Do You Want My Car?
90' LSC SE ~ $3500

Mac CAI ~ $135
Power TB/EGR ~ $170
Autometer C.F. S. ~ $100
Optima B/Hold ~ $200
E. Fan ~ $120
Mac Pulley's ~ $90
FMS 9mm Wires ~ $60
MSD Coil ~ $60
Jet Chip ~ $260
Mac Fuel Reg ~ $70
Mac Headers ~ $165
X-pipe ~ $75
Flowmaster ~ $220
Tips ~ $60
Exhaust Work ~ $360
3.73 Gears/Spyders ~ $250
Gear Work ~ $250
Eagle Alloy's ~ $550
Essenza Tires ~ $350
Basic Wear ~ $700

Total ~ $7,745.00

I think this is all. Some prices may be off. I guessed on a few since it has been sometime now. Im sure basic wear is above $700. Coz I had it into the shop about three times for the brakes. I think before I hit 10K I will have the car where I want it. Now go buy your new car that is 20K-30K+ and not have a car you actullay want. Hahaha

I would call LMS --- geno might just give you a discount somewhere in there and lower the prices --

i forgot to add shipping! $10 for all items except some were $15! Like Mufflers, headers, Gears, etc. And $20 each for the wheels and tires. Shipping kills. Wish I had a performance store here!

Finding a car you love and making it better is far better than IMHO than plopping down $500 per month for a compromise at best. Plus it's a lot more fun!

I look at my Mark VIII as my 'new' car. It's still a work in progress however. One thing you may have left off the list is a paint job. My '93 is due for one in a year or two, particularly the front end.

I need the whole car painted. I havn't painted it, thats why its not on the list. only things on the list, is things I have. I still got heads, cam, 5-speed swap, paint job, as the main things left to do.

I thought about the "build my car my way" thingie after I sold my 1997 Mark VIII LSC (heavily modded). But after shopping around quite a bit, there are alternatives. At the top of my list right now is a 2000 Jaguar XJR. 370HP stock, 380TQ stock, 0-60 in 5.4 seconds stock, 13.5 in the 1.4 mile stock. And as reliable as my Mark was. All this for $25,000 CDN. (about $18,000 USD). For $600, the blower gets ported and add pulleys, and I'm at 425HP. Now $18,000 is alot more than the $10,000 you're talking about, but that $10,000 car will never be as quiet, comfortable or luxurious than the XJR. And saying "I drive the Jag" feels alot better than saying "I drive that clapped out (insert brand here) that I only have $10,000 invested in". If you have a few more bucks, you buy a Mercedes E55. 13.2's in the 1/4 mile stock, and all the luxury you'd ever need. Fixing up cars is alot of fun (I've done lots, including a 10 second stock block Mustang), but the next one I buy, won't need much tweaking at all.

RRocket; Now $18,000 is alot more than the $10,000 you're talking about, but that $10,000 car will never be as quiet, comfortable or luxurious than the XJR.

1) Lincoln = Luxury
2) Flowmaster are not quiet
3) Being Loud and Proud!
4) Your 8K Over
5) 8K = Supercharger or New Motor!
6) ETC.

Lincoln=Luxury? No...Lincoln=Mediocre Attempt at Luxury. Jump in a Jag or a Lexus, then you'll know what luxury is. Real wood, Conelly leather and wool carpet in ther Jag. Supple, creamy leather, wood, control dials like they are on ball-bearings, no space between trim, and dead, dead quiet in the Lexus. Lincoln has a LOOOOOONG way to go until I will consider it true luxury. I liked my 1997 ALOT...but I was living a lie until I drove some TRUE luxury cars..

Lincoln, What A Luxury Car Should Be!

Lincoln=Luxury? No...Lincoln=Mediocre Attempt at Luxury. Jump in a Jag or a Lexus, then you'll know what luxury is. Real wood, Conelly leather and wool carpet in ther Jag. Supple, creamy leather, wood, control dials like they are on ball-bearings, no space between trim, and dead, dead quiet in the Lexus. Lincoln has a LOOOOOONG way to go until I will consider it true luxury. I liked my 1997 ALOT...but I was living a lie until I drove some TRUE luxury cars..

Sounds like the 97 base model, I got real wood.... blah blah blah
My Caddy does ride better than my Lincoln though.

No...Mine was a 1997 LSC. Don't get me wrong..the Lincoln was good. Just not in the same league as other luxury cars. Caddy needs help to. Recently rented a 2004 DTS for a road trip....and it was just "ok".

... Recently rented a 2004 DTS for a road trip....and it was just "ok".

