To Mod or not to Mod

[Ozark Marauder]

My MM is stock, no mods. I've always kept my cars original, and enjoy the stock performance of my MM. Reading about all of the possible mods, and the positive reactions of people who have modded their MMs, has got me thinking. As I am not a racer, and use my car as a DD, I am not wanting to go full bore on mods, but incorporate some modest ways to increase my driving experience. After reading about different mods, lately I've been thinking maybe I might do the following:

410's
CAI
Kooks or some other headers
and a tune.

Any Input?

[slickster]

a tune!!!!!!!!! you will love the fact that there will be no more hunting for gears and you will feel some power!!. JLT intake. 4:10 rear. kooks or lt headers should be a last resort

[DOOM]

What you have listed is perfect!

[blazen71]

What you have listed is perfect!

I agree. To save money wait on the headers, but long tube headers on an N/A car make huge improvements.

[fastblackmerc]

I'd do:

4.10's
CAI
Tune
Underdrive pullys
Front & rear Addco sway bars
Rear control arms - Metco or Sparta

[Blackened300a]

A tune alone is the best bang for the buck. Contact Lidio at alternative automotive to get a tuner.

[fastblackmerc]

A tune alone is the best bang for the buck. Contact Lidio at alternative automotive to get a tuner.

+1 on a Lidio tune & tuner.

[ctrlraven]

+2 On a Lidio tune and tuner.

Stainless steel brake lines
Front & rear Addco sway bars
Sparta or Metco rear control arms

These four things will make your car feel completely different in the good way. Brake lines will give you more pedal feedback, sway bars tighten up the front and rear body roll, control arms keep the rear axle straight and tracking straight with the body in turns. The tune will make the car feel a lot more alive with revised shift and torque converter lock up schedule, if you can keep yourself from driving more aggressive you will notice an increase in MPGs as well.

[guspech750]

I'd do:

4.10's
Tune
Underdrive pullys
Front & rear Addco sway bars
Rear control arms - Metco or Sparta

Perfect set up right here!! I loved it. It's what I had until the SC install.


---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[vkirkend]

I agree. To save money wait on the headers, but long tube headers on an N/A car make huge improvements.

I just don't know if the increase in power is worth the cost of the headers. But definitely the other 3.

[Marauder_Santa]

I'd do:

4.10's
Tune
Underdrive pullys
Front & rear Addco sway bars
Rear control arms - Metco or Sparta

Maybe add CAI and exaust work and that's it.

[RF Overlord]

You've gotten good advice up there ^^^

The biggest bang for your buck, in approximate order, are

Tune
4.10s
Addco sway bars
Rear control arms
CAI & underdrive pulleys

Beyond that, it's a diminishing return for the dollar.

[TAKEDOWN]

Don't forget J-MOD and delete the two rear catalytics!!!!!

[johnnyrauder]

a tune 410s 3000 stall conv. biggest bang for the buck imo

[Ms. Denmark]

_________________

[PonyUP]

A tune will make more instant driving satisfaction than any other single thing on the list. JUST DO IT! :cool: You will wonder how on earth you put up with the stock tune.

Plus infinity and beyond. The tune is the absolute first mod that must be done


Pony seal of Approval

[1stMerc]

Definately get the tuner, it alone is worth the price of admission to get rid rid of the crappy stock shift schedule. You can add the others as needed.

[MyBlackBeasts]

A tune alone is the best bang for the buck. Contact Lidio at alternative automotive to get a tuner.

^^^+1,000,000! Lidio tune = Best $$ you can spend!^^^ :D:D:D

[Ozark Marauder]

Thanks for all your input, I guess I'll start with the Tune. Is the tune from Lidio at alternative automotive the most recommended by members or are there alternatives? I've read their website and they seem professional, and their price seems reasonable. It says it will hold 3 tunes. I assume that means the factory tune, and another based on the specs of your car. Is that right? Say I like the tune and move on to 4.10's, how much do they charge to add that tune?

