Brian, Pete and myself ran in the San Diego autocross this past Sunday, all in novice class. The class was huge so we only got 3 runs in as opposed to the other classes that got 4. I think we all could have used another run because it was interesting to see our times drop on each run. The course was about a mile long and I was able to do the entire course in 2nd, even started in second because the beginning was set up as a running start that dog-legged right as you passed the timer. The hardest part was knowing when the brake/gas/steer/find the apex of a turn, etc... My instructor helped on the first two runs and I did the third run at my best time of 71.2s. This compared to all the other novices turning in about the same and a few of them dropping down to 63 or 65. The contrasts to some of the previous solo winners with their super modified cars with slicks turning in most of their times at about 60 and a few very good runs at 55, but those were hard to get. Overall, I felt very good about my runs and had a blast doing them. It really helps you to learn driving control and the LS is so forgiving if you make a mistake. I even beat our leader Brian who has 18" wheels with my 16" wheels. He said he didn't feel comfortable on this course, it showed while he was driving.
Net net, it was a very fun experience that left me wanting for more. I still feel as though I could use quite a few more runs before I start to feel comfortable on the course. Not to mention learning about apexes of turns, that is a complex issue that apparently comes with practice. Those of you going to Mania III, you will enjoy the autocross. It was fun and exciting and it did not harm the car at all. I highly recommend it for those that have not done so, but careful, it can be addictive. Oh, and the event costs were only $50 for the day.
Dude, put on the Borla, open up the airbox and you won't be singing any V6 woes! Heck, Lincoln got 10HP just with a new airbox and mufflers! I removed the snorkel, cut away most of the front of the airbox and ran a 3" tube through the hole in the sheetmetal directly under the snorkle down to the lower grille. Now I need a bigger throttle body! When I fire my six up, the intake sounds like a vacuum cleaner! The "intake" sound is much louder than removing the aircleaner off an old carburated motor! IMHO the V6 has mucho potential!
It's not so much the DOHC as it is the 4 valves. At lower rpms, 4 valve engines have two much valve area. This affects "swirl" and other flow characteristics. That's why some 4 valvers use separate primary and secondary "ports" or variable intake tract devices to block off one set of valves to keep intake velocity up. In most engines, all we are working with is atmospheric pressures and intake systems create all kinds of air friction and disturbances and add to "pumping losses". The 2003's supposedly have shorter, more direct intake systems. Fuel injection is more accurate than carbs, but in Nascar and other racing, carbs or Hilborn type injection is preferred for max flow at high rpm. Another little known factor favoring carbs is the gain through latent heat. In other words, adding fuel to air in a carb has the advantage of cooling the air when the fuel is vaporized. If I remember, it's somewhere in the 600 btu range for gasoline (water is in the 900's but much harder to vaporize). With fuel injection, there is much less cooling effect on the air. It injects too far down the air stream and too near the intake valve. The air is already too warm and there is so little time to cool the air charge. On my 1974 Toyota Corolla SR-5, I designed a system with a tank, pump, control unit and spray head that shot pure Methanol into the air cleaner area to really cool the air. With today's technology, one could use a fuel injection type fuel pump (high pressure) to drive a much better type misting nozzle. I have my old control unit that basically used a vacuum switch to start the pump but more importantly, prevented the pump from activating during starting when there is no vacuum. Another advantage of injecting methanol is that it adds oxygen and more fuel to the charge. Sort of a poor man's Nox system. I'm not sure this set-up would be approved by Calif's smog regulators. All the cars at Indy run methanol and the intake systems ice up on the outside. How cool do you want your air? I'll have to poke around the old LS and see if there would be any obvious point to inject some methanol mist. I'll soon install a 2002 air box which will allow the original air box to be experimented on. I'll also have to check to see if methanol will melt K&N filters. Wish me luck.
I just noticed during a gratuitus session with the gas pedal, while in park, when i hit the gas and it revs up to about 3k rpm maybe a little less it begins to cutout. I am guessing that this is by design to keep dummies like me from killing the engine.... I would appreciate anyones feedback.
I just noticed during a gratuitus session with the gas pedal, while in park, when i hit the gas and it revs up to about 3k rpm maybe a little less it begins to cutout. I am guessing that this is by design to keep dummies like me from killing the engine.... I would appreciate anyones feedback.
