Interestingly enough, my spare tire area came with an extra jug of Ford coolant. Brand new, too.
The salesman was a little surprised when he lifted the spare tire cover to show off the features. The jug's still there. Hey, maybe I'll need it some day. :-)
The 2001 console cover is $236 + $7 shipping at fordpartsnetwork. Have to decide if is is worth it with 18 months left on my LS lease. I've never seen a 2001 V6 manual so I don't know if the console covers are the same. The 2000 had space for only a single cup.
I seem to recall one poster from Colorado that tested the LS with advance trak in the snow/ice. Does this AT allow the LS to have equivalent or better handling than the cars like the 300M with its FWD advantage.
Not that I use either, I am just curious since the owner who tested the LS seemed to think really high of the AT option and how it passed his expectations.
Seems like Lincoln wants to sell more Advance Track options. I understand that for the 2002 LS that Advance Track and Heated Seats are no longer available indivdually. They now come bundled together under a "All Weather" option. I wonder what the price of the new bundeled option is, that is is the total price now lower? Also it seems like the cassette tape deck is no longer available. That won't make late adopters liek me who still use cassettes happy. I still think that the message center should be available on the V6 as part of the comfort option package.
I was tempted to jump in on this topic with the 300M boys, but I'd had enough of that "discussion" by that time. I know who you're talking about, alphanstein, one of my fellow Coloradans has gone out and deliberately thrashed his LS around on the ice to test the AT and posted about it over on the LLSOC board. I haven't done that, but I can say the LS is the best 2WD drive car I've ever driven in snow, and that includes a FWD Saab. I commute 90 miles every day on rural highways and had no problems at all this past winter. And I left the Sport Package stock Firehawks on, and I'll do it again next winter. The balance and precise steering make it absolutely controllable at all times. Straight-ahead traction in deep snow is a little weak, and it was pretty easy to get the traction control to kick in starting from rest on ice. Not once, not ever, did the rear end slide out or the front tires plow going around a slick corner. The AdvanceTrac is effective, and so subtle you're not even aware it's working. It feels like you've got studded snow tires all around. Going up a steep hill in deep snow, a heavy FWD car will do better than the LS, but that's about the only situation where there would be any difference. I've always felt FWD was overrated. And during a big snowstorm, most of the vehicles you see off the road and stuck are 4WD. HOW you drive is much more important than WHAT you drive.
According to the 05/07/01 version of the 2002 LS product data sheet, AdvanceTrac and heated seats will still be available as separate options. There is no mention of an "all-weather" package on the data sheet. Did you get your info from a dealer?
The in-dash CD changer will be standard equipment on all '02 models. As in '01, the cassette deck is not available on the Sport model. You can, however, get the cassette on the non-Sport in a package with the Audiophile system and the glove-box CD changer. The cassette is no longer available with the standard sound system.
The message center, unfortunately, still won't be available on the '02 V6.
I believe that the 2000 and 2001 manual-trans consoles are identical; that is, they both have a single cupholder between the shifter and console bin. The '01 manual did not adopt the new double-well console used in the '01 auto model.
(Someone please correct me if I'm wrong; I don't think I've ever seen an '01 manual in the flesh.)
Based on Mark's suggestion, I have decided to go ahead and get my auto tranny fluid changed. (35,000 miles). Stopped by the dealer closest to my home (Safford in Silver Spring) and they service advisor quoted me $139 for a fluid change. Anyone else know of any cheaper alternatives, yet still utilizes the proper Ford fluids and methods? Mark mentioned he prefers the method that taps into the cooler lines, and would like to go that method if possible. Thanx
That's awfully steep if it's just a drain and refill. Grease Monkey charged me around $50 for the flush out thru the cooler method on my '95 Subaru. They charge a bit more for transmissions that require a separate process for the torque converter, $65 or $70 IIRC. But of course proper Ford fluids is the big question mark there, not to mention warranty compliance.
For $139 I've got to wonder if that isn't more than a simple drain and refill. The dealer does my oil changes and they're competitive, price wise. Motorcraft synthetic and filter change runs around $54. Last time I looked Grease Monkey was charging $50 for a 5 qt. Mobil 1 change.
