NOOB questions

[Big Time]

I've been searching, trying to figure out what the diffeence in the transmissions are between the 03 and 04 models. It sounds like they both suck. What is the tune or chip fro the tranny you guys speak of on occasion?

Also, was a moonroof available in the 03 models?

There is a blue 03 that has caught my eye on the internet, even though no moonroof, but the seats look like they are white. Are they just light grey?


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=206637486&dealer_id=57824963&car_year=2003&search_type=used&num_records=25&make=MERC&model=MARAUDER&transmission=&distance=300&address=92234&make2=&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&bkms=1162256899291&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=100

[Ezbok58a]

That would be the light flint interior.

I believe the transmissions are the same, only the 04's got a better torque converter.

Something like that, best to wait for someone more informed than myself chimes in.

[Peter]

I've been searching, trying to figure out what the diffeence in the transmissions are between the 03 and 04 models. It sounds like they both suck. What is the tune or chip fro the tranny you guys speak of on occasion?

Also, was a moonroof available in the 03 models?

There is a blue 03 that has caught my eye on the internet, even though no moonroof, but the seats look like they are white. Are they just light grey?


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=206637486&dealer_id=57824963&car_year=2003&search_type=used&num_records=25&make=MERC&model=MARAUDER&transmission=&distance=300&address=92234&make2=&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&bkms=1162256899291&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=100
Don't know about the tranny...There not light grey its flint:o

[MM2004]

I've been searching, trying to figure out what the diffeence in the transmissions are between the 03 and 04 models. It sounds like they both suck. What is the tune or chip fro the tranny you guys speak of on occasion?

Also, was a moonroof available in the 03 models?

There is a blue 03 that has caught my eye on the internet, even though no moonroof, but the seats look like they are white. Are they just light grey?


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=206637486&dealer_id=57824963&car_year=2003&search_type=used&num_records=25&make=MERC&model=MARAUDER&transmission=&distance=300&address=92234&make2=&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&bkms=1162256899291&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=100

04's are the only year with a moonroof available.

The interior you speak of is light flint.

The '03 model tranny is a 4R70. The '04 is a 4R75. Different stall speed and a little beefier.

Welcome, and serch until your fingers fall off. It is all here for you. ;)

Mike.

[Big Time]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=209307595&dealer_id=58446809&car_year=2004&search_type=used&num_records=25&make=MERC&model=MARAUDER&transmission=&distance=300&address=92234&make2=&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&bkms=1162256899291&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=117

This one is a 2004 with under 6k for $19.5. Almost sounds too good to be true. It's been on there for a few months, though.

[AzMarauder]

The interior you speak of is light flint. The blue MM is the rarest color, so if the car is in good shape you couldn't go wrong (if you like the color).

The transmission differ in more than the torque convertor (TC) .. I believe...

As far as the tune...

The shifting characteristics to include when the TC locks up is all controlled by the ECM. So a performance tune offered by several of the vendors here on the MM can change the manner in which your transmission operates. I have my tune from Lidio at http://www.alternativeauto.com/. Lidio has his preference for when he locks up the TC and the shift points etc. I asked specifically if my TC could lock up at 50-55 MPH. Lido likes to lock the TC a bit later than that but he accomodated my request.

What I got (besides the engine related changes for the Trilogy S/C) is a transmission that under WOT shifts HARD ! No more of that sloppy shifting slush feel. Matter of fact I had a Lidio tune in the car before I S/C'd and the difference in driving feel was noticeable ! The car felt more nimble and alive.

So that is what folks speak of when they talk about a tune in relationship to the transmission. The transmission changes are part of the overall tune package that also adds better engine performance.

OBTW.. they also adjust the speedometer for rear gear changes through the tune.

[Hotrauder]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=209307595&dealer_id=58446809&car_year=2004&search_type=used&num_records=25&make=MERC&model=MARAUDER&transmission=&distance=300&address=92234&make2=&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&bkms=1162256899291&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=117

This one is a 2004 with under 6k for $19.5. Almost sounds too good to be true. It's been on there for a few months, though.

