92 Grand Marquis LS upgrades?

[TavaresE.09]

Hey, I have a 92 GM-LS that I want bring into the modern era, since it was either spend at least 4 grand in descent used MGM or invest a grand or so into this one. Basically I want to get something like a Marauder, looks wise, since I doubt getting that performance. I don't really know what rims are ok, and I'm hoping for less than or around 100 a rim, preferably CHEAP and doesn't have to be new. Planning on getting body work done with new paint, any ideas how much this will cost?

[TavaresE.09]

Oh btw, engine and tranny are great:
New oil and tranny fluid, newer ignition coil, newer sparkplugs, newer high tension wires, new pads and shoes,new brake lines, new air filter, new fuel filter, upper and lower ball joints etc. Any ideas for the engine?

[theredlineboss]

Welcome! It sounds like you have a nice car, and hopefully we can help you mod it to your liking. :evil:

Now, the first thing which we should know would be...what are your goals with this car? Is engine performance more important to you than handling? Or is the engine performance fine, but you just want a little more "oomph" off the line?

Either way, there are several upgrades which will help any panther more enjoyable. Let's focus on easy bolt-ons first. I'm not 100%, but I'm quite certain that you can use 4.6 Mustang underdrive pullies as well as the 70MM throttle body found on 98+ V8 econolines. To free up a few more ponies, you may also consider deleting the mechanical fan, and installing an electric unit. Also, adding a dual exhaust (assuming you don't have one) is relatively cheap. You don't have to change the downpipes (which have the cats); making this relatively straightforward.
If this does not satisfy you, you can upgrade the rear gears/add a trac-lock. I hear that 3:55's work rather well in panthers.

Another area I would suggest focusing on would be the suspension and brakes. With a bit of effort, you can use the swaybars, springs, brakes, etc. from newer panthers. My favorite is the big brake upgrade- this involves installing the dual-piston calipers and 12.5" rotors from a 98-02 Vic into the car. It is a bit more involved for a '92 than it would be for, say, my '96, but it can be done, and using factory Ford parts.

As for wheels...well, you can automatically use any wheel used on 92-2002 panthers. If you don't mind using spacers/adapters, you can likewise use wheels for Rangers, explorers, Mustangs, and '03+ panthers. Also, several other members have tried rims from the new Dodge Charger/ 300; they have a similar bolt pattern and work without spacers (from what I hear).

If you are dead set on engine mods (like cams, heads, etc), we would need to know if this car has an AOD or AODE trans. If it is an AOD, then you are a bit limited; it's called a Bastard Block for a reason. With the AODE, you have some more options.

Hope this helps as a starting point for ya!

-Rob

[gabegt90]

welcome to gmn mang I hope you enjoy your stay does your 4.6 burn oil 92 and 93 4.6 are famous for burning oil they have bad valve stem seals

[TavaresE.09]

Thanks you guys, thanks for you feedback, I'm at work right now so I can't spend to much time and yes its burning some oil :/ haha is there anything we can do to fix this?... how do I find out what transmission it has? And I think my dad's picking up some used 92-95 MGM rims just like these http://www.wheelcollision.com/wccpix/3125c.JPG ... is there anyway to I can restore them or get them restored? and about performance... it might take a little to get my dad ready for boltones even though its my car... (can't move without his say)....