Hello MM.net members

[Brandon]

Hello to everyone, My name is Brandon and I am an owner of a 1998 Mercury Marquis(precisiontrac).

I know that this is a Marauder forum but my intentions were to come here and ask members questions of how I can convert the front end of my Marquis into looking like a Marauder. While I was waiting for my account to be activated I searched through your forum to come across the answers I was looking for. Seems like I am not the only one that wanted to do this haha.

I would love to give you all a little more information about my car including the things I came across while buying parts, Or the engine swap I had done from another car but I do not know if this is the correct area or not. I also have a second unanswered question of, What are a few things I can do to this "beast" to get a little more "go" out of her?

Thanks
Brandon

[vkirkend]

Buy a Marauder:D.... Welcome!!!!!

[Brandon]

Buy a Marauder:D.... Welcome!!!!!

As much as I would love to buy a Marauder I just can't afford to at the moment. With the housing market being as low as it is, The ole lady and I are on the hunt.

This car was an inheritance, And it main use is a family car for my 2 kids. All though my life does revolve around cars and even though it's just a family car I would still like for it have some sort of styling and a little performance. I just do not know what is the easiest way to get that out of this kind of car.

Even though this is going to really low any type of rep I could have had here, My "street car" is an Import:lol:

Daily/family car
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/b16eg/2001MercuryGrandMarquisTan9020 9.jpg

Week end warrior
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/b16eg/100_2500.jpg

Now before any hateful remarks are said, Please note the shinny thing in the bumper :beer:

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

oh no's a hyundai!! Honestly I would just leave the grand marquis looking like a grand marquis. Otherwise if it turns into another of the unfortunate Faux-rauders having some grand marquis trim and interior parts, some Marauder tack-ons, it will be worse off than just being a clean Grand Marq. If you keep your Grand Marq clean you'll get more respect than a Grand Marq with a marauder bumper cover on it. I would put your money into putting a dual exhaust on your car (assuming its a single) and getting rid of the steel wheels/hub caps for some alloys instead.

[Brandon]

oh no's a hyundai!!
I think it's pronounced "Honda" but that's just a guess.. Lol, J.k. Hey atleast it's not a "ricey" Honda lol, I am more of a "clean affect" kind of guy.. I hate all the people with loud exhaust and big wings just the same as the next guy. Plus theirs nothing like turning 8,000rpms with 1.4bar behind it :D


oh no's a hyundai!! Honestly I would just leave the grand marquis looking like a grand marquis. Otherwise if it turns into another of the unfortunate Faux-rauders having some grand marquis trim and interior parts, some Marauder tack-ons, it will be worse off than just being a clean Grand Marq. If you keep your Grand Marq clean you'll get more respect than a Grand Marq with a marauder bumper cover on it.

Thank you for this input, After looking over the car real well today I am going to have to agree with you. I just wanted that more "aggressive" styling to it.


I would put your money into putting a dual exhaust on your car (assuming its a single) and getting rid of the steel wheels/hub caps for some alloys instead.

See that's where I run into a problem with the exhaust part. I want the duals how ever I do not want that loud exhaust tone that usually comes with it. I was thinking of maybe the OE duals or a P71 setup but I didn't know if the little gain I might see would be worth the money or not.

As for the wheels, I have been keeping my eyes open for a set but none of the ones that come on Marquis appeal to me. I have seen some on Crown Vic's that I like but wasn't sure if this would be a bolt on affair or not.

[ntd]

welcome nice looking GM, I would look into 4.10 gears, get a dual exhaust made, I think alot of guy go with the MM airbox assembly and get a tune that should make the car fun to drive. You could also slap a supercharger on. What's done to the Honda I see the intercooler

[Brandon]

welcome nice looking GM, I would look into 4.10 gears, get a dual exhaust made, I think alot of guy go with the MM airbox assembly and get a tune that should make the car fun to drive. You could also slap a supercharger on. What's done to the Honda I see the intercooler

A 4.10 rear end would be nice, Though she seems to accelerate pretty nice as is. Just seems to lack the top end power needed to keep going. Also I do not like the fact that it has an open differential Vs an LSD unit.

Where might I find a rear end with a different gear ratio and LSD unit that would be a bolt in affair?
I am no noob when it comes to FI, But I would rather leave that to my other car. I would just like to try get what I can out of the GM in N/A form.

