M122 4V in a panther

[drac]

A few people have been telling me I need to make a thread regarding this build and I have been super lazy.. LOL. I had a thread over on CVN but that site seems to be broken ALL the time, haha

I have wanted to go 4V for awhile, I just didnt know what route to really look at to execute it. I knew if I went 4V, supercharging it would be the best way to go, as I have seen all the Eaton swaps and Trilogy cars on here and the owners absolutely love them! My Crown Victoria has gotten to a point where it wouldn't be conventional to try to get rid of it to buy a Marauder to use as the base of this project, and I am not wanting a second panther, so I just decided to use my Crown Vic for this endeavor. I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND that by choosing to retrofit to 4V with FI, I made life WAYYY harder opposed to if I just started with a Marauder from the get go, but how often do you see a 4V blown Crown Vic that is pulled off super clean? Basically I just wanted something super unique that no one else has.

I scooped up a Steg ported and polished M122 awhile back on Fleabay and even lucked out and found a ported lower intake to match. I have been in contact with MuscleMerc about this and he has been a huge help with little pointers here and there, as he said he was working on the same thing designed for a "kit" for a Marauder.

I slapped Termi heads/cams on my stock 2V shortblock and modified my stock wiring harness for it to work with the 4V application. Got James Hellerman's kit (Cobra Engineering) for the M122 to work on the 4.6 and just rolled with it. Jerry's Eaton swap brackets and custom COT's, Marauder timing cover, 4V SW LT's and a GT500 cold air kit who knew?? it actually all worked and came together.

I have been buying parts for this swap since mid 2013, so it has been almost a 2 year project. the car went under the knife last December for the swap,and we JUST fired it up about 5 days ago.

I was chasing a few issues with a coolant temp sensor, But between invaluable help from Zack and another guy, I believe it is ironed out. the CEL for it has not returned and the engine is running within normal operating temp ranges.

Dyno has not happened yet. It is running on a basemap tune from AED and running fairly decent, just VERY rich.

We are shooting for a contingent number of 425rwhp (no forged lower yet) But after we get a forged lower and address the trans, we will shoot for 600+.

I had to modify a little part of my wiper cowl, but it wasn't bad at all. I still have my wipers and they still work as intended :)

I also retrofitted to the Zack/Jerry big brakes while the car was down.

Here is a small collection of progress pics. I literally have hundreds pics of the swap progress,so I just grabbed some notable ones to show you guys the main milestones.


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5566_zpslo1mqxqs.jpg



http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5562_zpsvqgiao9q.jpg


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5309_zpsl2ku7frw.jpg


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5340_zpsjzttvopt.jpg


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5126_zpsquwqlpge.jpg


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5117_zpsddjg7ijm.jpg


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5086_zpsnbws01iv.jpg


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_4790_zps5bd9c737.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_4640_zpse31a56c1.jpg

[camelgrundle]

Looks amazing man!!!

[Comin' in Hot]

Nice setup. I was thinking of going this route with a TVS 2300 off a 5.8 but I read that aftermarket fuel rails won't fit with the adapter plate.

[drac]

Nice setup. I was thinking of going this route with a TVS 2300 off a 5.8 but I read that aftermarket fuel rails won't fit with the adapter plate.


Yeah, that is the main snag- you're stuck with OEM rails.

[justbob]

Wow super clean!!

And to correct you, I didn't love my Trilogy! It was a nice start but too many limits. [emoji6]



Builder Of Badassery

[martyo]

I really like that build!!

Neat and clean!!!

[Bad_S55]

Beautiful man, almost looks factory!!

[ace2184]

Gorgeous. Job well done sir.

[loud2004marquis]

Very Nice!

What size Metco idler and tensioner pulley are you running?

[RubberCtyRauder]

Very awesome build and super clean all over..A very sweet car

[drac]

Thanks everyone for the kind words! Still swapping a few little random things up, but overall it is still great!



