My brother points out that moving into a new computer is like moving into a new house; it takes a long time to get it the way you want it, and it's a lot of work. Sounds like you're moving into one you can live in for a while.
Akirby's right too. Now you need the intake and exhaust (oops! input and output) devices to go with it.
Went to my dealer to check the updated regulator. Dealer took out the current replacement which parts stated was the latest part number. We compared it to one that was removed from a vehicle which failed. They looked the same the D shaped guide if we were looking at the right piece was not metal. Does anyone have the part # for the final update?
Hello I'm new to the town hall. I've been a spectater and now have finally purchased a black on black v8 ls with moon roof, premium package with chrome wheels. Got a stellar deal from a guy at varsity lincoln here in michigan. I need some repairs and they were spectacular. Very help full. When I metioned that the trans comp. be reflashed they took a double take. Surprised that I knew what I was talking about. Thanks to what I learnded in this town hall. for 24,000$ out the door I got exactly what I wanted with 15,000 miles on the vehicle.
Does anybody know if I can put xenon lights in my ls?
Xenon upgrades are available but they're expensive and may not work entirely as advertised. The only ones to even consider are the ones that replace the reflectors along with the bulbs because they need to be matched to get the proper beam pattern. The OEM lights on the LS are very good IMO - personally I would spend that money elsewhere (like a cat-back exhaust system). Other options for improved lighting would be auxilliary driving lights or auxilliary low beams from PIAA, Hella, etc.
It's likely that I will purchase an LS V8 sport package car in about 18 months, but I'm starting to research now so I can go in with my eyes open, so far the car seems pretty good. Are there any specific problems I should be aware of? I will purchase a low mileage car that is still under bumper to bumper warranty, my concern is are there any models to stay away from? I went and had a look at SVC's supercharged car, I will probably pick up a used one and let them have their way with it unless the factory increases the horsepower significantly.
Ronniepooh--I have what sounds like the exact same rattle and have had the dealer work to find it three times but to no avail. They have had the door trim and pillar trim off, driven it around, etc. put it back together and its still there. They seem to think it may be a flexing of some piece of the body--perhaps an imperfect weld.
It is very annoying. If you are successful please email me directly so I can have my dealer try the same thing.
I too have experienced the dreaded death on rolling stop several times. Many times as I roll up to a toll booth and other times stopping for a read light. I have never had it happen while turning. The car always starts right away.
The dealer has never been able to duplicate the problem and as usual if they can't duplicate it they ASSUME there is nothing wrong.
If you ever are successful if having this diagnosed please post. 2000 LS-8 Auto
My Dealer told me if it happens again bring it to a dealer immediately - they can get a computer readout of the last five engine shutoffs. After that, too late.
I do not know if that is true, but worth checking.
Mine happened only once on a hard right/ hard stop combination. I believe the tank was less than 1/4 full.
I live in South Florida (Coconut Grove) and I don't have a garage (or car port). I would like a car cover that would keep the leaves and tree goop off my car. Also, it should dry quickly and be able to be stored in my trunk during the day. (It rains a lot in Florida). Any recommendations or websites would be appreciated.
"Up front the MacPherson strut system was replaced with a bolt-on double A-arm suspension. It consists of a rear upper arm from a Lincoln LS and a fabricated lower arm.
Springs and shocks are similar in design to the Lincoln LS, but have rates and valving unique to the FR500.
This setup moves the front axle 5 inches forward, giving the FR 500 a wheelbase of 106.3 inches … versus 101.3 for the stock configuration
It’s also one of the keys to achieving a 50/50 weight distribution."
So the Cobra uses the LS rear suspension, and the FR500 used the front suspension as well. Hmmm, why don't they just start with an LS, and add more power. Oh yeah, then it wouldn't be a Mustang.
The Mustang motors already have a full infrastructure for go fast peices, but there is not much available for the LS. As I mentioned, there are a few issues with a Cobra engine swap, but there is no reason that I couldn't get 300 HP from the LS motor. So I guess I could live with that. Port heads, K&N, Borla, ..., etc.
It is the next 100 Hp that is the issue. I'm just trying to think this project through before I get started. Thanks again.
George - where does it say the Cobra uses the LS rear suspension? It doesn't say that in the article. I didn't think they shared the same suspension but I could be wrong. They probably will when the next generation mustang comes out based on the DEW98 (lite) platform. I think it's unique to the Cobra.
