Re-install S/C or swap engine?

[gamercfan]

I just traded for a blue MM (see thread on cars for sale). I also have Bill Hall's wrecked Kenny Brown.

Which is more simple: Re-install the S/C on the existing engine or swap engines? Understand that tuning an engine with a S/C requires knowledge I do not possess.....However, if I swap in the engine with the S/C and all computer programming (bring the box and chips over) then it should be no more complicated than any other engine installation?

What do you think?
Look forward to your help :beer:

[KillJoy]

The S/C swap would be "easier".

Do you have anyone near you that can Dyno Tune? Where do you live?

KillJoy

[gamercfan]

I live in Northeast Georgia. I googled for speed shops, etc. but they all come up as parts stores. You would think living in the heart of NASCAR country that someone could do the job; however, most of our engine shops consist of a chain hanging from a sturdy limb on an oak tree. That is not a put down......I have been in that same club but this requires alittle more tech knowledge.

[fastblackmerc]

Try Injected Engineering.

http://www.injectedengineering.com/

[magindat]

I would think the blower swap would be MUCH easier than the engine swap (unless you're Zack).

I don't know if the KB's used a chip or flash programming. If the 2 cars have the same ECU catch code and the KB is 'chipped' just swap over the blower and the 'chip'.

If there were a HUGE mileage advantage, I'd swap motors, but that would be the only reason I would do so.

[KillJoy]

Did KB do anything internally to the engine?

Did he Dyno Tune EACH CAR?

KillJoy

[gamercfan]

Thanks for the reference FBM.

Some mileage advantage but then there are miles and there are miles built up 1/4 at a time....... KB has fewer miles but probably harder miles....

Don't think KB did anything internal with the engine. I will doublecheck.

[magindat]

I will doublecheck.

I already did. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/4354/specialty-file-kenny-brown-marauder-s.html


...So Brown developed a centrifugal blower for the Marauder that's bolted to the front of the engine and driven by the accessory-drive belt. There are more than 150 pieces to his new engine kit, he says, including an air-to-air intercooler and larger fuel injectors. The maximum boost is a modest 7.0 psi, and the engine internals remain stock...

[gamercfan]

I already did. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/4354/specialty-file-kenny-brown-marauder-s.html

Thanks...
Now that brings up another question.....
I want this car for a daily driver. The old KB can be driven (not legally, the trunk is pushed up to the backseat but the rear axle and frame is intact), but MAN is she a powerhouse.....The upgraded torque converter (which is installed in my KB) as referenced in the article would make for difficult driving in traffic. Also prefer the stock rear ratio for better gas mileage. So the answer seems obvious...... However, are there any Blue KBs?

[KillJoy]

Make sure you swap over EVERYTHING you can, add-ons and such. Even the BADGING!!! You can have the ONLY Blue KB!!!

:D

KillJoy

[gamercfan]

Make sure you swap over EVERYTHING you can, add-ons and such. Even the BADGING!!! You can have the ONLY Blue KB!!!

:D

KillJoy

Just had to put me on the guilt trip....:lol:

[gamercfan]

I do feel some draw to add to the MM mystique.

My family and Fords/Merc go way back.... When the timber business was slow, we drove crown vics...... I am talking about '56 crown vics! When business was good we bought Mercs .... This was the entire family of my grand-dad and his 7 children and grandchildren. This was our custom from the 1950s until the 1990s. Unfortunately for Ford, my cousins have lost the loyalty.

Personally I drive a 1996 MGM and have 2 MM's- '64 MM Park Lane (actually is sold to pay for this recent purchase) and '69 X-100.

[magindat]

The transmission issues mentioned in the article can be tuned out these days. I suggest swappping over everything you can. Drive to the nearest tuner (like Reinhart, or even Scott Beer) and get her tune updated. Possibly catch Jerry W at Reinhart's.

[Zack]

There is at least 2 Blue KB's that I know of.
One is John F. Russo, the other resides in Canada I believe.

If I was you, Id switch from the air/water to the air/air.
It will save you a host of headaches.

You might be better off selling the KB engine + blower on ebay and buying a new kit from the Vendors here.

[gamercfan]

The transmission issues mentioned in the article can be tuned out these days. I suggest swappping over everything you can. Drive to the nearest tuner (like Reinhart, or even Scott Beer) and get her tune updated. Possibly catch Jerry W at Reinhart's.

You fellas will need to hold my hand thru this process... Where is Reinhart or Beer located?

[gamercfan]

There is at least 2 Blue KB's that I know of.
One is John F. Russo, the other resides in Canada I believe.

If I was you, Id switch from the air/water to the air/air.
It will save you a host of headaches.

You might be better off selling the KB engine + blower on ebay and buying a new kit from the Vendors here.

Switch from air/water to air/air?