I know the feeling. I have tried countless cars since I bought my Mark VIII and seem to come away with that 'just ok' feeling. I think you tend to 'raise the bar' as you progress through a life of owning different vehicles.

Driller,

YES!! That's the feeling entirely. My best friend bought my Mark VIII, and I warned him that he would never be able to drive a "cheap" car again after being spoiled by the Mark. So far the only cars I'm finding that can do what the Mark did are all foreign, which I don't have a problem with. But to be honest, I was SHOCKED at just how good the Lexus cars were. I thought they were a step up, but they are REALLY a step up. It is one of the few cars that has surpassed my expectations. The domestic makers should try their best to steal some of the best and brightest from Lexus, then at least they'll have a chance...

Driller,

YES!! That's the feeling entirely. My best friend bought my Mark VIII, and I warned him that he would never be able to drive a "cheap" car again after being spoiled by the Mark. So far the only cars I'm finding that can do what the Mark did are all foreign, which I don't have a problem with. But to be honest, I was SHOCKED at just how good the Lexus cars were. I thought they were a step up, but they are REALLY a step up. It is one of the few cars that has surpassed my expectations. The domestic makers should try their best to steal some of the best and brightest from Lexus, then at least they'll have a chance...

I'm afraid I am in that category as well. Since buying my Mark VIII last year, I look at auto's differently now. It used to be about practicability, then looks, then power. But I'm through with cheap interiors, rough riding, and few options. Of course my next auto purchase will be used, but luxury used.

With your glowing review of Lexus, are you leaning towards one for your next vehicle?

Case in point... the wife was all gaga over the new Chrysler 300, and after hearing about it long enough, I agreed to go for a test ride. Convinced the V8-RWD would win me over she graciously allowed me to drive(LOL!). I forewarned the salesman it would be a tough sell and I was not all that crazy about the exterior but I liked the interior however the test ride would tell the tale. I think he too was convinced it would win me over, as he instructed me to take a route that included some highway driving as well as city.

Long before I returned I had reached the conclusion. It was 'OK', politely it was 'nice'. But in actuality there simply was no "Wow! I got to have this car!". Zip. Nada. Zilch. No emotion.

I don't know about you, but for $36K, I'd like a little 'wow', please! I'm not necessarily saying it has to be luxury, heck nearly everyone would expect a Jaguar to be step up from a Lincoln. I'm not absolutely sure it's performance, after all there's a lot of 'faster' cars compared to a Mark VIII. But I think RRocket would agree, the Mark VIII has a certain combination of qualities rare in the automotive market today, import or domestic, mid-price or near-luxury. Almost 'exotic' without the exotic price, the Mark VIII leaves its' owners with a heightened stimulation of the senses that very few followers can match, let alone surpass. :L

This is a very interesting conversation and I believe I shall put my two sense in. I believe that Lincoln has some way to go before they hit world class status again, for the auto critics that is. I know one thing, I know a few exchange students who are from Slovakia, to them a Mercedes or BMW is a everyday domestic car like Lincolns and Cadillacs here. When ever they see a Lincoln or Cadillac or even a Chrysler they go GA! GA!. To them Lincolns are what Jaguars are to us, in there own way Lincoln still has the World wanting it's cars. Personally I think it's because, well in my opinion, Lincoln has the most Comfortable seats I have ever sat on in a car. :L Have you guy's sat in a 7 series lately, I think the seats are way too hard, I could'nt imagine a long road trip sitting on hard leather seats like the ones in the Beamer. Lincoln interior might seem cheap to you guy's but many people see it as very classy styling.
There are those who travel, and those who travel well (LINCOLN)
Ain't that the truth. ;) :steering

Kbob,

Both Lexus I drove were very impressive. The LS400 (1998-newer) has an opulent interior, 290HP, suprising handling and still soooo soft on a cruise. The handling is not quite in BMW region, but quite close. For a boat of a car, it's impressive. And the long list of features is great. But best of all, this is one of the quietest cars in the world...for any price. You could carry on a conversation whispering quietly. This is no exageration..it's that quiet.

The GS400 is the LS400's evil brother. With 300HP@6000 RPM and 315TQ@4000RPM (compared to 290@5750 and 290@4500) the GS400 blasts off the line. 0-60 in 5.6-5.8 seconds. The GS does what the Mark VIII could not...it really get off the line, and has tons of power down low. And the inside is quieter than the Mark. The Optitronic gauges are awesome. And the reliability is second to none. For me the GS400 seems like an "upgrade" to the Mark. It does everything the Mark does better. I felt VERY at home behind the wheel of the GS400. This car is also at the top of my list. It will be a very tough decision...

