Hello from an impala ss guy

[no dubs]

Ok dont flame me :D i have a impala SS and thinking of getting a marauder. I wont be selling the SS just wanna have both :P. Looking forward to meeting all of you :beer: -Josh

[Joe Walsh]

Welcome aboard Josh!

No reason to worry about owning an Impala SS!
They are cool rides.
I almost bought one back in '96, but I needed 4WD and a rack for my bikes/canoe...so I bought an S10 Blazer. (black..of course!)

[Blk Mamba]

Almost bought one last summer, just to have both, still may buy one in the future.

[guspech750]

Welcome. No flames from me. As I love the Impala SS. I hope you find a Marauder to park next to your SS. Lots of great people and info here. Good luck.

Sent from my iPhone
Go White Sox

[BODYMAN]

Welcome aboard! no flaming here I personally like the ss just couldnt bring myself to buy a Chevy! lol

[Smalldogg/03mm]

Welcome: I'm fairly new to. My buddy has the an ss impala also.. I let him keep my mm for a weekend and two weeks later he bought a Sb.. And a year later he total it.. Not all chevy guys no how to handle the mm....:)

[SC Cheesehead]

:welcome:

Hey, no problem with owning both an SS and a MM.

You'll have the SS for a daily beater, and the MM for when you want to go fast, with class! :D

j/k

Enjoy the site!

[Cobra25]

Welcome ! Owning Both a Impala SS & and Marauder sounds great to me. I'm sure many member's here would love to be able do that.

[DOOM]

:welcome: to the site.

Hope you find a nice one!

[88LTDCV351]

I'd love to have both.

[88LTDCV351]

Or at least a LT1 caprice police package.

[MOTOWN]

:welcome:bud!:wave:i wanted an impala ss! until the marauder came out:banana:

[MrBluGruv]

I like the Impala SS for the engine honestly, as weird as it seems. Not even JUST the torque, but the design of the engine in general. I think if the MM came with a big-cube pushrod engine it would've been a show stopper. I can just imagine a factory MM with something that made 350hp and 400+tq at the crank, that would've been one WILD car.

Yeah S/C is an option, but the more mods I've done, the more I've come to appreciate factory-built performance for its ease and no-worries. :D

[MOTOWN]

that LT1 that came in the imp ss was a troublesome engine, optispark distributor failed often, so did the water pump

[justbob]

Chevy or not, it's still a bad azz FOUR DOOR! Rock on brotha!

[breeze]

if i didnt have my MM id be in a Imp today.

[Joe Walsh]

I like the Impala SS for the engine honestly, as weird as it seems. Not even JUST the torque, but the design of the engine in general. I think if the MM came with a big-cube pushrod engine it would've been a show stopper. I can just imagine a factory MM with something that made 350hp and 400+tq at the crank, that would've been one WILD car.

Yeah S/C is an option, but the more mods I've done, the more I've come to appreciate factory-built performance for its ease and no-worries. :D

Yep,
I like how GM puts simple, big cube pushrod V8s into their cars.
Lots of torque and no immediate need to mod them to go fast.
You can even get decent gas mileage out of them.
I like our modular V8's...but I'd prefer something with a 4" bore.

Having said that, I will 'switch gears' and state that the new FORD 5.0 is a badazz engine and I would buy one long before I bought a GM pushrod engine.

[MrBluGruv]

Yep,
I like how GM puts simple, big cube pushrod V8s into their cars.
Lots of torque and no immediate need to mod them to go fast.
You can even get decent gas mileage out of them.
I like our modular V8's...but I'd prefer something with a 4" bore.

Having said that, I will 'switch gears' and state that the new FORD 5.0 is a badazz engine and I would buy one long before I bought a GM pushrod engine.

Exactly.

This 4v 4.6 is a racing engine, designed to make more power as the rpms increase but at the sacrifice of some low end grunt. I think it's one of the best engines in it's class, and was fantastic in the mach 1 and other mustang applications


BUUUUUT.


Given the weight of the car, it was a poor choice for the MM. So much potential in the motor, but so much weight on the body. Even an n/a 5.4 DOHC would've been awesome.


