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View Full Version : New member new marauder owner, need some sage advise


midnyht
10-21-2007, 10:15 AM
Greetings to all. Comming to you from Atlanta, GA. I just picked up my "03 Marauder w/ 33K on it. It was bought new and driven by an elderly gentleman (85 Years old). Car looks and still smells new. However, there are a fiw issues with it and I need a little help.
1) When just NAILING it from a standing start, it sorta stumbles or lags then HAULS ASS.
2) When cruising about 40 mph or so it is almost like it just cuts out for a fraction of a second or so (Kinda jerky) Situation is resolved with more right foot.

I have changed the fuel filter and been running FI cleaner for 2 tankfulls of Prem fuel. The lag has somewhat worked itself out after Filter change but low speed jerky condition still present.

Also, any good tips on mods, hi flow injectors, cold air intakes, etc..best bang for buck etc...

Anyway, thanx to all and I LOVE MY CAR!!

'03 Merc Marauder
'88 Pont Fiero GT W/ Caddie 4.9 V8
MM03MOK
10-21-2007, 10:38 AM
:welcome1:

I'd suggest a tune through a handheld unit. Most popular here is the SCT XCal2 unit. Dennis Reinhart, Lidio at Alternative Automotive and Wes at Innovative Interceptors offer a tune and the SCT handheld. Most of us don't have a local SCT tuner available for a custom dynotune. You will do fine with a tune from any of those vendors. If you ever change to 4.10 gears from 3.55, you'll need the tune adjusted to compensate for the gear change or your speedometer will be off.

Cold air intake is a popular mod too anlong with Underdrive Pullies.

Altogether, you will certainly feel the difference.

Lots of reading to do here. Sit back and enjoy!!
BAD MERC
10-21-2007, 01:03 PM
Congrats on your Marauder purchase! I wish everyone that likes them would JUST make the buy. It is something you will not regret. You may have to plug into the OBD system and see if there's a code making the driveability issues you apeak of. The Marauder should respond telepathically to throttle application. Good luck and hope you get her fixed.
jgc61sr2002
10-21-2007, 02:46 PM
Congrats and wlecome aboard.:D
eric jones
10-21-2007, 02:58 PM
Welcome!
I had a similar problem with my 04' when I bought it with 35k. Took it to the dealer and the test revealed that one of the coils was not working properly. They changed the coil and the problem was fixed. After I joined this site I started hearing good things about the Granatelli Coil on plugs. Searched around and got a good deal on a complete set and changed out the OEM's and have not had any further issues and I am at 74k.
Illss
10-21-2007, 03:21 PM
I had the jerky feeling when i got my TURD (as ZACK calls it ) MM but after the TUNE it went away so i kindda think it was the tq converter lock up .
ChiTownMaraud3r
10-21-2007, 04:28 PM
Mine does it every once in a while..
midnyht
10-21-2007, 04:56 PM
Thank you for the welcome and the tips. How much did changing the gearing screw with the MPG?
Cobra25
10-21-2007, 05:21 PM
Congrats on your Purchase !
ckadiddle
10-23-2007, 06:53 AM
You know not to run anything but premium fuel, right?



Just checking, since you are new to the MM.
RF Overlord
10-23-2007, 07:27 AM
midnyht, it sounds like you have a dirty MAF or possibly a bad TPS. Cleaning the MAF is easy, just use this (http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/content/prod_detail.aspx?PN=05110&S=N). I'll look up the test procedure for checking the TPS in the service manual when I get nome tonight, but I'm sure someone else will beat me to it. :)

Installing 4.10s will cost you about 1-2 MPG, depending on your driving conditions.

Bang-for-the-buck mods include a tune, 4.10s, PHP intake spacer, underdrive pulleys, Z&M rear control arms (if Zack has any left...otherwise use Metco)...

BTW, welcome to the collective.
SID210SA
10-23-2007, 09:09 AM
BTW, welcome to the collective.


And dont forget: resisting to modding is futile...

Welcome to the site....might I suggest a tune from one of our fine vendors....also the CAI is a very nice touch too....You can get one from one of several vendors here....might I reccomend one from Jay Tucker....JLT....its a nice unit and a very nice price...and his customer service is the best!!
LilCop2002
10-23-2007, 03:27 PM
And dont forget: resisting to modding is futile...


No kiddin' especially when Mike and Wes from Innovative Interceptors are around... :P

The tuner and CAI that I purchased really made a world of difference in my 106K mileage sweetie. Wow! 20K miles since 14 February...