5 Speed Manual Grand Marquis Review

Today I take you for a rid in my own car, a 2003 Grand Marquis Panther swapped with a T45 manual transmission. This Works with the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and the Lincoln town car.
I used a T45, but a T3650 and T56 work as well!
I hope you enjoy!

[@67comet]

I swapped my Panther to T45 a couple years ago. I pulled my 2:73 rear and put in a 4:10 and it's like a new car (mind you I've got 275/60R17 rear wheels, so the geraing is less violent than if you ran stock or shorter wheels). I love my boat now that I've got 3 pedals :) (It is an "05 CVLX, I just wanted a panther, now I want a Lincoln because shift it!).

[@200degrees]

Sounds like a fun car! I didn't go quite so aggressive, I have 3.73's in the back. But with adding some power down the line I think I'll overcome it! And I'm totally behind the Lincoln idea, super sleeper!

[@kaimckeon727]

Your a LEGAND!!!! I own a 99 and dreammmm about turning it a manual Everyone else thinks I’m stupid when I talk ab it glad someone actually thinks the same. Amazing car in my opinion

[@200degrees]

Thanks so much, that’s awesome! If you’ve already got the car and the interest your on the way there! There’s tons of resources online and people happy to help, it’s a really fun swap!

[@AlastorTheNPDemon]

I had a tan 2010 with the 3650. As my first manual car, the heavy cable-clutch and stiff factory shifter (the bigger levers wouldn't fit) wasn't always something I was in the mood for, but I do miss the thrill of such a rugged machine and the 2.5in X-pipe with straight-through mufflers that sounded like an old Corvette or GT40.

[@200degrees]

Did you pick it up manual swapped or do it yourself? Sounds like a sweet car though! Whatever happened to it?

[@AlastorTheNPDemon]

@@200degrees I paid someone way too much money to swap it. Oh, and I traded it for a Town Car.

[@encinobalboa]

Grand Marquis suspension is completely upgrade-able. Love the grandma sleeper feel. I had a GMQ that had mild mods. People would look at me like I was having a seizure. Still have two Vics which I would love to do manual.

[@200degrees]

That's the plan! After the engine swap, I will be moving onto the suspension, front coilovers, upgrade the rear shocks and 4-link setup. Love the sleeper aspect too.

[@encinobalboa]

@@200degrees Grandma! Keep it as stock looking as possible. Stock ride height. Maybe Mustang wheels. No window tint. Of course do all the go faster stuff that no one can see or hear. Yeah, I would keep the exhaust as mild sounding as possible. That's how I would roll.

[@200degrees]

@@encinobalboa I’m swapping the body. Once I find an 83-87 marquis coupe I will be swapping the body onto my 03’s chassis. Just like “Mod box Grand Marquis” online

[@encinobalboa]

@@200degrees Cool swap! Just saying your maroon MGM is super clean and desirable as is. Since every thing is getting swapped, how about starting with a CVPI that has a clean frame?

[@200degrees]

@@encinobalboa Totally fair, it is a nice car. I wanted an air suspension 03+ car however, where most CVIP's are coils so it had to be a civilian Vic/MGM/TC anyways. I like this car for sure, but it was bought for this purpose, unfortunately.

[@wakeupbreathing]

I have a 2011 CVPI. Adjustable QA1 shocks, adjustable Eibach springs all four corners. 1” sway bar front and rear. Metco billet aluminum rear trailing arms and Watts link. 5speed conversion coming late december when we shutdown for the Christmas break. Also the 17 x 9 inch steelies in the rear and tune from Mo’s speed shop. Looking forward to shifting again.

[@200degrees]

That’s sweet! It sounds like a really well setup car! I did the conversion first and now am working towards the suspension upgrades after haha

[@wakeupbreathing]

@@200degrees Unfortunately we downsized from our big California McMansion to a golf course condo and I only have a one car garage. So I will have to have someone do the conversion, small price I guess for the 5 speed fun. I’m buying all the parts minus trans from ADTR.

[@tubbs2132]

I have pretty much the same car but in black. '03 ultimate with the charcoal interior. It's in my driveway with the transmission out of it, TR3650 going in after I do the rear main seal and cut a hole in the floor. Also did 3.73s with the trac lok. Plus most of the cop bolt ons and Intellitronix digital gauges in an A-pillar pod. These cars are phenomenal. So easy to work on. They're going up in price big-time, I might have to snag another one because I'm gonna miss the column shift more than I'd like to admit. Maybe a Towncar for black tie occasions.

[@tmseh]

It is time. I keep watching these videos knowing, KNOWING, this is the car I want to drive. Time to get off my big butt. Subbed. 😎🤘

[@200degrees]

Thanks so much! If you need any help on figuring out a swap "manual swapped panthers" on facebook is full of people who have done, are thinking of doing or are currently in the process of swapping Panthers and we'd be happy to help! Also, I like the name, is it after the Cheif or the small engine manufacturing company? Cheers!

