Well guys. I got a sad call the other day from my brother. He wrecked my baby... Im trying not to cry. hold on.

They were up in Tennessee with my truck making his move there from Texas. He just got a job a manager of one of the Puckets BBQ restaurants that my dads friend owns. It was the first time my truck towed a trailer and she did darn good from what they told me.

I had brand new tires on it and week old brakes and he still wrecked it. I don't wanna jump to conclusions but I think he wasn't paying attention because honestly that the only way I see it possible.

Not but 25k miles ago I dropped new phasers, timing, and oil pump parts into it and the way I see it the motor and all is still great. The trans was even fairly new. I want it back because the love and the memories are worth more they some way underestimated check, especially at 200,000. We all know these trucks could go a lot further than that.. But since I don't have the cash to get it shipped back, and its still under my dads name, he's signing it over.

Man.... So I guess this is goodbye to you guys. No more expedition to talk about. It's on now to a 97 Lincoln Mark VIII and as much as I can't wait to have and enjoy her, I am really, really gonna miss my truck. So long guys.

 

Sorry to hear... definitely get the whole story if you haven't already, sometimes **** just happens especially if your brother was on unfamiliar roads. I mean you could always get another expy or navi for cheap if you really wanted another one, they are practically giving them away with higher miles and you are right these modulars can run a very long time.


If not... the mark viii is a cool as hell car and very fun. Basically an automatic cobra and you can use most of the mustang engine mods on them. You don't see many of them either, very unique.

 

Yeah. I certainly don't wanna jump to conclusions. But man am I gonna miss that truck. So since we are getting just enough to buy the Mark in full I am going to get it for now. I will be back for another expedition someday though.. Always wanted a all black 2006 limited. I guess we'll start saving now.

 

Definitely look for another IMO. I love these trucks and am already thinking of getting a second one in a year or two for me to drive daily and relegating this one to a workhorse/dog carrier. Honestly if I get another one these trucks I'll probably go all out and look for a Navi Ultimate. I like the 03-06 style and I like the little touches on the Navi even if ppl say I'm overpaying for a "glorified Expy". There is a blue 03 Navi Ultimate with black interior and middle bucket seats/console with 57k miles for $11,800 about 100 miles from me and that is just one example. These trucks are bulletproof, cheap, easy to work on, and they are practically giving them away these days.

 

Yep. They are very talented to say the least. Also they handle like a sports car more than big 2 1/2 ton trucks and I loved that about mine. And the sound you get from those modular engines when you put the pedal to the floor is music. Certainly the best truck I've ever drove.

 

Yeah I like them. Every time I drive my fathers 05 F150 I'm glad I have an Expy. Smooth, independent suspension all around and basically the same tow capacity. I would not call them sports cars but for trucks they handle very well.

As far as your Mark VIII. Any plans for it? The 4V is nice but there are "gotchas" with the B heads that can cause issues such as gummed up secondaries, stuck IMRCs and the fact that the Mark intake/intake cams are not as aggressive as the Cobra but that's more of a performance thing than the other stuff I mentioned.

Also, check the tag number on the transmission. Sometime in the mid model year of 1997 the 4R70w transmissions received a big upgrade internally. It should start off "F7" if it is upgraded IIRC. If that is the case, research the "j-mod" on youtube and the TCCOA forums. If you haven't heard of it, this mod functions like a shift kit for $60 worth of gaskets and drill bits and increases overall transmission life/longevity. What you do is pull the valve body out, pull the separator plates and enlarge a few of the holes in the plates. You also remove a few springs that soften the shifts in stock form and then put it all back together and go. The trans shifts much faster/firmer and will bark 2nd and 3rd gear no problem. It sounds complicated but its not, anyone who can follow an instructional video and is good with basic hand tools can do it.

 

I was not planning too much for the mark VIII to start with. I would like to play with the tuning and see what I can get out of it. I will definitely look for cams and exhaust. My goal is 400-500 hp not much more. I think that would be more than enough for a nice daily driver.

I made a post on here about swapping a 4r75e in to my mark and tuning it well. Seeing as how I had an old one that won't be used, I really wanna go take it now. Too bad my truck is 5 states away in a wreck yard.

When you said "gotchas" did you mean things about car that could screw you? I'm getting a really good deal on this mark and I've no idea of its history. Anything specific I should investigate thoroughly before handing over the cash? Thanks

 

I mean the b headed cars have issues with the secondaries. Basically, there are two intake ports on the heads but the injectors only spray fuel into one port. This means that the secondaries get clogged with carbon buildup over time which can lead to other issues.

If you get it, seafoam it and maybe even delete the imrcs and the the car to run without them. Or just make sure they are opening. The mark viii is basically a cobra with an auto and can be really fast. Mid pipe, catback, gears suspension and tune with a j mod and you have an 11 second ride no problem.

I like the lincoln ls as well as another less well known performance vehicle but they are maintenance nightmares. The mark is not except for just typical older vehicle issues.

 

Ok. Thanks for clarifying that. I'll be sure to check them out before buying. If there is a intake I could buy to get a little more power and solve the issue I will do that. And I planned on sea foaming and some minor overhauling if I heard the rockers or timing chains too much for my liking. (which is 3 ticks per day hah)

I know they are basically cobras and very tough motors! They actually share the same motor with the Koenigsegg CCX also, a $1.2m dollar super car. I cannot wait to get mine. Plus I like circuit racing too and live 20 miles from the Circuit Of The America's F1 track here in Austin, Texas, so that should be a much better track car.

 

They don't share the same motor, they probably have a block made by the same company (teksid) but the Mark has a cast crank and powder metal rods. The CCX does not use a DOHC Ford motor lol. Power limit of the Mark motor is when the rods let go, appx 450rwhp. Most ppl with boosted 4.6s that aren't "built" or one of the forged blocks like the Terminator get a safe tune at 400-425rwhp and call it good.

As far as an intake, the ports are in the heads too, you'd have to convert to C heads and then figure out the intake. I'm assuming that you can change out the Mark VIII intake with the 96-98 Cobra or if you swap to C heads you could use the 99/01 Cobra or the Mach 1 intake.

what I would do:

-Mid pipe/catback
-4.30 gears
-J-Mod
-Suspension/wheels/tires
-Aftermarket converter
-Tune

 

I read it somewhere and I may be wrong. Obviously the stock internals and all wouldn't hold 850+ hp but I hear the base for it is a 4.6 DOHC. I also read the stock blocks could handle in excess of that but like I said I may be wrong.

Either way. The car is gonna be great! I'm excited because I can't wait to mash the gas on this car and reap the other benefits of it too. Also because it brings me one step closer to being able to save for another expedition because I can't see myself without an expedition. It was just my favorite car ever and I can't wait to own another.

Good talking to you and thanks for the advice. I'll take it all into consideration when I get this car and begin modding, and my be back here for more.

Until next time, Hudson