2004 Mercury Grand Marquis - Performance Mods & Exhaust

As promised, a rundown on what's done to the Merc so far. I apologize, in the "drive" portion of the video you can hear my auto cross helmet slamming around in the trunk.
Feel free to ask any questions about my mods in the comments. Future plans for the car are custom grind cams from Apocalypse Performance, and a full QA1 suspension.

[@hespheastusbrazen8702]

I just joined the grand marquis gang and I will say I see why so many people love these cars. It feels good to drive .

[@zeninzavahir384]

How can I join the grand marquis gang? I have 2008 model in KSA.

[@1SalehAhmed1]

يقصد انه شرا السياره. مو فريق تدخله​@@zeninzavahir384

[@derrick7026]

Love this grand Marquis build brother! I’m building and modding my 2006 Lincoln town car like this too slowly but gradually 😅 much props and respect from Las Vegas, NV!

[@Luhinzzy]

i could watch your Merk Vids all day everyday

[@Luhinzzy]

would be nice to see a POV drive

[@Socoolds455]

@@Luhinzzy POV drive? How do you mean?

[@allenb4759]

@Socoolds455 I think he means from the driver's point of view using something like a helmet cam. Then you could see the gauges, speed, tachometer etc as you drive. Probably would be cool to watch.

[@krownvikkhris3004]

Good strong running Mercury Bro 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾sounds awesome.

[@pantherwavecrownvics]

Damn that car is clean and tastefully modded. That means i got work to do.

[@pantherwavecrownvics]

One more thing does your car have this interior?? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5vaq61-nrWsZrs

[@Socoolds455]

Pretty much the same style, but lighter grey, and cloth seats.

[@GrandMarquisLS09]

Oh my lordy that is one of the hottest cars I've ever seen.

[@geraldthompson8142]

I want to change my muffler to a walker exhaust the quiet flow one. I was going to change the pipe but the pipes are still good. Your car sounds very nice I like the low growl

[@enzdude]

That's fresh sounding. I like it.

[@RxckoutMari]

Build is beautiful

[@DustinLeopard-wc3ez]

Man that’s the best sounding Grand Marquis or Crown Victoria on the internet. What exhaust did you say you have?

[@Socoolds455]

This version of the car had OBX mufflers, which were an S-tube Magnaflow type design. The car is since on version 3 of exhaust lol.

[@Reeko904]

I got the best sounding Merc ever

[@pvsheridan]

Hello Socoolds455: Nice MGM. Nice job on mods! I have a drop-dead mint 2007 LS (Toreador Red with beige leather). Please comment/advise on Eaton TruTrac; does it work as advertised (versus standard clutch types)? Thanks so much!

[@Socoolds455]

So, I made a mistake in the video, it's actually an Auburn Pro Series limited slip. I really enjoy it and has held up to the additional abuse now that the car is much more heavily modified. They're not cheap, but definitely worth the money!

[@lindaisbabe5690]

where did you find the black trim for the trunk? next to the plate and the plate lights.

[@Socoolds455]

It was a NOS trunk facia piece from a P71, it all swaps over, you just have to shim the trunk lock.

[@amoshillmusic]

Did you spray paint the body trim black or what did you do? I was thinking about trying to get rid of the chrome accents on mine and wondering what’s the best method

[@Socoolds455]

I used self adhesive vinyl it worked pretty well, if I were to do it again though, I'd probably pull the trim off the car, paint it, then reapply it.

[@amoshillmusic]

Gotcha. It’s nice man. Can’t wait to upgrade mine

[@JCANE822]

Really dope build!!!! If you dont mind sharing, what front lip is that?

[@Socoolds455]

Thanks! The car has changed a whole bunch since this video, be sure to check out my newer videos too! The lip is just a Mustang Mach 1 front lip, I got mine from American Muscle, but there are a ton of places to get them including on EBay and Amazon.

[@gordonstarship]

What cams did you chose? Forgive me if I missed it. I have to admit I have been dreaming about this kind of build for years. I want to do cams on mine.

[@Socoolds455]

I eventually went with a set of custom grind cams from Todd Warren at Apocalypse Performance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aInSdqWYhLatqdE

[@gordonstarship]

@@Socoolds455 Very cool thank you. I will check out Apocalypse

[@Socoolds455]

@@gordonstarship Todd Warren is hand's down the best, he'll have a conversation with you about all your current mods and future goals with the car and spec a cam for you based on that.