You actual want to know whats done to my Honda? Am I on the right site still haha...
Well for just the engine:
243whp 200 wtrq @ 13psi Tuned on Crome
TurboNetics T3T4 AR.63
Ported Cast manifold
ARP Head studs
Skunk2 Intake manifold
2nd Gen DSM 450cc injectors
Walbro 255 fuel pump
MSD 8mm wires
NGK-7's
Cosmetic HG
B&M AFPR
B&M FP gauge
heat wrapped 2.5 in down pipe (open dump)
2.5in Greddy Cat Back
Best 1/4 time was low 13's, Next year with better tires and a new engine I am hoping for low 12's
I am in the process of build a new engine for 2010, And I am hoping to reach a goal of 300whp and 250Trq.

[mgmsleeper]

A 4.10 rear end would be nice, Though she seems to accelerate pretty nice as is. Just seems to lack the top end power needed to keep going. Also I do not like the fact that it has an open differential Vs an LSD unit.

Where might I find a rear end with a different gear ratio and LSD unit that would be a bolt in affair?
I am no noob when it comes to FI, But I would rather leave that to my other car. I would just like to try get what I can out of the GM in N/A form.

You actual want to know whats done to my Honda? Am I on the right site still haha...
Well for just the engine:
243whp 200 wtrq @ 13psi Tuned on Crome
TurboNetics T3T4 AR.63
Ported Cast manifold
ARP Head studs
Skunk2 Intake manifold
2nd Gen DSM 450cc injectors
Walbro 255 fuel pump
MSD 8mm wires
NGK-7's
Cosmetic HG
B&M AFPR
B&M FP gauge
heat wrapped 2.5 in down pipe (open dump)
2.5in Greddy Cat Back
Best 1/4 time was low 13's, Next year with better tires and a new engine I am hoping for low 12's
I am in the process of build a new engine for 2010, And I am hoping to reach a goal of 300whp and 250Trq.


for the $$ you'll spend on gears, posi trac, intake & tune my advice is search for a 4v(marauder motor) they usualy go from 700&up drop it in and have fun. i have a 99MGM ive done the minor stuff but its still a granny thats why its 98% sold

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site. Did you replace the intake manifold on the GM?

[ntd]

A 4.10 rear end would be nice, Though she seems to accelerate pretty nice as is. Just seems to lack the top end power needed to keep going. Also I do not like the fact that it has an open differential Vs an LSD unit.

Where might I find a rear end with a different gear ratio and LSD unit that would be a bolt in affair?
I am no noob when it comes to FI, But I would rather leave that to my other car. I would just like to try get what I can out of the GM in N/A form.

You actual want to know whats done to my Honda? Am I on the right site still haha...
Well for just the engine:
243whp 200 wtrq @ 13psi Tuned on Crome
TurboNetics T3T4 AR.63
Ported Cast manifold
ARP Head studs
Skunk2 Intake manifold
2nd Gen DSM 450cc injectors
Walbro 255 fuel pump
MSD 8mm wires
NGK-7's
Cosmetic HG
B&M AFPR
B&M FP gauge
heat wrapped 2.5 in down pipe (open dump)
2.5in Greddy Cat Back
Best 1/4 time was low 13's, Next year with better tires and a new engine I am hoping for low 12's
I am in the process of build a new engine for 2010, And I am hoping to reach a goal of 300whp and 250Trq.

The gears don't lack on top end it's the engine:P I thought the Precisiontrac had 3.55's and a limited slip diff? Unless you find a good deal and buy a rearend that has everything done already your best bet would be to get a 28 spline limited slip diff and a set of 4.10 gears(they seem to pop up every now and then on all the ford forums). Then take it to a shop and have them install it for you. Your Honda(civic right?) isn't my style of car but I always appreciate custom work on any vehicle even if it's Jap car:rolleyes: any more pics of the Honda.

[mgmsleeper]

The gears don't lack on top end it's the engine:P I thought the Precisiontrac had 3.55's and a limited slip diff? Unless you find a good deal and buy a rearend that has everything done already your best bet would be to get a 28 spline limited slip diff and a set of 4.10 gears(they seem to pop up every now and then on all the ford forums). Then take it to a shop and have them install it for you. Your Honda(civic right?) isn't my style of car but I always appreciate custom work on any vehicle even if it's Jap car:rolleyes: any more pics of the Honda.

nope has 273 & no limited slip in these things

[a_d_a_m]

That is Spruce Green Metallic and not Arizona Beige, right?

