5.0L Grand Marquis tuneup

[furious58]

Hi, Im brand new to the world of Grand Marquis. I just bought a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis 5.0L. Is there any cheap little performance tweaks I can make. Also what should be tuned up. The car wasn't driven much by its previous owner and had been sitting for about half a year. BTW the car is in mint condition, as well as the interior. Thanks in advance. And nice to meet you all.


Peter

[Nathan in MI]

Hello, and

As far as mainenance on the car, obviously changing the oil and filter in both the engine and transmission is a good idea. Also, if the spark plugs, wires, and cap and rotor haven't been changed in awhile, that's a good idea, too. Most of the guys here use the standard Motorcraft copper plugs and they seem to have good luck with them. As far as the wires, getting high performance, low resistance wires is always a good idea. I run Bosch Premium wires on my car (about $40 from Autozone) and I've been very happy with them. For the cap and rotor, try to get the cap with brass contacts rather than aluminum. It will work better and last longer.

Changing the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is a good idea, too.

For cheap performance upgrades, well, that all depends on your definition of cheap and your mechanical ability (or your willingness to take the car to someone and have them do it for you). Answer both those questions and we'll be able to tell you what will be good for you.

Again, welcome, and enjoy the site!!!

[Tiggie]

What Nathan said:
Plugs
Wires
Distributor Cap and Rotor
O2 Sensor if higher mileage car
Oil + Filter Change
PCV Valve and Screen Replacement
Fuel Filter
Check TV Bushing before it's too late! The original plastic bushings are prone to failure and will kill your tranny.

Optional Misc Maintenence:
Antifreeze Change
New Belts
New Radiator Hoses and Heater Hoses
Tranny Fluid Change + Filter
Differential Fluid Change
Brake Fluid Flush
Check Brake Pads
Seafoam Treatment

As for performance, a dual exhaust will help, with Mustang shorty headers if you are feeling froggy. Then an HO conversion!

[88Vic]

As for performance, a dual exhaust will help,

Yes, a dual exhaust will really help you engine breathe better. My old Vic had a single exhaust and it sucked. Then I got to drive a Vic with just the stock dual exhaust system and I could feel the power difference. Also, you could port the stock intake manifolds or go for HO upper and lower intakes. And get a 65mm TB. I don't think those are too expensive, but someone can correct me if i'm wrong.

[Nathan in MI]

Mustang shorty headers if you are feeling froggy.

Keep in mind, though, that the headers will require different down pipes since the flange on them is bigger than on the manifolds. So it does get a bit involved.

[grandpaslincoln]

Welcome!