Custom exhaust & performance parts, educate me.

[Merc4Hire]

Starting to look at possibilities for all kinds of upgrades for a Marauder when I get one, some things are fairly scarce. I figured I'd ask where I can get my hands on everything for a somewhat reasonable price so I know for future reference. Here are my ideas for performance upgrades so far...if you know where to find anything cheaper let me know where!

-2600 converter - didn't find one, where and how much??
-FULL exhaust (headers to tail pipes w/cats) - found it for $2500?!?!?! WTF?!
-3:73's - found them for $175
-tune - found for $399
-Eibach's - found for $138
-JLT CAI - $155
-underdrive pulleys - $188

So...where can I find these things for more reasonable prices? I know they're out there. Especially the converter/exhaust/pulleys. Also, what performance parts on Marauders are interchangable with the Mustangs?

If there's already a sticky for this just point the way. If not, I think there should be one! Thanks everybody! :beer:

[KillJoy]

:popcorn:

KillJoy

[TCBO1]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=40286


Here is one post by a member that lists his mods done to his car.

[finster101]

Just some thoughts....

3000-3500 stall used with much success by several members.

4:10 gears again used by many

Eibach=Junk Cut 1 full coil off of stock springs

Lidio or Reinhardt tune both also used by many

[Merc4Hire]

Just some thoughts....

3000-3500 stall used with much success by several members.

4:10 gears again used by many

Eibach=Junk Cut 1 full coil off of stock springs

Lidio or Reinhardt tune both also used by many


Thanks for the replies guys!

I have noticed many using 3k+ converters and 4:10's with success, but I'll be going a different route. This will be my daily, and I know both mentioned above can be used for daily but in my experience they're both not the best for gas mileage. I don't want to have the fastest MM, just one that's more fun than average and a good commuter/cruiser. I want to do all basic and mild upgrades that'll give me power w/o sacrificing much in gas mileage(hence mostly intake/exhaust work). Then just some handling upgrades and I'll call it a day.

IMHO I'm just not a fan of 4:10's and anything over 2800 for a street converter. 4:10's in my current mustang makes it go sideways even at highway speeds, and in my old one I had NO highway cruise-ability. And my friend's 02 SS Camaro has a 3500 converter in it, I can't stand it. It's not even fun to drive anymore, makes it feel like the trans is slipping. I've just never liked either of them personally. At most I'll do 2800 with 3:73's and even that's pushing it.

Now, anyone know where to find all this stuff cheaper than what I've already got? Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

[magindat]

What you need to do is keep the 3.55's and go to a 3K stall. Program your shift points and tc lockups properly and have the best of both worlds. Be in your powerband when passing or playing and lock that converter up on low rpm when driving for mileage.

It's all in the tuning, baby!

[jonroe]

I doubt you get hardly any benefit from the time and expense of going to 3.73. The difference from 3.55 would really not be noticeable (only 5%). Use that time and money elsewhere.

[RF Overlord]

nighthawk, remember a couple of things:

1. This car is a lot heavier than your Mustang, and has 18" wheels. Going from the stock 3.55 to 3.73 will be barely noticeable. Even Steve Babcock, the father of the MM :bows: said they wanted it to come with 4.10s from the factory but were shot down by the bean counters (gas-guzzler tax).

2. This car has the 4V motor, which is somewhat deficient in low-end torque, even when compared to the 2V, and has a lot less than the pushrod small-block in your friend's Camaro. A 3000 stall converer is NOT going to drive the same in this car.

I just don't want you to spend your hard-earned cash and be disappointed with the results... :)

[Peace2Peep]

My best recommendation is to come to a Marauder meet somewhere and drive someones that has the upgrades we are talking about. I too had a 1983 mustang gt and 4.10s are wild for a t-5 app but not here! My car is a highway daily driver...trust me not big deal!

[Merc4Hire]

My best recommendation is to come to a Marauder meet somewhere and drive someones that has the upgrades we are talking about.

