New Marauder Wish List

[Donny Carlson]

There's a thread running on the SSR board regarding an option or SPA wish list for the 07 model year, or for new SPA's for the current 06 run.

It's been a fun thread, so let me throw it out here. If Ford were to bring the Marauder back to market in the future, what options would you want to see, and be willing to pay for?

I'll start it off -

1) The 5.4 L supercharged V8 from the Shelbt GT 500 Mustang
2) 6 speed automatic with paddle shift -or-
3) 6 speed manual transmission
4) Premium sound with aftermarket quality speakers, similar to the Bose system in GM, Harmon Karden in Infinity, with touch screen, satellite radio, GPS navigation, of at least 500 watts power with a separate, at least 300 watt mono amp for the sub.
5) Puddle lights on the mirrors, underbody lighting, and "perimeter" lighting like on GM products. ("perimeter" lighting turns on the back up lights)
6) A driver information center that gives you service interval messages, warns you of critical mechanical or electrical problems, etc.
7) Remote start.
8) Passive keyless entry and engine start
9) Express down for both driver and passenger windows.
10) Traction control that turns off when you manuall shift into 1st, or when you are at WOT.


Okay, theres the start! Have at it!!

[hdwrench]

i'd go for the supercharger, 6 speed manual and remote start.

edit : i guess remote start usually is not available on manual trannies.. o well

[mtnh]

Hmmm. That 6-speed sounds like a nice option, but watch those 1320' times go up with that option!

Most of that list seems too fluffy to me, in line with the all-show/no go styling prevalent many of the cars of today's youth. Good tunes, yeah. Perimeter lighting, uh, why?

Should be an interesting thread, though.

Mike

[fastblackmerc]

i'd go for the supercharger, 6 speed manual and remote start.

edit : i guess remote start usually is not available on manual trannies.. o well
Remote release gas door
Automatic parking brake release
Radio that stays on until you open a door (after you remove the key from the ignition)
XM radio - get rid of Sirrus
More radio options (iPod hookup, DVD player, GPS, RCA inputs)
Express opening / closing moon roof
Option to open or close the windows with the key fob
Optional rear gear ratios
Optional exhaust (louder)
Handeling package (stiffer springs, sway bars & shocks)
User selectable ride settings (ala the older T-Birds)
Dashlights like in the new Mustangs
2 door model
Convertible model

I'll think of more.

I second or third the supercharger & 6 speed automatic.

[Donny Carlson]

Most of that list seems too fluffy to me, in line with the all-show/no go styling prevalent many of the cars of today's youth. Good tunes, yeah. Perimeter lighting, uh, why?
I thought the same thing until i saw it in action. It works great, especially if you're around the back of the car at night. The backup lights illuminate the rear of the car and the ground around it. Handy if you need to open the trunk or don't want to step in mud or dog caa-caa or whatever.

[DEFYANT]

I am sure Ford reps check in here. Hell, one or two may be members "undercover". I'd like to see a new MM someday. But I dont have my hopes up. Besides, I like the exclusivity (sp?) we have now.

[Donny Carlson]

Yeah, I have "retained accessory power" in my SSR.

Also, have programmable functions (seatbelt chime, horn toot on lock, length of timer for headlights, etc) programmed from the steering wheel instead of arcane key turns and door lock cycling.

It would be nice to have a "performance handling package" that would upgrade sway bars, control arms, springs, brake rotors, rear end gears, etc in one package.

[merc]

I know this is not on your list of requested options, but if I had the time and cash my Marauder Mod motor would found on E-bay and replaced with this;


445 CID Custom Turbo Racing Engine - Donovan alum. block, Dart 14 degree Olds CFE Pro Stock heads, Hogans sheet metal tunnel RAM w/twin throttle body and EFI, billet Crower crank, Manley top fuel rods, JE custom turbo pistons, C&A rings & HP bearings, Jesel rockers & belt drive, Comp cams custom cam shaft, Comp cams extra HD roller lifters, titanium vlaves, retainers & keepers, LSM springs & Moroso billit valve covers. Stef's oil system, ATI blancer, Burns stainless turbo headers w/merge collectors, twin 76mm ceramic ball bearing, Turbonetics turbos. Spearco intercooler for twin turbo, all plumbing & intake tubes. MSD distributor & ignition 7AL2. Bosch race fuel injectors,Welden fuel pump 2035

Donny, can you say push rod. :rasta:

[the_pack_rat]

Some of these below have already been said but I'll repeat them anyway.

STOCK advertised HP no less than 350.

STOCK advertised TQ no less than 400.

S/C option.

Optional gear ratios.

5 or 6 spd AUTOMATIC.

NO goofy ass air silencer on the air intake.

No UN-necessary resonators in the exhaust tips.

