2000 Mercury Grand Marquis

[El Duende]

So here is a comprehensive log of my car and any plans with it.

There are things that I'm taking care of first, like:
1. Convincing my old man to pass the car to me. (Remains to be seen...)
2. Restoring the stock ride height. (Being dealt with at the moment)
3. Replacing rear shocks with the same Gabriel model-line as the front. (Should be very soon)

Then my fun list:
4. Putting a cone in that bish. (A must!)
5. A full exterior detail. (I hope to get a lot out of that paint, which still looks good.)
6. A tachometer. (What's the fun in revving if I can't see where I'm at?)

As for major plans, I really haven't come up with much, other than a true dual exhaust to replace the single-pipe on it now and maybe some valvecover painting. But I'll take my time on that. I've read a bunch so far on mods as they pertain to this platform, but still have a long way to go. Suspension is an area that particularly interests me.

These are pics taken straight from FL, after the buy.

I didn't realize just how beater-ish the car looked with the foggy headlamp until it was polished.


The other side looks just like this one; reflective, dent free, and the wheel covers caked with brake dust that had accumalated over the years.


The paint sure is glossy for a car that's never even seen the inside of a garage.

[johnunit]

That car is in really nice condition. I haven't seen those rims too often but they're spiffy.


If by "cone" you mean a cone air intake filter, there's a combo that is less flashy but will net you more power.

This is an "MZT" combo, standing for Marauder airbox and MAF sensor, Ziptube, the intake tubing between the MAF and throttle body from a 2004 and up police (p71 vin code) Crown Vic, and a PCM tune. The number one guru for 4.6 Panther tuning is Lonnie at BOC http://www.blueovalchips.com/. He's where most 4.6 owners get their pcm tune, and will be more than happy to talk price, results, etc with you in detail.

The air intakes that came with your model are true cold air types, and will probably see minimal if any gains with an open cone style filter.

Generally speaking, the MZT combo above plus duals is the first step to performance for late model panthers. Together, you're talking somewhere near 40HP to the wheels (assuming the exhaust is custom and well-matched) and also re-tuned shift points and firmness.

[91grandmarquis]

Nice, kinda looks like your car fought a ricer and walked away with a shiner though. Im willing to bet the ricer fared much worse. ahah. Its in nice shape though.

[79lincolnlover]

It's nice to see a whale (98+) in here, considering this section is dominated by boxes.

[El Duende]

That car is in really nice condition. I haven't seen those rims too often but they're spiffy.


If by "cone" you mean a cone air intake filter, there's a combo that is less flashy but will net you more power.

This is an "MZT" combo, standing for Marauder airbox and MAF sensor, Ziptube, the intake tubing between the MAF and throttle body from a 2004 and up police (p71 vin code) Crown Vic, and a PCM tune. The number one guru for 4.6 Panther tuning is Lonnie at BOC http://www.blueovalchips.com/. He's where most 4.6 owners get their pcm tune, and will be more than happy to talk price, results, etc with you in detail.

The air intakes that came with your model are true cold air types, and will probably see minimal if any gains with an open cone style filter.

Generally speaking, the MZT combo above plus duals is the first step to performance for late model panthers. Together, you're talking somewhere near 40HP to the wheels (assuming the exhaust is custom and well-matched) and also re-tuned shift points and firmness.

Yeah, it's in great shape. This car will last a long time with us. If things get better in the future, I'll swap those out for some alloys. If not, I'll be fine with it the way it is.

Yup, that's what I meant. That MZT deal seems to be a very popular mod and recommendation among members on this form. It makes perfect sense: it looks stock and is designed to breathe easier. I understand that a cone alone won't produce as much power as a well thought out system, (Like the one designed for the Maurader) but frankly, I'm not in the position to pay top-dollar for one. What I have in mind is a minor, budget-friendly upgrade. As far as I'm concerned, a cone is gonna relieve the burdening restriction of what's on there now, look cool, and give it a nice growl. (Or roar, I'll have to see.)

40HP off of an intake and exhaust is astounding! With those two installed, I'd probably leave my engine modding at that... At least until the tuning-bug bites me again. It doesn't get any simpler than that. Thanks for the good info and link.

[El Duende]

Nice, kinda looks like your car fought a ricer and walked away with a shiner though. Im willing to bet the ricer fared much worse. ahah. Its in nice shape though.

You know, it's got presence in the road. People are mannerful around it and give plenty of room. Can't say the same for both of the Sentras I've owned and driven in my short lifetime. I doubt a ricer would mess with this beast, but you never know. Thanks. It'll look drastically better after a detailing.

It's nice to see a whale (98+) in here, considering this section is dominated by boxes.

Is that what they call 'em? lol

I've seen some sick cars on this forum of all shapes and sizes. Those boxes probably turn heads on the street. They're so unique.

[91grandmarquis]

Yeah if you want to get a lot out of that paint Id recommend 3m imperial hand glaze, gives it a lot of depth, just make sure you clean it up real nice before you apply it, also dont apply in the direct sun itl set up before you can wipe it off.

[murphmobile2]

I love the color, looks sharp. Good luck with the project man.

[El Duende]

Thanks for the comments! It's raining today, so it looks like I'm going to have to wait before detailing.

[Brandon]

Nice looking car man!

[El Duende]

Nice looking car man!

Thanks! The rain has subsided, so I can clean her up and dedicate tomorrow to getting the shine out. Pics coming soon!