[@stacyloughe2435]

What brand and size are the rims? Sweet looking and sounding panther!!

[@Socoolds455]

American Muscle GT500 replicas, 19x9 front, 19x10 rear (going 18's in the future because tire selection sucks lol), backspacing for a 2005-09 Mustang is also correct for a 2003-11 Panther.

[@mgmnfld3109]

I'm considering giving my headlights and cornering lights the same treatment. Do you think it would look ok?

[@Socoolds455]

Marauder headlights are plug-n-play for any 2003-05 MGM, whether or not you like them with the factory chrome is your personal taste though!

[@beforeyourimmigrants8471]

What kind of camera setup is that? Nice car I got one yoo

[@Socoolds455]

I just shoot the videos on my i phone, nothing special!

[@antoniosaenz1376]

That's a bad-xxx MGM man,what is your exhaust setup? Thx in advance

[@Socoolds455]

Thanks! OBX Long tubes, “off-road” x pipe, OBX mufflers, full 2.5in exhaust. You used to be able to find the kit on eBay, but I think you have to order directly from OBX now…

[@SRT92]

@@Socoolds455 the way that thing sound tho sounds as if you had some work done to the engine itself…it is that really what’s these cars sound like with open exhaust like that? - maybe it’s the stall converter that’s giving that quick aggressive/responsive revv like that

[@mgmnfld3109]

Did you take your headlights / cornering lights apart and paint 'em black?

[@Socoolds455]

Nope, just factory Marauder lights. They're a direct swap for a 03-05 MGM.

[@DJackson1232]

hello! i know this video is old but i would really appreciate it if you were able to answer a quick question of mine. in regards to the p71 zip tube swap, what was your solution dealing with the IAC hole? since 2005+ panthers has eliminated the IAC and only has one hole in the intake, instead of 2 like the previous years. thanks again

[@Socoolds455]

I deleted the PCV tubes, and I’m just running breathers on the valve covers (you could also run a catch can). The IAC now runs off the single (originally pcv) port on the intake tube. Of course the car is also tuned for this setup, since I’m running the 80mm MAF too.

[@DJackson1232]

@Socoolds455 ah I figured that's what you did. I just wanted to be sure. I just purchased an entire zip tube setup off of an 07 p71 complete with 80mm maf out a salvage yard for just 40 bucks for the entire thing. I was afraid I'd have to drill a hole but your solution sounds way better Thanks again! You got yourself a subscriber!

[@musclecrown]

You have to use a p71 zip tube from a 2004 cvpi, it the only year with both iac and valve cover port, that's what i have on mine.

[@superman5313]

Where you get front splitter?

[@Socoolds455]

It’s a Mach 1 Mustang chin spoiler, you can get them in a few places, relatively inexpensive too. Mine, if I remember, came from American Muscle.

[@MJKelzzz]

What’d you do for the iac port on driver side valve cover? I have a similar setup but I kept the stock tube instead

[@Socoolds455]

I’m guessing you meant PCV, that’s what runs from the valve covers. Here is a video of my current setup and how I did it kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqQYq2iqN54oposi=KKBAJI4Ryk36wLgn

[@MJKelzzz]

@@Socoolds455 I see. I ended up running a filter like the blue one on the other side since the tube I had was from an 06+ p71 so it didn’t have 2 ports. Honestly didn’t wanna risk any issues that might’ve caused so I just stuck with the stock tube

[@michelleclark181]

I got a 2011 crown Victoria police interceptor, how much you think gear swap will cost and where can i purchase the j mod?

[@Socoolds455]

Price is going to depend on what brand gears you get, and where you get them from, the major speed shops like summit and Jegs will have several options. Plus whatever labor costs to put them in, if you’re not doing it yourself. Any good transmission shop familiar with the Ford 4R70W or 4R75W would be able to do a j-mod (it’s just drilling out certain holes and removing springs). However, if you Google it, there may be someone selling a pre j-modded valve body. Remember, gears require a tune to correct the speedometer. Good luck!

[@crazyhorseracing6130]

Awesome vic!! What year impala tail pipes do I need to look for?? Thanks for the video!!!

[@Socoolds455]

They're B body over-the-axle tails, for like a 94-96 Impalla SS. They're not an exact fit, but they're reasonably close.

