What's the price of performance?

[MarauderBoy]

After haunting this site for the last few weeks, I get the impression that the majority of the members here all wish for more power. On the otherhand, it seems to me that everyone will agree that the current Marauder represents a great base in which to build upon. I'd also have to say that part of the thrill of owning this car is the fact that parts are (or will soon be) available and that the owner can "personalize" the car to meet their taste.

With all this in mind, what is the price of performance? The mods that I see as appropriate are those that Logan has accomplished so far but others may have different opinions. Regardless, I like to hear what other members see as "necessary" mods and the cost.

Thanks, I just trying to plan ahead.

[MAD-3R]

The power is fine, for the most part. It's is the delivery of the power to the road. With that in mind, The Mods best suited for that application are:

4.10 Gears
Performance Chip
Balances Drive shaft
Torque converter

Due to the desent stock exhaust, I'm not sure if a replacement would net that much more hp to be a bargin. This sucker breathes better then most "performance" cars do.

Oh, and new emblem. :)

Those will deliver those 300+ ponies to the street better then the stock set up. As someone said, it would be like putting a supercharger on it.

[Logan]

Speaking of a supercharger, that'd be a darn fine idea too. :)

My next mod is a torque convertor.

[MAD-3R]

Logan, Was there any notable performance increase from your exhaust? Other the the sound that is?

[LincMercLover]

I've talked to a few people from my local speed shop about the exhaust in these cars. They have seen one (in person) and said it was a setup not expected to be put on any factory car. They liked it. The only thing they could see doing with it, which I agreed with them, is putting up some high flow cats and possibly a high flow muffler. The plumbing of the car is fine.

[Logan]

You're right, for a stock exhaust, it's pretty neat. I certainly can't leave well enough alone though... I like my setup, though I doubt it did much for power..

[SHAGGY]

The Lincoln-Mercury engineers have publicly stated that the Marauder has the most free flowing exhaust of any Ford or LM product, (including the new Cobra), so any changes to the exhaust will most likely be very minimal, and may actually harm the performance. Additionally, once you get some miles on the car, the exhaust really seems to loosen up, and it sounds and drives much better

[Accufab Racing]

Regarding the "price of performance" question, there are a few things to consider before making wholesale changes. First, I assume that most Marauder enthusiasts wish to maintain streetability and also use "pump gas". If this is true, remember that these engines are equipped with cast hyperuetectic pistons, not forged pistons. Detonation is a big no-no so be cautious about using too much boost with a supercharger. Also, the OEM compression ratio is a little too high for serious boost. I suspect that 8 to 10 PSI would probably be max with pump gas. And finally, there is no adjustable fuel pressure regulator and no return line back to the tank like the earlier Mustangs. The fuel pressure is controlled by the computer and to increase the fuel supply by upping the pressure means some kind of add-on computer chip. Use you head when it comes to wanting reliability AND increased performance or you will be testing the warranty. These engines are absolutely super when you use them as designed, or you can redesign them to achieve unbelivable horsepower. We are getting over 5 HP per cubic inch using the stock OEM aluminum block, but that is about all that's stock.

[MUSTANGKL]

I would like to know if anyone has ran the 1/4 mile with the 4:10 gears and what times did they achieve. does the aftermarket computer for the Marauder remove the speed limiter and if so what is the new top end. I would like to know because I am thinking about buying one. also the drive shaft needs to be replaced I heard if you remove the speed limiter and how much does it cost for a new drive shaft THANKS


1996 cobra
4:30's
bassani exhaust system
C&L mass air
headers
nitto drag radials

12.70 106 mph

[Logan]

14.7 in the quarter with 4.10's and a chip with it spinning pretty bad off the line. I know it has a couple more tenths there.

Yes, the chip will remove your speed limiter. No, a replacement driveshaft is not necessary, but does cut down on alot of driveline vibration, they're around $400 for the shaft.

[mungce]

What would ne the first thing to do, chip, or driveshaft. Is the car actually speed limited from the factory, on purpose, or by a goof up ? If it's a goof, then Mercury should be buying us all new driveshafts...right ? Do these modifacations comply with warrenty, or is it best to wait untill the warrenty is up to do this work. Again, the driveshaft situation sounds like a factory recall to me !
Jim Williams
Ft.Worth, Tx

[mungce]

What plugs to you recommed? Should I go colder, as Logan did, since we live in the same local? Who makes the driveshaft your using ? How did your gas milage go, after the 4:10 gears were in? I bought mine in Ft.Worth, but by the sounds of things, your Dallas dealer is more performance oriented than MacChurchill. Do you use them for the work or is this a self install? I don't have the equipment or the room to do it myself, and a referal from a succesful after market would be nice.
Jim Williams
Ft.Worth

[MAD-3R]

My plans when the 3 W's allow (Wallet, Warrenty, Wife) will be;
4.10 gears

Chip
(Speed limetted at factory on purpose. Most cars have goveners on them.)

Driveshaft
(Nothing WRONG with the stock drive shaft. Not like it will shake the car apart or anything)

Torque Converter

Plugs & 180 thermostat
(Not going with the gauge. Holding out for Supercharger Boost gauge.)

Super charger or maybe twin turbos....Hmmmm

I love dreaming.....

As for warrenty, you may have to fight for it, but as long as the mod was not directly responsable for the failure, they should cover it. But like I said, you may need to fight them.

[MUSTANGKL]

Logan what MPH did the marauder have on that 14.7 1/4 mile. Whats the top end speed without the speed limiter? I will decide this Friday on the Mercury or Harley F150, wish me luke I got a hard decision on two good vehicles thanks for all the info!

Thanks Ken

1996 cobra
4:30's
bassani exhaust system
C&L mass air
headers
nitto drag radials

12.70 106 mph

[MAD-3R]

Go for the Marauder. If you have the truck, all you will here is "You have a truck? Can you help me move?"

[tetsu]

I was going to get the F150 Harley instead of the MM. If it had a bench seat option for back instead of two Capt Chairs I'd have one instead. It's a truly great truck. My wife wont let me have one kid ride in the bed though so I had to get the MM. :)

Johnny

[Logan]

MustangL, I don't have the timesheet in front of me, but if memory serves it was 93mph...

[MUSTANGKL]

Thanks guys really appreicate the info and help, going to drive the Mercury Marauder and Harley F150 back to back this weekend and decide which one.

[Logan]

I seriously considered the Harley F150, just cause I was a Lightning owner and loved my truck, but needed more space. You'll love the interior on the Harley.. The Supercharged 5.4L is a detuned Lightning motor, and is extremely modifiable. I know several HD150's that are in the low 13 second quarter...

For me it came down to the fact that I had purchased mercurymarauder.net and .com previously with plans to launch this site and figured it'd be silly for me to run a site about a car I don't own...

Soooooooooo... The harley will have to wait. :)

[cyclone03]

I traded a 2000HD F150 for my marauder.
I was looking HARD at the 2002/3 HD SuperCrew but that 4 passenger thing held me back.
Now with 1600miles on my MM I don't miss that truck at all.