They can use the LS suspension parts, but they can't get the balance with that big heavy engine, at least from the specs I've read for the '03 SVC Cobra. That's a trade-off I'd find hard to live with. Like Brian (aka ls1bmw0) has said, when transitioning from slight understeer to slight oversteer, the LS feels like it pivots on it's centerline. An expert driver can probably get any car to do that, but the LS is getting ME to do it.
bob550k: You really can't go wrong. Pick the color you like. '00s had issues with rear window regulators and automatic transmission programming, both resolved. Early '00s had problems with the heat elements in the seats, also corrected. Some '00 and '01 owners have had vibration problems at highway speeds, and they have occasionally been difficult to diagnose, so make sure your test drive includes some speed.
And do lots of smiling exercises between now and the time you buy, so your facial muscles will be in shape for the near-legendary LSGrin.:)
The Cobra IRS was reverse-engineered and specifically designed to fit the current platform as a bolt-in. In fact, the drag racers pull it out and replace it with the old live axle, as the IRS can't take the punishment this type of use imposes.
The current SN95 Mustang is still a modified Fox platform which traces it roots back to the late 70's, i.e., the Ford Fairmont. There's no relationship between the LS and that platform. The LS suspension was designed specifically for the DEW 98 platform. So far, akirby is correct. Look for the next generation Mustang to be on a modified DEW 98 platform.
Even if they did share IRS parts, I'm still scratching my head to figure out how that makes the 4.6L cobra engine fit any easier. Last time I checked those parts were separated by several feet, a couple of axles, differential, drive shaft and transmission. :-)
After waiting a little over a month I took delivery of my new 2002 LS Manual (previous LS 2000 with 37,000 miles) yesterday. Love the Alpine system ...sub-woofer sounds great ... and notice a nice exhaust tone. I must say I am very much looking forward to a pleasant driving experience as I truly look forward to driving the LS every day. Imagine, all of this while supporting the American economy! I love it!
It's still there, they must have been late paying their electic bill. Take a look at the Lincoln Aviator article, in particular the interior photo with the climate controls. Look familiar?
What do you LS drivers think of the silver-gray Aviator dash treatment. Looks pretty slick to me in the Aviator photos, I just wonder how its look will hold up over time.
Welcome to the club. You may have a very rare model due to the very low volume of manual sales this year - not sure Lincoln can continue to make manuals with such low sales volumes and no plans to export to Europe. I hope I'm wrong.
Warning. Trips to the store that used to take 10 minutes will suddenly triple in time and mileage. You will find yourself needing milk or bread at odd times. You'll actually try to think of excuses to drive somewhere. It's addicting - enjoy it!
I like the look but don't think I would like to live with it every day (kinda like yellow cars - love to look at them but couldn't stand to see them every day). As long as it isn't overly prone to scratches I think it will be ok over time. Not sure I like that look for a luxury car, though. But if you replace the silver finish with a nice light or medium wood finish I think it would be very nice indeed.
Dropped my LS off at King Lincoln Mercury in Gaithersburg, MD this am for some maintenance items and couple of small warranty issues before the warranty goes. (49,650 on the odometer). Drove directly into the Customer service area garage, within 10 seconds, the service writer approaches, jots down the mileage, gets my key, and writes me up. Within 10 minutes the shuttle to Enterprise rent a car picks me up. Within 10 more minutes Im off in a brand new mid sized Saturn LS200(?) with 6 miles on the odometer. Always great service with those guys.
Out front they had two new LSE's, one black, one silver. Didnt get a chance to check the sticker on interior, but the ground effects (small side skirts, different front bumper cover/spoiler with round fog lights, and skirt around the rear bumper cover) and small trunk lip spoiler looked subtle but very sharp. Ditto for the quad chrome exhaust tips protruding out the back. Had the same 17 inch rims that come on the Sport package, but they were the muted grey/titanium color, identical to the color on the many Mustangs I see driving around. Personally, I prefer a more highly olished rim, similar to the ones the FIKSE makes, but thats just my opinion. Asked the service guy if he knew anything about an upcoming SVT model, and he said he knew nothing. Then again, he's service, not sales.