Different/better audio options - speaker/subwoofer quality - 10+ disc changer vs our 6..

FULL heated seats(NOT just the seat bottoms).

Switch for the power lumbar located on the SIDE of the seat - NOT the front ... & combine it with a power recline switch in the same panel.

Memory profile system like some of the Lincolns have(seat - mirrors - radio stations - headlamp delay - etc etc).

A small electronic information center of sorts.(warning msgs - mpg - DTE - time/date etc etc).

Perhaps some sort of COMBINATION of these TWO things above where the driver(s) can set all their preferences at the simple touch of a button.

A REAL & ORIGINAL FoMoCo "Auto-Lamp" system(time adjustable - not the NON-adjustable crummy version they stuck in our cars).

A REAL moonroof with a FLUSH install like 99.9999999 % of any other factory ordered moonroof car ..... that costs less than HALF of what a MM does/would ...... also include more features in it.

More ext/int color options.

A black lacquer looking interior trim option instead of the dot matrix.(saw such trim inside a new top of the line Montego - it looks sharp). Maybe even DELETE the seperate trim off the door panels ENTIRELY.

Better quality dash material of a smooth grain that is stitched around the edges like our current seats are.

Chrome shifter bezel - button & collar.

Chrome interior door handles.

Some sort of dressed up accent panel or trim around the instrument panel gauges(these would be UNDER the lense) ..... chrome edges/outlined perhaps.

Interior door pull straps/handles on the door panels like the older GM/CV's.

Courtesy lights on the lower part of the interior door panels.

Cruise control light(could be part of the electronic information center).

Better looking steering wheel w/a real gods head emblem.

And of course' ...... gods head emblems EVERYWHERE else they should have been.

ALL gauges built INTO the instrument cluster like the concept MM had ... but leaving a tasteful spot available/open to add other gauges if you chose to(additional gauges standard if you order a S/C).

Mirror & underbody lamps(puddle/ground).

Mirrors with built in turn signal lamps.

HID headlamps.

Lighted rear spoiler.

Delayed accessory power.

Remote fuel door.

Auto parking brake release.

Under hood lamp.

Carpeting on the under-side of the trunk.

Full size spare option.

The idea of "user selectable" instrument panel lighting(new Mustangs) I like too.

I'm sure I can think of more .....

But that's just off the top of my head.

[snowbird]

Ok Here's mine:

1) The 5.4 L supercharged V8 from the Shelby GT 500 Mustang -or-
a variant 5.4 V8 enhanced with the help of two turbos
2) 6 speed automatic with paddle shift -or- 6 speed manual transmission
3) More environnment friendly design to help give more years to our favorite
ride:
- Shave 300 to 500 pounds, or/and
- Hybrid technology help like braking recovery energy, or/and
- Triple mode fuel for Nos and methanol injection on boost
(we could cleverly put a big "hybrid" emblem in the right rear to have
those Greenpeace activists on our side but don't tell anybody it's a
secret)
- Dual mode computer settings at the flip of a switch: ultra
economy and ultra performance (easier with automatic trans), or/and
- well engeneered sheetmetal aerodynamics to improve economy on the
highway
4) 2 real front seats for a change
5) 4 real brakes also for a change
6) And maybe for the ones too lazy to move out from Canada:
- Optional 4 wheels drive

[TripleTransAm]

My list is short and sweet, actually...

1) Quality Parts
2) Quality assembly
3) Quality


Doesn't matter, really, as Ford has pretty much lost me as a customer for good.

[Svashtar]

My list is short and sweet, actually...

1) Quality Parts
2) Quality assembly
3) Quality


Doesn't matter, really, as Ford has pretty much lost me as a customer for good. Well said! Although I'd like to give them another chance. They just seem to half-ass so much of the little stuff. I can't fault the drive train, but everything around it seems to be designed to save $.

If I could make just a few changes to my car it would be for a better exhaust system (although here in the PRK we're stuck), the concept car instrument cluster, and actual decent black paint. Every time I see a black Mercedes or Corvette or Chrysler I get pissed off.

I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but some really nice oversized drilled brake rotors would be great.

Oh, and one final change that I was going to ask this forum about anyway: better quality carpeting. Mine is a year old and looks like hell already, at least in the front, and I work hard to keep it clean. Wonder how tough it is to change it out for something higher end?

Good list Donny!

Norm

[RCSignals]

Yeah, I have "retained accessory power" in my SSR.

Also, have programmable functions (seatbelt chime, horn toot on lock, length of timer for headlights, etc) programmed from the steering wheel instead of arcane key turns and door lock cycling.

It would be nice to have a "performance handling package" that would upgrade sway bars, control arms, springs, brake rotors, rear end gears, etc in one package.