I know I could just call them but would like to get members feedback on their experiences with the company.

[SC Cheesehead]

Thanks for all your input, I guess I'll start with the Tune. Is the tune from Lidio at alternative automotive the most recommended by members or are there alternatives? I've read their website and they seem professional, and their price seems reasonable. It says it will hold 3 tunes. I assume that means the factory tune, and another based on the specs of your car. Is that right? Say I like the tune and move on to 4.10's, how much do they charge to add that tune?

I know I could just call them but would like to get members feedback on their experiences with the company.

Lidio will usually load a 3.55 and 4.10 tune into the tuner when he sells it, so whenever you upgrade to 4.10 gears all you need to do is plug n' play that tune.

Literally hundreds of members here are running Lidio tunes, with ZERO complaints. You can't beat his stuff as far as a canned tune. Only thing better IMO is a dyno tune, but until you get a few more mods done you're prolly just as well off going with one from Lidio.

[jstevens]

Lid is the man. Call him up, he'll talk with you until you're satisfied.

[blkZooM]

I feel odd after reading this my first mod is going to be a forged bottom end maybe Ill try to save up for the tune, wonder how differnet the car is really going to feel after it

[SC Cheesehead]

I feel odd after reading this my first mod is going to be a forged bottom end maybe Ill try to save up for the tune, wonder how differnet the car is really going to feel after it

How will it feel after a tune?

Night and day difference.

Just curious, why invest in a forged bottom end? Big $$$ and NO difference in performance. IMO, unless you're planning to make some serious S/C HP, not necessary.

[wickedmerc]

Yeah man, do the tune! :cool:

It makes a world of difference...AND, you can always go back to stock. No harm, no foul. Though I'd be willing to bet $$, once you install the tune, even with 3.55's, you won't look back. I've heard other members say they refuse to drive their cars without the tune installed (if they need to remove it to pass inspection or something). I tend to agree....stock tune blows!

[Spectragod]

I kept my car completely stock, and I am so glad I did.:D Well, not really, but once you start modding, it is hard to stop, I myself, am a mod-aholic.

I highly recommend a tune, CAI, LT headers & 4:10's...... to start.

[SC Cheesehead]

I kept my car completely stock, and I am so glad I did.:D Well, not really, but once you start modding, it is hard to stop, I myself, am a mod-aholic.

I highly recommend a tune, CAI, LT headers & 4:10's...... to start.


^^^^ True, that! ^^^^^

Mo' powa, mo' betta.... :D

[71cyclone]

I agree with the DOXIES [ SMILES] !

[1stMerc]

And the Doxie says. Rexxy, why you do this to me? http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/image.php?u=2143&type=sigpic&dateline=1322762413

[blkZooM]

How will it feel after a tune?

Night and day difference.

Just curious, why invest in a forged bottom end? Big $$$ and NO difference in performance. IMO, unless you're planning to make some serious S/C HP, not necessary.

well, I recently bought my marauder not too long ago and like an idiot didn't really pay attention to a slight knocking sound.. only thing is sounds isn't to slight anymore, so if i might have to take it apart, might as well make it stronger and yes some high S/c is my goal.

But main reason is because of the knock I hear..

[Billy]

well, I recently bought my marauder not too long ago and like an idiot didn't really pay attention to a slight knocking sound.. only thing is sounds isn't to slight anymore, so if i might have to take it apart, might as well make it stronger and yes some high S/c is my goal.

But main reason is because of the knock I hear..
"knocking" is a word that can be used to describe a lot of different things... Do you think you could describe it a bit better?

[blkZooM]

"knocking" is a word that can be used to describe a lot of different things... Do you think you could describe it a bit better?

Hmm, I actually cannot because simply thats what it really sounds like. You hear the sound perfectly when you get under her, I had posted the video up, in shop talk titled "weird sounds".

I spoken to some people and they all said the same, even members on her sounds like a rod bearing