Random meandering...

[deerejoe]

There WAS a very interesting thread yesterday evening on the subject of one man's views of the various modifications available to the MM owner.
Though the subject was well defined regarding certain vendors and their wares offered...the summation placed emphasis squarely on the amount of money one would (or could) be willing to pay...not to mention the potential consequences of the modification in question.

I feel compelled to add that RISK is inherent to all efforts to achieve desired results regarding overall performance enhancements.

So, where do we start??
A simple "fine tuning" which entails the owner (you) or someone versed in the art of auto mechanics tweeking the power train and related components to get the MOST out of the OEM design.

Or a "programmer" to re-arrange the OEM settings.
Or a "chip" install that carries new information for the system to comply with.
Or "bolt-on" mods that radically alter the OEM condition.
To the complete re-build modification of the OEM standard design.

Each step incurrs additional cost and risk of potential damage to the vehicles designed function.

We can all assume that Ford engineering is (hopefully) centered around "best known practice" and safety issues. Their warranty program depends in large part to good design and durable components...with 60 month (or whatever) financing plans, the vehicle should go the term without major cost to either Ford or the owner. It's indeed a proprietary interest to all parties.

Why we do the things we do is not the question here...but HOW we go about doing it makes the real difference.
You can blow the car without doing anything (mod) to it just by lack of proper maintenance or radical (driving) behavior.

Determine what exactly you want from the car and then whether you are prepared to accept the responsibility for those desires.
Being (or wanting to be) the fastest gun in town is a tempestuous ideal...it garners a LOT of attention...some not really appealing; like law enforcement and traffic court appearances!!

When I got left in the dust by a faster (top end) car the first time, I wanted to remove the limiter; thinking that I could have won with more top speed capability.
I came on this website and discovered ALL the means to enhance overall performance to date...but knowing that it WOULD cost more and involve additional risk to my initial investment.

In summary, my dilemma lies in determining what I really want the car to do beyond its basic design.
Money/warranty/responsibility is not the real concern.
Prudence and common sense has to play a role in the decision.

I'll sit under a shade tree and continue to monitor the actions of those of you making the moves...

[Merc-O-matic]

deerejoe, Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
In my case I know it's not realistic to think
you will be the fastest game in town.
However, I would like to be able to
"dust" a few beefed up "ricers" and take
the smug smile off "Hans" when
his BMW is left at the light.
Now the question is, which way to you go?
Gotta Love It!

[gonzo50]

Originally posted by deerejoe
I'll sit under a shade tree and continue to monitor the actions of those of you making the moves...
Most of the simple mods are user freindly and should not harm the internals of our Marauder, the individual behind the wheel has to be cautious as to how hard he is willing to test his new found power. Abuse comes with a price tag, no one is wanting to pay, but approaching the same objective smartly can be a joy and easy on the pocket. Which route are you anxious to try ? :beatnik:

[Bigdogjim]

deerejoe:
Here here! Well put! I like your point of view. Very well put. Common sense does/will/should play a LARGE part in the end result.

Think it through!

I am sitting under the tree as well.
Not a bad place to be in my book.
I'll read some more when I get to Marauderville!
Thanks

:)

[SergntMac]

Well said Joe, thank you.

The luckiest owner on the block, is the new owner, the "newbie" here. He/She will benefit the most from all the research and development explored by founding fathers. Lucky them, to be enriched by the 411, without having to have plowed the field, or, break their stride even over what the pioneers here tripped and sweated over.

You describe the decision as a "triple beam" scale, how fast do you want to go, how much do you want to spend, and how much risk can you take? Not an easy scale to balance, I agree. Which means that throwing your own weight behind one single design, or, one single style, is not wise. I do really agree with you, whole-heartedly.

The money will change pockets, no doubt, but our goal, as mutual owners should be to get as much of the performance we can, while we keep as much of the money in our pockets as we can, and by taking as few risks as possible.

We are the owners. We want the performance, but we spend the money and we take the risks. It's "we,", Joe, not just "us." And surely not just "us vs. them."

If all of us could band together, and tell the suppliers "we got the bucks, you better give us what we want if you want our bucks," we would all be better off. Will this ever happen? I believe the answer is no, and I am disappointed because this would be our best answer.

We had a chance, Joe, we did...Really. But, once the private forums took control of their specific forums, we lost that chance. Now they can edit, replace, change, repost, even erase, our questions and our thoughts. Now that they can, they control it all. And, they will do and say anything they can, just to get the money moved from our pocket to theirs.

Just a while ago, I read a warning of "proper conduct" from a supplier here, that means to me "think our way, or be gone."

I also read a post from another supplier which was severly edited by the supplier. Boldly too, I hope everyone reads this post/thread one more time, for their own good.

I'm not a potential customer of either supplier, but I cannot accept either statement as being in our best interests, us Marauder owners, under any flag.

Oh well...I still "own" my Marauder, which will get pried from my cold, dead hand...

[cruzer]

Well said !!!!

[LincMercLover]

I'm not really seeing why these threads keep popping up, and no, I haven't touched a button on here in a few weeks, but what the hell? That's really all I have to say...

[MERCMAN]

I gotta say, MAC, that kilt sure keeps the blood flowing to your brain. I am always impressed with your well put comments and your basic no BS approach to all comments. As for me, thanks for being here.

[MapleLeafMerc]

I'm not sure who this should be directed to but I'm suddenly interested in SergntMac's comments. Is there a problem with the protocol here?