View Full Version : Just got my first Marauder
celtictexan
12-18-2006, 07:45 PM
I've been looking at getting a CV LX sport for awhile now. Problem is there was only one in all the Amarillo TX area, and I didn't like the color, kind of a metallic red, and really didn't like the white interior.
Since I had my interest out on the internet another dealer called and told me they had just gotten an 04 Marauder. At first I couldn't think what it was. For some reason I seem to have missed that it was ever made. So I went and took a look. He pointed it out from the showroom. My first thought was Grand Marqui. I remembered that they had made something along the line of the CV Sport. So we went out and looked and soon as he fired the engine I was in love.
Story was that a 83 year old farmer from the area with way to much money goes out and buys every new and fast car like this that comes out then barely drives them. Mostly they just sit in his barn. They had gotten their one a year quota of a Shelby GT and he came in and traded the Marauder.
It had 7200 miles and was in absolutely showroom condition. Still had the little plastic covers on the radio and ecc. The plastic was still on the front carpet under the mats also. The only change he had made was to add the K&N cold air filter system.
So I'm now the proud owner of a silver birch with every option but the moon roof. (if that was an option on Maruader, I know Grand Marqui has it.)
This car is a fantastic driver. I've not wanted to get out of it. I've been going through all these forums looking at what all can be done and plotting my future course.
Looks like I've bought it at the right time also, as correct me if its just sales talk, but according to two of the dealers I talked to CV and GM are about to go away as far as sales to the public go. They are going to make them as fleet vehicles only. When I was first looking at the Red CV I was told that I couldn't even order one the color I wanted anymore.
But It's worked out, as now, I have a car even better than the LX sport. This is a great site. I'm learning much, and really enjoying the pictures and stories. I'll get some pics of mine up soon.
Kelly
12-18-2006, 07:48 PM
Nice find, and welcome to the best place to get to know your new ride.
AstroVic
12-18-2006, 07:48 PM
Congrats, fellow Texan!
*SUPERCHARGER*
Just a hint...
fastblackmerc
12-18-2006, 08:03 PM
Welcome to the site! Moonroofs were a factory option only the the '04's.
celtictexan
12-18-2006, 08:30 PM
Congrats, fellow Texan!
*SUPERCHARGER*
Just a hint...
I'm already saving my pennies!
Bigdogjim
12-18-2006, 08:37 PM
Great welcome aboard!! Any question just asked away.
jim geary
12-18-2006, 08:38 PM
Your in for a treat. The more you do the more you want to do. If you like
speed and comfort your in for the time of your life.
Welcome aboard! I bet you can't wait for sun-up so you can go look at it again in the daytime! Great find - I'm jealous! SB is my favorite color MM (or CV for that matter!). Enjoy and keep that MM smile going!
J
jgc61sr2002
12-18-2006, 08:41 PM
Welcome aboard.:D :welcome1:
alarmguy
12-18-2006, 08:46 PM
You think it drives great now, wake it up with a tune from one of the vendors on this site. Then there's plenty other mods to follow.
Bradley G
12-18-2006, 09:49 PM
I was also grasped from the clutches, of A Vickey LX Sport.
Same color, Toredor red.
When I gazed at the first Marauder, I exclaimed," Put a fork in me, I'm DONE!"
Enjoy The Ride!
Superchargers are on sale now!
RCSignals
12-18-2006, 10:51 PM
Congrats, fellow Texan!
*SUPERCHARGER*
Just a hint...
and he's just in time too. Looks like all three different Superchargers from vendors here currently have a sale price of one form or another. A truly rare event!
Rider90
12-18-2006, 10:53 PM
Congrats - Your pocketbook and your Marauder are now enemies! Fight!
RoyLPita
12-19-2006, 04:46 AM
Welcome aboard. Congrats on getting your new ride.
Would you like an OASIS report for your MM? PM me with the VIN, please.
AstroVic
12-19-2006, 05:19 AM
Congrats - Your pocketbook and your Marauder are now enemies! Fight!
Hahahaha....
Isn't that the truth!
Get ready to spend money like a rock star!
:sing:
Cobra25
12-19-2006, 05:38 AM
Welcome to the site & Congrats on your excellent find.
Bluerauder
12-19-2006, 06:41 AM
I've been looking at getting a CV LX sport for awhile now. Problem is there was only one in all the Amarillo TX area, and I didn't like the color, kind of a metallic red, and really didn't like the white interior.