I have an Estate Green LS V8 Sport with the parchment interior. There is also a non-sport where I work in Estate Green, and two other LS's that are silver and pearl white. I like the Estate Green, it looks like a German/European color (the Germans have done some strange green colors, I remember a chartreuse green metallic VW used to have, with chartreuse green plaid seats, yech). But I think it's a rich looking color with good stealth aspects, that is it's not a color that screams "Look at me, I'm speeding!" ;-)
I wasn't as fond of the green that replaced it, but then in this market segment it seems colors get changed often. Wonder how many were made in Estate Green?
I was at the dealer a few weeks ago, and saw a white LS sitting in a service bay with different wheels. It was a non-sport, but it had wheels that looked more like Audi/VW or BMW wheels, wide flat spokes, flat wheel surface (that is, spokes ran to the outside rim), the spokes were also rectangular all the way, didn't taper, just like a lot of Audi/BMW wheels. Anyone know if this is a new wheel style, or if they were aftermarket. I haven't found any aftermarket wheels that look like this (I've only found 3 aftermarket wheels that will sort of fit).
"The Aviator, which takes its styling cues from the larger Lincoln Navigator sport-utility, will be powered by a dual overhead V-8 engine that can produce at least 300 horsepower. Lincoln has not released other specifics."
What exactly is a "dual overhead V-8 engine?" Or should I say what exactly ARE dual overhead V-8 engines? The wording is also strange in the power production area. Of course, it CAN produce at least 300 horsepower (especially if there are two of them), I am more interested in what it WILL produce. I guess this early this is the best we can expect, but I would have liked a little less fuzzy writing.
I was called by one of the folks at Lincoln on Monday and notified the new TSB for the new Steel Parts on the Window Regulators will be coming out in the next week or two.
They are a little behind in stock as the supplier is having to produce them for the cars being assembled as well as to satisfy Pent-Up Demand.
Anyways I figure our dealers will have them in the next month or so.
Victor, my dealer has had the new, metal part regulator since late last November. When my window failed last month I called my parts guy just to verify that the part was, in fact, metal. He looked at it before they installed it and verified that that "D" shaped piece was metal. The TSB number shouldn't change as the work still needs to be done.
That's obviously a "dual overhead CAM V8" engine. I think it's just poor choice of words by the article writer. I wouldn't read too much into it. I'm sure the production engine will put out 300 hp. After the 99 Cobra fiasco (and stupid lawsuits) you can bet Ford is being very careful about published hp figures. It's probably a detuned Cobra 4.6L (or a tuned GT 4.6L - take your pick). Makes you wonder about the Navigator - doesn't it currently put out 300 hp from it's 5.4L modular V8? Is an upgrade in store for it, too? Hhmmm....the lightning also uses the 5.4L modular V8 with a supercharger. Food for thought.
The wheels you saw sound like the new-for-2002 non-Sport wheels; they're available in a sort of matte silver (standard) and polished (optional) finishes. Here's a link to a Lincoln website photo that features the polished version:
This appears to be a signature wheel design for upcoming Lincolns; the '03 Town Car and '03 Navigator have similar designs (but with more spokes & chrome finishes.)
Saw a new LS with the same multi-spoke wheels as reported on the 2003 LS. Maybe 8 or 10 spokes. The 32 valve, four cam, Romeo/Intech will come in the Aviator as it does in the Cobra, Navigator, and soon to be extinct Continental. I'm sure the cam profiles are changed with the model, depending on where they need the torque peak. The article on the Ford Mustang FR500 was interesting. When the DEW 98 is used for the Mustang and especially the SVT Cobra, we will see what mods are in store to install the Romeo/Intech as I don't think they will use the 3.9 from the LS. Maybe I should say that we will see what it takes to install a Romeo/Intech into an LS instead. When the Mustang/DEW98 appears, we will see (finally) an IRS rear end with LSD that should fit the DEW 98 platform. Too bad these are unibody. In the old days, just unbolt the body of the Mustang and put the LS body on. But you can bet they will shorten the DEW 98 for the Mustang unless they want big rear seats. Hey, they used to make a 4 door M3; why not a 4 door Cobra? Since the Cobra uses the T56 Tremec with the Romeo/Intech, why not drop that drivetrain in an old LS. Pretty soon, the Continentals will get really cheap, and one could get the 4 valver, change the intake and cams and drop one in an LS. If all this sounds confusing, the point is that any large company can mix and match existing parts at will. It's no secret that they try various combinations. An LS was put together with the V-8 and the Tremec. A Duratech was mated with an Rx-7 five-speed Manual with overdrive. LM could put the Romeo/Intech, Tremec and Cobra IRS/LSD rear into an LS. They will be when they do the new Mustang Cobra. I read in 2000 that he Cobra and IRS rears were built on the same line. Nothing a little welding couldn't change. It's just a matter of will. Depending on the weight of the Aviator, and the HP selected, it could be a fast SUV. But I'm sure the marketing guys will make sure the Aviator has less HP than the more expensive Navi. Remember, if it wasn't for those guys, we could all have cars with Ferrari performance in our garages. With mass production, it would get down to the cost of labor and materials pretty quick. Henry Ford was right. It's the marketing guys who corrupt the true potential of mass production. They even predict sales by product and price point. I'm in real estate. We have the same games. Luckily, my lobotomy didn't take.