[magindat]

You fellas will need to hold my hand thru this process... Where is Reinhart or Beer located?

Reinhart is in Jacksonville and Beer is in Lauderdale.

Don't worry. We'll be right here.

[Zack]

If you are in Northeast Georgia, take the car to Modular Powerhouse.

[RCSignals]

Try Injected Engineering.

http://www.injectedengineering.com/

and do a complete swap of all the KB parts if you are serious. Make it a KB car.

[gamercfan]

If you are in Northeast Georgia, take the car to Modular Powerhouse.

I appreciate the reference. Called for a quote: Installation of S/C=$1250.00. Does not include tuning or any dyno time (billed at $460.00 per hr.).

I was alittle surprised by the price. Is this good/bad/average?

[KillJoy]

I appreciate the reference. Called for a quote: Installation of S/C=$1250.00. Does not include tuning or any dyno time (billed at $460.00 per hr.).

I was alittle surprised by the price. Is this good/bad/average?

Uhhhh..... in MY area is is about $300 per TUNE, not by the HOUR.

:dunno:

KillJoy

[magindat]

The SC install price seems OK. Zack is cheaper, tho!

The tuning price is OUTRAGEOUS. You sure it wasn't $460 for the first SESSION? My most recent was $500 first session, then $100 per session afterwards (depending on mods)

[gamercfan]

The SC install price seems OK. Zack is cheaper, tho!

The tuning price is OUTRAGEOUS. You sure it wasn't $460 for the first SESSION? My most recent was $500 first session, then $100 per session afterwards (depending on mods)

I repeated the quote back to make sure I understood.
Zack? Our Zack on the board?

[Zack]

I am cheaper, but I live in Northwest Indiana!

I still say sell the KB engine and trans and blower, then buy a brand new Blower. You will be happy you did in the long run.

[gamercfan]

I am cheaper, but I live in Northwest Indiana!

I still say sell the KB engine and trans and blower, then buy a brand new Blower. You will be happy you did in the long run.

I don't want to take too much of your time; but I would be happier with another blower?

Prefer air/air verses the air/water?

Thanks
Robb

[magindat]

I don't want to take too much of your time; but I would be happier with another blower?

Prefer air/air verses the air/water?

Thanks
Robb

I think he means headache-wise with new vs used. You could get the same HP out of any of the kits available new. With a new tune and new parts, etc. Plus warranty and help. With what ya got, you're kinda on your own.

There's a market for the motor, trans, rear end, etc, as well as interior prts, suspension parts, etc.

There's something also to be said about researching, driving other mm's and making the mods of your CHOICE, not just whats on the wreck in your driveway.

Tough decision... The ONLY blue KB Marauder or build it up yourself.... hmmm...

[Zack]

Tough decision... The ONLY blue KB Marauder or build it up yourself.... hmmm...

There are 2 Blue KB marauders out there.

[magindat]

I still say sell the KB engine and trans and blower, then buy a brand new Blower. You will be happy you did in the long run.


There are 2 Blue KB marauders out there.

Then you may be on to something. There's probly 10-12 grand in parting out that wreck between here and ebay.

[RCSignals]

It all depends how stuck on having a KB Marauder you are.

You already bought the rear ended one for a reason. If you are going to take it apart you may as well use the KB parts yourself from my perspective

[courtmarshall]

If you do the computer swap, you will need to match the key chip to the computer at a cost...hopefully not the dealer rate. I went through this once already. If you are doing a tune anyway you may want to just leave the computer inplace.

[Zack]

The bottom line is:
He can swap over the parts to KB's specs, but it will never be a KB Marauder
It will be a Vortech Blown MM, thats all.
Sell the parts, buy a new blower and put some money in the bank.

[RoyLPita]

Are you selling parts off of the KB MM?

[MarauderSM]

How badly was the KB wrecked. It may benefit you to sell the used parts. I'm with Zack on this.

[gamercfan]

Bill Hall's Marauder- There are at least two threads about this car:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20293&highlight=Bill+Hall&page=2

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=27525&highlight=Bill+Hall

Here is the story:
Hit in the back (very hard); ruined the frame extensions. However, the rear suspension appears undamaged. In fact, the exhaust pipes and chrome tips were not damaged. The full force of impact appears to have been taken by the body. I would not entertain re-building it.

The car was pushed into another vehicle so the front is damaged.

Engine, intercooler, radiator, engine compartment, transmission, rear suspension were not damaged. In fact the front suspension appears undamaged. Interior is in good condition except that one of the supports on the drivers side seat is loose.

Had about 36K on odometer. I actually test drove the car on some back street in FL and it didn't even seem to be out of alignment!

I bought a new bumper cover, hood, fenders, grille and other misc. parts to rebuild it but decided I did not want a car with a salvage title in the history.

Any interest in the car as a whole?