Welcome :welcome1: to the MM.Net and Happy Maraudering !!
The first part of your story sounds very familiar. I knew about the Marauder; but also looked first at the CV LX Sport. I wanted to see a Black one. The dealer only had an "Ice Blue". Next stop was the L/M dealer where I saw the DBP all shined and sitting on the corner of the lot. Done deal !!! :D
ckadiddle
12-19-2006, 07:22 AM
You think it drives great now, wake it up with a tune from one of the vendors on this site. Then there's plenty other mods to follow.
Welcome, glad you found THE site. It's the only place to be if you own a Marauder.
Definitely buy a tuner from one of our vendors, you won't regret it. It makes a big difference.
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 08:28 AM
Welcome aboard. Congrats on getting your new ride.
Would you like an OASIS report for your MM? PM me with the VIN, please.
Yeah that would be great I'll do that tonight when I get home.
Vortex
12-19-2006, 09:01 AM
Welcome aboard! Check out our North Texas Group if you ever plan on heading to Dallas!
Bigdogjim
12-19-2006, 09:11 AM
Hahahaha....
Isn't that the truth!
Get ready to spend money like a rock star!
:sing:
Just get ready to money you don't have (yet) :rofl:
SHERIFF
12-19-2006, 09:22 AM
....Story was that a 83 year old farmer from the area...
.... The only change he had made was to add the K&N cold air filter system.
I can't care who you are, that's funny!
Who would have thunk it? :banana2:
jimlam56
12-19-2006, 10:15 AM
Congratulations and welcome!
SID210SA
12-19-2006, 10:44 AM
Welcome to the site and welcome from another Silver Birch owner!!! The Silver Birch have just a little more HP than all the rest :D
Marauder2005
12-19-2006, 05:57 PM
Very nice find! Dont forget you also get the nice roar from the DOHC 24V
302HP compared to the diecast 16V SOHC 224HP in the Grand Marquis.
(Just messin' I like the GM's too :) )
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 07:13 PM
Your in for a treat. The more you do the more you want to do. If you like
speed and comfort your in for the time of your life.
I love speed and I love comfort, couldn't have said it better. Haven't ever had a car that does both better.:)
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 07:16 PM
Very nice find! Dont forget you also get the nice roar from the DOHC 24V
I played the game for awhile and got the price down a wee bit, but soon as he started it and I heard that roar I was sold. I would have paid whatever.:beer:
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 07:24 PM
Welcome aboard! I bet you can't wait for sun-up so you can go look at it again in the daytime!
Actually we are in the middle of an ice storm right now so my baby is nice and warm and safe from the nasty stuff on they are spraying all over the roads right now but sunny days are coming. I got my daughter a new digital cam for Christmas. I think I'll be using it more than her soon as the sun comes back. I wonder how many angles I can get of my MM?:confused:
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 07:28 PM
Welcome :welcome1: to the MM.Net and Happy Maraudering !!
The first part of your story sounds very familiar. I knew about the Marauder; but also looked first at the CV LX Sport. I wanted to see a Black one. The dealer only had an "Ice Blue". Next stop was the L/M dealer where I saw the DBP all shined and sitting on the corner of the lot. Done deal !!! :D
Ice blue was what I was looking for. They all said it can't be ordered anymore. Good thing as I would have bought it on the spot if it had been there.
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 07:39 PM
Congratulations and welcome!
Two of them! Now I'm jealous!
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 07:41 PM
The Silver Birch have just a little more HP than all the rest :D
Probably will before I'm done LOL (if the wife let"s me)
celtictexan
12-19-2006, 08:03 PM
Definitely buy a tuner from one of our vendors, you won't regret it. It makes a big difference.
Here's my Game plan to start. I've already did a complete Amsoil syn job to all but the diff. Next is 4.10's and the tune. Amsoil at that point in the diff also. Then some suspention and rear wheel mods. Not crazy about the air suspention all though it feels good now I'm not confident in it's reliability. I was a Chrysler tech for 5 years after I retired from the Navy, before I got back into Aviation, and did allot of work on that. What's ever one's opinion on the air ride? Next winter when the roads get bad again I'll throw in the super charger (probably Trilogy) and whatever else I've determined (with everyone's help) is needed. Sound like a sound plan?
And thanks to all the welcomes and anyone I missed. Good to be aboard. I love this car almost as much as old blue. (my 1992 F-150 4.9L 278,000 still running great).