I have "retained accessory power" in my 2006 E250

I would hope the programming methods for such things as horn toot on lock has advanced in three years.

One of the early ideas from Ford for the Marauder was that there would be such performance packages available, and they had been apparently working with name brand manufacturers of such items.
This may be part of the reason there is or became available so much for the Marauder afterward.

[RCSignals]

I like most of what has been listed so far.

I'd just like to emphasise that it should be Body on frame,
Should take some styling from the '427' concept
Should have tudor and convertible models available.

A 5.4 would be nice. I'm liking the 5.4 in my 2006 E250

[Merc-O-matic]

Go back to the original tint on the upper windshield
(2003 300A model) and add memory (position) for both
front seats. A pull down trunk would be nice too.

Gotta Love It! :beatnik:

[RCSignals]

My list is short and sweet, actually...

1) Quality Parts
2) Quality assembly
3) Quality


Doesn't matter, really, as Ford has pretty much lost me as a customer for good.

I'm sure the prise is yours. No one has had as much trouble as you.

At least you earned you nickname, BlackCloud.

[sundaydog]

My wish list would be:

1) Big Block.... Massive amount of cubes. Start with the 427 block from the new concept car.
2) No supercharger. I will do that if I want to make more of a statement to the local competition.
3) Keep the car big. No downsizing.
4) Factory installed functional hood scoop
5) Side exhausts so I could literally burn the doors and paint off of those Chrysler 300c's and Chargers

If anyone from Ford is reading this and would like to hire me, please contact me thru this website. Thanks

[wm1964]

I would like to see 500HP and a 2 door convertible! :D (We can dream cant we?)

[TripleTransAm]

I'm sure the prise is yours. No one has had as much trouble as you.


I don't quite understand how you can say this with certainty. How many of the folks on here have put up their cars for sale for various reasons over the years, and how many of those reasons were the REAL reasons for the sale? What obligation does an owner have to disclose all trouble they've had with the car to this board, publicly, when they are looking to sell the car and risk having a potential buyer come on here and discover the woes of the previous owner?

I find that notion a bit naive.

Just how many miles on your current Marauder that you haven't experienced ANY issues? If you ever want to put it up for sale, I will pay top dollar... it would most likely be a collectible given the impeccable service record.


In my case, I clearly recall Bob (RF Overlord) telling me that given my existing arsenal of V8s, I'd most likely be setting myself up for disappointment once I spent equal time with them. My argument at the time was that I fully accepted the car's performance and power band in its stock form, having spent considerable time with a 305-4Bbl equipped 1985 Parisienne (Canadian non-ECM version) that behaved similarly on take-off with its much tighter torque converter and highway rear gears. Note clearly that I never once came out and complained that I felt unsatisfied by the car's low end performance... in fact I recall a post (that I remember Bob replying to, in fact) where I stated I was actually quite satisfied in most of my normal urban driving situations!

I also was fully aware of some of the recurring complaints on here and figured since I was not intending to use the car at 10/10s of its performance, that this would only mean a prolonged service life without failures. Heck, it worked for my other cars... my GTA doesn't even smoke at startup (a common Chevy malady at my mileage), my WS6 still rides and feels and runs like it was brand new, at close to 60000 miles, and my '78... the valvetrain is a little noisy, yes, but 110 000 miles and 28 years later, I can forgive this, no? And no oil consumption either, on any of those cars.

Nope, not even a nice even-headed use and meticulous maintenance has helped here. So I'm resolving myself to joining the throngs of blue-smoke puffing Fords that roam our roadways up here (yes, I understand that no Ford puffs any blue smoke around your area, Duncan, must be a barometric thing or something).

So why am I publicly disclosing all this? Because I don't care. I have 5 months left with this poor excuse for a body on a frame. And the only regret I have with giving this car back is that I won't be able to drive it back to the St.Thomas assembly plant parking lot and blow the thing to bits (with no human in proximity, of course, wouldn't want anyone hurt) and asking them to send the remains of this thing back to hell in the boxes it came in.


Actually, I'm lying... I DO care. I feel betrayed. It's like finding out that this girl you were sort of seeing half-seriously has actually been screwing around behind your back... hmmmph... oh well, no biggie, life goes on, no problem moving on. But when you've thrown yourself into the relation heart-and-soul 100% and you're in it for the long(est) run and it's true love and you're really head-over-heels, and then get betrayed... THAT hurts. It's still the best looking full sized sedan ever produced, in my humble opinion, but you'll never respect what's inside ever again. And that's the worst type of betrayal possible.

And this ain't no Darkside playground that one can turn off in an instant... this is reality. There ain't no going back.