[@crazyhorseracing6130]

@@Socoolds455 Thanks

[@Live2die777]

Badass.... e85 too

[@wasted9175]

What are those wheels, and what's the exhaust and lip?😊🙏

[@Socoolds455]

Ath the time this was the full OBX exhaust kit, the wheels at the time are 19" 2010 GT500 replicas from American Muscle.

[@QuantumShow2022]

Where do I get those HEADERS??

[@Socoolds455]

Once upon a time they were available as a kit on Ebay, but they are no longer in production. Your only option for Panther cars are now Kooks or Stainless Works.

[@SRT92]

​@@Socoolds455 stainless steel wants your life savings 😂😂

[@shanemarcotte2062]

How many miles bro? Very nice!

[@Socoolds455]

About 115K on her now...

[@SRT92]

The curve at 5:43 😮 stiff suspension im guessing right?

[@Socoolds455]

The old setup was reasonably stiff, Eaton Detroit springs, it's like I'm on rails now with the new QA1 coil-over setup.

[@SRT92]

@@Socoolds455 yea my Mechnic told me that the older platform panthers (crown Vic, lincoln towncar, grand marquis are indestructible and comes with a lot lees stupid engineering. The older models were straight foward

[@Socoolds455]

@@SRT92 Indeed they are, and although they are bigger cars, they're not quite as heavy as everyone thinks, only about 3800-3900 lbs. They respond well to performance mods, and there are more parts available now that people are starting to get turned onto panthers being a decent starting point for performance builds.

[@SRT92]

@@Socoolds455 I was gonna say. Cuz if I’d try that shit in mine, it would flip over lol. Body roll is horrible in these cars. I’m just wanting a tune to take off the damn governor people really believe they can run out me until around 110mph then playtimes over for me

[@Socoolds455]

@@SRT92 You will not regret a Marty tune from Mo's Speed Shop, even if everything else is stock.

[@insanebarz]

Nice setup Bro. What kinda wheels are those???

[@Socoolds455]

Thanks! They are American Muscle (2013) GT500 replicas, staggered.

[@insanebarz]

@@Socoolds455 Good lookin out Bro, thinking of buying another Grand Marquis again next year

[@Rickball300]

What size tires are those

[@Socoolds455]

Rears are 275/40R19, front 245/45R19.

[@Bshufelt162]

Could you tell me where you found the tachometer mount?

[@Socoolds455]

ADTR.net should still carry the steering column gauge pods.

[@jalonwilliams15]

Car isn't very loud for having headers

[@Socoolds455]

Headers have nothing to do with overall volume, it's all in your mufflers. These are the OBX mufflers that came with the kit, Magnaflow knock-offs, so they're pretty mild as far as sound goes...

[@loganenlow4603]

How did you black out your chrome trim

[@Socoolds455]

It's just some matte vinyl strip that I picked up at O'Reilly's. I wish I would have done it with the trim off the car though.

[@mattmccauley1110]

Nice job so far! What size tires are you running?

[@Socoolds455]

Thanks! Fronts are 245/45R19's and the rears are 275/40R19's if memory serves...

[@juanray2614]

Where did you get the “80 mm MAF” from?

[@Socoolds455]

Slot style 80mm MAF's were factory on all 2006+ CVPI's. 2004 and 05 models were equipped with 80mm too, but I believe they were the older style. I pulled the intake from a 2007 CVPI in a yard.

[@juanray2614]

@@Socoolds455 really? I was working on my 2007 crown Vic last week & cleaned my throttle body & plenum. Cleaned my MAF I was trynna find where it showed what MM the MAF WAS ON IT COULDNT FIND IT. I thought they all came with a 60 mm or a 70mm MAF.

[@Socoolds455]

@@juanray2614 they don’t have the size on them. But after 2004 civilian cars came with 70mm, CVPIs with 80mm. And of course different computer tuning, exhaust, etc.

[@juanray2614]

@@Socoolds455 coo coo yea imma throw on a 70-75 mm Throttle Body to go with it.. Dude your car is dope & sounds good!

[@Socoolds455]

@@juanray2614 Thanks! Be sure to check out my other videos, much more has been done to the car since then, this was like version one.

[@aidenvincent1233]

I'm getting a 2002 what did you do to yours I'm a first time owner I want to upgrade mine

[@Socoolds455]

I would recommend checking out Crownvic.net, it’s a great resource for these cars. I would probably do an airbox/zip tube, throttle body, gears and a tune from Marty Ochs. To start anyway. The sky is the limit with these cars…

[@aidenvincent1233]

@@Socoolds455 are crown vics and mercury compatible and do they sell same parts?