Thanks for the Info.. TSB's are updated though... And a new TSB Number can be issued look at the Tranny Reflash New Number for the Tranny Reflash missing Some 2000 Calibrations. 01-01-05 and 01-05-14. THe 01-05-14 supersedes 01-01-05 even though they are identical. Mark Correct my logic if I am wrong.
My dealer put in the Regulators right after Mania III (Remember my window failed right after I got back) No new part number from their part..Also he said it looked like the old part.
The part numbers they had were 1W4Z-5427009-AB and 1W4Z-5427008-AB. Funny, though, the WO shows the part numbers are both right rear!? I guess someone just got lazy when entering the info. From past experience with Ford numbering, I would think that the 008 number was the right side and 009 the left.
I'd guess that the 5.4L engine with more torque & low end would be much more suited to the Aviator than the Continental or Cobra 4.6L engines. Shoudn't be hard to get 300+ HP from the 5.4L, but again torque not HP is more important.
In any case I'm pissed. Here we are being jerked around getting rear head rests removed, full size spare tire deleted and subwoofers taken away so the LS can fit into an EPA weight class. This all on a low volume (60,000 a year) car while congress backs out of imposing any sort of mileage requirements on Pickup trucks that sell 1,000,000 of them a year. I didn't catch whether SUV's were let off the mileage hook or not.
Got my LS back from the dealership this evening. Purchased it in November 1999, so felt at 49,600 miles it was time to get some things done that have never been done to the car before. Got the brake fluid flushed ($97.50 for labor, guess Ill do that one myself next go round in 2004), fuel filter replaced ($67.56 parts and labor, ill do that one myself too). Also asked them to flush the auto transmission fluid, but the service writer called me at work, and said he spoke with the transmission tech who "just returned from the most recent Lincoln LS transmission training (tech?) class. Said that the trans fluid doesnt need to be changed until 100,000 miles. Told him that I had heard that Lincoln engineers felt that 30,000 was recommended for cars under severe service. He agreed, but said that they considered "severe" service towing or mountanous type driving, or extremely aggressive type driving. They dont consider a mix of stop and go and highway driving severe. Said the transmission seals and fluids can easily handle the 100,000 mile interval. I opted to hold off on the change, but probably will have it done at 60,000 miles, unless Mark chimes in otherwise here. I also told them the rear window kind of makes a somewhat loud noise when I put it up, and told them I was concerned about the regulators going out past warranty. They claimed to have removed the rear door panel and "adjusted and lubed the regulator". Also looks like I need to have the rear brake pads replaced..down to less than 2 millimeters of pad left. (They are the originals, I replaced the fronts around 33k, if I recall correctly.) I didnt even tell them about the rattle in the B pillar. Personally, Ive never had great luck with dealerships finding interior rattles, and the chances of introducing another rattle is too high. Ill take the stuff apart one day myself and investigate. Had worse luck with two dings I recently recieved. One in my passenger side quarter panel and the other dead center of the fuel filler door. The local dent wizard type place that has a contract with the dealer stated that they couldnt fix either due to a brace that runs horizontally across the backside of the fuel filler door, and because of the location of the one right beside it in the quarter panel. Turns out there is some form of processor that is mounted behind the carpet in the trunk, attached to the quarter panel. Removing it requires it to be detached from the wiring connected to it. Once you do this, the dealer has to reprogram the processor after you reconnect the wires. About 2.5 hours labor would be charged for the reprogramming.