[@donaldshimkus539]

I have an 03 TC and now want an 11. I also want a 5 speed because it's just too cool. I love rowing my own. If I wasn't so worried about the spark plugs blowing out I'd slap a blower on the engine. I'm 67 and tired of waiting for the wife to let me have my mid-life crisis, lol.

[@ronaldsnyder7217]

Really really cool please keep us updated on your adult mustang

[@zac.bolin01]

I wanna manual swap my Vic one day… automatic transmission is on its way OUT… with 200,000 miles… it’s almost TOAST

[@200degrees]

Yea this one had 120,000 miles on it when I took it out, it was shifting fine but I’m sure it didn’t like my right foot aha You’ll love the difference though!

[@CaptainCJ97]

Great color. only thing I'm gonna do for mine 04 ls Ultimate Edition is get factory left exhaust to get 250 horsepower maybe a chrome push bar or swap out the chrome grill for a Marauder Grill and get a push bar. I keep contemplating on getting a Marauder rather in the future but the prices people are asking is just insane another thing is I don't know if it's worth getting that if i could just 300 horsepower with my current car

[@200degrees]

If you get a Marty tune, dual exhaust and a bette intake I’m sure you’d love your car! Better shifting and more power you’d be set!

[@ToasterTR]

Get the front and rear sway bar from a crown Victoria They are most commonly on police interceptors but you can find them on any panther with the handling package Which can be found by looking for an exhaust pipe on the drivers side but im sure you know this

[@Mityob67]

Some cool stuff right here.

[@seanbentley7221]

I really want to throw a stick shift into my 03 town car, about how much in total did this project cost you? And how hard of a swap was it?

[@200degrees]

Including selling the auto I think I spent under 1,000$. And it depends how mechanically skilled you are. But if you can pull a trans out then you can throw another one in so I'd say for for it! Great writeups online. I'd go with getting pedals made for you though as they're the hardest part.

[@cameronpierce5188]

What did you use for the shifter extension? I've got a t45 with an mgw shifter in my 01 grand marquis but the handle is too far away yours looks like it's much easier to reach.

[@Randomgamer-tk2zj]

I really like the panther platform cars i am considering a grand marquis for my second vehicle

[@dzmacd3547]

Grand Bullit V2 it's BACK

[@200degrees]

Still needs moar powar!

[@matthewpetersen1491]

I have the 04 Grand Marquis and I would love to put a 5 speed in it. The thing is that I have been debating if I were to do it would I want to put the 04 Marauder engine in it.

[@200degrees]

Don't get me wrong I can't wait until I've got 4v's under the hood and a little more punch aha But with 3.73's and the 5 speed it'll kick the back end out in 1st gear all day and if you're mean enough to your clutch 2nd can be quite fun too so I wouldn't hold back because you don't have the marauder engine yet, once the trans is in it'll bolt up and work the same on both engines! Either way, sounds like a fun project! I'm totally behind more swaps aha

[@bigggmustang73]

Why not put an aviator engine in it? Same as a Marauder engine. More horsepower than a 2v 5.4

[@200degrees]

I would put a 4V 5.4 not a 2V, but I’m hearing good things about how the 4.6 4V blocks like boost so I may stick with a 4V 4.6.

[@bigggmustang73]

@@200degrees oh yeah that’d be cool either way. I’d think you save 200lbs with the all aluminum 4.6 4v over a 5.4 4v

[@AlexHeikamp]

how did I see this coming?

[@200degrees]

Lol the inevitable return to grand marquis glory? Don’t worry though this ones just been started aha

[@GrandPitoVic]

Very nice. I have a 03 Vic. I'm thinking 5.4L T-56 and a turbo. Did you make your pedal set or did you use did you use a set out of something else. Thank you. Keep up the great videos. I look forward to more of the Grandma Quis videos.

[@200degrees]

I build the pedals using a set out of a different grand marquis that didn't have electronic pedals and some mustang pedals. If I was going to do it again I'd buy the pedal set from ADTR Performance and just bolt them in aha Love your car by the way! That sounds like it would be a sweet setup! Manual Swapped Panthers on Facebook is a great resource to get swap information.

[@GrandPitoVic]

Adtr actually has hydro clutch pedal assemblies now. I don't know how much yet. They are on backorder. I have messaged Chris to see if any have come in.

[@200degrees]

@@GrandPitoVic Yea there's a guy local to me who's built his own hydro setup, and he really likes it. I want to convert my car to hyrdo too since my cable is pretty aggressive.

[@GrandPitoVic]

Very nice. I heard of a guy using a Nissan setup and it worked somehow. But I prefer it to be right lol. I don't want anything rigged. I Luv my car as you do and I want her reliable and not sketchy.

[@alexplowski552]

For the love of god, Don't use Helier-coils, use the proper Cal-Van kit. Good call doing them all on the fresh motor though. I used a T-45 in my P-71

[@200degrees]

Haha it was a fix on a dying motor, certainly not choice #1 Awesome car though to your 08! Fun that other people are swapping these too!

