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Lincoln LS

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Comments

  • airwolf1000airwolf1000 Member Posts: 225
    It happened at around 28.5K. They still grip great in the Dry, but it gets a little rainy and watch out. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself another set at Tirerack for $69 bucks a pop. At that price you can replace them every 25K miles and you are still better off than buying a set of $150+ per tire for anything that size with a 45,000 mile warranty. I have my new set of stones waiting in the garage. It is getting wetter and the tires will be replaced any day now. Just trying to squeeze out a little more tread. Currently at 31K. This is even better if you are planning on selling your car in a year to get the 2003 LS! I'll pocket the other $400+ and use it for down payment.

    By the way the Stones are great in the twisties if you haven't noticed.

    Regards,
    Airwolf
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    No real details, but how does a 2dr Mercury Marauder convertible sound? And, a Lincoln convert too. But no Ford. I think this is a good product move for Fomoco. Like a Ford Mktg Rep was quoted in a recent article posted here: Mercury needs to be positioned upscale of Ford, filling the price/luxury gap between Ford and Lincoln. That's a great idea, though it's not new. That's why the Merc division was conceived in the first place. How it went to the Taurus/Sable, Escort/Tracer twins I don't understand. Now for a Dew-98 based Cougar.


    http://www.bonforums.com/sales/naias_2002dst.htm

  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    I have a 2002 V8 Sport with a 1000 miles. I have noticed after parking the car and shutting it off about 10 min later there is a loud metalic bang from it seems under the car. It's almost like the crackling sound you hear from an exhaust system cooling down on some cars but it's only once and much louder. Any ideas? Thanks.
  • m87m87 Member Posts: 38
    My 2002 LS8 Sport(500 mi)does the same thing. So far though, its been my spouse who was out in the garage and on three occasions reported the noise to me. I've shrugged it off as cooling exhaust.
  • wkamwkam Member Posts: 14
    Comparing the weight of my Centerline 17" x 10" wheels w/275/45/R17 Goodyears from my old Trans Am, I must say that the Lincoln LS sport rims are substantially heavier. It might be due to the additional strngth they designed into the rims for the major offset. My Centerlines were great rims, lift a set at your nearest Speed shop and see for yourself.

    Wes
  • lolaj42lolaj42 Member Posts: 420
    In general, forged wheels are both lighter AND stronger than cast alloy wheels in a given size. The stock 17-inch Sport wheels are cast alloy, either painted silver or chrome plated. Forged rims usually significantly more expensive as well.
  • leadfoot4leadfoot4 Member Posts: 593
    Despite the recent world events, I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.
    As I've previously mentioned, my computer is at work. Since I have all of next week off, I won't be able to read anything till I'm back on the 26th. Therefore, the somewhat early wishes for next week.
  • temlstemls Member Posts: 3
    I have to comment on the referenced message. Your corvette engined 300 ZX buddy had to have a very sick car for losing a straight line acceleration run with an LS. I have both a 2000 LS V8 sport and a 2001 Corvette. Though the LS holds its own in the sedan ranks, the Corvette is far superior in the corners and in acceleration. Consider yourself lucky in that encounter.
  • tonyavtonyav Member Posts: 10
    I have just joined the Town Hall Community. I have decided to join the fun. I ordered my Lincoln LS two weeks ago and expect delivery the beginning of December. It is a V8 Sport, Silver with Charcoal interior and chrome wheels. Can not wait to get on the road and experience what you guys keep talking about. I will let you know when I get my LS.

