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Thread: Noob questions

  1. #1
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    Noob questions

    After years of admiring from afar, I recently bought a 2003 Marauder with 45,000 miles on it as a way to honor my grandfather (who loved them) who passed recently.

    I have a couple questions, though:

    1) What sizes are the speakers? Are they the typical Ford 6x8? What size is the factory sub?

    2) I'm going to be doing a custom exhaust setup and want to replace the resonated tips, but want something that looks as close to factory as possible. Recommendations?

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by MaskedMarauder View Post
    After years of admiring from afar, I recently bought a 2003 Marauder with 45,000 miles on it as a way to honor my grandfather (who loved them) who passed recently.

    I have a couple questions, though:

    1) What sizes are the speakers? Are they the typical Ford 6x8? What size is the factory sub?

    2) I'm going to be doing a custom exhaust setup and want to replace the resonated tips, but want something that looks as close to factory as possible. Recommendations?
    I advise to just maintain the car as stock instead of trashing it up, until you gain some perspective. Head Unit for the Symphonic Premium Sound System is Alpine, thinking the optional cd changer, subwoofer are too. A 17yo car can be a challenge to maintain, especially one as complex as the Marauder. Low mileage is good - my 2004 just turned 48k miles. Recent compression check revealed #4 was down to 150psi, still above the 140psi service limit. Rear Cylinder Head Crossover Cooling Modification is the first mod I would perform, if it hasn't been performed already. Cylinder Head #8 (driver's side rear) isn't cooled adequately in stock form - the mod corrects this. Google search it and plenty of info here on this website. Many people like myself have loved these cars from their (4th gen) introduction in 2002. My car from its last cleanup a few weeks back.

    Last edited by Invective; 10-05-2019 at 05:48 PM.
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by MaskedMarauder View Post
    After years of admiring from afar, I recently bought a 2003 Marauder with 45,000 miles on it as a way to honor my grandfather (who loved them) who passed recently.

    I have a couple questions, though:

    1) What sizes are the speakers? Are they the typical Ford 6x8? What size is the factory sub?

    Yes, the speakers are the typical Ford 5x7/6x8 sizes. Many here have tries various coaxial sizes. I used components in my first Marauder and loved them.

    2) I'm going to be doing a custom exhaust setup and want to replace the resonated tips, but want something that looks as close to factory as possible. Recommendations?
    Custom is generally the way to go and in my experience was actually cheaper than most pre-fab options. The rear set of cats can be removed with good sound effect. The mufflers can be redone with varying effect (I used magnaflow before, not sure what I'll use next on my new to me vehicle.)

    ***Invective has a point...take your time: measure twice/cut once approach will result in no regrets***

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  4. #4
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    First mod if the car is totally stock is to call Marty at Mo's Speed Shop (site sponsor) and get a tune for the car. Worry about the other stuff later.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Man View Post
    First mod if the car is totally stock is to call Marty at Mo's Speed Shop (site sponsor) and get a tune for the car. Worry about the other stuff later.
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS!!! It will be the best $$$ you ever spend on the car. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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  6. #6
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    I believe stock sub is 6.5
    2004 SB Ported Trilogy 48
    Has supporting mods and stuff
    Thanks to Marty O for his help in updating this car.

    R.I.P.
    Rex "SC Cheesehead"

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Man View Post
    First mod if the car is totally stock is to call Marty at Mo's Speed Shop (site sponsor) and get a tune for the car. Worry about the other stuff later.
    #3 on that
    1963 Marauder S-55, Super Marauder 406
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by RubberCtyRauder View Post
    I believe stock sub is junk
    Fixed.


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  10. #10
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    Yeah, typical paper cone 6x8s in all four corners, the sub is 6.5"
    Any aftermarket speakers will make a world of difference, I used infinity for the speakers and jl for the sub. The sub is more work than a drop-in because of the enclosure shape and size of the magnet on aftermarket subs. Most will hit the curved side of the sub box but you can heatgun and press it out.
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  11. #11
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    Stock speakers are 6x8's and the sub is a 6.5". I think people used to replace the factory sub with an infinity basslink setup for a simple upgrade. I had swapped in a new 6.5" sub with a new amp into my box as well as filling it with polyfill, it made an improvement but I don't know if I'd bother doing it again. Was just a bit of an experiment.

    The factory tips are 26" long with a 3.5" diamater and a 30 degree roll cut. Most of the aftermarket tips you'll find are between 18-22" long and normally you'll see the end of the tip and where its welded to the pipe sticking out of the bumper.

    Honestly you're better off just leaving the stock tips on, they don't dampen that much noise.

    What exactly are your plans for this car? Its better to have a clear direction on where you want to go before you start replacing stuff.


    Quote Originally Posted by Invective View Post
    A 17yo car can be a challenge to maintain, especially one as complex as the Marauder.
    I would love to hear what on these cars is so complex, your 2005 Mustang has more technology than your Marauder, let alone that Ranger.


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  12. #12
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    I have new stock MM tips that are non-resonated for sale.
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  13. #13
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    The best mods (in my opinion) are CAI, 4.10 gears, Marty's tune, 2nd cat delete. If your wallet is big enough: Stainless Works Headers and Exhaust and then Boost!
    If you are just starting out, then do the 4.10 gears and Marty's tune and you will be very happy. Then go from there.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post

    I would love to hear what on these cars is so complex, your 2005 Mustang has more technology than your Marauder, let alone that Ranger.

    Hmmm...where do I start? Recalling my HS days - we usually wanted to change out the radio, wheels and exhaust first, no questions asked. Perfectly good cars turned into sht within 6 months. OP is clearly brand new to Marauder (and cars in general?). Air Suspension, EATC for starters.
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  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Invective View Post
    OP is clearly brand new to Marauder (and cars in general?). Air Suspension, EATC for starters.
    New to the Marauder, yes. New to cars with finicky parts, no. My past 3 cars have been a 2004 Lincoln LS V8, a 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, and a 2014 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost. I currently own (along with the Marauder) a 2016 Ford Edge Sport. The Lincoln LS cost me more money to fix the more complex parts than I'd care to admit. I was just asking for some specs of some components. I went into this eyes wide open. It's 16 years old. Things are going to break. Parts are becoming scarce. I have every maintenance record for the car from the past 16 years. It was garage-kept until sold. I've done my homework.

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