA so they(or you) could ...

1) Kick any passengers to the curb to save weight.

haha, this reminds me of a time a Civic driver made his buddy get out of the car, and stand on the sidewalk while he tried to race my buddy's cobra... Was one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

[Jerry Barnes]

Quote from Jerry (A $160,000 Ford Supercar against a $30,000 BIG BLACK 4 DOOR SEDAN that's no longer in production. I always bring a squirt gun to a nuclear war! )
You only have 30k in a 11 sec MM. What mods do you have.:D

TXMARAUDER,

Remember I only paid $1 for my Marauder.

Jerry

[Motorhead350]

Jerry thats quite an accomplishment by being able to beat the GT. I wanna see a clip of that! Anyway glad I had my "tire" issue answered and once again performace depends on a lot of things and most of us aren't ones who wanna beat a mustang and thats it. we wanna kill em! Thanks again and I maybe gong for a ride in one of your cars next weekend. can't wait.

[BillyGman]

Yes, I was referring to "The BillyGman". What was I smoking?

JerryHopefully some tires :D :burnout: :burnout:

[BillyGman]

Interesting thoughts on the ability of ones car.

I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone lay it out like you just did .....

But I really LIKE it !.

http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif

3) Slap on a set of drag radials &/or lower tire pressures.

Ofcourse I don't lower tire pressures for street driving below 25 PSI, but I always drive on the street with my drag radials on, except for winter driving.

[BillyGman]

Have you tried loading the converter and making boost at the launch? It works great with my turbo regal.With the Trilogy S/cer being of the roots variety, I don't have to load up the torque converter to make boost at the launch. There isn't any lag time like you get with centrifugals and Turbos. you get boost right away. Especially with a 3,000 RPM stall speed, and 4.56 gears like I have.

I tried loading up the converter once, and I only got wheel spin, and so it hurt my 60' times instead of helping. That was enough experiementing for me, and I went back to my old habit of letting the engine idle until the launch. I've acheived consistent 1.6 sec 60' timnes with that method, so why mess with perfection? With 400 RWHP and a 4,444 LB race weight, I don't think I'm ever gonna do better than 1.6's. ;)

[Bradley G]

No Doubt, Charlie!

Thanks for the link!


Hey Bradley, dont feel bad, Billy gave me this toilet line over on SVTP.com when I posted my FIRST track experiance. I also had stock rims and tires.
This is the tread (http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197375)
The point is correct though. These Trilogy cars need wide tires!

[Bradley G]

Thanks for the tips,

Good luck with slicks!:burnout:


I have done a fair bit of dragracing in my day. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pair of used slicks from a Pro-stock racer that was done with them. 11" wide 32" tall. Any-way, try to hook up with some of the big boys and see what leftovers they have for you to see the difference. These were tubed tires and I screwed them into an extra set of wheels I had. I was pushing 485HP on my street car, the slicks really did do the trick. Street tires lit up 1/4 of the way down the track. Slicks grabbed in after about 1 revolution off the line. I think I ran only 12 psi. Be careful if you are going to lower the psi and try to hook up. you may spin the tires off the rim as they are not screwed in and you have no tube.

You want the tire to spin a bit off the line, if it's any more than 3 revs, you need to adjust. Temp, psi, width, height.

End of the season is a good time to get used stuff. See if anyone is getting rid of something you can get a couple runs out of...

[Bradley G]

WE Cool! :coolman:
Brad, I didn't mean to beat up on ya. I was just getting extreme with my comments to get my point across.This lack of drag radials thing on S/Ced Marauders being taken to the dragstrip is just one my pet peeves I guess. And I don't neccessarily consider all of the Perelli tires to be standard radials since some of them are made with very soft rubber compounds, and don't even provide high mileage. Kind of like drag radials almost. All is I know is that if your tires are spinning off the line, that eat's up more time, and can effect your ET's in a negative way, more than in any other part of the 1320. And if you are others who have driven your car at the dragstrip are backing off the throttle during the launch in order to avoid tire spin, then that's also wasting torque that's provided by your S/cer.


I buy the Nittos, have em heat cycled by discounttire direct, and I take the burnout into second gear with the tires down to 17 PSI (I wouldn't recommend that with standard radials) and I just let the engine idle at the line until the last amber light, and then I hammer the go pedal all at once, and the tires just grab w/out spinning anymore than about one half of a turn in atleast 70% if not 80% of my runs.

[Bradley G]

I would give you an excellent race!

Thanks for your input Mike!


My FIT SC Marauder just went 13.52 at 103mph in 90 degree weather with the stock converter. I am sure if I could have left hard without spinning I would have gone a 13.0 and it was HOT!
I ordered my Nittos today!

[Bradley G]

Thanks for the read, Chuck!

I have been Known to try some of the tricks you mention,
Though grew tired of all the preparation.
Now I just let out some air and go.
All my times are loaded 1/2 tank of 93.


I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, so please indulge me one more time...

