04 vs 03 Performance

[427435]

Have the changes to the torque converter made off the line performance much better? Anyone out there with side by side results with "stock" MM's?

Also, the OEM tires are All-Season rated but do they work as well as most All-Season tires? Or will another set of wheels and tires be mandatory for regular Minnesota winter driving?

I'm planning on getting an 04 in June and want to know if I need to be prepared for the expense of extra wheels and tires for next winter.

Thanks for any info,
427435

[RoyLPita]

I thought the same thing too, but then I checked out part #'s. They are the same as '03. The performance difference is in the PCM and the updated transmission.

[GordonB]

427435,
To answer your other question about tires, those that live in snow country have found that 4 Bridgestone Blizzaks tires or 4 Michelin Artic Alpins are the way to go with the MM. Yes, you will need new steel wheels.
By the way, if my wife doesn't soon start drining our MM, my winter tires, wheels and hubcaps will be put up for sale!
GordonB

[MapleLeafMerc]

427435, the 04's have dual knock sensors also, which I thought would contribute to enhanced performance.

As far as winter, as has been said, you should definitely plan to get a set of true winter tires mounted on their own rims or wheels. You can go with the black steel, or if your budget allows, get a set of alloy wheels for a nicer look (I posted a photo of mine in the gallery). Considering the length of winter in our areas, I think the nicer looking rims are well worth it!

[GarageMahal]

Also, the OEM tires are All-Season rated but do they work as well as most All-Season tires? Or will another set of wheels and tires be mandatory for regular Minnesota winter driving?

I'm planning on getting an 04 in June and want to know if I need to be prepared for the expense of extra wheels and tires for next winter.

Thanks for any info,
427435
Winter tires are worth every penny. The OEMs work ok in under 2" of snow but my Michelins are awesome. No problems at all getting through the foot of snow that fell this week.

jta

[jfclancy]

I'm planning on getting an 04 in June and want to know if I need to be prepared for the expense of extra wheels and tires for next winter.

Thanks for any info,
427435[/QUOTE]

Well seems like you have sensible answers to both your questions, the other solution of course is to move south. The stock wheels and tires hold up real well here in Texas. Welcome aboard!

Joe Clancy

[RoyLPita]

[QUOTE=MapleLeafMerc]427435, the 04's have dual knock sensors also, which I thought would contribute to enhanced performance.QUOTE]

My bad. I forgot about that feature.

[MapleLeafMerc]

Well seems like you have sensible answers to both your questions, the other solution of course is to move south. The stock wheels and tires hold up real well here in Texas. Welcome aboard!
Joe Clancy

Joe, have you got a spare bedroom?;)

[427435]

I'm still haven't heard if the 04 changes (evidently internal transmission and PCM) actually made any noticeable performance improvements---like being able to break the tires loose when the light turns green.

I've had Blizzaks on another car but could never get them balanced. Got them from Tire Rack, mounted and balanced (supposedly). Weights were on the wheels but vibration. Had them dynamically balanced at 2 different shops without getting all the vibration out.

I would probably get some other winter tire though. Either the steel wheels and nut covers that the patrol cars use or something like the wheels on the "Bullet" Mustang.

[junehhan]

Driving the Marauder in any amount of snow is just about impossible, and downright dangerous. When we got dumped with 7-8 inches of snow a couple weekends ago, not only did I get stuck 4 times, but it was just downright impossible and treacherous. If you plan on doing some driving in the snow, it would definately be worth it to get a set of snow tires. However, i'm not sure how you will be able to match the factory ride height since the rear wheels have taller tires than the front.

[GarageMahal]

However, i'm not sure how you will be able to match the factory ride height since the rear wheels have taller tires than the front.
Using different size tires on front and back solves the ride height issue.

Here are some good links, a search will find dozens more.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=750

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4390

jta

[carfixer]

I'm still haven't heard if the 04 changes (evidently internal transmission and PCM) actually made any noticeable performance improvements---like being able to break the tires loose when the light turns green.


Having driven a stock '03 and '04 on the same day, both with similar miles, the '04 has a noticeable "seat of the pants" advantage on initial acceleration. The improvements made for '04 are noticeable. I believe it is due to the dual knock sensors which allow a more aggressive timing curve that is responsible for the the difference, IMO.
My '04 would break 'em loose for a several feet stock. The '03 wouldn't but would chirp 2nd gear on manual shifts and almost on automatic shifts. My '04 wouldn't even come close due to torque management during shifting.

Either one you get, some programming and simple mods will bring them even.

[joflewbyu2]

carfixer, notice any improvement w/ the underdrives or the stage 1 on your 04? i know stock you ran 14.9, now what are you running?

[carfixer]

carfixer, notice any improvement w/ the underdrives or the stage 1 on your 04? i know stock you ran 14.9, now what are you running?
Joe, I would have to think it is at least 1/2 second faster. I am absolutly impressed by how much better the car is with the Stage1 and pullies. I will try to stop by and let you take her for a romp. A few of us are planning a trip to the drags first week of April. We'll start a thread when we know for sure.

[jfclancy]

Joe, have you got a spare bedroom?;)

SURE come on Down!!

Joe CLancy