Kooks Going on tomorrow!

[hotrod64merc]

I just picked up my Kooks LT headers, high flow cats and Y pipe today. Getting up early to do the install. I am disappointed that they don't supply over the axle pipes but JR said he would build me some over the winter. Does anyone know of a Crown Vic 2 1/2" full exhaust kit or where I could buy the rear pipes.

I also received my SCT tune from Lidio today.

Next week I am going to the dyno and I will post the sheet.

Then off to The Maxton Mile at the end of October to see what kind of top speed she will run and do some track tuning with a wide band and the SCT data logging software. Can't wait!

[Raven34]

Sounds awesome. I was just thinking about if anybody had done the maxton or texas mile in a marauder before. Interested to see what itll do. Good luck with the install.

[1stMerc]

Someone had a set of custom over the axle they were trying to get a group buy on last year. Here is the thread.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55510&highlight=tailpipes

[hotrod64merc]

Here is the Kooks kit.

I spent 8 hrs today just getting the old system off without hacking it to death. The biggest problem is getting the RS manifold off. The RS motor mount has to be removed, the engine raised and I had to make some special tools to get at the RS front manifold nuts. The AC compresser is in the way. Struggled with a starter bolt that just refused to come out. Then had to remove all the manifold studs. That was another time consuming project but all the treads are good for the new hardware. The kit comes with new header bolts. I was on jack stands. Now I know why I haven't installed headers since 1976. This project needs to be done on a lift. WARNING! Don't even attempt it on jack stands! Should have it running tomorrow. Cheers!

[MOTOWN]

wow! , cant wait to see some pictures of the install

[fastblackmerc]

Join us at the Southeastern North Carolina Mustang car show on 10/16 in Wilmington.

[ctrlraven]

Mandrel Bending Solutions
2539 Mountain Road
Pasadena, MD 21122
PHONE: (410) 360-7106

Call and ask to speak to Greg. When I had my exhaust done by him I had mentioned a lot of people seemed to be interested in the tail pipe section. See if he will bend and ship you a set. The more request they get more likely hood they would start offering it since it will work with most other panther cars plus he has my H-pipe design digitized for future exhaust setups.

[babbage]

Here is the Kooks kit.

I spent 8 hrs today just getting the old system off without hacking it to death. The biggest problem is getting the RS manifold off. The RS motor mount has to be removed, the engine raised and I had to make some special tools to get at the RS front manifold nuts. The AC compresser is in the way. Struggled with a starter bolt that just refused to come out. Then had to remove all the manifold studs. That was another time consuming project but all the treads are good for the new hardware. The kit comes with new header bolts. I was on jack stands. Now I know why I haven't installed headers since 1976. This project needs to be done on a lift. WARNING! Don't even attempt it on jack stands! Should have it running tomorrow. Cheers!

Congrats on doing the job yourself. Looks like a sweet setup.

[tremblay]

That looks like an excellent setup. Something I would put on my car for sure. You think you will have any problems with emissions? Or do you even have to go through emission testing in north carolina?

[hotrod64merc]

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. The install is complete-almost. I am taking the MM to work tomorrow and put it on the lift to do the final alignment and take pictures. I finished it up last night and installed Lidio's tune. It runs GREAT! I am disappointed with the sound...the Magnaflows from Kooks are a bit loud and drone down the interstate. Easy enough to change in the future. I pretty much shot my wade on this project so no more $$ spent this year on the MM. I will post photos this weekend.

[-Matt-]

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. The install is complete-almost. I am taking the MM to work tomorrow and put it on the lift to do the final alignment and take pictures. I finished it up last night and installed Lidio's tune. It runs GREAT! I am disappointed with the sound...the Magnaflows from Kooks are a bit loud and drone down the interstate. Easy enough to change in the future. I pretty much shot my wade on this project so no more $$ spent this year on the MM. I will post photos this weekend.


The tone will change in due time... just give it a little before you make an opinion on the sound.

Zack and i did mine on jack stands... removed and re-installed in 3 hours... it looked like a huge pain in the ass while zack did it and i sat and drank his blue moon :beer:

[babbage]

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. The install is complete-almost. I am taking the MM to work tomorrow and put it on the lift to do the final alignment and take pictures. I finished it up last night and installed Lidio's tune. It runs GREAT! I am disappointed with the sound...the Magnaflows from Kooks are a bit loud and drone down the interstate. Easy enough to change in the future. I pretty much shot my wade on this project so no more $$ spent this year on the MM. I will post photos this weekend.


Dynomax superturbo mufflers are quiet and flow well. They are only $70 each to put on.

[ctrlraven]

It would be wise to have a dyno tune done to take full advantage of the headers plus your AFR is going to be off some.

[hotrod64merc]

I had Lidio send me a tune. It runs great. I will be doing a little data acquisition when I run Maxton October 30th. I am going to send Lidio the data and he can then tweek the tune if need be. Getting use to the tone now and I have had many compliments on the sound. I love my Marauder!

[Vortech347]

Take video and pictures. I'm VERY curious to hear how your car runs in the mile. I plan on running mine out on the Bonneville Salt Flats next year.