DeviLSh

Awesome, great to hear. What is the FB group because I would love to join and go to GLD with everyone. Come spring we will have similar mods then, I am waiting on Torrie for a tune as we speak, they dont have my strategy in the database yet. Havent heard of the pump upgrade.

Did we just become best friends?

Darkstar/UP FMIC officially installed. Took me about 6-7 hours (alone) on Sunday night to get this done. Used the fusion DIY as a guide, along with some tips from Zalvern via PM. (thanks again!) My MKZ does NOT have adaptive cruise, so its unclear if this would be possible on a car that does, the active grill shutters were retained, just cannot run the lower bolt on the wishbone bracket as it would rub the fins of the new thicker FMIC core. Driving impressions so far are great - car no longer starts to "give up" on a long pull, and back to back pulls feel the same, no more one-trick pony. Granted - it is cold right now in Chicago, so ambient temps are helping things. But my god this car rips..... I am somewhat perplexed in how a tune will make it even stronger. (and slightly nervous!) For anyone looking to do this, the job requires bumper removal. So a light walk through of that: 1) Jack up car, remove front wheels 2) Remove lower belly pan hardware - series of 20 or so 10mm bolts and 7mm screws 3) Remove fender liners. You can do just the front portion and hold them back to access bumper hardware 4) Undo 4 8mm bolts that secure bumper to fender, hard to reach but no swivel needed 5) Remove radiator panel and upper grill hardware (10mm bolts here too) 6) Remove 3 more 7mm screws and phillips fender light screws on each side 7) Unclip DRL harnesses, main BUS connector near trans cooler, and grill shutter harness 8 ) "pop" bumper off clips, grab a friend and unclip wiring pins. 9) Once the bumper is off, you can remove the active-grill-shutters. A series of 10mm bolts around the perimeter secure it to the car, and three 8mm bolts keep the rear wishbone bracket attached to the front shutters. This is probably the most "difficult" or tedious part honestly. 10) After this, you have full access to the stock core, it attaches to the car with three bolts, and rests on a bracket. Undo hose clamps and "Massage" the core out. Be careful to not bend the passenger side A/C line that is near the MAP sensor. Pic of stock core before removal.: Picture of said wishbone bracket and where it attaches to the grill shutters - NOTE, position this behind the crash bar BEFORE you mount new core - much easier than forcing it in after the new core is mounted Some comparison pics of stock vs UP's core. (garret version). Stock is 6lbs, UP's is 18lbs. Substantially larger, and the fins are more dense. Fitment to show AC line fitment, and my anti rattle solution ? Install the MAP, and hose clamps, make sure its all tight and good! Re-Install grill shutters, see close up of no bottom bolt due to tight tolerance. (this part still clips in, so low risk of separation. Unused parts after install include: 1 - Lower bolt for AGS and two lower bolts that secured bottom panel cover to grill shutter 2 - Side "flaps". I trimmed these to still use them up top, but there was no room for these air seals on the sides of the radiator between FMIC and rad core 3 - Lower radiator cover. You can still attach the bumper belly pan though, so not a huge deal. Looking forward to being "tune ready" now with the air and temp management being under control. Let me know if there is anything else I can answer! Final note - watch when reinstalling the grill shutters as there is some wiring by the passenger side headlight that can get pinched. after install I noticed my hood ajar light is on, and the hood is definitely shut... so I think i need to double check the wiring and see if something got accidentally cut.

Man you guys are speaking my language! 1 - I would love if they made an MKZ wagon, similar to Buick's Regal Tour-X. Europe gets fusion wagons and I love how they look. 2 - 2006 LGT Wagon is a GREAT car! 3 - I still have my LS and love it, its in storage for winter now, so the MKZ has my full attention. Agreed on the no manual V8 being annoying. Oh well, id like to swap. 4 - I did scratch my wagon itch.... I have a 2004 Audi S4 Avant in the garage in pieces. Slow progress, but this is more of a long term dream project that I am working. You can read more about that car here Made a new thread for the 2017, Please feel free to check into it here.