I wonder if Mark can tell us if there's a specified process that dealers follow.
Scott8. Thanx for the info. Mark: Can you post here the proper method for a auto tranny fluid change? Is there a flush process? Do most dealers tap into the cooler? What about this separate torque converter process? I would like to get this done at the dealer, but dont want to get completely screwed on the price, and I would also like to compare one dealer to the other, and also compare their processes. If (heaven forbid) I run into any transmission issues down the line, it would look a lot better in my records if all maintenance done to it, were done at a Lincoln dealer, by Lincoln techs, with Lincoln (Ford) parts and fluids.
Seems like every time I go to LLSOC.com, I find some new info. :-) Great site. join it. I was kind of surprised to see that the 2002 LS V6 will get a 10hp increase and 10ft/lb increase in torque. Not much, but an improvement nonetheless. Still lagging behind the V6 power of the upcoming Maxima and current TL-S Acura, but then again, so is the LS V8 engine.
The latest (07/01) product data sheet for the '02 LS DOES have the All-Season package listed, and you are absolutely correct. AdvanceTrac and heated seats are included in this package and they are no longer available as separate options. This is a change from the 05/07 data sheet--that one still had them listed separately and didn't list the package.
If there's any good news, the data sheet says that heated seats are included at no charge. The data sheet doesn't show prices, and I haven't found the '02 price list posted anywhere.
Sorry for the bad info on my part--I'll try to do better research next time.
Another interesting difference between the 05/07 and 07/01 data sheets is that the earlier one still had the V6 listed at 210 h.p. @6500 r.p.m. and 205 torque @4750; the 07/01 sheet shows the V6 having 220 h.p. @6400 and 215 torque @4800. Compression ratio is still 10.5-to-1. The V8 for '02 is still shown to have a 6 ft.lb. reduction in torque to 261 @4300; that's also what is shown on the 05/07 data sheet.
I believe that '02 LS production begins tomorrow, so I assume that these changes will be in place for Job 1.
I searched the data sheet thoroughly, and there's no mention of redline on either engine--guess the assumption is that it's unchanged. Horsepower for the '02 V8 is still 252 (at 6100 r.p.m.) and V8 compression ratio is 10.55-to-1.
Engine sizes are still shown as 3.0 and 3.9; my best guess on the method used for boosting the V6 would be improved breathing, but that's merely wild speculation on my part. ;-)
Why would this be? Were the 2000-2001 V8's maximum power rated at 6100 also? If so, the torque must be the same at THAT RPM. What's happening with a 6 ft-lb reduction in maximum torque?
Wonder if the engine output is the same, but the published figures had to be revised in the interest of accuracy. Perhaps something like the mysterious disappearing horsepower in the SVT Cobra a couple years back.
The increase in V6 power is from a less restrictive exhaust and a revised airbox; no internal engine changes or performance hop-ups in the calibration, i.e. 2000 & 2001 V6 owners can get similar h.p. numbers form their cars too. Redline stays the same for the V6.
I have the same "problem." I thought it was something my kid did to the display features during her surfing and I just hadn't figured out what she did or how to undo it. Still it is strange that this doesn't happen when I look at the Infiniti and Jaguar townhall boards!
..actually Giowa, the V8's HP remains the same, but it's rated torque actually DROPS by 6 ft/lb for the 2002 model year.
The V6 Manual is looking more and more attractive. Wonder how the 2002 power changes will affect Lincolns published performance times for the V8 and V6 manual? Used to be 7.2 and 7.4 0-60 (for those who care about 0-60 numbers) respectively. Sounds like that gap may be closing even further.
As a sidenote, there are a couple of brand new LS's for auction on ebay, including a V6 Manual, if Im not mistaken.
I like the system that taps into the cooler line because it changes about 95% of the fluid. It is an easy way to get all of it changed, especially on cars that don't have a drainplug on torque converter. This service will also change the fluid in the torque converter.
If a shop has a different price for a change with and without a converter service, the price without the converter service must be for only changing the fluid in the pan. While changing just the pan fluid is better than nothing, less than half of the total fluid can be changed in this service.
We're getting this wide-screen format because of the hook photo that Brian posted. It's forcing the wraparound because the photo is too wide for the normal format and can't be chopped/line-fed by the browser.