Since the Trilogy was installed, my car has run consistent low 13s. It'll vary from 13.1 to 13.3 seconds. My 60' times are 1.9 seconds. I have well over a dozen timeslips from different times of the year at different tracks with different drivers-all between 13.1 and 13.3 seconds.

Once again, please indulge me while I hop up on my soapbox for a moment: :soap:
My car is raced at the track exactly like it's driven on the street. I do not drop air pressure in the rears, I do not raise it in the fronts. I do not take out my headlight. I do not fold in my mirrors or ice my car down between runs. When my car is raced, it's raced three or four times in a row, not just once. I have never used race gas or a race gas tune. The car runs on OEM KDWS tires. [I have never used drag radials.] 3/4 of a tank of Amoco 93 octane. Full size spare in the trunk along with the organizer and all my crap in it. My fat-a$$ behind the wheel. [Off soapbox]

Billy is right about the drag radials. If you want that 12.XX timeslip, or be consistent and competitive at the track, you need drag radials. Our OEM tires suck at the track and too many of my runs have gone up in smoke. However, it seems I have developed a pretty good lauch technique for my car.

That being said, I do not look down upon anyone who does do any of the things I don't. More power to ya. But, for me, I want to know how fast my car is. Not how fast it can be.

[Bradley G]

Dear Mr. Barnes,

When you offered this fantastic kit, the troops got stirred up.To the tune of # what ? 105 or 110 kits sold?
Some will be happy with the "out of the box" performance.
Other type "A"'s will want to go further.(sound familar)
You have accomplished more, than anyone else has with the Marauder.
sorry for the, "MINES' BIGGER" senario.
Each and every time ,I open the door, (or even walk by) to the Marauder,
I am greatful to you and your efforts to make the car what it is now!
To think; when I first drove the MM, I was happy with the car "as is".
Then I found this web site, it has been quite ride from there.
My life has changed, forever!
Now you're pick'in on the Supercar? :eek:
Show those guy's at Ford, what a Big Bad Trilogy Supercharged Marauder is about!
PS. If you need any Vid or crew guys, Im in!:coolman:



O.K. Guys,

Let me refresh everyone's memory. When the kit was developed it was intended for STREET USE. We were trying to provide a substantial power improvement that was reliable, cost effective and had good streetable use. WE ACCOMPLISHED OUR GOALS!!!!! A short time passes and customers have falling in love with their new found power in a BIG 4 DOOR SEDAN. I did not garantee high 12's on the drag strip when we sold the product. We did say it would substantially improve the performance of the car.

But, then customers would say, "How fast does your car go in the quarter mile?". I said we can get into the high 12's if you have better traction and the temps are good and the track is not junk, etc., etc. But, I also told everyone that the stock tires could not launch the car properly to achieve this if you did not replace the rear tires with something more suitable for traction. Remember, we give you lots-o-low-end-torque, how you use it is up to you. And remember the answer I give people when they ask, "What is the second mod you would make after supercharger my car?" The answer, BIGGER REAR TIRES! Who would have thunk(smile) we would take a bunch of mild mannered guys with BIG 4 DOOR SEDANS and turn them into fanatical drag racers!!!!!!!! I can't tell you how many times I have heard from my customers, "I only want a little more power for passing or getting on the expressway or beating up a little Mustang on Friday night".

Now look at you guys, Drag Radials, Nitrious, Smaller Pulleys, Cold Air Kits, 4:56 gears...... What's next Drag Shuts, Wheelie Bars, Full Roll Cages, Beautiful Blondes(Oh, that's if your turn Professional). I think I have uncovered a bunch of serious closet Type A personalities! The G-Man and the world record Burn Out, Virgil Woodward with 185 MPH Top Speed Runs on a new completed public road(before it was officially opened) with his State Trooper pal using his radar gun to make the run official or Marauder on the brink of breaking into to 10's!!!!!!!!! What the ***** is goin on????????? And are you ready for this. Steve Babcock(Father of the Marauder at Ford) stops by last week unannounced with his new partner in crime at SVT and does a tour of the office and then asks me to take the guy for a ride in the Marauder. Sure, I say! A very tasteful burn out later, the new partner says, "What does it do in the quarter mile?". I say the best time is 11.21 E.T. on a 85 degree day. His eyes and mouth open to a very large size and it states, "That's faster then the stock Ford GT in the quarter mile". I say, wow! He says, would you be interested in doing a little PR thing for the Ford SVT crew at the drag strip in a couple of weeks? I say, sure! He says, " I want to bring a couple of Ford GT's and a video camera and race against your Marauder #1". Sounds like a fair match to me, A $160,000 Ford Supercar against a $30,000 BIG BLACK 4 DOOR SEDAN that's no longer in production. I always bring a squirt gun to a nuclear war!

So, my point is: When does it stop? Remember, we only wanted to give the Marauder some grunt! Now I am setting up races with Ford's Premier Supercar! So you know what my recommendation is to you all, "Go buy the widen wheels, Nitto Drag Radials, find a Ford GT in your neighborhood and HAVE SOME FUN!!!!!!!!!!". The Blondes will appear after that!