[Raudermaster]

Will you sell 2 rims?

[Raudermaster]

Also the grille.

[gamercfan]

OK....let the bidding begin:bandit:

[sailsmen]

You might be better off selling the KB engine + blower on ebay and buying a new kit from the Vendors here.

I was going to post the exact same thing. There have been so many s/c developments since KB cars came out. What s/c is available today is superior in every way.

Someone w/ a KB that will prob become a collectors car may want it.

I am not sure what you are saying about a dd w/ a highstall. Many on this board including me have 3,500 stalls on a dd. No longer is the TC designed with chalk on a board or the trans controlled by a rod attached to the throttle cable.

[gamercfan]

OK....let the bidding begin:bandit:

Seriously, I am not sure how to go about this.....should this be a new thread in the classifieds? Don't want to wear out my welcome by not following the rules of the moderator.

[sailsmen]

Yes the classified is the place.

Some will offer up under different catagories placing a seperate ad for each;
1) all interior parts from 2003 black b
2) complete long block w/ wiring harness computer
3) trans
4) drive shaft.

I suggest u start a new post for suggestions on how to list for sale a parts car.

[gamercfan]

Thanks for the suggestion. Think I may do a generic listing in the classifieds and let folks inquire as to the parts they want.....

[RoyLPita]

I know a member who could use the ATC control head.

[FordNut]

If you are in Northeast Georgia, take the car to Modular Powerhouse.

I'd do this ^^^

[KillJoy]

I am interested in the Driveshaft....... :D

AND the previous mentioned item ;)

KillJoy

[Zack]

Ill take the transmission.
Hell Ill buy the engine, blower and trans if the price is right.
I also want the overhead console.

[Zack]

I am interested in the Driveshaft....... :D

AND the previous mentioned item ;)

KillJoy

I dont recall KB upgrading the driveshaft.
...unless its the police model.

[Zack]

I also want the grill!

[Raudermaster]

It's mine already along with 2 rims. :D

[RCSignals]

^^^^

See gamercfan all these guys want is the parts off your KB car. Keep the best for yourself.

Swap over the KB 'upgrades' you like. Even that engine with 36K vs yours at 89K or so might be worth doing.

[Raudermaster]

^^^^

See gamercfan all these guys want is the parts off your KB car. Keep the best for yourself.

Swap over the KB 'upgrades' you like. Even that engine with 36K vs yours at 89K or so might be worth doing.

How so? Last time I checked, the grille and rims were the same as a regular MM.

[FordNut]

Since the edit function seems to be hosed...


If you are in Northeast Georgia, take the car to Modular Powerhouse.

I'd do this ^^^

edit... after reading the rest of the thread: I'd go to MPH if I was planning to have them swap the blower or motor from one car to another.

If I was planning to sell the KB car and add a SC to the other car, I would part out the KB car or sell it complete with the front end parts you got from me last year. Take the money and get a Vortech Air-Air kit from Dennis. Bolt it on and go, don't try to increase the boost, don't go for big dog on power, just drive it. The kit comes with a tune which is adequate for over 90% of the cars, so you won't even need to pay for dyno time.

[gamercfan]

I dont recall KB upgrading the driveshaft.
...unless its the police model.

Driveshaft replacement was part of KB package.

[gamercfan]

Since the edit function seems to be hosed...



I'd do this ^^^

edit... after reading the rest of the thread: I'd go to MPH if I was planning to have them swap the blower or motor from one car to another.

If I was planning to sell the KB car and add a SC to the other car, I would part out the KB car or sell it complete with the front end parts you got from me last year. Take the money and get a Vortech Air-Air kit from Dennis. Bolt it on and go, don't try to increase the boost, don't go for big dog on power, just drive it. The kit comes with a tune which is adequate for over 90% of the cars, so you won't even need to pay for dyno time.

Hey Fordnut...nice to hear from you.
What kind of increase in HP could I expect from the Vortech Air-Air Kit.

[FordNut]

RWHP stock is about 240. Base air-air kit should be 360-380.

[FordNut]

I've been wondering if you ever got your car fixed, I guess this thread answers that ?

[RCSignals]

Driveshaft replacement was part of KB package.

Wasn't there also a Brake upgrade?

[gamercfan]

Wasn't there also a Brake upgrade?

Yep. Probably one of the better parts (IMHO) of the KB package. Not as hard to get these big girls to roll as it is to get them to stop!

[MarauderSM]

I change my mind. If the drivetrain is in good condition use it. It would be silly not too.

[magindat]

I dont recall KB upgrading the driveshaft.
...unless its the police model.

It was an option. Read the CD article I posted.

[sailsmen]

I change my mind. If the drivetrain is in good condition use it. It would be silly not too.

I would use a current S/C kit, there have been many improvements since KB. You could have the S/C rebuilt.