That's what I'm saying! Find someone who'd let me drive their car in Jersey and I'm there! It's not like I'm not used to the power; the car would be in safe hands...TRUST ME! ;)

I definately appreciate the advice guys, I know I have some pre-concieved notions that may not apply to these cars like they did my stang, so I know I'll need the input. I was actually thinking that the 18's with the tire height they have would offset the gears some, just wasn't sure how much. I honestly haven't even driven a stock one yet, but I know how much I love the CVPI's and a Marauder is like the ballsy, sophisticated twin brother(hence my need for one).

So how about those parts, anyone out there have some deals somewhere?! After all, now that I have a better idea WHAT I need, I have to know WHERE to find it all.

[99SVT]

Try asking some of the vendors here for pricing, that's all I can offer. shipping shouldn't be too bad to Jersey. Western Canada on the other hand....

Don't fear the gear with these 4V motors, they don't get good gas mileage below 2000rpm and don't make torque below 3000. The Marauder's tires are 28.6in tall and a Mustang is 25.6in tall. The 3in difference will make 4.10's closer to a 3.90 or 3.73.

Like it was metioned earlier, a good converter with a lockup clutch and a proper tune will give it exellent highway manners. The stock Marauder converters have a 2400rpm(2003) or 2600rpm(2004) stall anyways and those are fairly tame.

[offroadkarter]

Did you even find a car yet? :lol:


04's have a 2700 stall ( i think) if you really dont want 3000 (although you really should get it) find an 04.

[hidperf]

You mentioned making the car handle better, don't forget the Addco frt and rr bars.

I just got my 4.10s installed and the highway cruising isn't even a noticeable difference. It actually puts the engine in a better powerband. I'm glad I did them, although I haven't been able to really run it yet. It rained the first week I had them in and then we got 7" of snow over the weekend so now it's parked for a while.

If you lower the car, don't forget the Energy suspension rear bump stops. I put them on while the car was in the air for the gears. So far, it seems to have made a difference. The car doesn't feel like it's riding with no suspension travel. BTW, I have the Eibachs and have no complaints although I've never had cut springs so I can't compare apples to apples.

I also have the Lidio tune. Best money ever spent.

[Merc4Hire]

Did you even find a car yet? :lol:

Nah, no car yet, but I always like to plan ahead. I use Excel to make a sheet with one column for each: parts/mods, prices, where to find them, and item number(when available). This way, when I do get the car I know where everything is. And it's nice because if I find better prices I just update the list. I'm a sicky. :D

Any of the sponsors have a decent exhaust selection? I don't remember seeing any?

[Zack]

3500 Stall, definitely.
Long tubes
4:10's
Tune

Hello 13's

[High-C]

3500 Stall, definitely.
Long tubes
4:10's
Tune

Hello 13's

That's what I'm shootin' for. The SW long tubes are still in the box, but the time is coming for me to bite the bullet and step up the convertor and do the full exhaust. Zack, I take it that you recommend the 3500 vs the 3000 huh? My goal is to see low 13s before I do the forced induction dance...:cool:

[magindat]

My goal is to see low 13s before I do the forced induction dance...:cool:

You'll get down to 13.7-ish and not much more....

[High-C]

You'll get down to 13.7-ish and not much more....

Thanks for raining on my parade Rich... ;)

[magindat]

Thanks for raining on my parade Rich... ;)

Eddie (blackmobile) and I were basically competing mod for mod there for about 2 yrs. He finally got down to the 13.7's consistently in Atlanta at SSHS7. He's done about all that can be done.

I gave up at 14.2 and boosted it!!!

[Merc4Hire]

Still missing some info here, particularly on exhaust parts, not many people have them. even sponsor wise, I looked through all their sites and none seem to have exhaust systems(unless I missed it). Where can I get them and what other models can I use parts from(Mustangs, etc)?

Also, can I use Cobra UD pullies?

And 1 more dumb noob question, 03 terminator eaton supercharger, aside from everything being on the wrong side, is there a way to put one on a MM? Would it be as simple as swapping lower manifolds/throttle body/intake setups or no? Because I can get one dirt cheap, so I thought about it as an option(if physically possible).

[magindat]

Dude, get the car first!!!!

[Merc4Hire]

Dude, get the car first!!!!

