General => User Rides => Topic started by: Robbie on March 08, 2007, 09:28:18 PM
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on March 08, 2007, 09:28:18 PM
I got told by Kingcars that you guys would like to see this, so here it is :D
It's my 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis, 5.0L 150hp(SO, I believe), and the AOD. It's reasonably fast for a beginner driver like me, and its fun to go around corners(I'm getting better at driving!) It currently has about 105,000 miles, needs shocks(kinda soft, but drivable), but it's still plenty capable of going around turns at moderately stupid speeds. Anyway, here's some pics :D
I'll get some pics of the interior/engine sometime soon...I've got a few now, but they're pretty poor-quality, so I'm not going to put those up :)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Ether947 on March 08, 2007, 09:29:34 PM
, that's clean!
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on March 08, 2007, 09:33:01 PM
Hey, I'm 16, so I obviously have a good deal of free time...I wax it like a madman :D
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: 5.0willgo on March 08, 2007, 09:37:14 PM
That's a really nice looking Marquis. My grandfather bought an '81 new and my aunt inherited it when he passed. It's in almost as good of shape as yours. Those things drive really nice for as big and floaty as they are.
So you going to swap to H.O.? Welcome Aboard!
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on March 08, 2007, 09:41:27 PM
Quote from: 5.0willgo;133318
That's a really nice looking Marquis. My grandfather bought an '81 new and my aunt inherited it when he passed. It's in almost as good of shape as yours. Those things drive really nice for as big and floaty as they are.
So you going to swap to H.O.? Welcome Aboard!
Possibly going to do a swap, but it's probably too much work for me to do...as I stated, I AM 16 :).
At the moment, it's a bit understeery...I'd like to stiffen the front springs or shocks to keep that from happening. However, I'm not sure if that'd do anything to the rear, which probably needs a Panhard rod or Watts link, since it squishes back and forth a bit too much for my liking in turns. I'm a Formula 1 nut, so I do know something about what makes car suspension do what ;)
And of course, I personally think I'd like some Bullitt-style wheels(American Torq-Thrusts, right?) would look REALLY good on it. However, I'm not sure if they'd have the right offset. And a 3.27 rear end would probably help acceleration a bit(it's got a huge initial hit now, but then 1st gear goes to 45 mph......). We'll have to see what I do :)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on March 08, 2007, 09:49:41 PM
nice marquis
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Clayton on March 08, 2007, 10:02:32 PM
hey welcome to the board
Age has no limitation. Im 16... just turned in december ive been on this board since... 04? 03 on the Sleazyboard. These cars are a pain sometimes but all the more worth it in the long run
Just stay and read man.. thats all I gotta say :D
oh yeah, nice merc.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: kingcars on March 08, 2007, 10:15:33 PM
Glad to see ya posted. The car is lookin nice and clean!
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: tireshredder on March 08, 2007, 10:15:36 PM
Well, at least it's not baby blue with a fur interior.:D
Welcome.
Hey, 16 is not to young to do anything, except in the funds department. It's easier to work when your hands are smaller.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Billyf17 on March 08, 2007, 10:41:00 PM
I swapped a 5.0 into my Cougar at 16...then swapped back to the 2.3T at 17 without the help of my dad. So that's no excuse. :D
Nice car...I had a similar looking Crown Vic that I took the 5.0 from to put in my Cougar, but it was trashed on the inside and pretty much everywhere else but the paint....and I got it for free...so I tore it apart. So that's rip 5.0 from Crown Vic....convert wiring from Panther chassis to work in a Fox chassis....swap 2.3T for 5.0....swap back to 2.3T........at 16....haha. :hick:
Keep at it and it will never die. And remember...boats can't turn that well...so be careful.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: daboss351 on March 08, 2007, 10:59:43 PM
its not about age, its about the drive to want to do it, im 15 ive rebuilt motors swaped motors, and trans, swap rear ends, done suspension and brake work. I love it and wouldn't rather do anything but it. You just need someone there at first to help you along and who you, after that its so easy to just go ahead and have fun with stuff.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: 84 Fila on March 08, 2007, 11:06:30 PM
She looks like the sister to my Vic.... Only clean and with no rust and about 200,xxx miles newer....