Well, here is my old '02 Spruce Green Marquis when I bought it....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/straightonchaser/marq1.jpg

Throw some Bullitt rims on it (need 2-inch spacers in back and 1.5-inch in front for the proper look)...
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/IMG_1150.jpg

And some dual exhaust...
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/CVN%2008092008/IMG_1275.jpg

...and you've done a decent transformation.

Couple recommendations for ya.

1. Sign up at CrownVic.net. This site is great, but more tech-oriented for the Mercury Marauder. You can stick around here, and should stick around here...but CVN is a better (the best, actually) source for tech information for your powertrain/model.

2. J-mod the transmission. There is an assload of info on this on the internet. A J-mod will firm up your shifts and actually is better for the transmission.

3. If you go the dual exhaust route, use "Turbo"-style mufflers, as they will not be too loud under normal acceleration but will bark pretty loud when you tromp on the gas.

4. Computer tune.

A Marauder motor will fit..sorta, but IIRC the oil pan will not clear and modifications will be required.

One more picture for good measure...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/straightonchaser/10182008/IMG_1519.jpg

(for what it's worth, I got plenty of "Is that a Marauder?" comments, and compliments about this car.)

[Brandon]

for the $$ you'll spend on gears, posi trac, intake & tune my advice is search for a 4v(marauder motor) they usualy go from 700&up drop it in and have fun. i have a 99MGM ive done the minor stuff but its still a granny thats why its 98% sold

Hmm wish I would have known about that before I purchased the engine that's in there now. Earlier this summer the engine that came in the car decided it was time to throw a rod out the block. A friend of mine suggested looking for a 4.6L out of a Mustang GT. So that's what I did, found one for 800$ and had Mercury install it.


Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site. Did you replace the intake manifold on the GM?
When the Engine was swapped out the guys at the Dealership said something about a plastic runner on the IM prown to cracking and breaking ans suggested changing it out for a Cast Iron one, So that's what I did.


The gears don't lack on top end it's the engine:P I thought the Precisiontrac had 3.55's and a limited slip diff? Unless you find a good deal and buy a rearend that has everything done already your best bet would be to get a 28 spline limited slip diff and a set of 4.10 gears(they seem to pop up every now and then on all the ford forums). Then take it to a shop and have them install it for you. Your Honda(civic right?) isn't my style of car but I always appreciate custom work on any vehicle even if it's Jap car:rolleyes: any more pics of the Honda.

I am pretty sure this is an open diff. If I try to do a break stall only one wheel spins...

I will upload more pictures for you when I get back home later tonight

[ntd]

Throw some Bullitt rims on it (need 2-inch spacers in back and 1.5-inch in front for the proper look)...


And some dual exhaust...


...and you've done a decent transformation.



Bullitt wheels always look Bad A$$ on these cars

[mgmsleeper]

Hmm wish I would have known about that before I purchased the engine that's in there now. Earlier this summer the engine that came in the car decided it was time to throw a rod out the block. A friend of mine suggested looking for a 4.6L out of a Mustang GT. So that's what I did, found one for 800$ and had Mercury install it.



if im correct thats the same 2v motor

[mgmsleeper]

Bullitt wheels always look Bad A$$ on these cars

+1...
billitt wheels, MM wheels all look good.
me personally did MM wheels.

[Stoneblue]

Replace the OEM speakers. And do check on the intake manifold, its a silent recall (or was on my 97). Look for a wrecked GM w/ perf pkg and get the sway bars, 16" wheels. HD gas shocks and on CV.net someone put in fog lamps that look factory. A P71 grill in body color. K&N air and oil filter. Mobil1 oil (please change more often than every 60K mi). My 2cents worth. Oh yeah, welcome Brandon!

[a_d_a_m]

And do check on the intake manifold, its a silent recall (or was on my 97) He said the car has a Mustang 4.6 in it, so this shouldn't be a problem, no?


A P71 grill in body color Won't fit properly on a Marquis. Case (http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7/rupertlichfield/Crown%20Vic/IMG_0277.jpg) in point (http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/b16eg/2001MercuryGrandMarquisTan9020 9.jpg). (click to see the differences :))



And if we're talking oil...
Motorcraft filters FTW.
Synthetic blend, whatever's on sale. That's what I ran in my Marquis. I run full-syn in the Marauder because it sees quarter-mile duty every once in awhile.