Very Nice!

What size Metco idler and tensioner pulley are you running?

100MM idler and 90MM tensioner.

[lji372]

NICE!!!!!!!! cot plug :P


very beautiful sir :bows:

[MOTOWN]

This is an absolutely stunning build! very clean , and well done!

[Gerry24]

Bravo, wow super clean!

[Bob Mathis]

Nice car and great job!!

[Seneca]

Awesome man! Looks great!

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I love this car.

[cheaneyt]

Looks amazing got any vids of sound ?

Sent while thinking of new mods for my 96 executive series, using Tapatalk.

[chief455]

I always loved the way your car looks, now I see it is built just as awesome = nice work, well thought and executed build!:bows:
now tune it and post some numbers!!

[drac]

Hopefully the dyno will happen within the next few weeks. the dyno shop is out a few weeks.

[RacerX]

Very nice build. :D You really should have built up your shortblock though. What lower pulley is on it?
Detune with that puppy = 10 deg adv timing and 10:1 afr LOL! 600+rwhp is definitely realistic. :beer:

[drac]

Very nice build. :D You really should have built up your shortblock though. What lower pulley is on it?
Detune with that puppy = 10 deg adv timing and 10:1 afr LOL! 600+rwhp is definitely realistic. :beer:

Metco stock lower (7.55") and 3.65" upper.

[Zack]

Blue is best

[BeeDamn]

Wow what a nice build definitely worth the wait great job man.

[HotRaud90]

This is one of the most beautiful panther builds I've ever laid eyes on. Clean, tasteful, well built with attention to detail. Very nice.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what HotRaud90 said^^^

plus: "Dayum..."

[drac]

Lol you guys are too nice. Can't thank you all enough for the kind words!!!

[Lowndex]

Who makes that gorgeous carbon fiber air intake, please?

Is this it?
http://www.americanmuscle.com/jlt-cai-0709gt500-cf.html

[drac]

Here's some more pr0n the build/install.

And yes I did this whole build in a storage unit LOL


Who needs a hood????
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5553_zpsqq7bgx9d.jpg



http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5557_zpsdiybqlqo.jpg




Fluidyne triple pass HE
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5496_zpsanlwabm4.jpg



Trunk battery relocation
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5483_zpsqlu2vjev.jpg




Screw this car!!!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5078_zpsdzic6553.jpg




I took my stock 2V harness and turned it into a 4V plug and play harness for this appliction. WIN!!!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5035_zpswxwazftu.jpg




I have no idea what I'm doing.....
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_4785_zps4qkyqk4k.jpg




Zack brakes FTW!!!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_5059_zps3vexg8jt.jpg




Torquing dem heads tho...
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/dracaufreu/IMG_4602_zpsiouzkc9r.jpg

[drac]

The intake is a Steeda GT500 model. :)

[Lowndex]

The intake is a Steeda GT500 model. :)

http://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/555-3144-Steeda-Cold-Air-Intake-real-Carbon-fiber-GT500.html

Worth every $! Gorgeous.

Do you use a throttle body? If yes, please share the make and model.

[drac]

http://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/555-3144-Steeda-Cold-Air-Intake-real-Carbon-fiber-GT500.html

Worth every $! Gorgeous.

Do you use a throttle body? If yes, please share the make and model.

Yep! that's the one! Also, HOLY CRAP that is expensive!! I got mine for $280 on eBay LOL. I have the stainless steel heatshield that I need to make work.. Just gotta trim the fender apron a little! I'd NEVER spend $600 on a CAI.. LOL

TB is a Dragon SBTB that has been show polished to match the blower.