I've never said "I'm getting xyz" and not followed through. So what's the harm? I want to make sure I know all there is to know so that when I DO get one, which I will, I can just get what I need and put it all together.

If I say "I already have one", will it make you feel better and answer my questions? ;)

WHO CARES? I have questions, what does it matter? I like Marauders, therefore I'm on the forum. I ask questions, therefore I should be entitled to answers like ANY OTHER MEMBER.

[jgc61sr2002]

Dude, get the car first!!!!

What he said. ^^^^^^

[magindat]

If I say "I already have one", will it make you feel better and answer my questions? ;)

Nope, cuz now I won't believe you!!!! :neener:

Truth is, you are likely to find a car that's already somewhat modded. Go from there.

[Breadfan]

Still missing some info here, particularly on exhaust parts, not many people have them. even sponsor wise, I looked through all their sites and none seem to have exhaust systems(unless I missed it). Where can I get them and what other models can I use parts from(Mustangs, etc)?

Also, can I use Cobra UD pullies?

And 1 more dumb noob question, 03 terminator eaton supercharger, aside from everything being on the wrong side, is there a way to put one on a MM? Would it be as simple as swapping lower manifolds/throttle body/intake setups or no? Because I can get one dirt cheap, so I thought about it as an option(if physically possible).

There are not many mail-order systems (if any) made for the Marauder. I know Kooks has a system you can get with their headers. You can use Mustang shorty headers (for Mach 1 I think) but you'll need to raise the motor about 1/4" (drivers side I believe) to clear the steering arm. I think Stainless works may offer a kit headers to cat as well. Alternatively many have gotten some custom work done too there is a shop in GA that has done several of the Marauders here.

Regarding the 03 Cobra there are atleast two Cobra motor swaps I know of both were very difficult to acheive. The blower will not bolt on easily due to the placement of the alternator and coolan crossover on the Marauder, the Cobra setup needs frame modification to clear the alternator. Also the TB is on the wrong side and needs modificiation of the cruise and throttle cables and this I hear isn't easy to get right without binding.

Trilogy Motorsports makes an Eaton based kit for the Marauder it's very well engineered and in the end a better solution for a stock MM engine.

Finally search Steeda UD pullies here that's what many have used you may be able to find a PN. I did not bother with UD's and personally am glad I didn't.

[Merc4Hire]

LOL, maybe I will find one slightly modded, but I'm going for worst case scenario. All the ones I keep seeing in my range are bone stock, so I want to see where I can go for parts. The more I find out now the less research I have to do later.

So is anyone going to help me out here? Or just rag on me because I don't have the car yet? Is it really asking so much?

Or should be like most lying idiots on the internet. I'll go re-register with a different e-mail/name and ask questions claiming I DO have one already. :P

[Merc4Hire]

There are not many mail-order systems (if any) made for the Marauder. I know Kooks has a system you can get with their headers. You can use Mustang shorty headers (for Mach 1 I think) but you'll need to raise the motor about 1/4" (drivers side I believe) to clear the steering arm. I think Stainless works may offer a kit headers to cat as well. Alternatively many have gotten some custom work done too there is a shop in GA that has done several of the Marauders here.

Regarding the 03 Cobra there are atleast two Cobra motor swaps I know of both were very difficult to acheive. The blower will not bolt on easily due to the placement of the alternator and coolan crossover on the Marauder, the Cobra setup needs frame modification to clear the alternator. Also the TB is on the wrong side and needs modificiation of the cruise and throttle cables and this I hear isn't easy to get right without binding.

Trilogy Motorsports makes an Eaton based kit for the Marauder it's very well engineered and in the end a better solution for a stock MM engine.

Finally search Steeda UD pullies here that's what many have used you may be able to find a PN. I did not bother with UD's and personally am glad I didn't.

Finally, a straight answer! THANK YOU!

I may do some looking into for the 03 Cobra setup. It may be difficult but I may be able to do iy myself and for thousands cheaper than most off the shelf kits. I work at a shop where we do some really custom work(when need be). It may be doable.