When you're on a page that doesn't have this photo, the format reverts back to normal. You can verify this by clicking on the "scroll up 20 messages" link.
As a computer wonk, I can verify that this is what we call a "feature".
keyrow-you'll have to apologize to you daughter; and John- I thought that might be it, but then dismissed it as coincidence. Thanks! I guess all will be ok when we get off this page?
For Brain's transgression, I propose that he moderate a face-to-face debate between sirharper of the 300M board and our own Giowa
So sorry gang. Not sure why Edmunds expands the pictures. I had it at a small format before I exported it so as not to take up the whole page but looks like it blew it up
Oh Geez! Anything but that! I thought torture was outlawed!
Scot: Do you mean we can update our V-6 airboxes to 2002 and improve performance? I suppose that means that V-8 owners can do the same, since I've heard it's the same airbox. Do you know what the hp or torque improvement is? Do you know what the 2002 airbox part # is because it takes the dealers a while to get that. Finally, is it just "bolt-in"? Also, what changes were made in the exhaust system? Resonators, mufflers, cats, and/or pipe diameter(s). Is this "bolt-in"? Although, it's only related, The new July issue of Car and Driver has a full test of the new T-Bird and on page 62 states that it has : "Final Drive Ratio.......3:58,limited slip" I doubt if both of these are correct, and both could be wrong. I can believe the 3:58 because the T-Bird, despite being heavier than the LS-8, did 7 seconds flat from 0-60 in C&D and R&T tests. But if a limited slip pumpkin is available for our rear end, I will be at my dealer's parts department today! Finally, what 0-60 improvement does an additional 10 hp make in the 2002 Manual? Thanks, Curious Stanny1
Does anyone know what has happened to '02 weights for LS6 and LS8? Auto & manual? The extra ponies may be offset by additional weight. (I've long been hoping Lincoln would add rear side air bags & full curtain air bags; not to mention goodies like Brake Assist.) Even if no additional weight, not sure that this small amount of additional ponies will make much, if any difference, in acceleration times. Doesn't dramatically change power-to-weight ratio. Also wonder if there were any gear ratio or final drive ratio changes.
ronniepooh: I just changed the fluid/filter on my sister's 92 Cougar. I was only able to drain about 5 quarts of the 12 or 13 listed in the manual (ie rest of it in torque converter.) Let me tell you... unless you have a huge pan for draining, a way to get the car pretty far off of the ground and a lot of patience... go with the dealer's $139. That sounds like a fairly decent price to me considering parts & labor (and I love to 'work' on cars.) PLUS, my sister's car has a filler tube/dipstick in the engine compartment, so filling was a snap... can't imagine dealing with the filler hole underneath!
Just make sure they are draining the torque converter in that price, though - or I would say you would be getting ripped off.
I just checked with my dealer here in Minneapolis on the price of this service. They use Mark's preferred method of tapping into the cooler lines. The service writer also said that they drop the pan, clean it out, and change the filter. The price is $169.95. Sounds kind of pricey but a friend of mine just had it done on his Bonneville and it cost about the same.
"Jim Rogers has been named to the newly created position of marketing strategy manager of the Premier Automotive Group....."
"In his new post, Rogers will be responsible for the creation of synergies between the North American Premier Automotive Group brands and the development of best practices. "
nedcm: I haven't seen any 02's yet...but I can tell you this 01' V8's are a quantum leap over the OO's. Many of the problems you see discussed on this formum are generally 00' problems. Reflashing transmission software, power-window problems dominated the first release of the LS. The V6 folks have been screaming for a V8 stick- I fear all in vain!... since the whole concept of a luxury Lincoln with a clutch seems silly! (boy am I gonna here it from all the 6 Cyl Clutch die- hards)...Think I'll put on my helmet and wait for the post barrage to come in on this one!
Well back to you... I think most everyone on this forum will agree that each succeeding LS cleans up the problems of the last, so my assumption is to buy the latest. I have an 01 LS V8 sports package and I highly reccomend the extra cost for the performance and feel you get out of it. I also love my Firestones, they have been great so far!