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: 32VFoxBird on March 08, 2007, 11:33:05 PM
that is very clean!
as for the soft suspension, you can buy an airbag that goes in each coil spring to make them stiffer. they're about $75/pr through summit racing. id also recommend a true dual exhaust with flows, or magnaflows.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 08, 2007, 11:35:45 PM
Nice:D . In high school a busy of mine a had one just like it. Rode nice. It was like driving your living room sitting on a couch.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on March 09, 2007, 08:48:22 AM
5ohbird: My dad used to have a Police Interceptor Crown Vic('98) that he bought new for his work car....we towed a 21' and 30' trailer with it for a time, and the airbags worked wonders in it. I, however, would like a more permanent fix :D
Speaking of that Crown Vic, it reached 425k(not a typo!) by 2003, we sold it...I really wanted that instead of the Merc, but I don't think we did bad on it either :D
daboss351: I could do the stuff, it's just that my parents aren't too enthusiastic about me doing anything to the car other than washing it :D So obviously, an engine swap or whatever would be a bit much...however, I also need the car to get to work(I'm homeschooled, but I work part-time at a photography studio), so unless Mom and Dad would let me drive one of our other cars(including mine, 6 cars...we're crazy), not going to happen :(
So basically, anything I do has to be quick and not too life-altering...HO conversion is doubtful for that reason :)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: 32VFoxBird on March 09, 2007, 08:54:43 AM
Quote from: Robbie;133400
5ohbird: My dad used to have a Police Interceptor Crown Vic('98) that he bought new for his work car....we towed a 21' and 30' trailer with it for a time, and the airbags worked wonders in it. I, however, would like a more permanent fix :D
Speaking of that Crown Vic, it reached 425k(not a typo!) by 2003, we sold it...I really wanted that instead of the Merc, but I don't think we did bad on it either :D
daboss351: I could do the stuff, it's just that my parents aren't too enthusiastic about me doing anything to the car other than washing it :D So obviously, an engine swap or whatever would be a bit much...however, I also need the car to get to work(I'm homeschooled, but I work part-time at a photography studio), so unless Mom and Dad would let me drive one of our other cars(including mine, 6 cars...we're crazy), not going to happen :(
So basically, anything I do has to be quick and not too life-altering...HO conversion is doubtful for that reason :)
dude, after reading that feels like a chick telling you she's never gonna put out.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: tireshredder on March 09, 2007, 09:31:37 AM
Hey, just fix it up one piece at a time. My dad used to be like that. Everytime my Bird broke down, he always wanted to tow it to the mechanics. Now he lets me take a shot at fixing it first. For now, just pick up books, search the Web, and plan ahead.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: kingcars on March 09, 2007, 03:32:18 PM
Yeah, it doesnt take hardly any time to slap a new throttle body and upper intake on these cars, so you can start fiddling around with that small stuff and hopefully earn enough trust to get a shot at bigger projects. Also, I'd definitely recommend getting one of those Hanes repair manuals for your car if you dont already have one; they help a ton.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: thesoldan on March 09, 2007, 04:08:43 PM
Anyone know much about an HO swap on one of these? I would assume you have to switch the battery and air intake box b/c the stock intake is facing the wrong direction. It would be sweet though.
Keep that thing clean - it looks real nice.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on March 09, 2007, 08:09:52 PM
Quote from: kingcars;133456
Yeah, it doesnt take hardly any time to slap a new throttle body and upper intake on these cars, so you can start fiddling around with that small stuff and hopefully earn enough trust to get a shot at bigger projects. Also, I'd definitely recommend getting one of those Hanes repair manuals for your car if you dont already have one; they help a ton.
Hanes manuals? If I had the thing apart, I'd have cataloged the parts as they came off...and yes, throttle body is possible. Dual exhaust--maybe, but only if I can find it on a junkyard one or something. Custom exhaust is definitely NOT within my budget. And a few questions that you guys might be able to answer :)
Would the timing chain be at all loose/worn by 100k? What is the redline on these? I know mine hits 45 in first, but I don't have a tach. Isn't the rear axle the same as all the Fox cars(Mustang, T-bird, etc.) or is it a different unit?
Thanks for all the comments :)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Billyf17 on March 09, 2007, 10:49:46 PM
Timing chaing could definently be stretched out by 100k. I know it's not the same but it is similar...my dad's S-10 timing chain stretched so much it was slapping the cover and causing the knock sensor to go bananas. The truck had less than 60k on it when we put in a new 4.3l.
Redline is about 5k.
The rear is the same....however the housing is different. The spring perch is on the axle tubes and not the control arms. The shock mounts are different as well. The important part, the center section, is the same. So you can put in a Mustang 8.8 Trac-loc.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on March 09, 2007, 10:55:27 PM
We just did the HO conversion on Kingcars Tbird (I'm his Dad) The timing chain was in very good condition with 127,000 miles on it. I think yours should be ok. RPM limit with the old cam was 4200. Now 5000+
The Haynes manual helps you in the testing and proper procedure on repairing your car. Even the small things.
Sorry, can't help on the rear.