I think it would be hilariously awesome if someone took the shell of a modern MM and put in an entire 390 drivetrain. ;) Of course, if they were gonna go that far, the 429 with a toploader wouldn't be too shabby either. :D

[TAKEDOWN]

I'd like to own a 1987 Buick Grand National and an 1996 Impala SS to go with my Bad to the Bone MARAUDER!

[LANDY]

welcome to the site, LT1 are as reliable as a MOD motor. beside the optispark setup they are great.

[babbage]

Greetings welcome to the site. I like the Impala SS, buddy of mine has a 96 SS and just messing around he and I were equally matched -- surprising as on a good day I ran back to back 14 second flat 1/4 miles, so I should be able to smoke a factory 96 SS. I didn't feel bad when he told me it was stroked and had exhaust work. I've driven his and love the torque that it has - very nice and big, fast and solid feeling. The Marauder doesn't have as much torque down low but revs a lot better. Marauders have more creature comforts than the SS and the trim level is a bit higher and more polished plus the MM gets better mileage too. 23 mpg highway on a MM is possible.

I can't wait to race him at the drags this spring. (and I'll have LT's then..) I'll post it up if it happens..

[no dubs]

Thanks guys for all the hospitality. My SS is fun and i love B-body's as i own a wagon as well :D. I am looking for something that is a little rare fun to drive and i like fast sedans. I am looking to do just minor mods because my SS is modded to hell. Its funny how you cant wait to do more and more and faster and faster but then your like damn... its kinda a pain in the ass to drive and worry where you park it. The truth is i have plenty of vehicles but looking for something to build custom parts for that is vehicle specific. I dont know how much aftermarket support the Marauder gets but it cant be tons. Thanks again guys. -Josh

[no dubs]

Welcome aboard! no flaming here I personally like the ss just couldnt bring myself to buy a Chevy! lol

I figured that since the Marauder is a Mercury product, it was far away enough from FORD to own one :D. -Josh

[babbage]

Thanks guys for all the hospitality. My SS is fun and i love B-body's as i own a wagon as well :D. I am looking for something that is a little rare fun to drive and i like fast sedans. I am looking to do just minor mods because my SS is modded to hell. Its funny how you cant wait to do more and more and faster and faster but then your like damn... its kinda a pain in the ass to drive and worry where you park it. The truth is i have plenty of vehicles but looking for something to build custom parts for that is vehicle specific. I dont know how much aftermarket support the Marauder gets but it cant be tons. Thanks again guys. -Josh

Actually there is a LOT of aftermarket for a Marauder. 4 different kinds of SC -- many exhaust vendors with specific parts. And remember the engine parts are interchangeable with the 4.6 4v engine. Cobra, Mustang Mach I etc. Just look at all of the different mods that members here have. Sounds like you just want gears and a tune and perhaps a CAI. Then you will have a nice mildly modded daily driver. (that will beat a stock SS ;))

[MrBluGruv]

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say there is a LOT of aftermarket for the Marauder, but at least there is an aftermarket.

This is certainly not a Mustang, but at least you should be able to find at least one person making one product for most any modification you could want.

[JBeezy]

I owned a '96 SS for about 4 years. I just bought my MM last year. I must say I love my MM and honestly stock for stock I'd much rather have the MM. I still love the look and stance of the SS but not really wanting another. Welcome to the site and you won't regret getting a MM, you will only hate you waited this long as I did.

[Mercguy04]

I just joined this group of MM owners and find this forum quite welcoming,
I am looking for a MM 04 like the one that must have got sold over last week
end, I think his handle was Carfixer. That was one bad a$$ ride. I guess I
missed the boat on that one.
As to Impala SS, I too am an owner of a 96 Impala SS DGGM (Fast Color)
mine is a 383 #11 6 speed with Vortex SC LT4 LPE heads, Grodham headers
Lunati forged crank, rods, Ross pistons..... you get the idea. Here is the URL
to see photos, http://s1022.photobucket.com/albums/af343/cad03sts/96%20Impala%20SS%20DGGM/
I also have a 08 STS V Thunder Gray, W/Tango & Blk interior, Here is the URL for this car, http://s1022.photobucket.com/albums/af343/cad03sts/
Last but not least is my 68AMX 390 4 sp. Fast and fun car. Here is the URL for this car, http://s1022.photobucket.com/albums/af343/cad03sts/68AMX/
But the real new desire is a 04 MM like the one I missed out on. I saw it on
Thursday and was not able to post until today. So I couldn't get hold of the
Gentleman on that car. That car would have made a fine trophy in my stable. It looked well engineered and taken car of, and I loved the color.
Good Luck with your Impala SS The best of luck with your MM, I'm sure it will be a pleasure to own, drive and car for.
God Bless America and our troops.