[Blackened300a]

You actual want to know whats done to my Honda? Am I on the right site still haha...
Well for just the engine:
243whp 200 wtrq @ 13psi Tuned on Crome
TurboNetics T3T4 AR.63
Ported Cast manifold
ARP Head studs
Skunk2 Intake manifold
2nd Gen DSM 450cc injectors
Walbro 255 fuel pump
MSD 8mm wires
NGK-7's
Cosmetic HG
B&M AFPR
B&M FP gauge
heat wrapped 2.5 in down pipe (open dump)
2.5in Greddy Cat Back
Best 1/4 time was low 13's, Next year with better tires and a new engine I am hoping for low 12's
I am in the process of build a new engine for 2010, And I am hoping to reach a goal of 300whp and 250Trq.

My cousin got into the import drag racing scene back in the late 90's. We had a Civic hatch with a Integra Type R motor sent to JG race engines in CA. Forged internals, bored block and oversize intercooled turbo. The car was turning just over 500whp and torque was in the high 300's. Everytime the car was ran on the track, we would snap the axles right out of it. We also put a cage in it and all aluminum panels in the interior and rolled fenders for the 15" front slicks . The car weighed just over 1800lbs with driver. I drove it once on the street and you couldn't shift it fast enough even with a 9K redline.
Our best ET was a low 11 spinning the first half of the track. The next few times was nothing but snapping axles right out the hole. My cousin got bored of the hobby and my uncle in disgust of looking at the car ended up trading it for a 82 vette. Yeah we definitely got the raw end of that deal. :shake:

Leave the GM alone looks wise, maybe open up the exhaust a bit, try a tune with a Marauder airbox and MAF. That combo seems to work well on the 2V motor. Chances are you have the plastic intake manifold so a PI one will be a nice upgrade and save you from having your manifold crack when you least expect it. You can also try the trickflow throtlebody and upper plenum from Summit racing.

[Brandon]

That is Spruce Green Metallic and not Arizona Beige, right?

No, This is the Arizona Beige... I believe??



Couple recommendations for ya.

1. Sign up at CrownVic.net. This site is great, but more tech-oriented for the Mercury Marauder. You can stick around here, and should stick around here...but CVN is a better (the best, actually) source for tech information for your powertrain/model.

Yes I already have, I am just waiting for my account to be approved. I will definitely stick around here for as long as I am welcomed. It seems to be that the people here are allot more friendly and knowledgeable(from what I can see).


2. J-mod the transmission. There is an assload of info on this on the internet. A J-mod will firm up your shifts and actually is better for the transmission.
Right now it seems the transmission shifts REALLY hard under WOT. Along with the hard shifts, from 1st to 2nd their is a nice squeal coming from inside the trans. Now like I said before I know nothing about these cars but I assume this is a belt in side the trans making the noise?

I will for sure look into this "j mod" you speak of and see what I can do.



3. If you go the dual exhaust route, use "Turbo"-style mufflers, as they will not be too loud under normal acceleration but will bark pretty loud when you tromp on the gas. 4. Computer tune.

Like I mentioned, I do not want loud of any type. I just want the engine to breath better. This is why I was thinking of trying to track down a dual system from a P71 cruiser. I live in an area that cops constantly fly through and they're exhaust has a nice tone to it with out being "hey look at me over here! I'm stupid"

Is their any type of tuning software out there? I know when I had the Mustang engine installed the guys at Mercury told me they had to reflash the Eprom(computer) because of the knock sensor difference???




A Marauder motor will fit..sorta, but IIRC the oil pan will not clear and modifications will be required.
I really wish I would have thought about that before I purchased the Mustang motor.. But hey:lol:


if im correct thats the same 2v motor
Yes after doing some research I found out that the 4.6L Ford used is the same through out all they're cars. They change little things like manifolds, throttle bodies Etc.. but in the end they're all the same.:bigcry:


He said the car has a Mustang 4.6 in it, so this shouldn't be a problem, no?

Won't fit properly on a Marquis. Case (http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7/rupertlichfield/Crown%20Vic/IMG_0277.jpg) in point (http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/b16eg/2001MercuryGrandMarquisTan9020 9.jpg). (click to see the differences :))And if we're talking oil...Motorcraft filters FTW. Synthetic blend, whatever's on sale. That's what I ran in my Marquis. I run full-syn in the Marauder because it sees quarter-mile duty every once in awhile.

Yes the manifold is plastic but the part that's prown to breaking has been replaced with the cast iron one they came out with to fix the problem.