Don't let the Air Suspension fool you. I bet if you made a post asking how many have had problems, you'd get very few negative responses. They are seemingly very durable! [Knock, knock, knock!]
Best luck,
J
SID210SA
12-20-2006, 06:44 AM
Two years of very bumpy, pot hole filled roads here in San Antonio, and still smooth as silk.....not even so much as a rattle from the Marauder.
cruzer
12-20-2006, 09:14 PM
[QUOTE=celtictexan;454262] Not crazy about the air suspention all though it feels good now I'm not confident in it's reliability.
Since 1992 , I have put over 400,000 miles on Grand Marquis with Ford Air Suspension. I had to replace both shock units on my '99 when a piece of steel was thrown up into them and ripped the rubber bellows. Otherwise I have not had a single problem and they were functioning great when I traded them with over 100,000 miles on them. Maybe I was lucky, but they seem to be well built.
celtictexan
12-21-2006, 09:02 AM
[quote=celtictexan;454262] Not crazy about the air suspention all though it feels good now I'm not confident in it's reliability.
Since 1992 , I have put over 400,000 miles on Grand Marquis with Ford Air Suspension. I had to replace both shock units on my '99 when a piece of steel was thrown up into them and ripped the rubber bellows. Otherwise I have not had a single problem and they were functioning great when I traded them with over 100,000 miles on them. Maybe I was lucky, but they seem to be well built.
Good to hear all the confidence in the air ride. Guess it was just a Chrysler thing.
magindat
12-21-2006, 09:36 AM
[quote=cruzer;454499]
Good to hear all the confidence in the air ride. Guess it was just a Chrysler thing.
Chrysler used 'sleeve' type bags which could only marginally support the weight they were asked. Panther uses 'rolling lobe' type bags same as found on semi and dump trucks. WAAAAAYYYY overrated for the weight they are needed to carry.
tbiondich
12-21-2006, 07:33 PM
Speaking of new to Marauder and the forum, any other snow bound cars figure out what wheels to get to mount snow tires? Iam wondering if the 16x7 steel wheels would work with say 225 70/16 M&S tires would work. My caution is the calipers and rotor diameter on the MM's fit a 18" wheel ok but would the 16 not fit? The junk they pore on the intersections when icy is very nasty stuff on polished factory wheels. The police cars here in Montana run a steel slotted or round hole rim. Haven't gotten close enough to get a tire size off one. If anyone has wheel info and links to where to get them, I'd appreciate it. My car is a 2003 blk, 300B that sits in the garage whenever the roads are snow packed. Stock set up just doesn't work in snow. TIA....Tim
celtictexan
12-24-2006, 10:57 AM
[quote=celtictexan;454594]
Chrysler used 'sleeve' type bags which could only marginally support the weight they were asked. Panther uses 'rolling lobe' type bags same as found on semi and dump trucks. WAAAAAYYYY overrated for the weight they are needed to carry.
Well I guess I just should have assumed Ford would do it better than Chrysler. LOL When I first retired from the Navy I was able to get jobs at everyplace but Ford and Ford was where I wanted to be.
2003DOHC
12-24-2006, 03:34 PM
Speaking of new to Marauder and the forum, any other snow bound cars figure out what wheels to get to mount snow tires? Iam wondering if the 16x7 steel wheels would work with say 225 70/16 M&S tires would work. My caution is the calipers and rotor diameter on the MM's fit a 18" wheel ok but would the 16 not fit? The junk they pore on the intersections when icy is very nasty stuff on polished factory wheels. The police cars here in Montana run a steel slotted or round hole rim. Haven't gotten close enough to get a tire size off one. If anyone has wheel info and links to where to get them, I'd appreciate it. My car is a 2003 blk, 300B that sits in the garage whenever the roads are snow packed. Stock set up just doesn't work in snow. TIA....Tim
The CV steel 16X7 wheel will fit the Marauder as long as you still have the stock brakes. I have bridgestone blizzak size P215/65/16 front and P235/65/16 on the rear. Others have used different size tires but this set up has worked well for me.
celtictexan
02-06-2007, 12:47 PM
I got a pleasant surprise yesterday with my new MM. It's been snowing and nasty here every since I bought it so it's just been in the garage. Yesterday though I finally got it out and got it on a lift to look things over. I already knew it had acold air induction system on it. But I didn't know till yesterday that the previous owner also had put the x pipes and magnaflows on. A bunch of my work is already done for me.