[Breadfan]

Yeah there should be some discussions in the archives, the 03 Cobra full swap comes up from time to time. Bear in mind that to do it you'll need several items from the donor car such as the crossover tubes, bracketry, front cover, S/C unit, belt drive, lower intake, intercooler, heat exchanger, pump, coolant res, etc. Also the battery may need relocation (I just can't recall from the one that I've seen.)

Even DIY if you don't have the parts lying around it could get pricey to make it work, just bear that in mind as you do your homework on the various options.

Also FYI as you think mods, Trilogy is coming out with a Twin Screw kit designed for the Marauder in short order.

[Merc4Hire]

Yeah there should be some discussions in the archives, the 03 Cobra full swap comes up from time to time. Bear in mind that to do it you'll need several items from the donor car such as the crossover tubes, bracketry, front cover, S/C unit, belt drive, lower intake, intercooler, heat exchanger, pump, coolant res, etc. Also the battery may need relocation (I just can't recall from the one that I've seen.)

Even DIY if you don't have the parts lying around it could get pricey to make it work, just bear that in mind as you do your homework on the various options.

Also FYI as you think mods, Trilogy is coming out with a Twin Screw kit designed for the Marauder in short order.

Yea I actually saw the upcoming Trilogy s/c, looks good! My buddy's got an 04 Cobra and I know a bunch of good places to get stock Cobra parts for dirt so I'm going to do a little research. I saw a few full swaps but I wasn't sure if they were talking the entire 04 motor or just the s/c setup. From what I saw the battery does need to be relocated. I have cable lying around the shop and I think between everything I could probably get the 03/04 parts for $2k or less if I play my cards right. I know where to get the blower itself for about $300 shipped and that and the exchanger will probably be the priciest parts. The rest I can just scavenge off the SVT Performance boards.

As far as exhaust goes I think that's where my biggest issue will be now. I guess I'll be stuck making my own. I saw the SS kits but that's what I said I saw for $2500 for a full system...way out of my spending range.

Maybe if I do a really good job finding everything I'll just do the 03 s/c upgrade and a tune and call it done! That way I'll go about $3k into it total and be in the 13's where I want to be.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I swapped to 3.73s myself. So you would not be THE only Marauder owner who has chosen that ratio. 4.10 would be too much RPM for me too. I got new Ford OE gears for next to nothing and bought a Rotunda pinion depth tool kit on Ebay, so it really didn't cost much. There is some difference 3.55 to 3.73. Not earth shattering but its enough that I have to be very careful on damp roads because I kick the rear all over the road.

[FormulaMarauder]

I have 4.10's, JLT intake, Kook's mid lengths and full exhaust, as well as a spectacular tune. Getting a 3k stall this spring along with some underdrive pullies, Mez water pump, and maybe the intake spacer. I'm hoping a 13.5 to get squeezed out of it. :-)

[SC Cheesehead]

You mentioned making the car handle better, don't forget the Addco frt and rr bars.

I just got my 4.10s installed and the highway cruising isn't even a noticeable difference. It actually puts the engine in a better powerband. I'm glad I did them, although I haven't been able to really run it yet. It rained the first week I had them in and then we got 7" of snow over the weekend so now it's parked for a while.

If you lower the car, don't forget the Energy suspension rear bump stops. I put them on while the car was in the air for the gears. So far, it seems to have made a difference. The car doesn't feel like it's riding with no suspension travel. BTW, I have the Eibachs and have no complaints although I've never had cut springs so I can't compare apples to apples.

I also have the Lidio tune. Best money ever spent.


+1 on the 4:10's. I only picked up a couple hundred rpm at cruising speed, and as HP said, the car actually does run better because the motor's a bit higher up in the power band. I check my highway mileage regularly, and since getting the gears and the tune I've maybe lost 1 mpg. (Ave. 21 to 23 on the highway). In town is another story, but that's my fault as I don't drive, shall we say, for economy (OD off, and hit it pretty hard at the lights).

I went with a Reinhart tune and really like it. Noticable difference in shift schedule and responsiveness. I also had UD pulleys installed as well as a PHP CAI, and overall, the car is much more enjoyable to drive than stock.

Keep and eye on the parts for sale here on the board, that's how I got my CAI, and check eBay regularly as well.

