New to this game

[MattZ28]

Hey all,

I currently have a '96 Z28 that runs low 12's on motor, and who knows what on spray (my ricer math senses tell me high 10s on the 150 shot). It's a ***** to drive everyday...no A/C and I'm sure some of you know how cheap the interior on F-Bodies is.

Anyways, I'm going to be going away to school in the spring or summer, and am going to sell the Camaro soon and hopefully get a Marauder, since I won't have a garage to repair the Camaro when it breaks every other week.

I was wondering if there's anything specific I should look for when looking at a used Marauder. Ie, tranny problems and whatnot, and what are usually some of the first things to go when the miles start to rack up?

Also, if I get one I'll be doing basic bolt-ons for now (I said that with my car...but I have every mod short of a shortblock and ported heads). I'm assuming a JLT CAI is a good choice since I know their products are quality, and an SCT tune...but I was wondering what a good quiet, but affordable cat-back is. I really don't want to deal with any drone...especially if I get something as comfy as a Marauder!

Thanks in advance!
-Matt

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Search the site. There are many threads here that can help you. Plus, If there is a specific MM that you have a keen interest in, feel free to PM me the VIN so I can run it through Ford's OASIS database.

Where are you from????

[MattZ28]

South FL...I'm going to be going to school at FSU up in Tallahassee.

*edit - I'm in Palm City...a little north of Moroso. Didn't see you were in South FL as well. :P

[Big House]

Matt,

First of all, what all have you done to the Camero? I am assuming that a low 12 Camero is not stock. Let me know. But to help you out a little, gears, tune pulleys, cold air and you are quite a bit slower than your Cammer, but you will be a lot quick than you were.

House

[MattZ28]

I'm not looking for something incredibly fast...just want something decently quick and fun, yet comfortable.

The Camaro...let's see. It has full bolt-ons (elec water pump, CAI, LTs, X-pipe w/dual electric cutouts and Dynomax Super Turbos, custom tune, etc etc) 3400 PI Vigilante, CPT Race 4L60E, Moser 12-bolt w/all options, NX kit w/GenX2 upgrade, a set of Weld Pro Stars for the track, w/28" MTs out back, and a set of 17" SS wheels for daily driving. There's more (sound system upgrades, etc), but that's pretty much the basics.

*edit - crap...I forgot the most important engine mod, lol. Comp XE 224/230 cam (stock heads/intake, stock shortblock, stock throttlebody), Comp Beehive springs w/matching locks, retainers, seats, Chromoly pushrods, Comp Pro Mag 1.6 RR's, Double Roller timing set, etc.

[jgc61sr2002]

Matt - Welcome aboard.:D :welcome1:

[MattZ28]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! :)

[Paul T. Casey]

Welcome Matt. Bolt ons, eh? Nice little list. As far as problems, some folks have had issues with rear ends (posi failure), a few tranny woes, especially on earlier models, and that seems to be about it. Mine's been very reliable, 138K miles and a boatload of timeslips with no problems. Biggest issue to me is the poor quality paint job. It seems rather thin on the outside, and thick enough to have runs on the inside. All in all though, a quality ride.

[94_302]

I'm in Tally right now going to FSU. I have had my Marauder for a little over a year and it has been a great and fun car. The only thing I had to do was get the drivers side front shock replaced and the rear axle TSB done. The Axle thing is only a problem with some early builds (early 02 I believe). I have around 68k miles right now and love driving it. Welcome, hope to see another Marauder owner in Tally soon. :D

[kj31067]

welcome
the 04 s have an upgraded tranny and seem to suffer less from some of the early model year woes of the 03 s.. although paul casey's car is a testament to ford engineering.....if you plan on spending anywhere near on the marauder as you did on the gm product , you will have one bad ass comfy cruiser that will get looks at every red lite......i get about two neck snaps and 3 thumbs up a week!!!!!! exclusiveness is very cool...:D oh and take up roylpita"s offer on info for what you seek!!

[Marauder2005]

I would shoot for a 2004. There are plenty of good 2003's but 2004's had

some bugs worked out, including tranny. Best of luck and welcome!

[magindat]

Matt, I'm in Fort Pierce, only anout 30 min N of you (in the Marauder!). I'd be happy to help you look over and 'test drive' a Marauder you may find in the area. Along with Brian's offer for OASIS, you can be pretty confident in your purchase.

Welcome and good luck in your search.