So, looks like I need to purchase a new fuel filler door, get it painted and installed. The ding in the quarter panel has to stay I guess. Anyone know anything about this processor in the trunk?
Stan, many months ago, I suggested that since the next-gen Mustang would be on a modified DEW98 platform, how hard would it be to have a Romeo powered LS? I recall getting jumped on by one poster- it couldn't fit, too heavy, etc.
With regard to them building any combination they want, it's not that easy. True, they can do whatever they want at will when experimenting. It's another story to sell production versions. Each new combo has to be EPA certified. I think that's at least a 50K mile program. They also have to be crash-tested. A different engine and/or trans combination might perform differently in a crash. These certification programs are time consuming and expensive. You can understand their reluctance to certify lots of different models. Chevy built one manual Impala SS. It was never certified for production.
As far as dropping Continental engines into the LS, I think it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to put a block designed for FWD use into a RWD car. I have a sneaking suspicion there's plenty of wrecked Mustang GT's around that you can pull an engine out of (albeit the 2V version). These things don't have exorbitant insurance premiums because they never get into accidents.
If I recall correctly, Mark said he recommends a total fluid replacement at 30k, no matter what the service. I know that if I had the auto, I would do a total change sooner and probably put in AMSOIL's 100% Synthetic Universal Auto Tranny Fluid as well. A total replacement is usually via the output cooler line to the radiator. There are places that advertise "total replacement". I know Bilstein even makes a machine that flushes out your crankcase! Drolds1 - I mean building lots of one model: an LS with the Cobra drivetrain that will be built soon on the DEW 98 chassis. Just dreamin'.
I have a 2000 LS with just over 20,000 miles. Over the last few months, I have noticed quite a loud roaring noise that seems to come from the rear end of the car. I haven't yet taken it to the dealer, but need some advice from someone who may have had a similar problem. Any info. would be much appreciated.
My trip to Mania II paid off. During the assembly line visit I asked what all the plumbing was in the driver side front wheel well. I was told it was the gas filter. So knowing where it was and armed with an 8mm nut driver I replaced the filter in 10 minutes for $5.95. Removing the wheel simplifies the procedure, then it's off with the wheel well liner, a 5 mm bolt holding the filter clamp and presto it's off. Conversely what I saved on the LS was reinvested on my daughters VW Fox which needed a new clutch 200 miles from home to the tune of $815. C'est la vie
Regarding your "dinged" quarter panel.....I'm not big of stuff that's advertised by the Sunday morning telemarketers, but I saw something last Sunday while waiting for HorsepowerTV that might help you out. They were advertising a "u" shaped clamp that had suction cups on each leg of the "u". You use these to attach this clamp to the car. In the middle of this clamp is a threaded screw which also has a suction cup on it. The tool looks to be 6-8 inches long. The object of the game is to attach the clamp to the car, and then draw out the ding using the cup on the end of the screw. Like most of these $29.95 "wonder tools", I have some doubts, but the principle seem to have merit. You may want to watch the early Sunday infomercials, as I just saw this for the first time, so I'm sure that it will be around for a while.
Since they don't offer the 5.4L in the Explorer or Mountaineer they probably won't put it in the Aviator, even if it fit. It has to be much easier to bump the output of the 4.6L than to go with the bigger 5.4L even though the 5.4L would have more low-end oomph.
Artie - the Continental engine isn't a FWD engine per se. In fact I think the continental is the only FWD implementation of the modular 4.6L. The others are all RWD: Expedition, Explorer/Mountaineer, F-150, Town Car, Mustang GT, Crown Vic/Gran Marquis, etc.
Rumor is that the new DEW98 mustang will get a new 5.0L DOHC engine. Might just be a bored and/or stroked 4.6L or it could be all new. But I think the 5.4L is strictly a big truck engine. I have it in my Expedition and it's not the smoothest engine in the world. I would much prefer to see the AJ V8 stroked to 4.2L like Jag with VVT and better breathing. And it already fits under the hood. And has a supercharger available. And a matching tranny.
Once the 42 volt electrical systems are here I think you'll see electric superchargers that can be computer controlled to vary the amount of boost (or turn it off entirely).