OOPS hit the wrong key--Anyway I just installed a new(2002) airbox and a K&N. WoW what a difference I'll put this up against any stock LSV8 sport and keep up or pass. That added HP on the lighter engine'd car makes a big difference, Borla here I come!
My dealer thought ther was no new part # when I asked him-- showed the picture posted on the LLSOC site and sure enough it has the same part # as the old box.
There is a built-in rev limiter that comes in at 2,500 rpm in neutral that you encountered. It is there to keep from damaging the transmission by revving and then dropping it into gear.
I drove a 300M while shopping, just because I thought I owed myself an opportunity to lose my prejudice against Chrysler products. Sticker about $6k less than my LS but the difference felt more like $16K. But I didn't mind the noisy engine because it drowned out the rattles. Besides, the dealer didn't have one with a big, bad hood scoop. Yeah, I remember Hat Boy:).
lsismore: Yup, there's a rev limiter at around 3k rpm on automatics. In case the reason isn't obvious to anyone, we had a boy racer a while back on the LLSOC site complaining he couldn't wind his V6 up to high rpm before dropping it into D!
I was looking for one of those nice stickers that they put there when making mods to the engine, well thats my guess any way, and noticed an entry for the reprogramming of the PCM. I was wonder, again, if that is the update for the transmission.
Part # is 2W4Z-9600-AA. $144 + $7.00 shipping (from Florida to San Diego). E-mail Torrie R. McPhail, owner of Ford Parts Network at www.fordpartsnetwork.com OR torrie@fordpartsnetwork.com He has sold lots of them.
Based upon the latest JR article and the chat board intellegence gathering software, all you have to do Stanny is get everyone you know and have them get everyone they know to sign up on Edmunds and post here the following: "I test drove a LS and really liked it a lot. If only it had a limited slip rear end I would have bought one."
JR's new software is sort of like the FBI's Carnivore program or the CIA's Echelon system that looks for "key words". Like "LSD". So LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD,LSD. Now..6 speed,6 speed,6 speed,6 speed,6speed,6speed. Now...3:58,3:58,3:58,3:58,3:58,3:58,3:58,3:58,Selma Hayek (OOPS,Freudian Slip)...3:58,3:58,3:58...
I just made my own and saved the $$$ for the 2001+ center console so I can have a real cupholder even without the wife unit . Post 6953 is a rough outline of what I did. I'd take pictures, but alas, I don't have a digital camera. The wife unit INSISTS we go to Hawai'i for our 25th
FYI - if you accidentally repost or fubar a post you have 30 minutes to correct it. Next to your post you will see an edit and a delete button. But they're only there for 30 minutes.
With the same wife? I'm on my third. Wore out the first two. I bet that if you both go to Hawaii, then you get to go to Mania 3. Good deal if that's all you have to pay. I'm catching hell to leave the wife unit on Valentines Day. Digital cameras are really cheap. Don't fall for the trap that you need over 2.1 megapixels. Web work is usually 640 x 480 anyway. It's more important to have an accessory wide angle lens. Olympus has a 460Z for a song. More camera than most people will use. Don't spend a lot. They get obsolete quickly. (All my pics on LLSOC site are 1.3 maximum)
Does that mean the "Tranny Man" is coming out to defrost? Great! Just like homecoming week. We'll break out a bottle of Redline Syn "D" ATF for ya on Thursday Night (or would you prefer AMSOIL Universal Syn ATF?)
It seems that we are getting colder and you are getting warmer. I am hoping for sunny weather for Mania 3. Here in San Diego we are having a semi-Santa Ana condition. Very dry winds off the desert. Chap Stick dry. Spikes to 70's during the day and then 40's at night. A real long thermometer which is unusual for this close to the ocean (15 miles). Women are using a lot of hand cream right now. Not too stressful for LS trannys compared to Northern Canada. I bet you miss reading fluid pressures via the Northern Lights.
As a dues paying member of LLSOC, I know what the benefits and perks can be. I guess that there is no reason now, since any and all information can be easily discussed on the public Edmund's board. I realty wonder if Roundel information is so freely exchanges?