[@princesslayna5527]

@@aidenvincent1233 Yes

[@Socoolds455]

@@aidenvincent1233 The Crown Vic, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car are all the same platform, check out crownvic.net

[@tuneinwithjess9641]

I have a 2002 mercury grand marquis ls what do you recommend I customize first?

[@Socoolds455]

Rear gears and a tune really wake these cars up. If the car is a daily driver, 3.55 or 3.73 gears have decent highway manners. Mo's Speed Shop is the place to go for a computer tune, Marty knows these cars like the back of his hand. Depending on how deep down the "performance rabbit hole" you want to go, ADTR.net has lots of performance goodies, and there are several Facebook groups for performance oriented Crown Vics/Grand Marquis that'll give you ideas and help when you need it. Good luck!

[@too-a-tee5487]

You live in Nashville huh

[@mikhailzhuravin7549]

what types of cats and exhaust, would they go on my 2000 mercury

[@Socoolds455]

OBX long tube headers/2.5in exhaust, no cats. It's listed for 2003 -2011, but maybe could be modified for a 2000? I don't know for sure...

[@paulroberts9845]

Could we get a 0-60 vid?

[@Socoolds455]

The driving portion when I turn onto the main street is roughly to 60mph.

[@vacairripatterson1504]

What size rims love ❤️ the look

[@Socoolds455]

19x10 rear, 19x8.5 front.

[@LyRiiCc512]

Where did you get the tailight housing from? And did they fit flush?

[@Socoolds455]

Taillights are just eBay Crown Vic taillights, they're a direct swap.

[@anthonyholloway6200]

Where did u get those black number trims from

[@Socoolds455]

Black number trim?

[@anthonyholloway6200]

@@Socoolds455 black bumper trim

[@Socoolds455]

@@anthonyholloway6200 Oh! It's just self adhesive black vinyl strip. I think I found it at O'Reilly's...

[@spinamerctae4060]

could i put the headers on my 03 grand marquis??

[@Socoolds455]

The OBX kit should fit your 2003, you’ll need a tune though.

[@spinamerctae4060]

@@Socoolds455 it for the mustangs right from what im seeing online??

[@Socoolds455]

@@spinamerctae4060 www.obxracingsports.com/products.php?pk=1739 This is the kit for the Panther Platform cars (Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, Town Car). They still list it on their website, but you may have to do some digging to find a retailer that can get them for you...

[@bstrick1302]

Did your accents come black?

[@Socoolds455]

No, used some self-adhesive black vinyl to cover it.

[@kevinsalvatierra5525]

What did you use to paint the Chrome sides in the door and in the bumpers? I’m fixing to do mine as well

[@enzdude]

Not OP but I've done the same thing on my Vic. I just used masking tape and black spray paint from Lowe's.

[@Socoolds455]

Not paint, but actually black vinyl strips (self adhesive), I think they came from O'Reilly's if I remember right.

[@gnikdarien0656]

What rims

[@Socoolds455]

American Muscle 2013 GT500 replicas

[@ItsPainnz]

dude that tranny is shifting insane! stock tranny?

[@Socoolds455]

Sort of, the valve body has been J-Modded, and it has a 3500 stall. Tuned of course, stock otherwise.

[@ItsPainnz]

@@Socoolds455 cot diggity

[@SRT92]

@@Socoolds455 I knew it! Lol. Man you’ve got some sophisticated mods here. My first step is headers and muffler delete. She needs to breath better. That thing sounds as if you have a 6 speed

[@trinizionblount]

Sell it to me

[@Socoolds455]

Nope!

[@eatshit8907]

Are there any supporting mods that accompany the ring and pinion swap? I think I heard something about driveshafts and tailhousings on the transmission but I can’t remember. Car looks great and sounds perfect 👌

[@Socoolds455]

Nope! No carrier breaks on Ford axles either, just swap in your new gears. You're probably thinking of the aluminum (Police Interceptor) driveshaft swap. But, unless you're going to do high speeds for long periods (like a high speed pursuit lol), your stock unit is probably fine, unless, of course, you start adding serious horsepower. Thanks for watching!

[@eatshit8907]

@@Socoolds455 Thats probably what I was thinking of, thanks for the reply 👍