Roylpita(Brian) would be happy to run an OASIS report of the car for you. Often other members live close enough to check out a car for another member. Post where you are, where the car is and you may well be able to get the info you need. Good luck. Check that the car is still available first as often listed cars are already sold. Dennis Also the trannies are not junk, they are solid and perform excellently when tuned for performance. Ford turned the trannies for max mileage probably for their CAFE standard. We find that tuning is not what we want for performance. Tunes are a real sweetener for our cars, greatly improve performance and are easy to get and relatively inexpensive. There are tranny upgrades you may want to explore as you get ready to challenge for the top of the first page of time slips.

[Big Time]

Hey, thanks guys. I'd really like a moonroof, I live in the Palm Springa area where the weather is almost always nice.

I rented a Grand Marqui last week and didn't want to give it back. I can't belive how comfortable those cars are.

The Maurauders were like 35K when new and I couldn't afford one, but a lot of the used ones are under 20K now.

[Big Time]

OASIS? Is that like Carfax?

[AzMarauder]

OASIS? Is that like Carfax?

OASIS is a database that is used by Ford. If you are in good with your parts people at your local dealership... just take in the VIN number of the MM you are looking at... and they can tell you any type of service performed by Ford.. to include warranty work etc.

[SergntMac]

When I started to type my reply here, there were none posted. Now there are a dozen visible, and prior to mine. Guess I am late again, but I'm on dial-up, what can I say? Here it is anyway...

I've been searching for an accurate list of differences between the '03 and '04 trannys, and I am still searching. Meanwhile...Neither tranny "sucks", K?

Both are very durable, but the early "300A" edition trannys were of lesser production quality, and Ford got bit by that flaw. Ford's decision to "skimp" on features got them "caught in headlights, like deer".

The base tranny design and specs have been in service for over 13 years, and in many applications. All with a solid record of reliable service. I know the "owner" of the initial design, and it's "father" of 11 years inside Ford. It is the best tranny we could have asked for, from Ford. Tuned right (it's all in the tune), it's one kick-azz tranny for racing.

OTOH, I believe Ford did not expect any of us to mod our way to twice the RWHP and RWTQ power we have discovered hidden inside this car, not to mention the InTech 4V engine and 8.8 live axle read end. We kick Ford's azz, but at our own expense.

Ford skimped, and we proved to Ford that "skimpy" was poor judgement of what was to come. Nonetheless, any '03 300A 4R70W tranny is every bit as reliable, durable, and equal to any '04 4R75W tranny. Both are solid trannys, and can take a lot of punishment.

Agreed...After a certain point in power building and real world driving, they need to get some additional support too, just like our engines, engine blocks, cranks, rods, pistons, drive shaft, Traction-Lok diffs, axle shafts, ect, ect and so on...

Collectively, we have pushed the limts on them all, and I believe no one, anywhere inside Ford-L/M engineering ('cept for one that I know of) imagined we would do this to thier car.

If you do not really like this design (and engineering), what do you have to offer us to replace it?

'03s were promised a factory sun/moon roof, only the '04 buyers got the check box on the order form. Even then, we have learned that it's not really "production line" stuff, but off-loaded friom the p-line to an outsource company, and that's the same company that prolly instally them nation-wide at dealerships nationwide. Seems best to say "original equipment" than "factory installed", eh?

Only two "colors" for a Marauder interior. "Dark Charcoal" (appearing black) and "Light Flint" (appearing medium light Gray). Both are leather, can't help ya with the flash effect and exposure in web pics, but the visual appearance is that stark to us too, IMHO.

Hope I have helped, carry on gents...

[MM2004]

Look who's on this thread,...

<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tcat colSpan=2>Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (4 members and 0 guests) </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 colSpan=2>MM2004 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=2989)*, Big Time (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=5692), Bigdogjim (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=383)*, bigjohn (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=3561) </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Now THAT is funny!