I am having a problem with the current engine, And I have been told it's due to the thin oil used (5w30). An old school V8 guy told me the sound is called piston slap/wrist pin slap and it is due to the thin oil. A Mustang buddy of mine said that the noise i normal for these gen of 4.6L

I do not know what it is, but from my experience of building Import engines it sure as hell doesn't sound healthy.




Leave the GM alone looks wise, maybe open up the exhaust a bit, try a tune with a Marauder airbox and MAF. That combo seems to work well on the 2V motor. Chances are you have the plastic intake manifold so a PI one will be a nice upgrade and save you from having your manifold crack when you least expect it. You can also try the trickflow throtlebody and upper plenum from Summit racing.

Thanks for the thoughts and I will look into the Marauder intake parts. Not really looking into "hot-rod" parts for her though. She after all is just a family car haha.

One other question, what do you mean by "PI"? I'm new to all this Mercury talk, I'll pick up on it pretty quick though.

[Blackened300a]

One other question, what do you mean by "PI"? I'm new to all this Mercury talk, I'll pick up on it pretty quick though.

PI= Performance Improved. Im not sure of the year but Ford with with PI intake manifolds which have a aluminum coolant crossover rather then plastic.

[Stoneblue]

I learn something everyday (grill). Decent speakers are a must, how else do you drown out the backseaters at a stop light? Make sure the seat belt anchor bolts were replaced (recall on 93, 97), never know when you'll need them. See ya!

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Originally Posted by adam/cleveland
3. If you go the dual exhaust route, use "Turbo"-style mufflers, as they will not be too loud under normal acceleration but will bark pretty loud when you tromp on the gas. 4. Computer tune.

What pray tell is a turbo muffler? The source of the name "turbo muffler" is from the muffler that was used on a turbo corvair. It was free flowing because it did not require much sound suppression on the turbo car, and apparently hot rodders sourced these and used them on aftermarket applications. Colloquially, any free flowing muffler became referred to as a "turbo muffler". Do you mean a pass tube style muffler as opposed to a packed muffler (sound reduction by backpressure rather than by absorption)

LOL

[Blackened300a]

What pray tell is a turbo muffler? The source of the name "turbo muffler" is from the muffler that was used on a turbo corvair. It was free flowing because it did not require much sound suppression on the turbo car, and apparently hot rodders sourced these and used them on aftermarket applications. Colloquially, any free flowing muffler became referred to as a "turbo muffler". Do you mean a pass tube style muffler as opposed to a packed muffler (sound reduction by backpressure rather than by absorption)

LOL

Looks like I learned something today.

[a_d_a_m]

What pray tell is a turbo muffler? http://www.summitracing.com/search/Brand/Summit-Racing/Product-Line/Summit-Racing-Turbo-Mufflers/?autoview=SKU

I ran them on my car and they sounded good. That's all I know.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

^ cheap pass tube muffler, basically like many OE mufflers just with larger pass tubes. That is the more restrictive way to go than a packed muffler like a magnaflow and sometimes those style mufflers are not even any better than a high quality stock muffler, in terms of flow.

[Brandon]

Well I went and spoke with my friend/mechanic/Mustang gear head today, And with the help of all of you here on MM I have come to a pretty good conclusion of what I am going to do with the GM.

I am going the simple bolt on route for now, Using MM parts and a few after market ones as well.

K&N intake, MM MAF
MM Exhaust W/ Xpipe & RR with 2 high flow cats
J-Mod W/programmer tune <- shift points

When all these mods are installed I will use the programmer to fine tune the computer to accept all the aftermartet parts installed.

Also if the funds are available, Which with tax season around the corner I'm sure they will. I will be looking into a after market intake manifold W/ TB. While at the shop we were talking about headers, But after here that the steering shaft had to be removed for the left bank to be installed I don't know if I will be going that far. We'll see.

Please let me know what you think about my plan and if their is anything I missed, or if any of it is pointless to do. I'm hoping that with the shift points set by the programmer with the J-mod the transmission with feel allot smoother along with that horrible squeal noise deleted

[Blackened300a]

I'm hoping that with the shift points set by the programmer with the J-mod the transmission with feel allot smoother along with that horrible squeal noise deleted

Are you referring to the squeal when you shift into 2nd? That's usually the belt giving off a little squeal at the 1-2 shift.

[Brandon]

yea, Well not when I manually shift it but when the transmission shift automatically.