Sincerely,

Jerry

[Eric91Z]

So, my point is: When does it stop? Remember, we only wanted to give the Marauder some grunt! Now I am setting up races with Ford's Premier Supercar! So you know what my recommendation is to you all, "Go buy the widen wheels, Nitto Drag Radials, find a Ford GT in your neighborhood and HAVE SOME FUN!!!!!!!!!!". The Blondes will appear after that!

Sincerely,

Jerry

Jerry,

Although I am not YET a Trilogy owner, I do aspire to be one some day. I want to thank you for offering a great product with great service and support. It is nice to have a full size 4-door, body-on-frame car that will last and can make some power. I can't wait for the day that my unsuspecting family car can put the smack down on some "big dog" cars when I want.

[BillyGman]

Jerry, if you do race the Ford GT supercar, you better be sure that you hook-up good, because the first 1/8 mile is where you're gonna take him. The trap speeds accomplished with the stock Ford GT's are around 130 MPH, which indicates to me that they're stronger in the last half of the 1320 than your Marauder is, since they turned from 11.2's to 11.8's. So you'll probably get him off the line, and through the first half, but that GT will be traveling faster than your car will be and therefore playing catch-up by the 1,000" mark. But you'll have to hook-up good to run a good 60' and 330' time. That will be your best shot at beating the Ford GT in the 1320 IMO.;)

[TechHeavy]

Alright I have noticed something. In the ads and what not a car with this supercharger is supposed to run a 12.9 and a few have not been able to get outta mid 13s. My question is was 12.9 the record for a stock Marauder with just the blower or are other things needed to run 12s such as headers, slicks (of course and probably the answer) or gears? Someone please shead some light on this. I'm sure the answer is more simple then I realize. And please no one stone me for asking a question. :nono:
I ran 12.9 ET with just a Trilogy S/C on stock tires. I have sense purchased drag radials, but the times I have posted on the timeslip page were with the original stock tires... and I have witnesses.

[txmarauder]

I ran 12.9 ET with just a Trilogy S/C on stock tires. I have sense purchased drag radials, but the times I have posted on the timeslip page were with the original stock tires... and I have witnesses.Was that run with the smaller 3 inch pulley.

[TechHeavy]

Was that run with the smaller 3 inch pulley.
Yes it was... (sorry, forgot to mention that) but without the cold air filter.

[Jerry Barnes]

Jerry,

Although I am not YET a Trilogy owner, I do aspire to be one some day. I want to thank you for offering a great product with great service and support. It is nice to have a full size 4-door, body-on-frame car that will last and can make some power. I can't wait for the day that my unsuspecting family car can put the smack down on some "big dog" cars when I want.


Your going to love it!!!!! And I can't wait to have you as a customer!!!!

Jerry

[Jerry Barnes]

Jerry, if you do race the Ford GT supercar, you better be sure that you hook-up good, because the first 1/8 mile is where you're gonna take him. The trap speeds accomplished with the stock Ford GT's are around 130 MPH, which indicates to me that they're stronger in the last half of the 1320 than your Marauder is, since they turned from 11.2's to 11.8's. So you'll probably get him off the line, and through the first half, but that GT will be traveling faster than your car will be and therefore playing catch-up by the 1,000" mark. But you'll have to hook-up good to run a good 60' and 330' time. That will be your best shot at beating the Ford GT in the 1320 IMO.;)


Billy,

You are absolutely right! I'm *****ting my pants and I'm not even at the track yet! This is too much pressure for an old man!!!

Thanks

[mpearce]

Jerry,

Will this Ford GT race happen at Norwalk Smackdown?

-Mat

[RF Overlord]

This is too much pressure for an old man!!!Old man?! Jerry, I'm only a couple years younger than you and I'm definitely not old... Now go kick Ford's ass!

[Jerry Barnes]

Jerry,

Will this Ford GT race happen at Norwalk Smackdown?

-Mat

Mat,

I don't know when and where yet, but when they tell me ,I will let you know. I would think it would be milan in michigan.

Thanks

Jerry

[DEFYANT]

Billy,

You are absolutely right! I'm *****ting my pants and I'm not even at the track yet! This is too much pressure for an old man!!!

Thanks
I'm here for ya Jerry. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you:D ;).

Why not get a few MMs together to do battle with these Ford GTs! Send them home broken hearted Jerry!

Thanks for the reply.

[jstevens]

Okay, I give up. What the hell is drag shuts?

Oh, and Jerry, what kit number are you on?

I just noticed Milan is open until early November. I plan on going Oct 29.

[AzMarauder]

Mat,

I don't know when and where yet, but when they tell me ,I will let you know. I would think it would be milan in michigan.

Thanks

Jerry
I would like to have some conspiracy theories going as to why Ford would even be interested in doing such a thing?

I mean... is SVT interested in doing a Panther Platform... SVT Crown Vic?

Is Mercury thinking about reentering the fray?

Or does Jerry just have some friends that can get the keys to fancy cars and just want to go out and play?

The possibilities abound !