I guess all those people who bought the 540i-6, M5, 240C-6 and expensive Manual transmission sport sedans really wanted slush boxes but didn't know they were available. Like who would pay 70k+ for an M5 - just the fastest production four door on the planet.
I took my baby in today to get the lumbar switch replaced and the seatback cover replaced as well as the 15k service. I am having delayed engagements from 1'st to 2'nd as well as some intermittant hesitation when accellerating up a hill or when stomping the pedal to pass on the highway. I had a reflash done last year. The question. Is TSB 01-01-05 the second update or is this the same one as before. MY recollection is that there has been 2 updates to the trans. Is this correct? Thanks in advance for the info. PS I got a Mercury Sable as a loaner..now I know why I got an LS!!
Stanny1 I guess you said it all .....$70K... Now there's a number most of us can fit in our budget!(not!) Sell your beamer, kiddo and get a performance luxury car without having to mortgage the house to do it!
My congratulations, also. And I think I can speak for the group here, as well as LLSOC, in welcoming you to call on us anytime for advice or opinions. We've got plenty of both.:)
"Anne Belec is appointed Lincoln Mercury general marketing manager, replacing Jim Rogers. She previously was franchise and business development manager, a position she has held since July 1999, and began her career with the company in Ford of Canada in 1985."
For all you V6 manual enthusiasts, I'm publishing a letter I sent to Brian at the LLSOC.
"Hey Brian,
The system arrived this morning as promised thank you!). The box was too big to fit in the car, so we (me and several interested co-workers) opened it and admired the pieces for a while before putting them in the trunk. I left work early, and got home a little after 3:30. I got changed and tooled up By 4:00. The car was in the air about 4:15. At a little after 6:30 I was pulling out of the driveway for a quick test blast around the neighborhood.
First impressions: You guys had me scared that it would be too loud. It's a little louder than the Borla in my '85 T-Bird Turbo Coupe (that doesn't really count though, cause it was as quiet as stock due to the turbo). It's much quieter than my '93 Probe GT w/Borla system, and is even quieter than the '89 SHO w/Borla system my 3rd ex stole from me at divorce time. The sound and sound level is very tasteful and very definitely Borla. This willbe a very easy system to live with.
So......I'm a happy camper, and can easily predict that I will stay that way for the long term.
Joe N."
Stan, and other V6 manual owners, after a few more days of evaluation, I can definitely say that this is the system you want! Barely noticeable at normal driving, great sounding when you tach it up. Best of all is the LLSOC pricing, & it'll easily pay for itself in MPG savings if you keep the car for 100K+ miles.
If the target customer for the LS is a slightly younger blue-haired boulevard-cruiser consumer to add to the ancient crowd that already loves the Town Car, then you're exactly right. Who'd want to actually shift a "luxury" car like the LS?
On the other hand, if the LS is still being put forward as a legitimate competitor with the BMW (a thesis I'm becoming less and less willing to believe the Ford Corporation embraces), you need a manual on the big engine. Following a number of these boards, including the 9-car comparison Edmunds recently sponsored, your comments lead me to believe you'd just love the Infiniti I30. It's as bland as the day is long. And you could well be right -- this may (sadly) be where the LS is headed.
Stanny1 and I, along with a few others, dearly hope not, but time will tell. Your words so nearly match what many of the Lincoln sales people say, that the LS may be doomed. Who wants to shift a "luxury" car? People who enjoy driving.
