Effective, Inexpensive mods?

[Raudermaster]

Hey guys,
What were some of the first things you did to your 'Rauder that actually gave a difference? I definlatey want the JLT intake or PHP, but will it eat my gas mileage up due to the open design? I'm definately getting the Xcal 2 for it when I sell my old car. I might change the exhaust, but I don't really want too because I love the way it sounds. I was thinking of just putting the non resonated tips on, would that give it more of a grunt? Or should I just change the mufflers too? What else could i benefit from? Thanks,
Jarod

[DEFYANT]

Tune + intake + gears = totally different car!

If you want the res delete tips, you better get on the ball, I think they are out of production.

Exhaust is another great bolt on with good results.

[DEFYANT]

Oh, and I hear the 03's benefit from a torque converter.

[Raudermaster]

Actually I can take it to my buddy's shop and have them cut off the non resonated 'Rauder tips off my Vic since I have them on that, and then I'll just swap them out, no biggie. Correct me if I'm wrong, but does the Marauder have 3.55's stock, or no? I can't quite remember. Also though with the intake, will I notice a decrease in gas mileage?

[RR|Suki]

Actually I can take it to my buddy's shop and have them cut off the non resonated 'Rauder tips off my Vic since I have them on that, and then I'll just swap them out, no biggie. Correct me if I'm wrong, but does the Marauder have 3.55's stock, or no? I can't quite remember.

yeah it's 3.55 stock

[DEFYANT]

Actually I can take it to my buddy's shop and have them cut off the non resonated 'Rauder tips off my Vic since I have them on that, and then I'll just swap them out, no biggie. Correct me if I'm wrong, but does the Marauder have 3.55's stock, or no? I can't quite remember. Also though with the intake, will I notice a decrease in gas mileage?

Correct, 3.55s are stock. I suggest 4:10s

Search around

[KillJoy]

I also suggest 4.10 Gears.

As well as a ProGuard, Rear Control Arms and (at least the rear, both if you can swing it) Sway Bars.

Very fun car after those mods + the ones you listed.

KillJoy

[Drock96Marquis]

Hey Jarod,

I see you didn't want to keep it stock for long :biggrin:

Can't go wrong with gears (4.10s seem to be the preferred choice here) and a good tune :cool:

Your MM has much taller tires than your 95 did, so even though the RAR will be higher than what we used to think was good in our panthers (well, your old panther that is :P), the overall effective ratio will be ideal. THink of it like 3.55s in MM = 3.27s in an HPP, and 4.10s in MM = 3.73s in a CV. Not to mention your DOHC takes better to the high RPM operation.

You may want to look into a better drive shaft (ie CVPI AMMC, or the Reinhart AMMC shaft) to compensate for the increased driveline speeds that wil come with a steeper gear ratio. As the driveline speed increases, the driveshaft will start to 'whip', which can be very bad for transmission tail shaft seal, and even the pinion bearing and seal in extreme cases. FYI Your car has an Aluminum drive shaft already, so you will be fine for limited highway, but if you run it for extended times at highway speeds it is definitely something you should look into.


THe non-resonated tips will definitely change the sound some, not so much louder but will alter the tone slightly. You will proabably like it.

With your 95, I know you didn't do many (or.... any at all?) handling/suspension mods, so you will probably like the suspension performance as-is.

You know where/how to reach me if you need any help bud :)
-Derek

[Raudermaster]

I knew you'd chime in Derek. Your help, as in the past, has always been appreciated. I couldn't believe the ride/handling difference from the Vic to the 'Rauder! I'd love 4.10's, but gas mileage must be horrible, or maybe not? As soon as the '95 sells (:( ) is when I'll start buying some things. I love how the guys on CVN seem interested in the '95. ::rollseyes:: So, if you know anyone locally, let them know about it.

[SergntMac]

Buy an induction kit of your choice, consider adding the Denso IT20 plugs and 180 degree t-stat with your SCT tune. Cooler operating temps and colder plugs enhance the combustion process. Make further decisions on additional mods from there. Savor each upgrade for what it brings to the mix?

I haven't changed my 3:55 gears yet, and I'm not inclined to do so at this time. Yes, it's an improvement, but my stock gears seem to be enough for me right now. I'm enjoying 22 MPG in the city with the stock tranny settings.

The advice on the driveshaft ^ there is good, but wait on that until after your change up to 4:10s, and only then if you get a vibration over 100 MPH. Not everyone is affected, seems to be different from MM to MM.

If you need to upgrade, the AMMC "DynoTech" driveshaft from Reinhart is the best deal going, it's more than just a drive shaft.

[magindat]

In my experience, the JLT did not affect gas mileage, but did effect fun mileage!!!!