[@ryze_android17]

Aww manm this video made me smile, I wish to do this someday

[@dustinswatsons9150]

I wonder what his opinion is on a two valve and why he wouldn't make it stick

[@200degrees]

Who’s opinion?

[@nissanv6TT]

CalVan kit 38900 kit and Loctite 266. you'll never blow another plug out.

[@200degrees]

I’ve already picked up my 4.6 DOHC, but if I was going to keep the 2v that would have been a good play 👍

[@Macksmadvic]

The p71 version is better for the suspension I mean if u watch cleetus McFarland he has 900hp and still drifts with the stock suspension but marauder is a better engine set up but my 08 p71 vic drifts so good an ya it leans alittle but not as much as ur car

[@200degrees]

Yea in my other video I drive my car back to back with a manual P71 and the difference was very noticeable! The P71 handled great where mine felt quite floaty.

[@alesco7864]

Would i be able to bolt on a t45 to my 04 grand marquis directly without a problem or would i have to rewire or reroute anything?

[@200degrees]

You'll need a tune, conversion u-joint, a pedal setup, clutch cable, flywheel, hole in your floor and a couple wires on the car will have to be spliced. And then I'd also recommend a 3.73 or 4.11 swap in the rear end because these cars with factory gears are absolute slugs. The whole swap can be done in a weekend.

[@jesse.vr6]

What did you do for the shift boot? On my second swapped grand marquis and I still have the rubber boot just sitting there with a very crude hole in the carpet around it.

[@200degrees]

It’s a hurst shift boot that I can use to clamp down the carpet too. Looks a lot more flush because my first one was same as you, just a hole.

[@jesse.vr6]

@@200degrees ahh, thank you

[@EVGUY13245]

The 5 speed would make it accelerate faster no?

[@200degrees]

I think it helps, it allows you to stay in the powerband more.

[@EVGUY13245]

@@200degrees that's what I mean

[@200degrees]

@@EVGUY13245 Yea, I never ran numbers but I'd say the car is faster now after the swap.

[@timecklund7685]

Is the front seat so close to the steering wheel so you can reach the shifter?

[@200degrees]

It’s a little closer due to the clutch pedal than it would be if the car was auto. But it’s not bad. I hate reaching for the wheel, I like to have more control. The stick shift arm can be modified to be further back if that’s how you want to sit

[@Macksmadvic]

The p71 version is better for the suspension I mean if u watch cleetus McFarland he has 900hp and still drifts with the stock suspension but marauder is a better engine set up

[@AndrewHemstreet]

Does it have still have traction control or will an open diff spin one tire in mud/snow

[@200degrees]

It still has traction control and it works but I pulled the fuse out. I converted the rear diff to a limited slip before doing the swap though

[@AndrewHemstreet]

Excellent, I have a switch to turn it off but I like having it, especially on grass with summer tires. I've almost been stuck in my own yard before because I didn't expect rain, I can't apply one brake caliper myself.

[@1770-p9p]

So happy you get to play and rest and happy God promisee r lies

[@12longz]

How hard is it to do ? I've got a high mileage town car I wanna put some life into

[@200degrees]

If you build or buy your pedal sets before hand, and make sure you read the instructions to make sure you have all the parts before hand, then you could do it in a weekend. Auto transmission came out in 3 hours, holes cut take a bit of time and then put the trans back in. I’d say it was fairly easy

[@jeanvaljean1475]

How much does it cost to put a stick in a grand ?

[@200degrees]

For me it was under 1000$ because I sold my automatic for 800$ But my parts were all old and used so I’d budget 2k if you’re doing the swap yourself and you want to use good parts

[@dustinswatsons9150]

There you go 200° 200 likes

[@stevebrooks8625]

first of all using heli-coils is the wrong thing to do on the 4.6. You have to get a kit that provides a guide to boar out the threads, a die to rethread the hole and an insert which the new plug goes into to fit in the new threads. then problem solved permanently. and, the kit comes with all the information to do this without removing the heads.

[@200degrees]

I just used the helicoil as the cheap and dirty fix to the engine in the meantime, I’ve got a 4V engine in my shop now and have started the swap. If I was keeping the 2v I’d have done it more thoroughly

[@1770-p9p]

e hey that's not me

[@stuwest5862]

How did you do the pedals. Did the car throw any codes? Do I need to do anything with the wiring?

[@200degrees]

You weld a pedal set together from a non electronic adjuster panther set, and an SN95/new edge mustang pedal set. The manual swap panther group on FB has tons of info. As for wiring you bridge a couple wires and then you get a Marty Tune

[@JohnMillerUSA]

Cool video of what you did. You and KZbinr superfastmatt could do some cool garage engineering if you got together. (He put a Tesla motor/battery in an old Rolls-Royce! 🤗🔩🔧 ). The 5-speed manual in the Marquis is pure engineering brilliance. Thanks for sharing!