Seems I have seen this mentioned before, I notice a wheel shimmy when applying the brakes hard, so I took it in this morning. The dealer says it's not covered after 12 months on the bumper to bumper warranty, so it will be $153 to turn the rotors. At 24,000 miles and 2 yrs and 8 months, it seems the rotors should be covered. Brake pads were fine. Any ideas?
Comments
Akirby's right too. Now you need the intake and exhaust (oops! input and output) devices to go with it.
Let us know how you like XP.
have finally purchased a black on black v8 ls with moon roof, premium package with chrome wheels. Got a stellar deal from a guy at varsity
lincoln here in michigan. I need some repairs and they were spectacular. Very help full. When I metioned that the trans comp. be reflashed they took a double take. Surprised that I knew what I was talking about. Thanks to what I learnded in this town hall. for 24,000$
out the door I got exactly what I wanted with 15,000 miles on the vehicle.
Does anybody know if I can put xenon lights in my ls?
It is very annoying. If you are successful please email me directly so I can have my dealer try the same thing.
Otherwise I love the car--a 2000 LS-8 with 32K.
I too have experienced the dreaded death on rolling stop several times. Many times as I roll up to a toll booth and other times stopping for a read light. I have never had it happen while turning. The car always starts right away.
The dealer has never been able to duplicate the problem and as usual if they can't duplicate it they ASSUME there is nothing wrong.
If you ever are successful if having this diagnosed please post. 2000 LS-8 Auto
I do not know if that is true, but worth checking.
Mine happened only once on a hard right/ hard stop combination. I believe the tank was less than 1/4 full.
http://www.mustangworks.com/autonews/FordPR-SEMA-FR500-11021999.html
"Up front the MacPherson strut system was replaced with a bolt-on double A-arm suspension. It consists of a rear upper arm from a Lincoln LS and a fabricated lower arm.
Springs and shocks are similar in design to the Lincoln LS, but have rates and valving unique to the FR500.
This setup moves the front axle 5 inches forward, giving the FR 500 a wheelbase of 106.3 inches … versus 101.3 for the stock configuration
It’s also one of the keys to achieving a 50/50 weight distribution."
So the Cobra uses the LS rear suspension, and the FR500 used the front suspension as well. Hmmm, why don't they just start with an LS, and add more power. Oh yeah, then it wouldn't be a Mustang.
The Mustang motors already have a full infrastructure for go fast peices, but there is not much available for the LS. As I mentioned, there are a few issues with a Cobra engine swap, but there is no reason that I couldn't get 300 HP from the LS motor. So I guess I could live with that. Port heads, K&N, Borla, ..., etc.
It is the next 100 Hp that is the issue. I'm just trying to think this project through before I get started. Thanks again.
George
bob550k: You really can't go wrong. Pick the color you like. '00s had issues with rear window regulators and automatic transmission programming, both resolved. Early '00s had problems with the heat elements in the seats, also corrected. Some '00 and '01 owners have had vibration problems at highway speeds, and they have occasionally been difficult to diagnose, so make sure your test drive includes some speed.
And do lots of smiling exercises between now and the time you buy, so your facial muscles will be in shape for the near-legendary LSGrin.:)
Scott
LLSOC Member
The current SN95 Mustang is still a modified Fox platform which traces it roots back to the late 70's, i.e., the Ford Fairmont. There's no relationship between the LS and that platform. The LS suspension was designed specifically for the DEW 98 platform. So far, akirby is correct. Look for the next generation Mustang to be on a modified DEW 98 platform.
(That reminds me - gotta file my taxes!!)
What do you LS drivers think of the silver-gray Aviator dash treatment. Looks pretty slick to me in the Aviator photos, I just wonder how its look will hold up over time.
Warning. Trips to the store that used to take 10 minutes will suddenly triple in time and mileage. You will find yourself needing milk or bread at odd times. You'll actually try to think of excuses to drive somewhere. It's addicting - enjoy it!
http://detnews.com/2002/autosconsumer/0203/13/a02-437584.htm
I like the look but don't think I would like to live with it every day (kinda like yellow cars - love to look at them but couldn't stand to see them every day). As long as it isn't overly prone to scratches I think it will be ok over time. Not sure I like that look for a luxury car, though. But if you replace the silver finish with a nice light or medium wood finish I think it would be very nice indeed.