[Drock96Marquis]

I couldn't believe the ride/handling difference from the Vic to the 'Rauder
Yep, HPP front and rear swaybars, higher rate front and rear (air) springs, and the improved 03+ suspension geometry sure help a lot! You used to say that you liked some float in the ride like your 95 had, so you will probably wan't to enjoy it as-is for your taste. From the various MMs I've driven, I felt the suspension was very well setup as-is from the factory, whilst still not being too rough.


I love how the guys on CVN seem interested in the '95. ::rollseyes:: <sigh>(sigh) I'm sure the right aero-loving guy will come around soon enough.

Nic that with the MM, you won't have to spend much on the Show aspect, and focus on the Go. You thinking tints, maybe s/s bumper inserts?

BTW, you putting the audio stuff from the 95 into the MM? If you ditch your factory MM sub let me know.</sigh>

[KillJoy]

If you ditch your factory MM sub let me know.</SIGH>

I have mine w/ Amp just laying around. As well as a MM Airbox (no filter) and Front and Rear Sway Bars.

KillJoy

[O's Fan Rich]

Get ahold of Rich Long and buy his old tuner with the Lidio tune in it.....
Honest... pm him.....
Ask around it's a great tune!!!!
Rich even has Lidio's 4:10 tune in it along with the 3:55 tune....

Hey, Rich is a great guy to deal with too!!!

[KillJoy]

Get ahold of Rich Long and buy his old tuner with the Lidio tune in it.....
Honest... pm him.....
Ask around it's a great tune!!!!
Rich even has Lidio's 4:10 tune in it along with the 3:55 tune....

Hey, Rich is a great guy to deal with too!!!

HAHA! I am not sure if I would trust that guy :D

Just kidding...GOSH!

KillJoy

[RF Overlord]

I'd love 4.10's, but gas mileage must be horrible, or maybe not? Actually, not. We lost about 1 MPG net...although the highway mileage did drop a bit, the around town mileage actually improved slightly, due to not having to press the loud pedal as far to launch the car.

[Shora]

I'm enjoying 22 MPG in the city with the stock tranny settings.

22 MPG city? I don't ever get above 21 MPG highway with totally stock engine and tune that gets a new air and fuel filter every year.

Are you holding out on some cylinder deactivation tune* of some sort?



*I know that there is no such tune as the mechanicals need to be set up for it.

[Marauderman]

,,,,,,,,and if your looking to get a bit more gear---I have a set of 430's for ya--PM me if interested or if you know anyone else that is........

[SergntMac]

Are you holding out on some cylinder deactivation tune of some sort? Not at all. Some other tricks include 40 PSI in the tires for less rolling resistance (and better wear), good front end alignment and road force balance for additional less rolling resistance and better tire wear, and returning to stock OEM tranny tune values in my SCT tune by Zack.

Everyone says the stock shift schedules suck, and they were only set that way for EPA MPG. Yes, they suck, but are the best for better MPG. I'm quite satisfied to cruise down a main street in OD at 35 MPH, about 15-1600 RPM. This cruising schedule does not affect WOT shifting, so, when I do get into the throttle, the shifts are firm and right on time. Otherwise, it's in 3rd gear by 30 MPH and OD at at 40 MPH, and it stays in OD as the car settles into a 34-36 MPH cruise, perfect for timing long stretches of stop and go lights which is a large part of my city driving.

I also use a gas treatment of "SeaFoam" every third or fourth tank full, keeps the fuel system clean and efficient, and I change my 5W20 Motorcraft bulk oil every 2500-3000 miles. I don't think this means much in MPG, but it's not hurting anything.

Oh yeah...DR Cobra exhaust system with Magnaflows too. Resonator tips intact.

[Raudermaster]

Rich you have a PM.

[O's Fan Rich]

Rich you have a PM.


Back at 'ya!

[SlkMerc]

Hey guys,
What were some of the first things you did to your 'Rauder that actually gave a difference? I definlatey want the JLT intake or PHP, but will it eat my gas mileage up due to the open design? I'm definately getting the Xcal 2 for it when I sell my old car. I might change the exhaust, but I don't really want too because I love the way it sounds. I was thinking of just putting the non resonated tips on, would that give it more of a grunt? Or should I just change the mufflers too? What else could i benefit from? Thanks,
Jarod

Hey Jarod,

I have an 03-A. Delete tips and JLT, stock gears/tune and stainless CATback exhaust. The best city mileage im getting is mid 14MPG. Jeebus! Am I envious of Mac and his 22. The guys are right though, the JLT makes it sound wicked at WOT. Also the delete tips deepen the tone. What mileage are you getting now?

[Raudermaster]

I haven't really figure'd it out yet. But, I put 93 in on Friday night at $40.00, that brought me to about 3/4 tank, almost full, I've had the a/c on every now and then, I've already gone 135 miles since that fill up, and I still have just a smidgen under 1/2 tank left, so I guess it's going pretty good!