[RubberCtyRauder]

That cold air intake won't work with a centri blower. Yours will be piped up to the elbow

[RacerX]

I bought all this for $400 shipped on fleabay. There were a bunch of watchers and it had a buy it now option... CLICK! :DWinner! Looks like owner was right about it having 1500 miles. Barely any pcv oil inside and rotors are mint. TB will likely go for $50 on svtp.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/726/medium/GT500_M122.jpg

[License2Bill]

Impressive work. Now that it's been done the first time, I bet we'll see more popping up. I wonder if it will ever be a viable alternative to the Eaton Swap for the members looking to not relocate their battery and such. :dunno:

[RubberCtyRauder]

I'm curious since as I never saw it posted here or CVN. Since you are in CA..how you going to pass CA emissions with it? I'm sure other memebrs here and in CA might like to know, unless you know a guy who knows a guy..etc..

[Lowndex]

That cold air intake won't work with a centri blower. Yours will be piped up to the elbow


Then all of blower tubing must be gloss carbon fiber. That should cost as much as the damn blower! Mayne polished or black powder coated is fine. :)

[Lowndex]

I'm curious since as I never saw it posted here or CVN. Since you are in CA..how you going to pass CA emissions with it? I'm sure other memebrs here and in CA might like to know, unless you know a guy who knows a guy..etc..

Who are you speaking to, please?

[RubberCtyRauder]

To Drac, that's where/who I'm curious as to passing CA emissions

[drac]

unless you know a guy who knows a guy..etc..

:D :D :D

[drac]

I bought all this for $400 shipped on fleabay. There were a bunch of watchers and it had a buy it now option... CLICK! :DWinner! Looks like owner was right about it having 1500 miles. Barely any pcv oil inside and rotors are mint. TB will likely go for $50 on svtp.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/726/medium/GT500_M122.jpg


Nice!!! thats a great start to it!

you'll have to remove that vacuum line on the elbow, otherwise it will protrude right into your wiper cowl.

Also, James from Cobra Engineering offers a service where he CNC's your blower for it to fit on his plate foir $100 if I recall correctly.. and it comes out absolutely perfect. no worrying about doing it yourself and possibly messing it up. He will also inspect the rotor pack and the snout to make sure the blower is in good condition and he will put fresh oil in it. He will also remove that vacuum line I just mentioned above. Also, if you buy the extended pulley hub from him (opposed to using an M112 snout if that isn't your cup of tea) he will install the extended pulley hub on your M122's snout at this time also, so when you get your blower back from him, it is 100% ready to bolt on and go!

[sflrainmaker01]

Dude! That is sick!!!! :drool::awe::bows: Thanks for posting that up here. :beer: I would like to consider a M122 setup like that on my Marauder! Not alot of info on it though....until now! :up: I might be a few months out though....:o

[RacerX]

Nice!!! thats a great start to it!

you'll have to remove that vacuum line on the elbow, otherwise it will protrude right into your wiper cowl.

Also, James from Cobra Engineering offers a service where he CNC's your blower for it to fit on his plate foir $100 if I recall correctly.. and it comes out absolutely perfect. no worrying about doing it yourself and possibly messing it up. He will also inspect the rotor pack and the snout to make sure the blower is in good condition and he will put fresh oil in it. He will also remove that vacuum line I just mentioned above. Also, if you buy the extended pulley hub from him (opposed to using an M112 snout if that isn't your cup of tea) he will install the extended pulley hub on your M122's snout at this time also, so when you get your blower back from him, it is 100% ready to bolt on and go!

Nice to know and thanks for the tips. I need to port this sob first. Maybe polish it. :D I planned on getting the extended pulley hub too. Thanks. :beer:

[massacre]

I bought all this for $400 shipped on fleabay. There were a bunch of watchers and it had a buy it now option... CLICK! :DWinner!
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/726/medium/GT500_M122.jpg

Why is it I never stumble upon stuff like this? LMAO

[fastblackmerc]

Why is it I never stumble upon stuff like this? LMAO

Because you spend too much time on CVN.... or trying to log on to CVN........... :D

[drac]

Because you spend too much time on CVN.... or trying to log on to CVN........... :D

LOL :D:D:D

[djs2000mgm]

So, can't remember if I asked this on CVN or not, but does it seem like the 122 will also fit under the stock hood?