SCCH

[Bigdough]

Make your own exhaust or get it custom built. To spend that much on exhaust is obscene. And DONT spend $200 on 4" tips, thats another rip off, I got mine for $60.

Pretty soon Im going to begin making a mid pipe (H or X) and catback for the Marauder because there are no good ****in options out there. The only options are for the ENTIRE exhaust and those guys wont sell pieces, which is STUPID.

When you get your car, PM me and see if Im making them yet. I can guarantee you it will be WAY cheaper than anyone else.

Other than that, listen to everyone else about mods. Get a tune and some 4.10's and itll wake up the car.

[sailsmen]

When you go to buy a Marauder buy one that is S/C.:D

[captain]

I tuned with Reinhart and am happy.
I have long been curious why so much money is spent to reinvent this car. Its big, its heavy, its not really a sprinter. Its a cruiser. (awesome cruiser)
Almost everything beats a (stock) Marauder from the stop light.
Some of the modified cars in here only turn 12 or 13 seconds. I shouldnt say "only"... 12 is pretty fast!! still....
What is highest and best hope for 0 to 60?? 11.7? Stock is...14?? I dont know. Lotta coin for 2 or 3 seconds.
But once the big girl is rolling............!
Fun driving...0 to 60.?.?.?.get a 300C
Want to own the highway?
Get a Marauder. And tune the suspension.
Just my opinion.

[sailsmen]

You are right it is a challenge to get a big car to go fast and a lot of fun.

I guarrantee you get a new Z06, go out and beat a bunch of Corvettes, boring!

Take my car to the track and blow away a bunch of Corvettes and they all will need the urologists to find it. Now thats what I call fun.

My Marauder will blow away just about any stock muscle car ever made. The very essence of a Muscle car was to take a smaller chassis and but a full size chassis motor in it. After the Muscle cars hit the streets they were modded. Very quickly the Muscle cars were sold not as light weights put plush blvd cruisers that could lay down the rubber. The same concept was applied to the Marauder.

I suggest you take a ride in one of these 12 second machines.

FYI, My Marauder does 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

Open your mind and enjoy - http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19385&highlight=pantera

[O's Fan Rich]

Yea I actually saw the upcoming Trilogy s/c, looks good! My buddy's got an 04 Cobra and I know a bunch of good places to get stock Cobra parts for dirt so I'm going to do a little research. I saw a few full swaps but I wasn't sure if they were talking the entire 04 motor or just the s/c setup. From what I saw the battery does need to be relocated. I have cable lying around the shop and I think between everything I could probably get the 03/04 parts for $2k or less if I play my cards right. I know where to get the blower itself for about $300 shipped and that and the exchanger will probably be the priciest parts. The rest I can just scavenge off the SVT Performance boards.

As far as exhaust goes I think that's where my biggest issue will be now. I guess I'll be stuck making my own. I saw the SS kits but that's what I said I saw for $2500 for a full system...way out of my spending range.

Maybe if I do a really good job finding everything I'll just do the 03 s/c upgrade and a tune and call it done! That way I'll go about $3k into it total and be in the 13's where I want to be.

Sounds like a plan. Let us know how it works out.:beer:

[captain]

I have been beaten by...a 1985 cadillac whose rump nearly dragged on the ground... up to and including red duct tape tailights. The driver looked worse.
I have been beaten by a stock impala, driven by an old man. He wasn't even trying to race. that is how old people drive... full throttle to the speed limit... then full brake at the stop light.
Read this site and learn who to avoid... the list is long.
I have a perfectly normal MM with DR tune,
Muscle cars from the 60s and seventies??? Where do I begin?
442? fat, heavy, fast. authority on the track or the road.
69 charger? yee haw! Daisy duke-n it
70 challenger? 4 speed, pistol grip, 4 barrel, 340 cubes? wild ride. 6 pack? death machine.
69 Dodge RT? urologist country. it used gas while shut down!!

My 03 P71 out ran, out performed this, car. Just had crappy interior.