I got hold of my salesman and he hooked me up with the original owner. We talked quite awhile today he's had all the work done for him so hes not sure of details. I wanted to know what brand of cold air he put on. He know's its not k&n but didn't know what it was. He's suppose to get back to me.
It was a good converstion and he is quite a character. I'll get back some more on that later.
lastdaze04
02-06-2007, 08:25 PM
Welcome aboard.
This is the best site ever. Extremly helpfull information is found and the people are even better. Have fun with your new MM. It sounds like your right on track with the mods you want to do. I was lucky mine came installed with the Trilogy system. I sure would like to hear how yours sounds. My exhaust is 100% stock. Is it loud or mellow? Happy driving!!!!!!!!!!!!!:beer:
Is Canyon Tx in West Texas? I am in East Texas.
Rick:burn: :burn:
celtictexan
02-06-2007, 08:42 PM
Nice car Rick! I really like the black wheels. I have a SB and am thinking to get some kind of black spoked wheels like yours. I'm not so crazy about the chrome. Trilogy is coming pretty soon. I'm working lots of ot and banking it all. I've even quite dipping and drinking to get there quicker. Your really lucky to have gotten it on the buy, but I am going to enjoy the doing the installation myself. I'll have some pics of mine up soon.
I like the sound particularly from the outside. People at work say it sounds like the baddest thing in the lot when I start up. But there is a drone inside while cruising that gets a little irritating but it's worth it. I've been reading about the resonator delete tips but don't quite have a handle on exactly what they do. But sounds like the intent is to quieten down the interior noise a little.
Yeah, Canyon is just below Amarillo on I-27. Palo Duro canyon state park is just down the road definetly worth seeing secound only to the grand canyon. there is a great show that runs through the summer down there called Texas also. Every Texan should see it. If your not proud to be a Texan before you definetly wil be afterward. Also home to West Texas A&M and the best Western Historical Museum about Texas in Texas. Nice town and area but the wind blows to much.
I do enjoy the site and great people and am soaking it all in. Thanks for the welcome. I'm planning to vacation in that area this summer maybe we can hook up.
Mike
ChiTownMaraud3r
02-06-2007, 08:55 PM
Congrats on the buy, welcome to the club. You are going to love it. :beer:
Oh and,
Very nice find! Dont forget you also get the nice roar from the DOHC 24V
302HP compared to the diecast 16V SOHC 224HP in the Grand Marquis.
(Just messin' I like the GM's too :) )
Our MMs have 4 valves per cylinder, making it a grand total of 32, not 16 like the other panthers, or 24 like Taurus' or whatever, Marauder2005. ;)
Mike Poore
02-07-2007, 06:27 AM
Here's my Game plan to start. I've already did a complete Amsoil syn job to all but the diff. Next is 4.10's and the tune. Amsoil at that point in the diff also.
Contact Wes Chain (Innovative Interceptors) and order up a Shiney Hiney. Rear Diff cover and girdle & stud kit to replace the pizza pan cover that's on there, now. Make sure it's properly sealed and installed, or it will leak. Also remember the friction modifier in the Amsoil stuff you put in the rear.
Seneca
02-07-2007, 06:41 AM
Congratulations and welcome aboard. Cheers! :beer:
Seneca
celtictexan
02-08-2007, 07:37 PM
Welcome aboard.
This is the best site ever. Extremly helpfull information is found and the people are even better. Have fun with your new MM. It sounds like your right on track with the mods you want to do. I was lucky mine came installed with the Trilogy system. I sure would like to hear how yours sounds. My exhaust is 100% stock. Is it loud or mellow? Happy driving!!!!!!!!!!!!!:beer:
Is Canyon Tx in West Texas? I am in East Texas.
Rick:burn: :burn:
Here is a link (http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/celtictexan54/?action=view¤t=Maurauder046.flv) to the sound. It was very windy so there is wind noise in the camera mic also but it will give you an Idea.
And a pic also. I call this my version of Viagra.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/celtictexan54/Maurauder026.jpg
FreddieH
02-08-2007, 09:21 PM
Sounds like you got a new NOS Marauder. Welcome to the block. CAM represented here.
Mike Poore
02-09-2007, 04:22 AM
Here is a link (http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/celtictexan54/?action=view¤t=Maurauder046.flv) to the sound. It was very windy so there is wind noise in the camera mic also but it will give you an Idea.
And a pic also. I call this my version of Viagra.
Talk about enthusiasm, the vids are great! Welcome aboard, young fella. :D
CT,
Your car sounds great!