Sorry, back on track...

Mike.

[Big Time]

HA! Lots of BIG people here.

From the threads I searched for, there seemed to be a lot of compliants on the way the cars shift. I know they are good transmissions, I was being kind of a smartass. :)

[MM2004]

HA! Lots of BIG people here.

From the threads I searched for, there seemed to be a lot of compliants on the way the cars shift. I know they are good transmissions, I was being kind of a smartass. :)

And only after 6 posts? :rolleyes:

A tune will make the car behave the way it should.

We have several vendors that have tunes to fit your needs.

Mike.

[Big Time]

Do you have to put premium unleaded in them?

[STLR FN]

Do you have to put premium unleaded in them?Yep but I have heard that you "can" have the Marauder detuned to run on 87 but why?????

[Big Time]

Yeah, I wouldn't de-tune one like that, but I was just curious if people used mid-grade or something.

Looking at pictures of Marauders, the Blue and Dark Toorador Red ones are beautiful. Silver also looks pretty mean. I was set on a black one, but now I like tham all.

[RCSignals]

he
Do you have to put premium unleaded in them?


No, the transmissions use Mercon V :)

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Please PM me the VINs of the MMs that you might commit to.

Enjoy the site.

[Bubba Hyde]

Hey, thanks guys. I'd really like a moonroof, I live in the Palm Springa area where the weather is almost always nice.

I have an '04 with the moonroof. You lose a bit of headroom with it, but overall it's not a bad trade. However, if you have visions of riding along at any speed above 40 mph with the sunroof back, forget it. My experience with an open moonroof is that there is a lot of buffeting above 40 mph. While there are deflectors available that will help that, I don't like the look of them. Therefore, my moonroof stays either closed or in the "vent" position (rear tilted up).

Others may have a better experience with them.

Actual mileage may vary, see your dealer for details......

Steve

[gpfarrell]

The tranny just doesn't understand that we want mph (not so much mpg) until you get a tune. I've been thrilled with Lidio's... the tranny is so cooperative now that I almost never miss having a clutch pedal.

I love my moonroof. My favorite is having all the windows down and the roof wide open, but vented is nice too. Also, w/out the moonroof I found the interior, even the lighter interior, to be a bit dark.

Welcome to the neighborhood... hope you enjoy your stay.

[GA-Marauder]

I have an '04 with the moonroof. You lose a bit of headroom with it, but overall it's not a bad trade. However, if you have visions of riding along at any speed above 40 mph with the sunroof back, forget it. My experience with an open moonroof is that there is a lot of buffeting above 40 mph. While there are deflectors available that will help that, I don't like the look of them. Therefore, my moonroof stays either closed or in the "vent" position (rear tilted up).

Others may have a better experience with them.

Actual mileage may vary, see your dealer for details......

Steve

TRUE^^^. The buffeting comes from the pop up deflector in the sunroof mechanism. I don't know WHAT they were thinking.:confused: :confused:

[SID210SA]

I have an '04 with the moonroof. You lose a bit of headroom with it, but overall it's not a bad trade. However, if you have visions of riding along at any speed above 40 mph with the sunroof back, forget it. My experience with an open moonroof is that there is a lot of buffeting above 40 mph. While there are deflectors available that will help that, I don't like the look of them. Therefore, my moonroof stays either closed or in the "vent" position (rear tilted up).

Others may have a better experience with them.

Actual mileage may vary, see your dealer for details......

Steve

I must be one of the others......

I dont have a problem with my roof making alot of noise when open....infact I think it's pretty quiet, and I travel with it open at highway speeds.

[Dragcity]

Likewise. On nice days, it's all the way open. Unless I exceed 80 MPH on a longer drive. Too much wind, and fuel economy suffers too much.

Mine is pretty quiet at speeds below 65...

[jgc61sr2002]

Big Time - Welcome to the MM site.:D :welcome1:

[Bluerauder]

Do you have to put premium unleaded in them?
The owner's manual says 91 Octane minimum.