Out front they had two new LSE's, one black, one silver. Didnt get a chance to check the sticker on interior, but the ground effects (small side skirts, different front bumper cover/spoiler with round fog lights, and skirt around the rear bumper cover) and small trunk lip spoiler looked subtle but very sharp. Ditto for the quad chrome exhaust tips protruding out the back. Had the same 17 inch rims that come on the Sport package, but they were the muted grey/titanium color, identical to the color on the many Mustangs I see driving around. Personally, I prefer a more highly olished rim, similar to the ones the FIKSE makes, but thats just my opinion.
Asked the service guy if he knew anything about an upcoming SVT model, and he said he knew nothing. Then again, he's service, not sales.
I wasn't as fond of the green that replaced it, but then in this market segment it seems colors get changed often. Wonder how many were made in Estate Green?
JS
LLSOC Charter Member
'00 LS V8 Sport
"The Aviator, which takes its styling cues from the larger Lincoln Navigator sport-utility, will be powered by a dual overhead V-8 engine that can produce at least 300 horsepower. Lincoln has not released other specifics."
What exactly is a "dual overhead V-8 engine?" Or should I say what exactly ARE dual overhead V-8 engines? The wording is also strange in the power production area. Of course, it CAN produce at least 300 horsepower (especially if there are two of them), I am more interested in what it WILL produce. I guess this early this is the best we can expect, but I would have liked a little less fuzzy writing.
They are a little behind in stock as the supplier is having to produce them for the cars being assembled as well as to satisfy Pent-Up Demand.
Anyways I figure our dealers will have them in the next month or so.
Regards,
Victor
LLSOC Member
Mike
LLSOC Charter Member
http://www.lincolnvehicles.com/vehicles/vehi_LS/ls_image02.html
This appears to be a signature wheel design for upcoming Lincolns; the '03 Town Car and '03 Navigator have similar designs (but with more spokes & chrome finishes.)
The 32 valve, four cam, Romeo/Intech will come in the Aviator as it does in the Cobra, Navigator, and soon to be extinct Continental. I'm sure the cam profiles are changed with the model, depending on where they need the torque peak.
The article on the Ford Mustang FR500 was interesting. When the DEW 98 is used for the Mustang and especially the SVT Cobra, we will see what mods are in store to install the Romeo/Intech as I don't think they will use the 3.9 from the LS. Maybe I should say that we will see what it takes to install a Romeo/Intech into an LS instead. When the Mustang/DEW98 appears, we will see (finally) an IRS rear end with LSD that should fit the DEW 98 platform. Too bad these are unibody. In the old days, just unbolt the body of the Mustang and put the LS body on. But you can bet they will shorten the DEW 98 for the Mustang unless they want big rear seats. Hey, they used to make a 4 door M3; why not a 4 door Cobra?
Since the Cobra uses the T56 Tremec with the Romeo/Intech, why not drop that drivetrain in an old LS. Pretty soon, the Continentals will get really cheap, and one could get the 4 valver, change the intake and cams and drop one in an LS.
If all this sounds confusing, the point is that any large company can mix and match existing parts at will. It's no secret that they try various combinations. An LS was put together with the V-8 and the Tremec. A Duratech was mated with an Rx-7 five-speed Manual with overdrive. LM could put the Romeo/Intech, Tremec and Cobra IRS/LSD rear into an LS. They will be when they do the new Mustang Cobra. I read in 2000 that he Cobra and IRS rears were built on the same line. Nothing a little welding couldn't change.
It's just a matter of will.
Depending on the weight of the Aviator, and the HP selected, it could be a fast SUV. But I'm sure the marketing guys will make sure the Aviator has less HP than the more expensive Navi. Remember, if it wasn't for those guys, we could all have cars with Ferrari performance in our garages. With mass production, it would get down to the cost of labor and materials pretty quick. Henry Ford was right. It's the marketing guys who corrupt the true potential of mass production. They even predict sales by product and price point.
I'm in real estate. We have the same games. Luckily, my lobotomy didn't take.
My dealer put in the Regulators right after Mania III (Remember my window failed right after I got back) No new part number from their part..Also he said it looked like the old part.
I will verify with my Lincoln Contact.
Sit Tight avlv.