    Tony
  • cat88cat88 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 LS V8 and love it. I have never heard any noise after shutting down the car. The car runs great and handles well on turns. But I did have a problem recently with my rear right window. My daughter was sitting in the back seat on a windy day while I was showing her how the window goes up/down.Then, suddenly it got stuck!!
    The car is only 7 months old. Does anyone know what may be the problem? The dealership did fix it within 24 hrs. I was very, very happy with their service. If anyone wants to buy a Lincoln in So. Cal., buy it at Galpin!! Their service is excellent!
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Just had the 235/50R17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S' installed this morning at Costco. They are advertised as W speed rated (even on Michelin's website) but they are actually Z rated with directional tread. I was hoping for better treadlife with the W rather than Z. I'll have to check with Michelin to see why they changed. Haven't had a chance to flog them yet but they do feel slightly better than the stones for highway comfort. And since they're all-season they should be good in wet, too. They were $212 each plus $7 mounting/balancing/flat repair and road hazard. There's also a $50 Michelin rebate right now. I just couldn't bring myself to get another set of firestones despite the price. I'll report back after a few trips through the twisties.
  • m87m87 Member Posts: 38
    All current build 235/50R17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S are W rated tires. All MPS A/S tires in all sizes of current build are W or Y rated. What's the date code on your set?
  • tom12253tom12253 Member Posts: 110
    tonyav, cat88,

    Welcome to the Lincoln LS Enthusiasts Club! The LS is an awesome automobile, a perfect mix for those who love performance oriented driving but also want luxury. The LS makes the trip from here to there more pleasurable. The truth is, I have had quite a few problems with my first LS and now have a few with my second one. In most cases the problems are do to the fact that the LS is all new in design from the ground up. This new design gave the LS the platform that makes the LS a world-class luxury automobile. I truly believe Lincoln is working on the known issues that plague some of us, and through our input they have made quite a few changes already. Some dealers are fantastic while others are horrendous, and this is something that they need to be addresse. I think Lincoln is listening and Lincoln does care. If not I wouldn't be highly involved in the LLSOC www.llsoc.com. I love the car and enjoy the camaraderie with all those who post here and on the LLSOC site. With great people, a fantastic car, and a company that listens, rest assured you purchased the right car. Please take time to check out www.llsoc.com, The information that is provided there is invaluable to every LS owner.

    cat88,

    There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) pertaining to your rear windows, which states that both should be replaced if one fails, but since the newest part is not out yet, you are better off waiting till if and when it fails.

    Tom
    LLSOC Member
    NJ Chapter
  • scottc8scottc8 Member Posts: 617
    Right with you, guys. Mine are at 33k and waiting for the first snow (really late this year) to prove they're finished. May be foolish to wait; yesterday I went thru a muddy puddle while making a left onto a busy highway under a good bit of throttle, and whoops! Either I made a magnificent quick recovery (maybe), or the AdvanceTrac saved my bacon (probably). I also have the next set sitting in the basement, so what am I waiting for?:)

    Scott
    LLSOC Member
  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    Why did you order a car. Most dealers have them in stock. When I purchased a few weeks ago I called around to approx a dozen dealers and could find any flavor I wanted.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Now I'm confused. Here is what the tire says:

    235/50ZR17 96 W (circled)

    So I guess the W is the speed rating. If so, what the heck does the Z mean? I thought that was normally the speed rating.

    m87 - any ideas?
  • netmogulnetmogul Member Posts: 21
    Inventory seems to vary significantly from area to area.

    Around here, the five local dealers have about four in total, and I don't think any have the Sport package.

    About a month ago, every dealer had white, non-sport V8s -- not exactly a great selection. :-)
  • chartrandchartrand Member Posts: 139
    Re #5807
    I would never in my wildest dreams go up against a Corvette. I know how it's designed and the weight to power ratio leaves the LS in the weeds. The kid in his 300 ZX was an under construction project. In fact I'd never drive his ride at the speeds he did, especially through the bends. The camber on his back wheels was so far off you could see the tires barely clear the fender lip. The front fenders were flapping in the breeze.
    My message was it's the total package that counts, not just an engine. That's why the Vette does everything as well as it does - as does the LS for it's intended purpose.
  • scottc8scottc8 Member Posts: 617
    but only if we each had to carry three passengers. Bet he couldn't out-drive me with someone sitting on his lap! :)
  • tonyavtonyav Member Posts: 10
    I live in Northern Virginia. The dealers do have large inventories but they did not have a car exectly like I wanted it anywhere in the area. The dealer spent about one half hour calling around. So, I am happy to wait 6 weeks for an LS just as I like it.