For those of us who like to shift... the question was ask what 10 added ponys and 10 added lbs would do to 0-60 times. Answer, quite alot actually. If one takes the torque curve from the LLSOC site and add 10 lbs/ft torque @ 4800 and set torque @ 6400 for 220hp then the follow results occur:
----LS-V6M 2001------------------------LS-V6M 2002 ----------Diff Ratio-----------------------Diff Ratio MPH---3.07---3.31---3.58---------MPH---3.07---3.31---3.58
Welcome Back Joe! When I heard Airconhall's Magnaflow, I wasn't impressed. It seemed louder inside the car than out. Since it looks like even the factory thinks intake and exhaust can use some help in 2002, and you are the first Manual application I've heard of, I'll have to look into the Borla system. I am really curious as to the specific exhaust mods done to the 2002 V-6 and the airbox changes as well. I'm the kind of guy that can't get enough detail. Congrats to J.R. I hope his new position enables him to have more power and less politics to deal with and he can set a direction for the LS that will give buyers luxury AND performance. Since his team invented the niche that the LS Manual fills, I hope he can influence it's development into a real competitor to at least the base 5 series, and BMW is already feeling the heat with their new "value-pricing" directive. While I don't see a V-8 Manual in the future, I can see a VVT V-6 with an overdrive Manual, deeper rear gears with LSD enabling sub 7 second 0-60 times and at a mid 35k price. Nothing competes in that category. Also, let's welcome Anne Belec to the fold. She's got some big shoes to fill. I hope she has driven a stick shift before and has a chance to drive a 2002 Manual, especially in a slolom environment. I hope she's the type who would enjoy the Teacup ride at Disneyland or a day at Magic Mountain for the sheer sake of experiencing G-forces. We need a "wild and crazy" VP of Marketing and not a "Town Car" lady. Hey, you got the "younger" demographics (at least the younger psychographics), and now you've got to figure out what to sell us. Hint - it's all on the "shelves" now. Just put it together. Congrats.
Glad to see you have returned. How long has it been since you last graced us with your presence here? I'd been assuming you were off doing secret engine work, designing and building the perfect V-6 to dethrone BMW's I-6.
You'll have to jump into the 300M, Aurora, LS debate. If I remember right, you were quite passionate a long time ago in a similar Bonneville, Aurora, LS forum.
A new TSB is out today for the transmission reflash. The only difference between this one and 01-01-05 is the new one has all the calibrations listed. It is the EXACT same software in both TSBs.
TSB 01-01-05 missed a couple of the V8 calibrations. Those are now covered by the new TSB.
If you experience delayed engagements into reverse or D5, or have a delay in a downshift at about 20 MPH this software will improve your transmission function. If you don't have those symptoms, and not every car does, you would not see much benefit from this change.
Comments
The salesman was a little surprised when he lifted the spare tire cover to show off the features. The jug's still there. Hey, maybe I'll need it some day. :-)
Not that I use either, I am just curious since the owner who tested the LS seemed to think really high of the AT option and how it passed his expectations.
The in-dash CD changer will be standard equipment on all '02 models. As in '01, the cassette deck is not available on the Sport model. You can, however, get the cassette on the non-Sport in a package with the Audiophile system and the glove-box CD changer. The cassette is no longer available with the standard sound system.
The message center, unfortunately, still won't be available on the '02 V6.
(Someone please correct me if I'm wrong; I don't think I've ever seen an '01 manual in the flesh.)
Brian
For $139 I've got to wonder if that isn't more than a simple drain and refill. The dealer does my oil changes and they're competitive, price wise. Motorcraft synthetic and filter change runs around $54. Last time I looked Grease Monkey was charging $50 for a 5 qt. Mobil 1 change.
I wonder if Mark can tell us if there's a specified process that dealers follow.
2. How are they doing it?
3. What is the redline figure for this revised engine(s)? At what RPM is it developing this new torque level?
4. Any change in HP?
If there's any good news, the data sheet says that heated seats are included at no charge. The data sheet doesn't show prices, and I haven't found the '02 price list posted anywhere.
Sorry for the bad info on my part--I'll try to do better research next time.
Another interesting difference between the 05/07 and 07/01 data sheets is that the earlier one still had the V6 listed at 210 h.p. @6500 r.p.m. and 205 torque @4750; the 07/01 sheet shows the V6 having 220 h.p. @6400 and 215 torque @4800. Compression ratio is still 10.5-to-1. The V8 for '02 is still shown to have a 6 ft.lb. reduction in torque to 261 @4300; that's also what is shown on the 05/07 data sheet.
I believe that '02 LS production begins tomorrow, so I assume that these changes will be in place for Job 1.
Engine sizes are still shown as 3.0 and 3.9; my best guess on the method used for boosting the V6 would be improved breathing, but that's merely wild speculation on my part. ;-)
Redline stays the same for the V6.