As one member here found out, it will run briefly on kerosene ... not well and not long. Replacement engine runs about $5,900 give or take. ;)


Looking at pictures of Marauders, the Blue and Dark Toorador Red ones are beautiful.

I am kinda partial to the Blue MM myself. :rolleyes:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/8/9/1/BluerauderRearOblique2.jpg

[SergntMac]

The tranny just doesn't understand that we want mph (not so much mpg) until you get a tune. I've been thrilled with Lidio's... the tranny is so cooperative now that I almost never miss having a clutch pedal.Agreed (and I have sampled Lidio's tranny tune myself).

The OEM tranny shift schedule intends to maximize MPG, not performance. It is not "wrong", "broke" or, "bad".

We (at large) prefer something different that is more performance over MPG, and Lidio's shift schedule enhances that. But honestly, so do other aftermarket tunes, maybe just not as specific.

I went back to OEM schedules, but with some other mods in place too, and I am very pleased with my "big toe on my right foot" control of my performance, without taking as much of a hit in MPG. 22 MPG city, on city streets, roughly 300 miles per week.

Used my performance again today, S/B on Western Avenue, from 83rd Street to 87th. Kicked some azz from the launch, and held it through the 2=3 shift at 6K. Niiiice...Made my point too. But, tomorrow, this stretch of road may be cluttered and full of slower traffic, so, it's nice too, to have this "big toe" option that conserves MPG on demand.

I'm very happy too.

[Bubba Hyde]

I must be one of the others......

I dont have a problem with my roof making alot of noise when open....infact I think it's pretty quiet, and I travel with it open at highway speeds.

Hmmm....

Thought that was tha nature of the beast, but it's beginning to sound like I may be the exception rather than the rule.

I'll do some digging around the roof mechanism and see what I come up with. I'll post any results into another thread so I don't hijack this one. :nono:

Thanks,
Steve

[robomac]

I live in OC and I thought I really wanted a sunroof also. However all it really does is make the car hotter, it leaks after a while (the sun eats the rubber seals) and it is noiser and the stuctrual integrity goes down. So i decided to buy a Silver 2004.
the tranny has a higher torque capacity and there is an addtional O2 sensor (makes the engine cleaner better or ?). But the big deal for you is the knock sensor whichis only in the 04. it tries to adjust to the gas quality and prevent your car from being destroyed.
Yes the guys are all correct about the tuners and there is a mod called the "J-mod" which loks pretty easy. The combinatio of the 2 should be pretty nice. I did the J-mod to a Crown Vic and it was amrkedly differnt.

If you really want a sunroof find the car you really want (sans roof) and have one put in. Note shipping costs are about 1K coast to coast.
One last thing is thee is an emmisions sticker under the hood. If it says CA emmisions then you ar in.

[RCSignals]

................. But the big deal for you is the knock sensor whichis only in the 04. it tries to adjust to the gas quality and prevent your car from being destroyed.
.............................. ....
One last thing is thee is an emmisions sticker under the hood. If it says CA emmisions then you ar in.

I think you'll find the '03s have one knock sensor, the '04s have two.

All Marauders are 50 state compliant for emissions, from what I've seen. That should include CA.
They are also ULEV rated.

[whoskal]

I must be one of the others......

I dont have a problem with my roof making alot of noise when open....infact I think it's pretty quiet, and I travel with it open at highway speeds.


Same here...I've had her going....well, fast... and not a sound......And I don't see how I've lost any headroom either

[Seneca]

Likewise. On nice days, it's all the way open. Unless I exceed 80 MPH on a longer drive. Too much wind, and fuel economy suffers too much.

Mine is pretty quiet at speeds below 65...
Mines the same no noise unless you sneak over 65. After that though..:( Oh yeah.. And i do beleive i lost atleast an inch of head room. I'm 6'3'' and my head just bearly touches the felt.. with the seat all the way down and reclined..