Bill
Nice looking car!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on March 10, 2007, 08:27:54 AM
Quote from: MrBill88Tbird;133530
We just did the HO conversion on Kingcars Tbird (I'm his Dad) The timing chain was in very good condition with 127,000 miles on it. I think yours should be ok. RPM limit with the old cam was 4200. Now 5000+
The Haynes manual helps you in the testing and proper procedure on repairing your car. Even the small things.
Sorry, can't help on the rear.
Thanks for that! I don't have a tachometer, so I obviously can't tell what RPM I'm doing, and obviously, as it's not a sports car, I can't find data online anywhere. That takes a load off my mind(timing chain) :)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on March 10, 2007, 12:01:17 PM
BTW, we did change the timing set while we in there though. I was impressed on how good the old one looked. What type of information are you looking for?
Bill
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: tbirdscott on March 10, 2007, 01:17:50 PM
Remove the front door trim and loose the spoked caps for some chrome centers :D
Scott
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: 5.0willgo on March 10, 2007, 03:07:36 PM
Quote from: thesoldan;133471
Anyone know much about an HO swap on one of these? I would assume you have to switch the battery and air intake box b/c the stock intake is facing the wrong direction. It would be sweet though.
Keep that thing clean - it looks real nice.
Not as bad as you think.
Robbie, check out GrandMarq.net (http://"http://www.grandmarq.net").
As a matter of fact, Here (http://"http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?t=3147") is a link to the HO Conversion for your car. ;)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: woody76 on March 10, 2007, 03:17:36 PM
Very nice lookin car! Not realy into white cars but as clean as yours, it just looks so good and making me want one hehe
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: ZondaC12 on March 10, 2007, 03:37:31 PM
HAHA just looking at that HO conversion thread i love that forum!
that one dude has a wagon with whatever those wheels are called, and theres like two or three people there with 2dr crown vics! i didnt know those existed!
and then that one guy with the 80s towncar, like my grandma's old one, with a nice long list of hopups. :evilgrin:
thats pretty frickin cool.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: 5.0willgo on March 10, 2007, 03:46:48 PM
He's local to me and this is the sweetest Town Car I've ever seen. You can hear the whine of his supercharger anywhere within 100 feet of the car. Oh and the interior looks bone stock.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: kingcars on March 10, 2007, 06:00:33 PM
Now THATS a sleeper! Hell yeah
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: ZondaC12 on March 10, 2007, 08:01:13 PM
wow that is SICK. i would love to pull up next to some dude in a camaro or rustang (haha i love that "rustang") with this badass look on my face. "YA WANNA GO MAAAAN?" id probably die of laughter seeing that thing take off at a dragstrip. love the wheels and the "5.0" emblem too.
there are actually several late 80s Grand Marquis's (wow that looks stupid lol) around here, and most of em are.... yup white just like yours Robbie, and they are in as good shape as that. its amazing and always catches my eye. really a simpler-looking but pretty car. ill bet theyre all owned by the elderly, thats why theyre in good shape!
i would totally rock one if i could get it. id love it as a daily. really, if i could get ANY daily that had a 5.0 that would be sick.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on March 11, 2007, 10:11:35 AM
That's insane...even though I'd buy it in a heartbeat(if I had the cash:D ). Anyway, thanks for all the info--I'll update you with a few new pics in a day or two(gotta go wash the beast sometime). :)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: vinnietbird on March 13, 2007, 10:02:12 PM
If you're serious about the H.O conversion,start collecting your parts one piece at a time.take your time,and before you know it,you'll be ready to start the process to horsepower,and that's a gooooood thing.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: daboss351 on March 13, 2007, 10:39:23 PM
yea you need a h.o conversion and why must people that like fords call them rustangs i like muscrat!
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: kingcars on March 13, 2007, 11:08:33 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;134362
If you're serious about the H.O conversion,start collecting your parts one piece at a time.take your time,and before you know it,you'll be ready to start the process to horsepower,and that's a gooooood thing.
That's what I did, and you can find some awesome deals on ebay from guys just getting rid of their old Mustang parts.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: tireshredder on March 13, 2007, 11:38:05 PM
Heck, I've got a set of heads (not sure on condition) and my brother has a set of manifolds. They either sit in my shed or in my trunk when it snows.
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: Robbie on May 18, 2007, 11:43:08 AM
Ok, it's been a while, so an update on the car for ya :)
We've fixed an intermittent engine issue we had, which turned out to be a cracked vacuum hose affecting the transmission's shifting. Also, when the taillights completely stopped working, we discovered that the main wiring harness was pretty much burned up.
To sum it up: The car's doing better than ever before! :)
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: MrBill88Tbird on May 18, 2007, 10:22:42 PM
Robbie,
Glad to hear you are making progress with your car. Good job!!!!!!!!!
Bill
Title: My '91 Grand Marquis(sorry...not a T-bird!)
Post by: tireshredder on May 18, 2007, 11:45:00 PM