I guess that research gathered by fellow members, price deals made with the supplier are but mere happen-stance. There could be no one person busting their proverbial tail to get get club discounts, only to have someone openly discuss the pricing in an open forum.
Think of all the money that I'd save because I was too lazy to do my own research. I don't see why club information should be proprietary, we'll share it here so I have no need to check into anything or find an area of experts!
I wouldn't need to check into the NHSTA's site for their skewed information, it will be reported back to me in total.
As to the people who wonder why I don't post here often, they either know the reason or are "Joey with out the facts." I guess that there is no reason for any members to bust their tail any more, it's better if we remain ignorant of the facts and use whining for some alleged recourse.
I personally Love my LS. V-8 Sport, built in 10-99, but absolutely no problems. Could I have bought more, compared to what was out there when I bought, there was nothing! I perused the option sheet carefully, and knew what I was ordering and what I was getting into. I realized fully that some options were not available, and that some were not available in certain combinations, but the car is still a joy to drive! It's just nice to know that I have a new outside reality source know, I can complain about what is not offered and sit on a "free" board to gather insight into the vehicle of my choice.
It would be interesting to know where the 300M cross-shopping numbers came from. Even our LLSOC Registry of over 450 LS owners only lists 10 300M cross-shoppers. I was one of those, as I was hoping for a return of the letter-car spirit of the 50s/60s (300+ hp and RWD).
Fortunately, I discovered the LS board here on Edmunds, and have been a very happy LS owner for the last two years. NO problems outside of the transmission reflash, and 18,000 miles of exhilarating driving.
AND in the process, I didn't send any money out of the country for profit or R & D.
It would be interesting to know where the 300M cross-shopping numbers came from. Even our LLSOC Registry of over 450 LS owners only lists 10 300M cross-shoppers. I was one of those, as I was hoping for a return of the letter-car spirit of the 50s/60s (300+ hp and RWD).
Fortunately, I discovered the LS board here on Edmunds, and have been a very happy LS owner for the last two years. NO problems outside of the transmission reflash, and 18,000 miles of exhilarating driving.
AND in the process, I didn't send any money out of the country for profit or R & D.
Thanks for reminding LLSOC members that there are ways to help fellow LS owners, that are not club members, with out giving out all the detailed information that we as club members enjoy. Any special club pricing information should never be given out. This will not only cause me problems with the venders, but also jeopardize those very discounts. There are many reasons to join the LLSOC, which has been formed out of friendships that were begun here on this board. The club was formed by our fearless leader Brian, and has grown steadily though the efforts of a handful of people. These people work very hard for many hours behind the scene. This is done for no compensation other then the feeling that comes from working together with a great bunch of people and to help fellow LS owners get more enjoyment out of their LS's. We will always provide information that is needed to help posters here on the Edmunds board, but we do not want to jeopardize those things that make our club so special.
Could we hope for an LS Station wagon?? Wouldn't it be a great competitor for the A6, 525, & c320 wagons out there already!! As you can tell I'm not an SUV guy, got a 93 300TE in the garage next to my LS6M. If there was a wagon out there in the next year or two it would definately be next to the sedan at trade-in time.
I think that the SUV evolution is coming back to the lowly station wagon. I'm not surprised. Look at the X5 and ML 320-430. Almost totally useless area behind the second row seat. My Volvo 965 RWD Wagon has more utility, less weight, better mileage and probably better acceleration and handling than those pigs. I have a third row pop-up seat for 7 people and with the second row seat down, I can accomodate 4 x 8 plywood/drywall! Try that in a Ford Ranger, most SUVs, and even the newer, smaller FWD wagons including Volvos. Station wagons only deficiency is that they don't put you up "high" which is a big selling point even in the mini-SUV's. Most SUV's are just overweight, raised, inefficient, ill-handling, rough-riding station wagons on truck frames.
Without starting a cuyber-turf war I would just like to say that the folks the come out from the LLSOC have proven themselves to be some of the most helpful folks I have never met. Thanks for your help here on edmunds.com and I will be seing you on llsoc.com in about 10 minutes.
I would also like to thnk edmunds.com for providing this townhall forum for us to share our good and our few and far between bad experiences. And thanks to all of you that have answered my numerous newbie questions about the best Sedan on the market today, well the best affordable one.