[Jesse]

Oh man You need to post a pic of the SS! I love those beasts! Anyone here read about the guy that made his a two door using Thunderbird doors?

[Mercguy04]

Jesse,
I will try to post photos of my Impala SS, Try and click this link,
I hope it works for you
http://s1022.photobucket.com/albums/af343/cad03sts/96%20Impala%20SS%20DGGM/?albumview=slideshow
Russell

[Jesse]

Jesse,
I will try to post photos of my Impala SS, Try and click this link,
I hope it works for you
http://s1022.photobucket.com/albums/af343/cad03sts/96%20Impala%20SS%20DGGM/?albumview=slideshow
Russell

Oh man I love the shot from the front the best. I love the hood and how the air filter is too. Very easy to clean and get to that filter! I think a lot of GM's cars are that way aren't they?
The spoiler is a nice touch too. I love the shot from the rear of the beast. Sweet ride man!

[Mercguy04]

Thank you for the kind remarks.
The Hood is Designed by Suncoast hoods, I think they are gone now.
The rear spoiler was designed by Dave Langness, I have not heard a word
about him in years. I built this car in 97, 98 & 99. some may consider it
dated. I for one love it. Check out the engine compartment and it's goodies.
This ride kick A$$. I don't mean some, I mean most.
After I built the car it had some much power the Camero T56 was toast.
So I installed a Viper T56, spicer u joints, and a 3" aluminum drive shaft,
Richmond gear 4.56 posi, and Mosier axels, with Baer Brakes. That is why
I like the MM so much it has very simular features as both my Impala SS,
and My STS V, it has a 4.4 with an eaton SC DOHC. We have a new intake comming in within the next week or so, Spector is making, should add 40 RWHP & 37 LBS FT TQ.
This MM I am looking for will make big HP. I have to do some research on it
I have no doubt I just need to do my home work and find the right car.
I missed out on the Red one, Not to worry I will find one. I will continue to
be on this forum for a long time. Reading and Learning. I have never had a
Ford or Mercury before so I have lots to learn. That is the most fun
Have a great day.
Russell:cool4:

[Marauder108]

ford blasphemy!!!! Hahaha those are real nice cars. Every time i pull up to one at a light those they refuse to race. I would love to own one but no funds because of the Marauder.

[Gryphonzus]

Welcome to the club. I have wanted to own a Impala SS but were out of my price range. Maybe when I get done putting money into my Marauders I will get one. Good luck on finding the car you want.

[Mercguy04]

Thanks guys.
I have lots to learn and find.
Any info on the cowl hood
and how to or buy a 3 gauge pod
Russell

[babbage]

Thanks guys.
I have lots to learn and find.
Any info on the cowl hood
and how to or buy a 3 gauge pod
Russell


The hood for marauders is here: http://www.classglassperformance.com/

There are a couple of vendors (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/banners/www/delivery/ck.php?oaparams=2__bannerid=30 __zoneid=2__cb=cab3a01508__oad est=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reinharta utomotive.com) here that have extra gauges for the MM.

Nice SS - wow 700+ hp and a six speed - what does it run in the 1/4 mile?

[mrjones]

I'd love to have an Impala SS version of the wagon. I've seen some done that way and I think they're pretty cool!

[Chatam/Marauder]

Hey guy's, I've got a couple cool pic's related to this thread, so if somebody could PM me their e-mail address, I could send them off so you can post them up for everyone to see. Thanks!

[Mercguy04]

Chatam, Good Morning,
Thanks for the offer. I will PM. you.
For those of you who like car chases here is one with an Impala SS (URL:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlUrhnBzkrE&NR=1
Russell

[LSp8]

Im truly a Ford guy but the 94-96 Imp SS and Caprice has always been a favorite of mine since they came out and it was love at first site and I was only 9 years old lol. Last year I picked up a true 96 Impala SS myself to go with my MM. A DCM with 96k, moonroof, two tone leather, hooker shorties, and a few other lil mods and I love that beast. Only beef I got with them is the crappy 4L60e trans which is a P.O.S especially behind a LT1 or worse LSx. Anyway good luck with the search. Most of my friends of jealous cuz they all want both. Now if I can just just find a good trans builder Id be alright cuz im stuck with only the first 2 gears.