    Tony
  • m87m87 Member Posts: 38
    akirby, no problem, you have W rated tires. When the Z rating came out, they never thought tires would be rated for a higher speed than Z (149 mph). So, in a sense, all W & Y rated tires are upscale flavors of Z tires. The most current labeling system is to put the speed rating after the load rating - 96 for your tires. So, 235/50/ZR17 96W, 235/50/R17 96W, and 235/50/WR17 96 are all the same W rated tires. Only Current Z tires still put the Z "inside" the size, all others are after the load rating.
  • chartrandchartrand Member Posts: 139
    I know a lot of owners of both types that I could leave in the weeds.
    When we bought the LS,a co-worker at my wifes office went out the same day and bought a fully tricked out LS with ground effects, spoilers, custom wheels etc. He's never driven it over 70.
    Her boss in the same office buys a new Vette every 3 years. We were talking top end one day and he said he once had one of his Vettes up to 85!! and he's a middle aged guy.
    Not everyone that buys a car does so for its performance features. There are a least a half dozen new Vettes in my neighborhood that have never been out in the rain never mind smoking rubber.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Thanks. I just read exactly what you said about speeed ratings at tirerack.com:


    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/speed.htm


    It appears that W (168) and Y (186) rated tires are also Z rated (149+), just more specific. They didn't anticipate needing anything higher than Z. It's a little confusing.


    I was confused and thought W was a lower speed rating than Z. Actually the speed rating itself didn't bother me - I was thinking that lower speed rating would equal better tread life.

  • m87m87 Member Posts: 38
    Good reference(Tire Rack). And its more confusing than ever because the new V rated tires like the Bridgestone Turansas on my MY02 LS8 Sport are rated 149mph, whereas under the old system V rated tires were 130 mph. That means Vs are really now Zs, and Zs don't exist except as W or Y. Confusing and cobbled up come to mind right about now vis a vis the rating system.

    The treadwear number on your tires (would guess about 220) will give you some indication of tread life, but as you know 20K in the twisties and WOT at the stop lights don't wear tires the same as 20K cruising the interstates.
  • gregwogregwo Member Posts: 13
    Does anybody know/find the part number for the Alpine In-Dash 6-disc CD player? I want to replace my Alpine Cassette/CD Changer combo, it sucks:-( THANKS. LS forever....
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Just spent the afternoon test driving a 1998 540i 6-speed manual. 100 miles on all sorts of roads and sometimes speeds up over 100 mph (short distances). Now negotating to buy. Jag dealer wants $33,600. Was a slice of driving heaven. She was rock solid and near perfect. 52,000 miles. Talk about power and poise. Gave me some idea of what an LS V-8 manual might be like. Why, oh why, won't Lincoln give LS V-8 a manual? Why won't Cadillac put V-8 or supercharger into CTS with manual? 540i superb to drive on all surfaces and speeds. Geared decently for relaxed high speed cruising: 2.81 final drive and 1.00 5th & .83 6th overdrive, delivering 24 mpg EPA highway estimate.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    www.radiosandmore.com

    They have all the Ford OEM stereo equipment.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    It's not that Lincoln doesn't WANT to build a V8 manual. They do. But right now they wouldn't sell enough to pay for the R&D. V6 manual sales would have to increase substantially before it would be viable. In the meantime, enjoy the 540i and check back in a few years.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    According to the spec at tirerack.com the treadwear rating is 400. The regular Pilot Sport is 220. I hope it's not a misprint. Michelin.com doesn't even know these tires exist yet so I can't verify it.

    I tried them out on a few backroads this afternoon. They're definitely a little bit smoother, especially on less than perfect pavement and the dry handling seems to be just as good if not slightly better. Wet traction should be even better. They're not cheap but in this case I think you get what you pay for. Especially if the treadwear lives up to the rating.