Arrgh! I just visited the site and found that there is no credit card processing for membership. Could someone from llsoc email me noahpullen@hotmail.com if there is a quicker way than snail mail.
It sure does look like a Lincoln license surround. Could it be a decoy? The rumor mill has been buzzing with the next Taurus as a crossover vehicle only. This could be it.
BTW-for anyone who went to Dearborn for Mania2, that gate in the background sure looks familiar, doesn't it?
My money says it's a Mercury. I've read in several places that the next new Merc will be a crossover station wagon. And that there may not be a Ford equivalent.
We've got 20 people signed up so far with room for many more!
We've added to the adventure with the Thursday night happy hour taking place at Gameworks in the Irvine Spectrum next to the Doubletree Hotel.
We reserved a private room right over the indoor electric go-cart track. The go-carts(which are big enough to fit my big fat, ummm, posterior) can get up to 25 mph and are a hoot to drive! I'm thinking that we could run a couple of friendly grudge matches?
We have also acquired donations of product from various manufacturers ranging from Meguiars gift baskets to a Borla exhaust system that we are going to a)raffle off and b) having a noisy auction (as opposed to a silent auction) of the stuff. steve_ca has been instrumental in getting these goodies together and there are quite a few unique and one-of-a-kind LS items, that will only be available to those who attend.
We've also finalized the agenda, and for those who attended Mania 2 know, there will be a surprise or two, that only those in attendance will be able to talk about!
Remember this is a LLSOC members event and there is still time to register!
I relate to stanny1's commentary on wagons. Our "other" car is a 1996 Taurus LX wagon, and it is our primary run about town utility car. It is EXTREMELY practical, and a very pleasant car to drive around town. I make frequent trips to Home Depot, especially since we are involved with a major house remodel project, and I could never haul the stuff we bring home in the Taurus in our Lincoln LS. I do envy stanny's ability to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood and drywall in his Volvo though. The Taurus can't quite do that.
One thing I would like to see is more evidence that the car buying public is really awakening to the impracticality of most SUVs in contrast with the far more practical and efficient station wagon. Unfortunately, our country is VERY FAD ORIENTED! People don't think for themselves or analyze things logically. If they did, there would be no SUV boom.
Received my new 2002 Air Box today in record time thanks to Torrie at Ford Parts Network. This thing has more holes for air than swiss cheese. Well, one big inlet in the front and one original snorkel. I know why it's $144.00 now. You get a new OEM air filter AND a new hot wire air flow meter complete. You just set it in and plug it in. I wonder if the new air meter is different (I'll check the part #'s tomorrow). I'm going to install the air filter from Borla instead of reinstalling the K&N. Test results later...
I had an '93 Taurus SHO (manual of course) that was due for replacement so I was looking for another 4 door sport sedan with a 5 or 6 speed. I had a LS V8 as a rental car for a week last spring (what an upgrade from the 626 I was supposed to get) but found myself reaching down to shift at every light, and that reminded me that the LS came in a 5 speed. Glad I talked to Dudley at http://www.cars.com/whitebearlincoln/. He managed to track down 2 2000 V6 manuals for me to test drive and now one is sitting in my garage.
I'm definitely much younger that the average Lincoln buyer (26), but I was curious about the LS ever since it came out. After driving it for two months, I'm still extremely glad I bought it. The ride and cornering are excellent. Sometimes I wish it had another 20-40 horsepower after switching from my other car (89 Taurus SHO -- detect a pattern here?).
Wish I had a digitial camera with me when I drove past the dealer a couple of weeks ago. 12+ LS's lined up in a row, and at least 6 of them were manuals.