The V6 Manual is looking more and more attractive. Wonder how the 2002 power changes will affect Lincolns published performance times for the V8 and V6 manual? Used to be 7.2 and 7.4 0-60 (for those who care about 0-60 numbers) respectively. Sounds like that gap may be closing even further.
As a sidenote, there are a couple of brand new LS's for auction on ebay, including a V6 Manual, if Im not mistaken.
If a shop has a different price for a change with and without a converter service, the price without the converter service must be for only changing the fluid in the pan. While changing just the pan fluid is better than nothing, less than half of the total fluid can be changed in this service.
Mark
When you're on a page that doesn't have this photo, the format reverts back to normal. You can verify this by clicking on the "scroll up 20 messages" link.
As a computer wonk, I can verify that this is what we call a "feature".
and John- I thought that might be it, but then dismissed it as coincidence. Thanks! I guess all will be ok when we get off this page?
For Brain's transgression, I propose that he moderate a face-to-face debate between sirharper of the 300M board and our own Giowa
Oh Geez! Anything but that! I thought torture was outlawed!
Brian
Thanks
Also, what changes were made in the exhaust system? Resonators, mufflers, cats, and/or pipe diameter(s). Is this "bolt-in"?
Although, it's only related, The new July issue of Car and Driver has a full test of the new T-Bird and on page 62 states that it has :
"Final Drive Ratio.......3:58,limited slip"
I doubt if both of these are correct, and both could be wrong. I can believe the 3:58 because the T-Bird, despite being heavier than the LS-8, did 7 seconds flat from 0-60 in C&D and R&T tests.
But if a limited slip pumpkin is available for our rear end, I will be at my dealer's parts department today!
Finally, what 0-60 improvement does an additional 10 hp make in the 2002 Manual? Thanks, Curious Stanny1
I just changed the fluid/filter on my sister's 92 Cougar. I was only able to drain about 5 quarts of the 12 or 13 listed in the manual (ie rest of it in torque converter.) Let me tell you... unless you have a huge pan for draining, a way to get the car pretty far off of the ground and a lot of patience... go with the dealer's $139. That sounds like a fairly decent price to me considering parts & labor (and I love to 'work' on cars.) PLUS, my sister's car has a filler tube/dipstick in the engine compartment, so filling was a snap... can't imagine dealing with the filler hole underneath!
Just make sure they are draining the torque converter in that price, though - or I would say you would be getting ripped off.
"Jim Rogers has been named to the newly created position of marketing strategy manager of the Premier Automotive Group....."
"In his new post, Rogers will be responsible for the creation of synergies between the North American Premier Automotive Group brands and the development of best practices. "
We can all attest that Jim is very deserving of this reward. His efforts on this board and with the LLSOC are nothing short of amazing.
So now, what's the next step? When is Nasser retiring? :-)
Congrats Jim,
Joe
Well back to you... I think most everyone on this forum will agree that each succeeding LS cleans up the problems of the last, so my assumption is to buy the latest. I have an 01 LS V8 sports package and I highly reccomend the extra cost for the performance and feel you get out of it. I also love my Firestones, they have been great so far!
Bill
M5, 240C-6 and expensive Manual transmission sport sedans really wanted slush boxes but didn't know they were available. Like who would pay 70k+ for an M5 - just the fastest production four door on the planet.
I am having delayed engagements from 1'st to 2'nd as well as some intermittant
hesitation when accellerating up a hill or when stomping the pedal to pass on the highway.
I had a reflash done last year.
The question. Is TSB 01-01-05 the second update or is this the same one as before.
MY recollection is that there has been 2 updates to the trans.
Is this correct?
Thanks in advance for the info.
PS I got a Mercury Sable as a loaner..now I know why I got an LS!!
Mark
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=2045
I hope, Jim, that you'll continue to stay in touch with us.
Artie
For all you V6 manual enthusiasts, I'm publishing a letter I sent to Brian at the LLSOC.
"Hey Brian,
The system arrived this morning as promised thank you!). The box was too big to fit in the car, so we (me and several interested co-workers) opened it and admired the pieces for a while before putting them in the trunk. I left work early, and got home a little after 3:30. I got changed and tooled up By 4:00. The car was in the air about 4:15. At a little after 6:30 I was pulling out of the driveway for a quick test blast around the neighborhood.