    The Pilot HX MXM4 is also available in 235/50R17. I think it's the new OE tire for the Tbird and I presume the LS in the near future. It's $190 instead of $212 for the pilot sport A/S.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    It's not that Lincoln doesn't WANT to build a V8 manual. They do. But right now they wouldn't sell enough to pay for the R&D. V6 manual sales would have to increase substantially before it would be viable. In the meantime, enjoy the 540i and check back in a few years.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    You may want to research some past road tests on the 540i-6. The road test I read said the car was flawed by poor shifting feel and difficulty getting into selected gear, etc. It was an Edmund's test - you can find it on the list of road tests under BMW. I think Lincoln has looked at 540i6 and M5 sales volume and it is really small. Of course, I think at the BMW price you are not going to have any volume. If an LS V8 Manual could sell for 40k, LM would sell quite a few. Another approach would be to use an overdrive 5 speed instead of the 6 speed Getrag, which is a real expensive tranny. The Mazda RX-7 overdrive five speed probably wouldn't handle the V-8 torque, so the Tremec 5 speed as used in the Mustang with the 4.6 would be the way to go. The Tremec T56 six-speed would be more affordable than the Getrag 6. I'm not in love with the Getrag. It is really slow-shifting compared with my Toyota W-58. My Muncies in my 2 64 GTO's would shift as fast as you could move the lever. The Getrag has it's own schedule and you can't push it.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    In about 2 1/2 hours and 100 miles of driving, I only stalled the 540i manual once, and that was at the gas station when I got flummoxed about which side the fuel filler was on. I read the owner's manual before taking it out; makes very clear to use reverse only from a complete stop. Weird shift pattern has reverse next to and to the left of 1st. I've poured over reviews of the current 5 Series 6-speed. Some talk about lurchy starts in 1st gears. I was gentle on the power and didn't have any lurching or peeling rubber. Did find myself shifting from 1st to 4th shortly after taking off from stoplights (the 4.4L V-8 engine has so much useable power) and 6th to 4th on highways (making passing effortless). Just to see if I could, I even started her off in 3rd a couple times to test the engine's torque at low RPMs. It passed with flying colours!
  • johnnylincjohnnylinc Member Posts: 308
    $33,600 for a four-year-old used car with 52k miles, no factory warranty, and potentially high maintenance, insurance, and repair costs seems not much of a bargain when one considers that a brand-new '02 LS V6 manual, with maintenance costs included, can be had for about the same money.

    To each his own, though. If the Bimmer is what floats your boat, then by all means buy it. It's a very nice vehicle. Each of us should have the car the he or she wants; I really like my LS and haven't regretted its purchase for a second.

    (Note to akirby Re: V8 #5779. You're right, of course, about the LS V8 being a derivative of the AJV8. Thanks for the reminder; my bad.)
  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    My 2002 V8 Sport came with Bridgestones and I have no complaints so far. A question I have for the readers who have cars equiped with the Firestones is how do you like them? With the $69 price that's out there I'm thinking about buying a set of the Firestones and just sitting on them fo a couple of years until they are needed. I would assume if I keep them inside the sitting would do them no harm. Any opinions? Is Tire Rack the only place with the $69 price or are they pretty much available anywhere forr that. Thanks.
  • karzzkarzz Member Posts: 151
    Did any of you who attended the LS Mania II hear when in 2002 the Lincoln Aviator will be available, Spring, Summer, or Fall?
  • chartrandchartrand Member Posts: 139
    I'm disappointed with tread life. Mine were down to the wear bars at 20K. Outside of that, they are quiet, corner well and do their job in the rain.
    I'm replacing them with the same.
    This tire at Firestone is around $125 so I'm doing the Tire Rack bit.
  • gkarggkarg Member Posts: 230
    Speaking of the stones/wheels. I took Friday off and was out on Interstate 80 (Western PA) tooling along and I noticed only a few time a very "slight" vibration in the wheel. I decided to take the LS in for the annual PA inspection and had them spin balance the tires. All of them were slightly off in weight and location of the weights.

    Haven't had it back on the interstate, but I cranked it up above 80 to check and there were absolutely no vibrations. Rock solid! (And it was barely noticeable before.) AT 27,000 miles - the tread looks great (5 - wheel rotation, though.)

