Mercury Marauder Torque Converter (myth)?

ProjectRedMark

ProjectRedMark

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I have read in several posts about people using the torque converter from a Marauder in thier Mark as an alternative to a high dollar aftermarket unit. Supposedly the Marauder unit has a higher stall speed than Mark but everything else is identical.

Now here is my question. I just called Transtar ( a well respected trans parts supplier/manufacturer) and they said that the Marauder unit will work in a Mark but it is because they are the SAME UNIT! Same part number, same build specs, same internals, etc. I even called a few other trans suppliers and they said the same thing. Stock Mark Unit = Stock Marauder Unit. So does this mean that this Marauder swap is a myth? Or does this possibly mean that you have to buy the O.E. Ford unit to get the "added stall performance"?

I know sometimes rebuilders "flat rate" a part in the interest of mass production. But I also know sometimes you install a part and after all the effort and cost you "feel" an improvement. I just dont want to waste money here. Some advise from somebody who actually has the knowledge or first hand experience would be great.

Either way the trans is coming out. I need to replace some seals on it. I will be replacing the converter while its out as a PM. I really dont want to pay an ungodly amount of money for an aftermarket higher stall unit. If I can buy one that is still considered "stock" for a few bucks extra I will. Otherwise its getting a stock reman.

Sorry for the book:eek: just trying to give as much info as possible;)
 
My understanding is that they're the same.

BOC

And if you want a good stock unit, I have the 55K mile stock piece that I pulled from my '98.
 
That's why i had my stock tc stall raised up at midwest converter
It was a lot cheaper than a aftermarket one
 
One of the other benefits of a smaller converter, 9.5" or 10" is less roational inertia.... it is easier to spin a small thing that weighs x pounds than a large thing that weighs x pounds... remember every 10lbs of rotation mass you remove is equal to 100lbs of static weight.
 
Just got mine from UPS today and will be installing it this weekend with Jamie. I'll let you know how it feels.

It is the same SIZE unit but is not the same internals. Lonnie at BOC says it stalls about 100 rpms higher than the stock Mark converter.
 
torque converter

i beleive the lsc had a smaller diameter and 500 rpm higher stall speed than the base model . also the crown vick police package cars had that converter
 
slowmkviii said:
That's why i had my stock tc stall raised up at midwest converter
It was a lot cheaper than a aftermarket one
Click to expand...

More info please :D

I'm in MN as well, and was going to swap in a TCI streetfighter, but maybe I'll just get the stock one restalled.

Price? Did you pull the TC and ship it? Or did you drive in, and they did all the work?
 
PHIL ANDERSON said:
i beleive the lsc had a smaller diameter and 500 rpm higher stall speed than the base model . also the crown vick police package cars had that converter
Click to expand...

No... all Mark VIII's came with the same converter. The Civi Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, and Towncar came with a 12" converter. The CVPI, Crown Vic HPP, Crown Vic Sport, Grand Marquis HPP, Grand Marquis LSE, and I think the Town Car Touring Sedan all got the same 11.25" converter that the Mark did.
 
Hmm. KK I understand what you are saying about rotational mass. I'm still confused though because every reman place is telling me they are identical in every way. Is your info referring to new o.e converters?

And Ripped Camel According to Transtar and several others the internals are identical. They have the same part number listed for our cars and the Mercury. If there really is 100rpm more stall in the Mercury unit that should be barely noticable if at all. If anything you may just feel the difference in the new converter versus the old worn one. Let us know how it comes out though!

DLF I appreciate the offer but I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Transtar reman converter. Its only gonna cost me $110 plus about $15 shipping.

I haven't ordered it yet though so if anybody has more facts showing a difference I may change my mind.
 
It is a great converter IF you like the stock stall and how it drives... otherwise if you want a performance gain call Chris at Circle D and get a 10" in a 3500ish stall....

The Marauder unit uses a torrington bearing with the lock up plate, that is what makes it more durable if I remember correctly.
 
kustomizingkid said:
It is a great converter IF you like the stock stall and how it drives... otherwise if you want a performance gain call Chris at Circle D and get a 10" in a 3500ish stall....

The Marauder unit uses a torrington bearing with the lock up plate, that is what makes it more durable if I remember correctly.
Click to expand...

I'm okay with stock. I would like to get a higher stall converter but refuse to pay the $700+ most places want for them. I feel like that same amount of money could be better spent on another mod that yields the same or better result.

I'll call Chris though just for kicks. Thanks for the source!
 
A torque converter and gears are going to get you down the track faster than any other mods you could do, sans forced induction... and I would bet money on that.
 
kustomizingkid said:
A torque converter and gears are going to get you down the track faster than any other mods you could do, sans forced induction... and I would bet money on that.
Click to expand...

I'm already running 4.10's and love them. I have a set of C heads and an Eaton ready to go. I was going to do the trans first to get it ready.

So now the questions becomes - With the blower and the tall 4.10's do I still need a high stall converter? Or will it keep the blower from really performing?
 
I run 3:73's with the Marauder Converter. I wouldn't go with any taller gear with a positive displacement SC as you have almost instant TQ from idle, but that too depends alot on what your combo is set up for.
 
Roadboss said:
I run 3:73's with the Marauder Converter. I wouldn't go with any taller gear with a positive displacement SC as you have almost instant TQ from idle, but that too depends alot on what your combo is set up for.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the good info. What made you chose the Marauder over the others? And did you buy yours from Ford, used, or reman?
 
" I have a set of B heads and an Eaton ready to go "

really? how you gonna do that? dont you need c heads for that eaton!!!
 
jamie97lsc said:
" I have a set of B heads and an Eaton ready to go "

really? how you gonna do that? dont you need c heads for that eaton!!!
Click to expand...

Brain fart! Thank you. Sorry I am still new to the modular motor and all the terms. Yes they are "C" heads sitting in the garage gathering dust lol.
 
I bought a modified Maruader TC from Lonnie @ BOC for my 93. Put it in front of a jmoded 96 trans with stock rear gears and love it. Only other mods I have are true dual exhaust and cleaned up intake. That's my take.
 
pektel said:
More info please :D

I'm in MN as well, and was going to swap in a TCI streetfighter, but maybe I'll just get the stock one restalled.

Price? Did you pull the TC and ship it? Or did you drive in, and they did all the work?
Click to expand...

if you have money for after market that is what i would do but
cause I am poor I took the TC out and drove it to Midwest converter in Minneapolis I think when I had it done about 2-3 years ago it cost $170
but he only go it to a bout 2800 stall I think
 
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