Getting ready...

[SergntMac]

Getting ready for winter, 'cause around Chicago one can never tell when it's going to show up.

This past week, I took the #3 in for a cooling system flush, still had the original green coolant from the factory and the OEM stock t-stat. Flushed out the system, installed a 180 t-stat and refilled with the gold coolant (what later came stock). Took a cruise on my private highway, a steady 183 degrees through some sreious pounding. I like that.

Today, I added Denso IT-20 spark plugs and a set of Granatelli COP connectors. The crap I pulled out was still the OEM plugs, and boy-oh-boy were they worn out. The gaps were so large that I couldn't measure with my feeler gauge, but a nickle fit in there real nice. Those were some worn out electrodes, I am surprised the car ran at all.

Back to my private highway, and Lordy, what a difference. Broke the rear tires completely loose in the 1-2 shift at 6200 RPM, and this caught me so far off guard, I got out of the throttle. Did it again several times, wow what a feeling from a N/A Marauder, expecially one with 82K mileage.

Once upon a time I thought about how much I might miss the power and thrill of a supecharged Marauder, but that's not maturing. A stock N/A Marauder, even one with high mileage, is still a very thrilling ride. Even to a seasoned driver.

Dayum...We are pretty lucky folks afterall.

[MM2004]

Getting ready for winter, 'cause around Chicago one can never tell when it's going to show up.

This past week, I took the #3 in for a cooling system flush, still had the original green coolant from the factory and the OEM stock t-stat. Flushed out the system, installed a 180 t-stat and refilled with the gold coolant (what later came stock). Took a cruise on my private highway, a steady 183 degrees through some sreious pounding. I like that.

Today, I added Denso IT-20 spark plugs and a set of Granatelli COP connectors. The crap I pulled out was still the OEM plugs, and boy-oh-boy were they worn out. The gaps were so large that I couldn't measure with my feeler gauge, but a nickle fit in there real nice. Those were some worn out electrodes, I am surprised the car ran at all.

Back to my private highway, and Lordy, what a difference. Broke the rear tires completely loose in the 1-2 shift at 6200 RPM, and this caught me so far off guard, I got out of the throttle. Did it again several times, wow what a feeling from a N/A Marauder, expecially one with 82K mileage.

Once upon a time I thought about how much I might miss the power and thrill of a supecharged Marauder, but that's not maturing. A stock N/A Marauder, even one with high mileage, is still a very thrilling ride. Even to a seasoned driver.

Dayum...We are pretty lucky folks afterall.

Yes we are Mac.

Congrats!

One day mine will bark the tires on the 1 - 2 shift. :alone:

Mike.

[Mard]

Yes we are a lucky bunch!!!

The speed of a N/A is all relative to what you're familiar with. After driving my 3/4 ton truck around with 235,000 miles on it.....my N/A feels like a rocket....but I'd still like to experience a SC'd car:D .

By the way, what is the temperature rating of a stock thermostat?

[SergntMac]

By the way, what is the temperature rating of a stock thermostat?Can't say I really know, but my temps were consitently above 195 @ 65MPH on a highway cruise. At 80 MPH, 200 to 205 degrees. And educated guess would be a 188-190 degree t-stat?

Keep in mind these are temps I collect from OEM sensors through the OBDII port, not an aftermarket gauge.

[Breadfan]

I'm currently 100% unprepared for snow. I just got my KDW-2 which I assume do not work in snow, but no matter as my Marauder won't see snow action anyway.

My Mustang has all-season Khumo's, but it's not exactly a snow car either...

I've got 4 snow tires with rims for any GM FWD vehicle but I'm selling those.

LOL.

Luckily I should have until mid-November before I really have to worry here. I'm figuring to just not worry and use the 'stang except for the real nasty stuff in which case I'll just stay home and use remote connectivity for what it should be used for. :)

We'll see...

[Rider90]

I just got my KDW-2 which I assume do not work in snow
lol...not so well:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=342&c=3&userid=1253

I was caught off guard by some snow last year.

[SergntMac]

Jason's right...The KDW2 was not designed or intended for snow.

Last winter, I picked up a full set of 4 wheels and tires from my dealership. 4 Lincoln TownCar aluminum, 17X7.5, with four Michelin Pilots in 225/60-17. The combo worked well, no "plowing" of snow in front of the front tires, rears had an easier path to follow. Bolted right on, had to purchase standard lug nuts to fit under the center cap

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=763&c=3&userid=392

They'll go on after the first frost here.

[bigslim]

Mac, I thought you had a winter car.

[CRUZTAKER]

I am preparing for snow as well...

Just turned the heater up on the pool.:cool:

Actually. Tire Rack sent me an email regarding a pretty nice rebate on a set of 4 blizzacks.

The Focus has new wheels, and soon will have the high performance version Blizzack on all 4 corners shortly.

[MERCMAN]

You guys drive it in the SNOW?????:shake: :shake: :shake:

[SergntMac]

Mac, I thought you had a winter car.Well, I used to have that Darryl, but life changes, eh?

A while back, I owned a '91 Gran Marquis, a very clean car. White cabriolet top, white paint with blue pinstripe and blue Velour "couch" interior. I enjoyed it a lot, but last December ('05) I traded that in on my #3 Marauder purchase, intending to use this third Marauder as a replacement winter car.

Now that I have sold the #1x Marauder, my #3 Marauder is my only mode of transportation and it must be reliable as a daily driver first and foremost over any mods.

I may pick up another DD somewhere someday, but I haven't any plans for that at the moment. I am watching for opportunities, 'cause this 3rd Marauder is getting better and better everyday. Already I have applied a few updates, and this Marauder is responding very well. Kindalike taking in an abused animal, giving it some love, and it grows to be a member of the family...

Slowly.

Can't say for sure, but I may be driving an '07 Focus to work everyday by the time our first frost hits Chicago. Cheap...12 large around here right now.

It's the future...Who knows?

[Rider90]

What a coincidence.

Today at O'Hare I am dropping my dad off and a Limo driver pulls up next to me as I close the trunk and asks where I got the tires. I just said online, and his response - "Are they good in the snow?" I laughed and said no way. He looked confused for some reason.