You forget one important item(important to me anyways)... price.

The '98 Lexus GS400 average price is $19,738 while the '98 Mark VIII average price is $10,309(both numbers from search on Autotrader.com with 300 mile radius of my zip). To put it perspective, is the Lexus twice as good as the Mark VIII? I'd find that hard to fathom. To me that makes the Mark VIII twice the deal over the GS400. Shoot, you could have His and Hers Mark VIIIs for the kind of money you'd have in the Lexus. Just my opinion.

Driller,

The material and workmanship is twice of what the Mark VIII is. And the reliability? Without compare. If it's a car you intend on keeping for awhile, and don't have the $$ to do alot of repairs, it's an easy choice. Had I bought a GS400 at the same time I bought my 1997 (they were both similarly priced here when new, the GS being only fractionaly more), the GS would be worth more than twice as much. So the Lexus depreciates half of what the Lincoln does. It really is a cut above the Lincoln. Not only that, the dealerships kiss you butt (which NEVER happens at a Ford dealership). If I have to pay a premium to drive a premium car, that's acceptable to me....As I said..I LOVED my Lincoln. But driving something a notch or two up on the ladder is quite the eye opener.

I like Lexus alot but Lincoln, I am Loyal to! Get that Jap crap out of the US please!

:L

Anyone who would call a car "crap" because of country of origin is ignorant. (or just a hater). The fact of the matter is, Lexus is THE most reliable built car in the world. PERIOD. A recent report from JD Power said that an 8 year old Lexus is more reliable than ANY car on the market...save for a new Lexus. As an engineer and a car lover, I love many cars from many different countries. I like many cars for special reasons. Most of the time, people don't like Lexus because it is a better car than the one the drive. It's called jealousy.....Perhaps you should drive one before judging?

Na, I will pass the "Golden Rice Mobile!" Hahaha Some people have different looks at different things. If everyone thought the same way. What would are world be like?

Plus, I said I liked the car. It was one of the car companys that I liked. So, calm down and watch the name calling. Okay?

I haven't started calling you names...(yet).... :F

You spent all that to run 15s.

I spent all that to look good running 15s. :steering

Case in point... the wife was all gaga over the new Chrysler 300, and after hearing about it long enough, I agreed to go for a test ride. Convinced the V8-RWD would win me over she graciously allowed me to drive(LOL!). I forewarned the salesman it would be a tough sell and I was not all that crazy about the exterior but I liked the interior however the test ride would tell the tale. I think he too was convinced it would win me over, as he instructed me to take a route that included some highway driving as well as city.

Long before I returned I had reached the conclusion. It was 'OK', politely it was 'nice'. But in actuality there simply was no "Wow! I got to have this car!". Zip. Nada. Zilch. No emotion.

I don't know about you, but for $36K, I'd like a little 'wow', please! I'm not necessarily saying it has to be luxury, heck nearly everyone would expect a Jaguar to be step up from a Lincoln. I'm not absolutely sure it's performance, after all there's a lot of 'faster' cars compared to a Mark VIII. But I think RRocket would agree, the Mark VIII has a certain combination of qualities rare in the automotive market today, import or domestic, mid-price or near-luxury. Almost 'exotic' without the exotic price, the Mark VIII leaves its' owners with a heightened stimulation of the senses that very few followers can match, let alone surpass. :L

Something that may have been left out, Fuel Economy? I don't know about the rest of you but with gas prices over $2 per gal, and being able to get 30 mpgs on the HYW. This adds to the value Mark VIII. (Yes I get 30 mpg HWY a little less 27 to 28 if I decide to have some fun on my Mark VIII and my total average is around 25 to 26 mpg total)

I don't have the Luxury of a bottomless pocket bank account. When I bought my Mark I was looking for something to save me money on gas price. I was looking for an Escort or something in that class.

I have a Chevy 3/4 Conversion Van that has the 350 engine. When I purchased the van gas prices were $0.89 per gallon. It was a beautiful vehicle $20 filled the tank, but only 15 mpgs on a good day. I have put 130k on this van and it still runs as good as it did when I purchased it with 30k on it. I can't get rid of it as its gas consumption has basically dropped its value to $0. But it sure runs great and can haul a great number of people or kids in comfort. Plus I've had DVD and video games in my van for years. I've even rigged it for 5.1 Surround Sound with power sub.

So anyway I was looking for a car with economy. I didn't think I would be buying another car with a big V8 with 32 values that could bury the spedometer and still not hit top end.

I drive proud down the road in this Lincoln. I have style, power, dependablity, and economy. Plus I bought this for less than the escort I was looking at. I have said this many time, I didn't know what I was buying, just that I knew it was a Lincoln. WOW.