Dont get me wrong, I love my car, I like this site and (some) of the many great folks who participate... (especially you)
I just dont pretend its something its not.
My argument would stand. This car should be tweaked at the other end of the spectrum.
How about power bands that start at 40 or 50 mph? sounds like a Marauder to me.
That being said...anyone can see why we dont bother.
Safety, comes to mind.
Most drivers have no business on the open road after 30mph much less 130.

FMI (for my information) what is the actual total cost to acheive this 4 seconds? including the car? 20 grand? 30 grand? more? yea more.

Keep an open mind and try to see what I am saying.
Its a cruiser, not a sprinter.
burning rubber and money?? Just not fun. (for me)
Different strokes I guess.

[magindat]

To do it right, 10-12K plus the car.

[sailsmen]

A stock broken in Marauder can run 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. The 1/4 can be done in 14.5 in ideal weather.

For $1,100 for parts, labor and tax I ran the 1/4 in 14.2 which is a 6.3 0-60. Faster than a lot of Muscle cars.

I don't know the temp but they were wearing long sleve shirts and did not sweat. Probably in the low 60's.

1969 GTO Judge Stage 3 - 14.090
1970 Chevelle LS6 - 13.953
1970 Buick GS Stage 1 -13.960
AMX 390 GoPack - 14.848
1969 429 Boss Mustang - 13.743
1969 Hurst Olds - 13.828.

The above were considered some of the fastest Muscle cars. They were fully restored and expertly driven.

In the south for $3,800 in parts and labor you can run as low as 13.5. For $7,500 in parts and labor you can run as low as 12.9. For the north add another $300 and $500 in labor.

The Marauder does well in the 1/4 miles. Equal with the modern Impala SS.

When the speed limit was reduced to 55mph many of the magazines started emphasizing 0-60mph.

You are correct with a small engine and heavy car the Marauder is a 1/4 miler not a 0 to 60mph.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I tuned with Reinhart and am happy.
I have long been curious why so much money is spent to reinvent this car. Its big, its heavy, its not really a sprinter. Its a cruiser. (awesome cruiser)
Almost everything beats a (stock) Marauder from the stop light.
Some of the modified cars in here only turn 12 or 13 seconds. I shouldnt say "only"... 12 is pretty fast!! still....
What is highest and best hope for 0 to 60?? 11.7? Stock is...14?? I dont know. Lotta coin for 2 or 3 seconds.
But once the big girl is rolling............!I totally agree. I bought this car to cruise w/ some power, but I have a smaller lighter car w/ far higher HP to weight ratio for spirited driving. But whatever makes people happy is what is right for them.

The muscle car times were pretty slow by today's standards. Even a lot of regular 4 door jap sedans are in the 14s bone stock, getting near 30 mpg highway. We have the technology now.

[RF Overlord]

And DONT spend $200 on 4" tips, thats another rip off, I got mine for $60. I assume you're referring to the GB Wes has going right now. Maybe you aren't aware that these tips are made by Megs, the makers of the OEM tips for the MM, and are of first-class quality. They won't ever rust or discolour. The $60 specials will probably look like crap in a couple of years.

[sailsmen]

The concept of the Marauder was to provide Muscle car performance.

The CAFE guys detuned it and squashed the 4:10.

For an additional $1,100 you can get the 4:10 Ford gears it was designed for, the proper tune from the person who developed the tune on the test mule and Muscle car performance.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

As much as people brag about the 4.10 gear set, it is only worth about 3 tenths. The tunes are worth about the same. Those two changes alone are a big help but far from an earth shattering change, when these cars run well into the 15s stock.

[sailsmen]

I and several others have run 14.2 with 4:10, tune and UD pullies.

A stock Marauder in ideal air ran 14.5.

These are the facts, not opinions.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I guess I've seen too many magazine tests w/ stock Marauders running 15.4-15.6. I've never run mine stock or with my 3.73s and a tune, so I can't say whether the magazine tests were adequately representative or not, but 14.5 truly stock and untouched sounds pretty far fetched.

[sailsmen]

The 14.5 was in a broken in Marauder by a Canadian member Triple Trans AM.

15.4-15.6 would make the Tune/4:10/UD worth 1.2-1.4.

