What should I do?????

[smokycuda17]

First off, I want to apologize if there is another post that is very similar to this, but I did do a search and I couldnt find the answers that I wanted in the results.

I currently have a 1997 MGM GS with 85,000 miles on it. My plans are to do a 5 or 6 speed stick conversion and put in a DOHC (either a 4.6 or a 5.4, havent decided yet), 17" or 18" wheels, custom interior, dual exhaust, chip, either a turbo or s/c, and custom hood. Theres probably other things that I am gonna do, I just dont know it yet.

Basically my question is, should I start with the 97 MGM as my project car or should I wait and get a newer CVLX or even a MM??? If I should wait and get a different CV or MGM or MM, what year would be the best year for a project car???

Thanks in advance,

Chinny

[Pops]

I Put A Mm 4.6 In A 95 Gm . Had A Lot Of Issues. Would Have Bought A Mm . Would Have Been Less Money To Do A Mm. Going On Vacation Till Mon. Would Be Happy To Talk To You About It. Also Will Be At Woodward Cruise With Wsmc Next Month With Car. Good Luck.

[grampaws]

Work on the car you have..your going to be changing.
most of the car anyways..the cars are essentially the same..
except for some suspension,wheels,steering components..
I would work with what you have as long as it is in good shape..:banana:

[magindat]

If you doing the custom work just to be custom, then do it. I build custom show cars regularly, so I totally get it.

If your working the 97 to make it fast and luxury, just buy an MM and do some lighter mods to it.

I'm usually big on interior and stereo, but the MM interior is such that I like it how it is. Maybe I'd add piping, but mild stuff just to set it apart.

So, like I said, custom for custom's sake, do the 97. If you want a platform that's already fast and luxurious, start with an MM, it would be cheaper and easier int he long run.

See the sig....
Feel free to PM if you have any questions.
Have fun!

[hitchhiker]

Rather than spending years telling people how much 'like a Marauder' it is, just get one and enjoy it.

:D

[SergntMac]

Watch you details with which engine you use. Some later 4.6 and 5.4 engines are totally computer controlled, and your '97 may be too old to accomodate the wiring. This alone tells me to pause and reconsider the whole idea.

Secondly...A 5.4L isn't going to just drop in. Fitment and clearance problems with the Panther frame in general are present, otherwise, Ford would have done it themselves for the police market. Ditto on the switch to manual tranny, again it can be done, but at great expense.

Is it worth it? Personal satisfaction-wise, maybe. But, you'll learn to hate the car before it's done. Financially? Negative across the board.

[Drock96Marquis]

The frame on the 03+ is more accomodating for a larger engine than -02s. However, it can be done with time and money. The Bondurant Cobra Vics used -02 panthers with CObra engines (4.6 DOHC), the frame/crossmember had to substanially modified (hacked)

There are a few choices for oil pan clearance, IIRC the Marauder oil pan will fit best.

You will have to mod the hood, but you already mentioned this.

You will need an 03+ wiper assembly/cowl to clear a 4.6 DOHC, as well as 03+ brake booster and revised brake lines.

IIRC the evaporator box will neeed to be trimmed, removed, or replaced with an 03+ unit.

The 5.4 is taller and a little wider I don't think you would be able to have any wipers at all with it.

The 5.4 DOHC is an easy find in junkyard 99-04 Lincoln Navigators. The intake is considerable high though. A 5.4 2v with a s/c (ala Lightning) would be an easier fit, and provide morecpower than a n/a DOHC. DOHC has more potential, if you have the cash that is.

Varients of the 4.6 DOHC can be found in 93+ Mark 8's, 95+ Continentals, 03+ Aviators, 03-04 Marauders, 96-04 CObra/Mach 1 mustangs, maybe others as well. I would look for one out of a RWD car, and one with OBD-II as well (96+ all models will have OBD-II 100%) . THe FWD setup in the Continetal uses a lot of unique parts, meaning much mroe cost for new parts to adapt it to your car.

Your 97, like all 95+ panthers, is completely computer controlled using EEC-V and OBD-II. You can have your PCM reflashed with programs to run a different motor, but you wont be able to use features like knock sensors. Because it is OBD-II though, it will be a lot easier to splice in new harnesses and such than OBD-I. You will need to run your coil pack and wire setup should you choose to reflash your exisitng PCM. Thanks to the similarites between modular engines, you can transfer a lot of your exisitng wiring, sensors and components onto the new motor to make the retro fit a little easier

The 5-speed sway has been doen sucessfully by a few guys on www.crownvic.net (http://www.crownvic.net) now. Biggest deal with it is modding the tranny crossmember, fabbing up a clutch pedal, and getting the PCM smoothed out.

What color is your Marquis?
If it is black, or going to be, I have always thought it would be cool to do an aero-body marauder. Complete monochroming of all chrome, door handles, etc. ; MM wheels and tips; dark tinted windows, ya know. Iris Frost ( dark burgandy color) or Toreador Red (a lighter red, both factory colors for 97) would also look good with this treatment
.

[jgc61sr2002]

IMO it will be cheaper to purchase a Marauder. A lot less work and expense.
That conversion sounds like a nightmare to me.

[smokycuda17]

Thanks for all your advice, tips, info and opinons guys. I really do appreciate it all. I can't get enough of this forum, just so many great people.

I do have alot of planning to do and money to save up for this project, but I will do my best keeping you all updated on the project.

Regards,

Chinny

[FordNut]

Suspension is also better on the '03+ Panthers. It was changed to rack & pinion front and outboard mounted shocks rear.