[RoyLPita]

My list:
5.4 S/C Shelby motor w/ 6 speed manual (5th & 6th o/d like Viper & F-body GM) OR 6 spd auto (from Explorer w/ steering wheel shift controls)
200+ amp alternator
295/45-18 tires all around + matching spare on 18x9 wheels
3.73 gears w/locker & 31 spline limo axles (3.90 & 4.10 ratios optional)
'99-'04 Mustang traction control (can spin/smoke tires when floored w/o interruption)
standard cross drilled & slotted rotors w/ dual piston calipers all around
memory seats w/ full motorized tilt telescopic steering column (like mark 8)
Fusion remote keys
A moonroof that opens fully (in total agreement w/Pack Rat)
HID lights or standard Silverstars
guages with "My Color" function
S55 option pkg with red insert in & out.
more than 3 exterior colors
more than 2 interior colors
extended model also
Bring back the "hardtop"
if it can be done- suicide sliding doors.
push button exit & entry (like the Vette) with manual override
dvd option w/ multiple screens
MB rear window defroster (very fine lines that are barely noticeable)
auto down and up on front windows.
dual a/c (vents are in back of console w/blower control)
glare resistant rear view mirrors
seperate mids & tweeters in 4 corners + deep base sub in rear
LED rear brake/tail lights & front corner lamps

one feature that I will do without:
start engine button- I can still "turn the key"

[RCSignals]

I don't quite understand how you can say this with certainty. How many of the folks on here have put up their cars for sale for various reasons over the years, and how many of those reasons were the REAL reasons for the sale? What obligation does an owner have to disclose all trouble they've had with the car to this board, publicly, when they are looking to sell the car and risk having a potential buyer come on here and discover the woes of the previous owner?

I find that notion a bit naive.

Just how many miles on your current Marauder that you haven't experienced ANY issues? If you ever want to put it up for sale, I will pay top dollar... it would most likely be a collectible given the impeccable service record.


In my case, I clearly recall Bob (RF Overlord) telling me that given my existing arsenal of V8s, I'd most likely be setting myself up for disappointment once I spent equal time with them. My argument at the time was that I fully accepted the car's performance and power band in its stock form, having spent considerable time with a 305-4Bbl equipped 1985 Parisienne (Canadian non-ECM version) that behaved similarly on take-off with its much tighter torque converter and highway rear gears. Note clearly that I never once came out and complained that I felt unsatisfied by the car's low end performance... in fact I recall a post (that I remember Bob replying to, in fact) where I stated I was actually quite satisfied in most of my normal urban driving situations!

I also was fully aware of some of the recurring complaints on here and figured since I was not intending to use the car at 10/10s of its performance, that this would only mean a prolonged service life without failures. Heck, it worked for my other cars... my GTA doesn't even smoke at startup (a common Chevy malady at my mileage), my WS6 still rides and feels and runs like it was brand new, at close to 60000 miles, and my '78... the valvetrain is a little noisy, yes, but 110 000 miles and 28 years later, I can forgive this, no? And no oil consumption either, on any of those cars.

Nope, not even a nice even-headed use and meticulous maintenance has helped here. So I'm resolving myself to joining the throngs of blue-smoke puffing Fords that roam our roadways up here (yes, I understand that no Ford puffs any blue smoke around your area, Duncan, must be a barometric thing or something).

So why am I publicly disclosing all this? Because I don't care. I have 5 months left with this poor excuse for a body on a frame. And the only regret I have with giving this car back is that I won't be able to drive it back to the St.Thomas assembly plant parking lot and blow the thing to bits (with no human in proximity, of course, wouldn't want anyone hurt) and asking them to send the remains of this thing back to hell in the boxes it came in.


Actually, I'm lying... I DO care. I feel betrayed. It's like finding out that this girl you were sort of seeing half-seriously has actually been screwing around behind your back... hmmmph... oh well, no biggie, life goes on, no problem moving on. But when you've thrown yourself into the relation heart-and-soul 100% and you're in it for the long(est) run and it's true love and you're really head-over-heels, and then get betrayed... THAT hurts. It's still the best looking full sized sedan ever produced, in my humble opinion, but you'll never respect what's inside ever again. And that's the worst type of betrayal possible.

And this ain't no Darkside playground that one can turn off in an instant... this is reality. There ain't no going back.


Steve, I know you do care.

I'm only referring to the trouble you have been experiencing with your particular car. You became Black Cloud quite early on.

Given the owners who post here and their penchant for posting every little thing that could possibly be perceived as wrong or going to be wrong, I really don't think I'm naive in suggesting that you win the prise. I'm also not suggesting that your problems haven't been real or that they are imagined.

Blue smoke? it certainly has been reported by some on this board. I haven't seen any. Now Products from Chrysler puffing smoke certainly, all over the place, and not the diesels.

I'm sorry this car has let you down. I really am, because I remember how excited you were with her when you first had her.

Do let us know what you replace her with in five months.