[Mercguy04]

Good Morning Sir,
Yes you are so right, the 4L60E was and is the weak link in the Impala SS and 9C1's
Some have tried to put a 4L80E in, but it doesn't fit. Let me look back and see if I can
remember the guy in MD that I know who may be able to help you.
Give me a couple of days to look for the imformation please.
Russell

[twin03]

that LT1 that came in the imp ss was a troublesome engine, optispark distributor failed often, so did the water pump
I had several 9C1 Caprices. The main problems I had was the optispark and not getting and heat in the winter.

[twin03]

Im truly a Ford guy but the 94-96 Imp SS and Caprice has always been a favorite of mine since they came out and it was love at first site and I was only 9 years old lol. Last year I picked up a true 96 Impala SS myself to go with my MM. A DCM with 96k, moonroof, two tone leather, hooker shorties, and a few other lil mods and I love that beast. Only beef I got with them is the crappy 4L60e trans which is a P.O.S especially behind a LT1 or worse LSx. Anyway good luck with the search. Most of my friends of jealous cuz they all want both. Now if I can just just find a good trans builder Id be alright cuz im stuck with only the first 2 gears.
Hit me up. I have a build trans for the SS.

[Mercguy04]

LSp8
There you go, looks like twin03 has an alternative for you. Ask questions.
My suggesting is 4L60E shift kit. Trans go makes some. I would stick with level 1 or 2 If you are not looking to get wiplash 3 or 4 if you do. I have also heard Corvette servos help, which I think you can find on ebay (I think Oregon Transmission is the vendor)I would look into torque converters Vigilante is a better choice for performance, Some were using a S10.
I have not heard back from my guy in MD as yet, when I do I will pass along the info.
Hope this helps.
Russell

[Mercguy04]

I had several 9C1 Caprices. The main problems I had was the optispark and not getting and heat in the winter.
Twin03,
This is why I installed an LS 1 ignition, so all that was left in the optispark
housing was a crank position censor. If that got wet from the water pump
it wound not make any difference. You have to CNC a cover for the optispark
with an O ring. Then set up the coil packs with an assocated censors. I remember having to adjust the PCM for that as well. "PCM for less" can do that for you.
hope this helps
Russell

[Mercguy04]

LSp8,
I heard from my friend in MD, (Just a side note this guy is hard core Drag Racer)

Hi Russell
How have you been?
Still have that vicious Impala ??

The trans shop that you went to is now closed.
Now I use the Gear Box which is near by.
His number is 301.884.0155

Hope this helps.
Russell

[Chatam/Marauder]

Chatam, Good Morning,
Thanks for the offer. I will PM. you.
For those of you who like car chases here is one with an Impala SS (URL:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlUrhnBzkrE&NR=1
Russell

I hope you got the pic's ok that I sent to you earlier to the e-mail you provided.

[Ralph Sr.]

i also owned both ! each one has its best features /differant from each other.. i say the bigest differance is, where the drive wheels are ! rkvette / ralph sr.

[Mercguy04]

Ralph,
No disrespect inteneded or infered. All you cars are rear wheel, except the 08 Chevy, Impala SS.
I'm not sure what they intended to to with that car. It it was rear wheel drive than I
think it would have had a chance to really show it's stuff. As is it is a good daily driver.
I think NAISSO would disagree with me but then they are in the business of selling parts. The earlier cars whth rear wheel drive, they roasted tires.
I like the Corvette, MM and Copstang are your toys. Thanks for your comments
Russell

[young suge]

i have both i couldnt be with out one im on my second marauder and my 4th ss both r great in there on right

[breeze]

The Hood is Designed by Suncoast hoods, I think they are gone now.


the Ram Air ll is my fav. with the snots. :D

[RAUDERROOKIE]

I like the SS's also I've always wanted 1 but all the ones I come across are too rough. Hard to find a clean 1. I just picked up a blk MM but I'd still like an Impala SS someday.