J
SC Cheesehead
02-09-2007, 05:21 AM
Welcome!
You're gonna love the car!
SCCH
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 08:03 AM
Welcome!
You're gonna love the car!
SCCH
I loved it the secound the salesman started it. Thanks all for the welcome.
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 08:06 AM
Sounds like you got a new NOS Marauder. Welcome to the block. CAM represented here.
I hate sounding dumb but I'm not sure what NOS means, also what is the dead pedal I hear some people talk about? I keep thinking line lock.
RoyLPita
02-09-2007, 09:12 AM
NOS has 2 meanings:
1) New old stock
2) Nitrous oxide system
Cliff Kavanaugh
02-09-2007, 09:23 AM
Hey CelticTexan. I just got my Silver Marauder today, it has 15600 miles! Congratulations. Keep me up to date on any modifications you make.
Cliff Kavanaugh
02-09-2007, 09:28 AM
DAS just delivered my "new" 2004 Marauder from Minnesota. Title just arrived today as well. I took a photo. Called the previous owner and he gave me a good report. One thing though.... there are Cobra's (apparently an authentic FMOCO part) on the front fenders-What do you all think about that? Shall I try to take them off?
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 10:41 AM
DAS just delivered my "new" 2004 Marauder from Minnesota. Title just arrived today as well. I took a photo. Called the previous owner and he gave me a good report. One thing though.... there are Cobra's (apparently an authentic FMOCO part) on the front fenders-What do you all think about that? Shall I try to take them off?
The cobras seem interesting Take a pic and post first.
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 10:43 AM
NOS has 2 meanings:
1) New old stock
2) Nitrous oxide system
I knew Nitrous but was peretty sure he didn't mean that so it must be new old stock. At 7200 miles when I got it, I guess its about as new as it gets.
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 10:48 AM
NOS has 2 meanings:
1) New old stock
2) Nitrous oxide system
You have a SB and Black? Cool, better grab a DTR and you'll have the complete set!
RoyLPita
02-09-2007, 11:50 AM
DAS just delivered my "new" 2004 Marauder from Minnesota. Title just arrived today as well. I took a photo. Called the previous owner and he gave me a good report. One thing though.... there are Cobra's (apparently an authentic FMOCO part) on the front fenders-What do you all think about that? Shall I try to take them off?
The Florida Highway Patrol has them on their MMs. My vote to keep them on.
RoyLPita
02-09-2007, 11:51 AM
You have a SB and Black? Cool, better grab a DTR and you'll have the complete set!
When did this happen?
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 12:30 PM
When did this happen?
I saw a SB mm and a black MM in your gallery. Thought I did anyway.
Cliff Kavanaugh
02-09-2007, 12:31 PM
You have a SB and Black? Cool, better grab a DTR and you'll have the complete set!
Thanks Celtic Texan: Check out my gallery. I uploaded a picture of the Marauder and you can clearly see the Cobra emblem.
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 12:37 PM
Thanks Celtic Texan: Check out my gallery. I uploaded a picture of the Marauder and you can clearly see the Cobra emblem.
What are you listed under? I don't see Cliff or Kavanaugh. you have a five speed manual in yours? How did that happen? Is that a Florida HiPo thing also?
Cliff Kavanaugh
02-09-2007, 12:42 PM
under photos go to new today<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead colSpan=2>Cliff's 2004 Marauder </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2>User</TD><TD class=alt2 width="75%">Cliff Kavanaugh (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=6524)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2>Category</TD><TD class=alt2 width="75%">Exterior photos (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/browseimages.php?c=28)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
RoyLPita
02-09-2007, 01:06 PM
I saw a SB mm and a black MM in your gallery. Thought I did anyway.
The black one (before and after pics) is mine. The SB belongs to Cobra25.
celtictexan
02-09-2007, 02:19 PM
under photos go to new today<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=thead colSpan=2>Cliff's 2004 Marauder </TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2>User</TD><TD class=alt2 width="75%">Cliff Kavanaugh (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=6524)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2>Category</TD><TD class=alt2 width="75%">Exterior photos (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/browseimages.php?c=28)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Well it's hard to see in that pic. But I have to think it's a good thing. I would like to have it.
Breadfan
02-09-2007, 02:32 PM
I wanted to know what brand of cold air he put on. He know's its not k&n but didn't know what it was. He's suppose to get back to me.
Maybe it's a JLT setup?
Here's my JLT:
http://www.neuralimpulse.com/cars/100_0408030.jpg
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.