well I picked my car up from another pleasant visit to my LM shop and my service coordinator took the liberty of pulling around a brand spanking new 2k2 LSV8 with ground effects, a nice spiloer, and Borla exhaust with a K&N filter. It was awesome, jeez I just got goose bumps again. This sled could be a good contender for the m5. It also had SST but the cup holders are right in the way of the shifter again. PLEASE FORD STOP PUTTING THE CUP HOLDER IN THE WAY OF THE SHIFTER. ARGGH! I am sure the parts for the ground effects are in the ford parts bin now so I plan on pricing them so if anyone has seen what I am talking about and know the numbers feel free to email me @ noahpullen@hotmail.com. Nice job on the body work though. As a foot note on my way back to pick my car up I got stuck behind a 300M, I was in a loaner Sable, and I really can't see the LS and the 300M as the same class of cars. Also the CST, from Cadillac, not a nice looking car and the poor thing doesn't even have the power, Horse power, to make it more likeable so not even an option in my book. It is way to radical of a design. However, the interior looks very sharp and I think Ford should takes some notes from the GM folks. Have a great day and a pleasant weekend.
As much as we love our LS' I don't think anyone here really believes that it's in the same league as a M5, even with the modifications. The 2003 might get it up to 540i territory but it will take a lot more to compete with the M5.
The body kits are available. I think the factory version is called the LSE? Also includes a new front fascia with round foglights. Very nice. But pricey. I think I heard something in the range of $2K?
The cupholders haven't changed because they haven't redesigned the interior, but that's rumoured to be fixed for 2003. They did update the cupholders for 2001 - the 2000 models have two small openings that flip open. The newer models have the smaller opening plus a slightly larger opening offset that are built into the console and don't flip. Give Lincoln credit. It's difficult to change anything that quickly. Now let's hope the interior designers were forced to drive Audis for 6 months while redesigning the LS interior.
Comments
Net net, it was a very fun experience that left me wanting for more. I still feel as though I could use quite a few more runs before I start to feel comfortable on the course. Not to mention learning about apexes of turns, that is a complex issue that apparently comes with practice. Those of you going to Mania III, you will enjoy the autocross. It was fun and exciting and it did not harm the car at all. I highly recommend it for those that have not done so, but careful, it can be addictive. Oh, and the event costs were only $50 for the day.
Jeff
TIA
TIA
?
Brian
anonymous stupidity is always preferred in my book.
lsismore: Yup, there's a rev limiter at around 3k rpm on automatics. In case the reason isn't obvious to anyone, we had a boy racer a while back on the LLSOC site complaining he couldn't wind his V6 up to high rpm before dropping it into D!
anonymous stupidity is always preferred in my book.
I was looking for one of those nice stickers that they put there when making mods to the engine, well thats my guess any way, and noticed an entry for the reprogramming of the PCM. I was wonder, again, if that is the update for the transmission.
He has sold lots of them.
"I test drove a LS and really liked it a lot. If only it had a limited slip rear end I would have bought one."
8^)
Digital cameras are really cheap. Don't fall for the trap that you need over 2.1 megapixels. Web work is usually 640 x 480 anyway. It's more important to have an accessory wide angle lens. Olympus has a 460Z for a song. More camera than most people will use. Don't spend a lot. They get obsolete quickly. (All my pics on LLSOC site are 1.3 maximum)
Mark
Mark
I guess that research gathered by fellow members, price deals made with the supplier are but mere happen-stance. There could be no one person busting their proverbial tail to get get club discounts, only to have someone openly discuss the pricing in an open forum.
Think of all the money that I'd save because I was too lazy to do my own research. I don't see why club information should be proprietary, we'll share it here so I have no need to check into anything or find an area of experts!
I wouldn't need to check into the NHSTA's site for their skewed information, it will be reported back to me in total.
As to the people who wonder why I don't post here often, they either know the reason or are "Joey with out the facts." I guess that there is no reason for any members to bust their tail any more, it's better if we remain ignorant of the facts and use whining for some alleged recourse.
I personally Love my LS. V-8 Sport, built in 10-99, but absolutely no problems. Could I have bought more, compared to what was out there when I bought, there was nothing! I perused the option sheet carefully, and knew what I was ordering and what I was getting into. I realized fully that some options were not available, and that some were not available in certain combinations, but the car is still a joy to drive! It's just nice to know that I have a new outside reality source know, I can complain about what is not offered and sit on a "free" board to gather insight into the vehicle of my choice.
Artie
Proud Charter Member, LLSOC
Fortunately, I discovered the LS board here on Edmunds, and have been a very happy LS owner for the last two years. NO problems outside of the transmission reflash, and 18,000 miles of exhilarating driving.