First impressions: You guys had me scared that it would be too loud. It's a little louder than the Borla in my '85 T-Bird Turbo Coupe (that doesn't really count though, cause it was as quiet as stock due to the turbo). It's much quieter than my '93 Probe GT w/Borla system, and is even quieter than the '89 SHO w/Borla system my 3rd ex stole from me at divorce time. The sound and sound level is very tasteful and very definitely Borla. This willbe a very easy system to live with.
So......I'm a happy camper, and can easily predict that I will stay that way for the long term.
Joe N."
Stan, and other V6 manual owners, after a few more days of evaluation, I can definitely say that this is the system you want! Barely noticeable at normal driving, great sounding when you tach it up. Best of all is the LLSOC pricing, & it'll easily pay for itself in MPG savings if you keep the car for 100K+ miles.
On the other hand, if the LS is still being put forward as a legitimate competitor with the BMW (a thesis I'm becoming less and less willing to believe the Ford Corporation embraces), you need a manual on the big engine. Following a number of these boards, including the 9-car comparison Edmunds recently sponsored, your comments lead me to believe you'd just love the Infiniti I30. It's as bland as the day is long. And you could well be right -- this may (sadly) be where the LS is headed.
Stanny1 and I, along with a few others, dearly hope not, but time will tell. Your words so nearly match what many of the Lincoln sales people say, that the LS may be doomed. Who wants to shift a "luxury" car? People who enjoy driving.
All nine of us -- more or less.
----LS-V6M 2001------------------------LS-V6M 2002
----------Diff Ratio-----------------------Diff Ratio
MPH---3.07---3.31---3.58---------MPH---3.07---3.31---3.58
30----2.8----2.6----2.4----------30----2.7----2.5----2.4
40----3.7----3.5----3.9----------40----3.7----3.5----3.8
50----5.6----5.4----5.2----------50----5.5----5.3----5.1
60----7.3----7.1----6.8----------60----7.1----6.8----6.6
70----9.3----9.7----9.5----------70----9.0----9.4----9.2
80---12.6---12.3---12.0----------80---12.2---11.9---11.6
90---15.8---15.4---15.1----------90---15.2---14.7---14.5
100---19.6---20.1---19.9---------100---18.7---19.2---18.9
110---25.8---25.6---25.1---------110---24.5---24.1---23.6
120---33.5---33.7---31.9---------120---31.3---30.4---29.8
1/4M--15.6---15.5---15.4--------1/4M---15.5---15.3---15.2
-----@90mph @90mph @91mph-------------@91mph @92mph @90mph
top
speed 143mph 143mph 144mph------------145mph 147mph 147mph
Congrats to J.R. I hope his new position enables him to have more power and less politics to deal with and he can set a direction for the LS that will give buyers luxury AND performance. Since his team invented the niche that the LS Manual fills, I hope he can influence it's development into a real competitor to at least the base 5 series, and BMW is already feeling the heat with their new "value-pricing" directive.
While I don't see a V-8 Manual in the future, I can see a VVT V-6 with an overdrive Manual, deeper rear gears with LSD enabling sub 7 second 0-60 times and at a mid 35k price. Nothing competes in that category.
Also, let's welcome Anne Belec to the fold. She's got some big shoes to fill. I hope she has driven a stick shift before and has a chance to drive a 2002 Manual, especially in a slolom environment.
I hope she's the type who would enjoy the Teacup ride at Disneyland or a day at Magic Mountain for the sheer sake of experiencing G-forces. We need a "wild and crazy" VP of Marketing and not a "Town Car" lady. Hey, you got the "younger" demographics (at least the younger psychographics), and now you've got to figure out what to sell us. Hint - it's all on the "shelves" now. Just put it together. Congrats.
You'll have to jump into the 300M, Aurora, LS debate. If I remember right, you were quite passionate a long time ago in a similar Bonneville, Aurora, LS forum.
TSB 01-01-05 missed a couple of the V8 calibrations. Those are now covered by the new TSB.
If you experience delayed engagements into reverse or D5, or have a delay in a downshift at about 20 MPH this software will improve your transmission function. If you don't have those symptoms, and not every car does, you would not see much benefit from this change.
Mark