Regards,
Airwolf
Mike
LLSOC Charter Member
In any case I'm pissed. Here we are being jerked around getting rear head rests removed, full size spare tire deleted and subwoofers taken away so the LS can fit into an EPA weight class. This all on a low volume (60,000 a year) car while congress backs out of imposing any sort of mileage requirements on Pickup trucks that sell 1,000,000 of them a year. I didn't catch whether SUV's were let off the mileage hook or not.
I didnt even tell them about the rattle in the B pillar. Personally, Ive never had great luck with dealerships finding interior rattles, and the chances of introducing another rattle is too high. Ill take the stuff apart one day myself and investigate.
Had worse luck with two dings I recently recieved. One in my passenger side quarter panel and the other dead center of the fuel filler door. The local dent wizard type place that has a contract with the dealer stated that they couldnt fix either due to a brace that runs horizontally across the backside of the fuel filler door, and because of the location of the one right beside it in the quarter panel. Turns out there is some form of processor that is mounted behind the carpet in the trunk, attached to the quarter panel. Removing it requires it to be detached from the wiring connected to it. Once you do this, the dealer has to reprogram the processor after you reconnect the wires. About 2.5 hours labor would be charged for the reprogramming.
So, looks like I need to purchase a new fuel filler door, get it painted and installed. The ding in the quarter panel has to stay I guess. Anyone know anything about this processor in the trunk?
With regard to them building any combination they want, it's not that easy. True, they can do whatever they want at will when experimenting. It's another story to sell production versions. Each new combo has to be EPA certified. I think that's at least a 50K mile program. They also have to be crash-tested. A different engine and/or trans combination might perform differently in a crash. These certification programs are time consuming and expensive. You can understand their reluctance to certify lots of different models. Chevy built one manual Impala SS. It was never certified for production.
As far as dropping Continental engines into the LS, I think it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to put a block designed for FWD use into a RWD car. I have a sneaking suspicion there's plenty of wrecked Mustang GT's around that you can pull an engine out of (albeit the 2V version). These things don't have exorbitant insurance premiums because they never get into accidents.
A total replacement is usually via the output cooler line to the radiator. There are places that advertise "total replacement". I know Bilstein even makes a machine that flushes out your crankcase!
Drolds1 - I mean building lots of one model: an LS with the Cobra drivetrain that will be built soon on the DEW 98 chassis. Just dreamin'.
So knowing where it was and armed with an 8mm nut driver I replaced the filter in 10 minutes for $5.95. Removing the wheel simplifies the procedure, then it's off with the wheel well liner, a 5 mm bolt holding the filter clamp and presto it's off.
Conversely what I saved on the LS was reinvested on my daughters VW Fox which needed a new clutch 200 miles from home to the tune of $815.
C'est la vie
They were advertising a "u" shaped clamp that had suction cups on each leg of the "u". You use these to attach this clamp to the car. In the middle of this clamp is a threaded screw which also has a suction cup on it. The tool looks to be 6-8 inches long.
The object of the game is to attach the clamp to the car, and then draw out the ding using the cup on the end of the screw. Like most of these $29.95 "wonder tools", I have some doubts, but the principle seem to have merit. You may want to watch the early Sunday infomercials, as I just saw this for the first time, so I'm sure that it will be around for a while.
Artie - the Continental engine isn't a FWD engine per se. In fact I think the continental is the only FWD implementation of the modular 4.6L. The others are all RWD: Expedition, Explorer/Mountaineer, F-150, Town Car, Mustang GT, Crown Vic/Gran Marquis, etc.
Rumor is that the new DEW98 mustang will get a new 5.0L DOHC engine. Might just be a bored and/or stroked 4.6L or it could be all new. But I think the 5.4L is strictly a big truck engine. I have it in my Expedition and it's not the smoothest engine in the world. I would much prefer to see the AJ V8 stroked to 4.2L like Jag with VVT and better breathing. And it already fits under the hood. And has a supercharger available. And a matching tranny.
Once the 42 volt electrical systems are here I think you'll see electric superchargers that can be computer controlled to vary the amount of boost (or turn it off entirely).
The LS V-8 is an awsome engine. I don't understand the thinking of trying to speculate about a truck engine being placed into a road car.
The warranty documents you got with the car should clarify this.
When will we start seeing 42 volt systems? Are they at least 2 years out yet?