    I'm probably going to be ordering a back-up set of the stones next year.
  • gkarggkarg Member Posts: 230
    Bought mine already! Installed it Thursday night. It made a n-o-t-i-c-e-a-b-l-e difference with my V6, even with the 2000 stock exhaust.

    Step on the gas and you can hear the engine just begging for max air!

    The 2000 airbox is Soooo different in the design of the way the air came in. It (2000) comes in from the side (hole in the frame) and the plastic tube goes along the entire length of the airbox and makes a 180 into the opposite side of the box. Seems kinda crazy once you see the 2002 design.

    The 2002 airbox also came with a new Mass Airflow Sensor attached. I'm wondering if it is a different part than the 2000 model. I do have a question for anyone that has the 2002 airbox. The rubber lip that butts up to the frame (where the 2000 got its air) came with the rubber molded as such that it covers half of the opening. Can/should I cut this away for more airflow?? The hole was wide open before.

    I had my sister give it a couple WOT runs away from and towards me in a parking lot. Really made me appreciate the anti squat/anti dive as came to an abrupt stop beside me and the LS remained level the whole time!

    What a car!

    Next step - "Operation - Free the Exhaust"
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I found the treadwear rating on the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S and it is indeed 400 as advertised.

    rgnmstr - the stones are good tires for the LS. Up to about 20K that is. Can't compare them to the Bridgestones. At the tirerack price they're a steal. After 20K they don't do well in the wet, though and they're a little harsh on less than perfect pavement. But they're grippy and quiet.

    I had firestones on a 93 explorer and haven't liked them since. So I opted for the Michelins. A much better tire but triple the price. Checkbook's lighter but I sleep better at night. It's a personal thing.
  • scottc8scottc8 Member Posts: 617
    Mine are marginal at 33k miles. No wear bars yet but I'll replace them as soon as I verify the reduced snow performance I've read about. Maybe tomorrow, as it's snowing right now. I purchased a spare set earlier this year & asked the same questions about storage. What I learned: Keep them out of sunlight, & store them lying down so they don't take an out-of-round set or get flat spots.

    I like the Firehawks a lot, for reasons I've posted numerous times. At $69 they are hard to beat, and I'll probably order another set as soon as I mount these. I think mine get driven pretty hard around corners almost daily, but after reading Ray's response I feel like a lightweight.:)
  • badazzls6badazzls6 Member Posts: 69
    How does the 2002 box difer? Does the hose go straight to the opening in the fender or does it still have that restrictive 180degree bend?
    What did it cost you?
    I went ahead and opened my 2001 airbox up to go along with K&N and it sounds great! I have a non-sport v6 and it now sounds like a troaty v8 at WOT.
  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Member Posts: 226
    Don't want to seem like a worry wart here but I called a local Firestone dealer this morning and he quoted me $158.95 for the Firehawks in 235/50 17. I asked if that was list and he said yes. I asked if there were any discounts since tires are usually discounted. He said no. I then told him they could be bought these days on the internet for $69.95. He told me his cost was $138.95 from Firestone. Therefore what's Tirerack selling? Blems possibily? How could an independent dealer buy the same tire cheaper than the factory store?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor from laughing so hard. There is NO WAY that a tire that lists for $158 costs the dealer $138. That's BS. They're not blems or anything else. If you're not sure call tirerack and ask them. I believe the reasons Tirerack.com is selling the firehawks so cheap are:

    1) They have them in stock and need to get rid of them. If they were ordering them from the factory new they probably would not be discounted so heavily.
    2) Bad publicity for the Firestone name in general. IIRC the discounts came shortly after the Wilderness A/T fiasco. Prior to that they were just over $100 but I don't remember exactly.
    3) NOBODY else uses that size tire. The Jags used Pirellis (IIRC - it's definitely not Firestones) and the new Tbird uses Michelin. Only the Sport LS used these tires so there is not much of a market for them.