[Bigdough]

I assume you're referring to the GB Wes has going right now. Maybe you aren't aware that these tips are made by Megs, the makers of the OEM tips for the MM, and are of first-class quality. They won't ever rust or discolour. The $60 specials will probably look like crap in a couple of years.

Wasnt referring to any group buy, just letting the guy know some useful info. The "$60 specials" I bought are full stainless, high-polished, 2.5 inlet with 4 inch outlet and are non resonated. So whats the difference? As far as I know, a full stainless pipe will not rust or discolour so why pay over $100 more for the same thing?

This is the same thing that happened with intercooler piping on my Supra. Fools pay $3-400 for a set of intercooler pipes and I made the same thing (mine actually look better) for less than $150.

A stainless pipe is pretty much a stainless pipe. I know there are different grades of stainless, 321 and the like, but its a damn pipe.

BUT, this is just my opinion. If you guys like spending way too much on the same thing because of a brand name, then so be it.

[ts-pa]

Bigdough--one thing to consider, there is a big difference in the quality of the stainless steel materials used. For example, I had to replace more than once SS mixing bowls in my kitchen. Why? Poor quality stainless is just as bad as plain steel. Pin holes formed in the material. Just a word of warning, cheap prices cannot beat the better grade materials or workmanship of a product like "megs".

[Bigdough]

Bigdough--one thing to consider, there is a big difference in the quality of the stainless steel materials used. For example, I had to replace more than once SS mixing bowls in my kitchen. Why? Poor quality stainless is just as bad as plain steel. Pin holes formed in the material. Just a word of warning, cheap prices cannot beat the better grade materials or workmanship of a product like "megs".

I understand that totally, like I said, I know there are different grades of stainless steel. Ive seen several "cheap price" stainless pipes that look way better than my "high quality MEGS" tips. Hell, Ive seen "cheap price" stainless turbo manifolds that still look better than my exhaust tips and they see insane levels of heat compared to an exhaust tip. But oh well, proceed with the name brand over-spending.

[ts-pa]

I understand that totally, like I said, I know there are different grades of stainless steel. Ive seen several "cheap price" stainless pipes that look way better than my "high quality MEGS" tips. Hell, Ive seen "cheap price" stainless turbo manifolds that still look better than my exhaust tips and they see insane levels of heat compared to an exhaust tip. But oh well, proceed with the name brand over-spending.

When you are comparing the muffler & the tips, are you talking about heat discoloration of the SS? If I recall correctly, 300 series SS will stay very bright for the temps that they see as exhaust. On the other hand, 400 series SS may darken to almost a brown color. Now, if your talking about surface appearance, as in less shine, the tips get a lot of debris & water splashed on them compared to mufflers due to the position to the rear wheels. Another possible effect on the shine is if the part was passivated or not.

Some "cheap" products might actually go the extra steps to make a great product due to their lower mfg. costs. If you can find them, Great! Most do not do this. Since a long established "named brand" wants to protect it's reputation, they are safe bets on quality & warranty issues. That is where some of the "over-spending" goes to.

For me, I chose Megs for the above reasons & that the product fits correctly. I have seen tips that are about half of the length of Megs on other Panther cars. Looks great from behind but, in my opinion, this doesn't look too good when viewed from the side of the car.

Food for thought. Keep in mind, we are talking about an item that is less than $100 each. It is in place for several years. Doesn't seem worth the risk saving a few bucks.

[vkirkend]

That's what I'm saying! Find someone who'd let me drive their car in Jersey and I'm there! It's not like I'm not used to the power; the car would be in safe hands...TRUST ME! ;)

I definately appreciate the advice guys, I know I have some pre-concieved notions that may not apply to these cars like they did my stang, so I know I'll need the input. I was actually thinking that the 18's with the tire height they have would offset the gears some, just wasn't sure how much. I honestly haven't even driven a stock one yet, but I know how much I love the CVPI's and a Marauder is like the ballsy, sophisticated twin brother(hence my need for one).

So how about those parts, anyone out there have some deals somewhere?! After all, now that I have a better idea WHAT I need, I have to know WHERE to find it all.

I don't think I want to trust my Marauder in the hands and feet of someone who doesn't already have one :beatnik:....

[ImpalaSlayer]

kirk! whats up?