It may not be a Lexus or a Jag, but when all parked together and people looking at the style of the cars the Mark VIII is right there with them. Plus I can sit back and think I paid a lot less.

I'd rathe bost about how much I saved than how much I paid. Getting quality at a bargin price. :L

Now one more thing that the Lincoln has over the Lexus and Jag. If you live in an area like I do, a small rural town with no import dealers only Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. Getting service on an import takes a lot longer. I know if I can't do it, there is someone here that can work on my Lincoln, and I would have to pay an arm and a leg for a nut or bolt. (Ok the Lexus won't break down) LOL

MPG is very inportant in these times. I get my 91 octane with booster. Only 15 gallons each fill up! Reason, I drive the car as if it was a monthly car. But when I drive it. I drive it very hard. Every time I checked it was at 20.2. Never lower then that. But now, after some of the newer mods. Headers, pulleys, adj fuel reg, manifold spacer. I get 18.4. I don't like the drop. But I am hoping its just coz of the header leak. I pray! hahaha

MPG is very inportant in these times. I get my 91 octane with booster. Only 15 gallons each fill up! Reason, I drive the car as if it was a monthly car. But when I drive it. I drive it very hard. Every time I checked it was at 20.2. Never lower then that. But now, after some of the newer mods. Headers, pulleys, adj fuel reg, manifold spacer. I get 18.4. I don't like the drop. But I am hoping its just coz of the header leak. I pray! hahaha

MPG is only a factor depending upon how you want to use your car. My Van is getting great mileage now as it is not traveling the extra 640 miles per month that it use to make. (Taking my kids to spend a weekend with their mother every other weekend). Son only has to go now when he wants or on holidays, and mother is buying daughter a car when she turns 16 in about 4 months). Soon to save more money on the MPG factor.

Sifrino your Mark VII is a nice ride :Beer and part of your hobby not so much your daily ride. So MPG is not a factor. Really like your Mark VII. I was thinking about looking into one. (Now that I have fallen in Love with Lincoln Marks) Just don't like the MPGs but if I use it as a toy and not my car, I can justify having one, don't know my wife will. I don't think she will feel $2K to $10K or more is a toy.

One problem I have found with my Mark VIII is not driving it hard. Too much fun :cool: It's hard not to pass slow moving traffic without stepping it down. :o

Sifrino may have to be a daily driver very soon. Reason, we sold my girls 2-door 2001 Cavalier. Which was riced out. Intake, muffler, Msd, and some very nice 17" rims I got her for her birthday. Another reason. Still have to get the money up for my 84' LSC. Tranny rebuild with a 2400 TC. Just for a lil more go and it needs a front clip. Inwhich Sifrino will be giving it up. Bcoz I want to fiberglass the whole front end of Sifrino. So, old parts will go to the 84' LSC.

Thanks for the comments on my ride! But I care alot about my gas miledge. Reason, its another thing to brag about! You won but you V8 gets such and such miledge. You know what im saying. . .

Sifrino may have to be a daily driver very soon. Reason, we sold my girls 2-door 2001 Cavalier. Which was riced out. Intake, muffler, Msd, and some very nice 17" rims I got her for her birthday. Another reason. Still have to get the money up for my 84' LSC. Tranny rebuild with a 2400 TC. Just for a lil more go and it needs a front clip. Inwhich Sifrino will be giving it up. Bcoz I want to fiberglass the whole front end of Sifrino. So, old parts will go to the 84' LSC.

Thanks for the comments on my ride! But I care alot about my gas miledge. Reason, its another thing to brag about! You won but you V8 gets such and such miledge. You know what im saying. . .

Nothing was meant about you not watching MPGs with fuel prices wow. I just wish I wouldn't have Discovered what I Discovered when I bought my Mark. It was this and a few other owner groups forums. This is by far the best! and everyone in hear has been very helpful and fun. Plus how much fun the Mark is to drive.

I have my step-daughters Cavalier I need to get working to help deplete the # of drivers on my Mark. The Cav was given to her by her Dad and runs ok but needs a little work. If I get that running good then I can give that to her sister (my other step-daughter) and she'll have her own ride and not be using the Mark. Our house looks like a car lot right now. LOL. 4 teens 3 with temps ages 15 to 17 and one 20 yr old. 3 girls one boy. Ahhhh!!! My son thinks the Van is cool, but I am worried 17 yr old boy and the van is a mobile bedroom. Ahhhh!!! :eek: :give

She will want you to drive the Cavalier! Hahahahaha Im telling you. Once you drive a Mark. You just don't want to go back!