    It's possible (and even likely) that tirerack.com is blowing these out below their cost just to get rid of them. Other than being a little harsh on irregular pavement and only lasting 20K - 30K there's nothing wrong with them.
  • stevenwglauserstevenwglauser Member Posts: 21
    My '01 has 14k mi. and the treadwear looks really good so far. I've been happy with the ride/handling/NVH quality although when I replace them I may search for a tire leaning more toward performance than ride; even moreso than the Firehawks.
  • gkarggkarg Member Posts: 230
    Basically, the front (side that faces the front of the car) is "open." There is a plastic extension that has 2 openings for air. 1 opening that comes 'straight out' towards the 'hole' in the frame behind the headlights. The other part of this plastic duct goes toward and butts up against the frame - where the 2000(1) design pulls air in.

    I hope that explains it...

    Members of the LLSOC can view pics on the website.
  • joelincolnjoelincoln Member Posts: 100
    I've got 16k in one year on mine and they're fine. I am very pleased with their performance. I'm considering buying a set and storing them for when I do need to replace them (probably at the end of my 3-year lease).

    Does anyone know if tires are OK to store for a few years? Will the rubber degrade?

    Joe
    Member LLSOC
  • jhoffman61jhoffman61 Member Posts: 82
    Joe, see Scott's post #5840 on how you should store the tires.

    John
    Member LLSOC
  • m87m87 Member Posts: 38
    The Jag S Type has been shod with Pirelli P Zero Asyms in the past. I hope they don't get too enamored with Michelins at PAG, because the Pirellis are way better high performance tires. I like the feel and lower tire noise of my new stones (Bridge not Fire). Waiting to see how they fair in the ice and snow of the upper Midwest. 700 miles on the new 02 LS8 Sport - feels a lot faster than the MY01. Maybe just got one where all the manufacturing variances are in my favor! Really impressed with this car. As I Emailed JR, this is the LS I envisioned and then some.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,617
    I'm in South Lake Tahoe & had a most enjoyable drive earlier today up the Mother Lode Highway (CA 49). Monday in November there's not much traffic, and the bit between Mariposa and Coulterville down & up the Merced River canyon is road that I haven't been on in 20 years, and when I was last there, I certainly didn't have an LS. Many smiles, even with the tape on the RR window. Gas mileage has been running around 25 on this trip, even though I only get ~18 around town commuting to work. Stan, you've got to drive 49 -- it'd be a great break from your workaholic real estate ways! If you've already done it, I'm not surprised.

    I've got 23.5K miles on my Firestones (5-wheel rotation), and they look like they've got at least another 10K in them. Of course, in the desert, I'm willing to run them down to the wear bars, and maybe a little beyond. If I lived in the homeland, I'd figure 30K max. Pretty good tires. I too may be in the market for a new set at $276, even if I have to store them for most of the next year.

    Riez -- Enjoy your new 540! I'm willing to bet you've bought it by now. If not, oh well. I too prefer the red, and have been enjoying your comments on the G35 and other boards. While trying (for the umpteenth time) to stuff the mystery material that Lincoln uses to line the trunk with back into position today, I wondered if the BMW troops have to put up with this kind of stuff. While how the trunk looks isn't the end-all and be-all of owning a vehicle, I've had more than my share of entertainment just trying to put the lining back where it belongs. I actually use the trunk, and the fold-down seats weekly, since I carry my bicycle back there a lot.

    It'll be interesting to see what you can sell a 540 with three more years on it for, relative to a 3-year old LS V6. Check back in 2004.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • scottc8scottc8 Member Posts: 617
    Please don't regard me as any kind of expert on the subject, I was just repeating what was posted when I asked the same question. One unanswerable question: How old are the new tires at TireRack? They could easily be a couple years old already. Same with any high volume tire retailer. Does it matter? I once ordered a set of tires for a '49 Cadillac from Sears. They had more-or-less authentic replacements, old cotton cord wide whites. Those 8.00 x 14 tires were flattened down to about 3 in. wide from being at the bottom of a stack for umpteen years. But there was no sign of drying out, cracking, or anything else wrong. I don't recall driving that Caddy with quite the same, uh, gusto as my LS, but those tires were fine.

    Scott
    LLSOC Member
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