AND in the process, I didn't send any money out of the country for profit or R & D.
http://pc99.detnews.com/autosinsider/sneakpeek/index.hbs?myrec=14
Fortunately, I discovered the LS board here on Edmunds, and have been a very happy LS owner for the last two years. NO problems outside of the transmission reflash, and 18,000 miles of exhilarating driving.
AND in the process, I didn't send any money out of the country for profit or R & D.
Thanks for reminding LLSOC members that there are ways to help fellow LS owners, that are not club members, with out giving out all the detailed information that we as club members enjoy. Any special club pricing information should never be given out. This will not only cause me problems with the venders, but also jeopardize those very discounts. There are many reasons to join the LLSOC, which has been formed out of friendships that were begun here on this board. The club was formed by our fearless leader Brian, and has grown steadily though the efforts of a handful of people. These people work very hard for many hours behind the scene. This is done for no compensation other then the feeling that comes from working together with a great bunch of people and to help fellow LS owners get more enjoyment out of their LS's. We will always provide information that is needed to help posters here on the Edmunds board, but we do not want to jeopardize those things that make our club so special.
Tom
Member LLSOC
I would also like to thnk edmunds.com for providing this townhall forum for us to share our good and our few and far between bad experiences. And thanks to all of you that have answered my numerous newbie questions about the best Sedan on the market today, well the best affordable one.
Arrgh! I just visited the site and found that there is no credit card processing for membership. Could someone from llsoc email me noahpullen@hotmail.com if there is a quicker way than snail mail.
BTW-for anyone who went to Dearborn for Mania2, that gate in the background sure looks familiar, doesn't it?
C U at Mania III.
George
We've added to the adventure with the Thursday night happy hour taking place at Gameworks in the Irvine Spectrum next to the Doubletree Hotel.
We reserved a private room right over the indoor electric go-cart track. The go-carts(which are big enough to fit my big fat, ummm, posterior) can get up to 25 mph and are a hoot to drive! I'm thinking that we could run a couple of friendly grudge matches?
We have also acquired donations of product from various manufacturers ranging from Meguiars gift baskets to a Borla exhaust system that we are going to a)raffle off and b) having a noisy auction (as opposed to a silent auction) of the stuff. steve_ca has been instrumental in getting these goodies together and there are quite a few unique and one-of-a-kind LS items, that will only be available to those who attend.
We've also finalized the agenda, and for those who attended Mania 2 know, there will be a surprise or two, that only those in attendance will be able to talk about!
Remember this is a LLSOC members event and there is still time to register!
Brian
LLSOC Prez
One thing I would like to see is more evidence that the car buying public is really awakening to the impracticality of most SUVs in contrast with the far more practical and efficient station wagon. Unfortunately, our country is VERY FAD ORIENTED! People don't think for themselves or analyze things logically. If they did, there would be no SUV boom.
I'm definitely much younger that the average Lincoln buyer (26), but I was curious about the LS ever since it came out. After driving it for two months, I'm still extremely glad I bought it. The ride and cornering are excellent. Sometimes I wish it had another 20-40 horsepower after switching from my other car (89 Taurus SHO -- detect a pattern here?).
Wish I had a digitial camera with me when I drove past the dealer a couple of weeks ago. 12+ LS's lined up in a row, and at least 6 of them were manuals.
-Noah
The body kits are available. I think the factory version is called the LSE? Also includes a new front fascia with round foglights. Very nice. But pricey. I think I heard something in the range of $2K?
The cupholders haven't changed because they haven't redesigned the interior, but that's rumoured to be fixed for 2003. They did update the cupholders for 2001 - the 2000 models have two small openings that flip open. The newer models have the smaller opening plus a slightly larger opening offset that are built into the console and don't flip. Give Lincoln credit. It's difficult to change anything that quickly. Now let's hope the interior designers were forced to drive Audis for 6 months while redesigning the LS interior.
4-door sport sedans:
What's your favorite:
1) exterior styling
2) interior styling
3) powertrain
Must be production versions and not prototypes, but don't have to be on sale yet.
Mine would have to be:
1) LS
2) Audi A6
3) 400 hp 4.2L Jag AJV8 w/6 speed automatic