Just started again with my beast today - belt tensioner assembly, and idler pulley as well.. fresh trans lines installed that are longer to run up to an aftermarket trans cooler; very messy!
I started replacing ALL of the vacuum lines on top of the engine - EGR and all related lines, and including the little vacuum line tree that is near the power booster. That thing was glued shut, but had a big hole along with other lines. I am assuming my car will probably run a LOT better and cooler once I eliminate the rest of all these vacuum leaks! Also changed the rubber exhaust pipe mounts near the trans since mine were almost disintegrated. I still dont know for sure if I am going to have the stomach to keep this Mark and restore it all the way - I kind of do want that experience, but I was torn on that decision because I had an idea of getting a newer LSC with 80k or less miles (my 94 has easily 250k now). Tomorrow I install a good used condenser, receiver dryer, new seals, and if I have enough time left Ill be able to finally install this excellent crossover pipe as well, and new coolant reservoir. I wont be able to drive the car until next week, which is when I get a smog and hopefully pass with no issues after working on the vacuum hoses (my Mark has always passed in the past according to paperwork). My bushings, ball joints, and everything else except the air bags themselves are trashed, and the car is all over the road and cant be aligned yet. I dont drive my Mark much right now (its been easily 8 months since I regularly drove it last) so I am going to put off the suspension until later. I have pics that I am taking during this work, so everyone can see the before and after, and Im taking a video of the motor so people can chime in and tell me if my motor sounds like its going to blow.
When I got my Mark, when you got the car on the lift and looked at the bottom of the motor, you couldnt see the lines, or oil pan or anything.. there was the big pile of sludge up to 3" deep in some places on the bottom of the motor, all the lines are leaking including the seal, oil filter adapter, PS lines, trans. I felt stupid for buying the car in that condition, but I got it so cheap, and it was much faster just about all the other Marks I've driven, including the newer LSC's. In fact Motor Trend said the same thing, when they test drove a 96 Mark, saying that a 93 they tested in the past felt much stronger and had a slightly better 0-60 time.
I have an old collection of Motor trends - one issue is from 96 titled "Americas Most Powerful." The Mark VIII was on the list with 9 other cars. I also found another motor trend that showed a Mark VIII convertible concept. I am going to scan these tonight, and create a new post to show the articles off if anyone is interested.
Worked on the 94, and now I can drive at night.
