2002 Lincoln LS

[BigBalledOX]

Hi, I've been around the forums for a while but haven't yet actually picked up an LS, though I hope to remedy that soon.

Anyways, on to my question - I know the 2003 model year saw a host of changes made to the LS. I also know Ford sometimes incorporates those changes in to late-year models of the previous model year, based on my experience with the other Fords I have owned.

I'm looking at a 2002 LS which was built in August of 2002. Does anyone know if Ford had begun to incorporate any of the changes for the second-generation LS by the time my potential car was built? Also, I know the 2000-2002's are considered to be more problematic than the 2003+ LS's . . . has there been any indication of improvement in the late-year 2002's?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DunItRight]

All the dramatic changes in features and extras came with the 03+ or also called the 2nd Gen LS.

 

[eastcoastLS]

from my experience, i believe the 2002 is probably better than the 2003 if well maintained. i look at the 2003 like the 2000, the first year they made it. regardless you are looking at coil issues eventually.

 

[pagan_blood]

+1 to what eastcoast said

 

[lseguy]

Hi, I've been around the forums for a while but haven't yet actually picked up an LS, though I hope to remedy that soon.

Anyways, on to my question - I know the 2003 model year saw a host of changes made to the LS. I also know Ford sometimes incorporates those changes in to late-year models of the previous model year, based on my experience with the other Fords I have owned.

I'm looking at a 2002 LS which was built in August of 2002. Does anyone know if Ford had begun to incorporate any of the changes for the second-generation LS by the time my potential car was built? Also, I know the 2000-2002's are considered to be more problematic than the 2003+ LS's . . . has there been any indication of improvement in the late-year 2002's?

Thanks in advance!

The changes were not done until the 2003 model year, biggest being about a 30hp/torque improvement in the V8, and about a 20hp/torque improvement in the V6. Navigation systems were also options in 2003+, Cooled Seats, etc.

I disagree that a 2002 is better reliability wise over later models, as the basic engine/transmission design/block is the same.

 

[Lincolnls02black]

Hi big. I've had my LS 02 for about 4 yrs now.. im going on 250,000km and no problems.. car is well serviced, use castrol syn oil only.. 50w or 55 when i can find it... sure it costs alot more, but well worth the price and care of the car.. only issues im having were the repairs, everything on the car is still fine, cross my fingers.. I heard problems with some LS on other sites but i havent lived any... enjoy ur lincoln my friend, just pray you dont need service 1 day.

Hi, I've been around the forums for a while but haven't yet actually picked up an LS, though I hope to remedy that soon.

Anyways, on to my question - I know the 2003 model year saw a host of changes made to the LS. I also know Ford sometimes incorporates those changes in to late-year models of the previous model year, based on my experience with the other Fords I have owned.

I'm looking at a 2002 LS which was built in August of 2002. Does anyone know if Ford had begun to incorporate any of the changes for the second-generation LS by the time my potential car was built? Also, I know the 2000-2002's are considered to be more problematic than the 2003+ LS's . . . has there been any indication of improvement in the late-year 2002's?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MDavis0424]

Ken Garrison (GrayGhost1) posted a great list of all of the changes awhile back:

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=9718

 

[BigBalledOX]

Ken Garrison (GrayGhost1) posted a great list of all of the changes awhile back:

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=9718

Wow, thats very helpful, thanks! Thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for.

Also, from all the searching I've done it seems the only way to "chip" the car is via an XCAL2, correct? There's not a SCT chip available for the vehicle, right? I'm not looking to really make it a hot rod Lincoln but I would like to get intake and exhaust and get the car dyno tuned since I'm fortunate to have a shop that will do it for a reasonable price.

 

[GrayGhost1]

Wow, thats very helpful, thanks! Thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for.

Also, from all the searching I've done it seems the only way to "chip" the car is via an XCAL2, correct? There's not a SCT chip available for the vehicle, right? I'm not looking to really make it a hot rod Lincoln but I would like to get intake and exhaust and get the car dyno tuned since I'm fortunate to have a shop that will do it for a reasonable price.

The LS doesn't use chip technology so you have to modify the code in the PCM (powertrain control module). With that being said, the only way to get a "performance" module is to go with a PCM controller like the SCT Xcal2 or the new Xcal3. It is well worth the money. As for intakes and exhaust, they are readily available for the 00-02 LS but you won't find any off the shelf aftermarket exhaust system for the 03+ LS.

 

[BigBalledOX]

The LS doesn't use chip technology so you have to modify the code in the PCM (powertrain control module). With that being said, the only way to get a "performance" module is to go with a PCM controller like the SCT Xcal2 or the new Xcal3. It is well worth the money. As for intakes and exhaust, they are readily available for the 00-02 LS but you won't find any off the shelf aftermarket exhaust system for the 03+ LS.

Thank you again for your help. I'm not looking to go crazy with the LS, its going to be my daily driver/commuter car, but I'm sort of addicted to modding, so lowering the car, new wheels, intake and exhaust and a tune are a must for me. It may be time to shell out for the SCT Pro Racer Package, if it will let me tune multiple vehicles at once that is.

 

[eastcoastLS]

Thank you again for your help. I'm not looking to go crazy with the LS, its going to be my daily driver/commuter car, but I'm sort of addicted to modding, so lowering the car, new wheels, intake and exhaust and a tune are a must for me. It may be time to shell out for the SCT Pro Racer Package, if it will let me tune multiple vehicles at once that is.

get the new sct livewire tuner. learn about it here http://www.sctlivewire.com/

 

[BigBalledOX]

Well, I went and eyeballed the car yesterday, other than some minor damage to the rear bumper which the dealership said they would fix and a misfiring issue (already! great!) that they are going to take care of, I feel like it was a pretty good pickup for what I paid, just $13000 out the door for an '02 V-8 Sport with only 52000 on the clock.