[drac]

Im pretty sure it will. At first I thought it wouldnt, but the snout doesnt come up any more then an m112 snout does, and the body of the blower sits no higher then an m112.

[djs2000mgm]

Hmmm.... think this might be the option I go, if I ever get my act together on this whole 4v build

[drac]

Got the car dyno tuned last Friday at RET in Downey, CA.

Put down 417 rwhp /437 rwtq @ 10 psi @ 19* timing.

Blower has a stock diameter 3.65" Billetflow upper pulley and a stock diameter 7.55" Metco lower pulley on it. We calculated the CR to be between 8:1 and 8.5:1

It is exhibiting a small amount of belt slip/belt expansion that is causing the blower tensioner to max out under WOT, hence the shuttering noise the blower is making. I have a 1/2" shorter belt on order.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTOpj98mwbw

[sflrainmaker01]

Heck Yeah!! :beer: :rock::rock: :burnout::burnout:

[sflrainmaker01]

If I might ask, is it necessary to install the battery in the trunk?

[Vortech347]

Very bad ass!

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Can I buy this car yet? K thanks.

[BAD MERC]

You.......have................ ..completely.................. ....ruined.................... .........................my... .............................. .............................u nderwear. That is GORGEOUS!

[SOSA03]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sharp nice work

[Gerry24]

:burn:Sounded real healthy, that's a beast

[lifespeed]

Nice job, looks very clean! Please tell me those aren't plastic hydraulic primary chain tensioners in the 1st post.

[RacerX]

Please tell me those aren't plastic hydraulic primary chain tensioners in the 1st post.
They're all like that. Aluminum framed plastic chain guides. They'll last 150k+ miles if you take care of your engine.

[lifespeed]

They're all like that. Aluminum framed plastic chain guides. They'll last 150k+ miles if you take care of your engine.

Go back and read it again.

[RacerX]

Go back and read it again.

If you're talking about the tensioners, not the guides, they last just as long too. I've taken apart engines with over 150k on them and the plastic ones were fine. Sean Hylands book isn't gospel you know.

[lifespeed]

If you're talking about the tensioners, not the guides, they last just as long too. I've taken apart engines with over 150k on them and the plastic ones were fine. Sean Hylands book isn't gospel you know.


Many Marauder owners have had these fail, myself included. That it hasn't happened to you personally doesn't prove much. They are a known problem.

[RacerX]

Many Marauder owners have had these fail, myself included. That it hasn't happened to you personally doesn't prove much. They are a known problem.
False. Out of how many thousands of FLM cars have these failed? The percentage is incredibly small. You're counting the dead instead of counting the living. Good luck! ;)

[lifespeed]

False. Out of how many thousands of FLM cars have these failed? The percentage is incredibly small. You're counting the dead instead of counting the living. Good luck! ;)

When it comes to component failure you count the dead! Even a 0.1% failure rate of a key engine component is a major problem. Not saying I know the actual failure rate, just that it is unacceptable.

Go ahead and run plastic tensioners, I don't care what you do. But I'm gonna call you on spreading misinformation. Plastic tensioners are bad news, they leak at the O-ring preventing proper tension and slack the chain. Don't use them!

[Logizyme]

I've replaced many guides and tensioners on modular engines, mostly 5.4L 2v and 3v, but also a couple 4.6L 4v's and I have never seen a timing issue that was not caused by worn out guides. The tensioners themselves work great until they are trying to tension a chain that's riding on guides that are far too worn out. I have never had the need to replace a tensioner when the guides were in good condition, the plastic tensioners will far outlive your guides.

[RacerX]

https://officialfivethirty.com/2015/06/12/dallass-2004-crown-victoria-this-isnt-your-grandpas-grocery-getter/

[71cyclone]

Definitely a keeper.