Steeda CAI & GFB DV+ Installed Not the first to run this, big thanks to Zalvern for some guidance here. Was able to get my CAI on last night and at about 95%. Still need to finesse fitment and clean up my heat management applications. But overall took me 2min to get the stock stuff off, and about 3 hours to get the new parts one. For anyone looking to do this, the fitment is super tight. Battery box prevents the Steeda airbox from setting in nicely. I choose to trim the front of the box, where it attaches to the oem scoop to shorten the length. I also carved a clearance section to prevent the box from bowing under stress. The downside of this approach is the IAT1 sensor gets very close to the front clip. I barely got this to fit. GFB DV+ was a pretty simple install. Had to use two nuts to remove the oem hardware, as I did not have the correct socket for removing these. And the plastic diaphragm was a bit stubborn to remove, but all-in all, 20min for this. Some pictures! Before & After: Close up of front box trim & clearance slot: Trimmed upper corner for hood strut clearance: Insulation to interior and bottom of box (may try some different things here after I get some drive time.) And finally - a picture of the GFB DV+ installed

Some first purchases! Breaking this up by post, easier to edit and reply to that way - Black Friday got the best of me, and I made some progress on the list of wants. Ordered GFB DV+ and an SCT X4 from Torrie, Sway/Strut bars, intake and hood strut kit from Steeda, took the plunge on some wheels for this car, and finally - got a great deal on a used UP FMIC from a member on the fordfusionsport forum. Just heard from Torrie though that my MKZ's ecu strategy is not yet in the system. Hopefully that doesn't become a headache, either way, I am still going to but putting the hardware on soon to to get the car ready for the added demands of the tune and driving. I can already get a sense of this car's torque management and heat soak tendencies. Back to back pulls is where it is most noticeable. Wheel Specs: Neuspeed RSe102 Focus RS fitment, 5x108, 63.4CB, M12/oem lug compatible (need to drill these out to accept 2017 MKZ M14 update) 19x8.5, et45 TPMS compatible est. 20lbs per wheel ? Satin gunmetal Tires TBD, will be oem sizing, just cannot decide on type yet.

First Mods - Small appearance changes. 1 - Removed front plate bracket and filled holes with some paint matched plugs, from bumperplugs.com 2 - Removed Rear emblems to clear up the back of the car. The ghosting was pretty bad, so I had to spend some considerable time on this buffing/polishing. Result looks good though. 3 - Not pictured, matte black license plate frame with hidden hardware.

Hi everyone - Starting a new thread to track progress of the next/second MKZ for me. I had my 2014 MKZ since early 2017, thread on that car here. Loved my last one, but once the 3.0T's came down in price, and I test drove one, the bug bit hard! I was still in love with the 2014, but really wanted to get into a new one if I could. I would give my 2014 a B+ as an overall grade, and it was a great car for me, but the 2017 I have now is an A+ for my taste, style, and fun factor. It is everything the last one was, plus more. After listing my 2014 for the 3rd time I finally found a buyer, and a week later got myself into a 2017. This second time around looks and mods will be mostly the same. This is my daily driver, but I will still be modifying it like I do all my cars! My goal would be to get an 11.99 or quicker while keeping it daily-comfy. Specs on the car: 2017 Reserve - Magnetic Grey/Ebony Interior 38k, $26k OTD, CPO'd. Drivers Package, Climate Package, Revel, Moonroof Came with 20% Tint, and Non Driver Pkg Wheels from prev. owner Initial Impressions: My favorite part about the car so far is the power and attitude. It is a great definition of sleeper, and I am pretty amazed Lincoln made this car put out what it does. Very impressed with it, as is everyone I have given a ride to so far! I am really looking forward to how upcoming mods and enhancements will take this car to the next level. Second in line would be interior. I have always loved CF trim, and having a Lincoln with that "look" is just very different. Something I have always liked having in cars is a different perspective and uncommon theme. The seats, trim, and all black headliner to me are really well executed and give the car another hint of whats happening without being over the top aggressive. I am probably in the minority, but I do miss the slide controls, mostly because of the minimalist look it gave the interior. However, having dedicated buttons for HVAC and not having to go to the menu is nice. Other than power train, interior, brakes and looks - most of the car is the same. There is now a trunk button next to the 3rd brake light I guess. Future Mods/Ideas in the works: I definitely learned a bit from the first car about what it needs and what to look out for. Thankfully, not too many things I did turned me off. So although I'll be paying twice, I plan on taking a very similar approach and doing some repeat mods this time around. I like to save weight where I can, loving how that affects a car's dynamics when done correctly. I want to add power but keep things reliable and consistent. And finally, this chassis is pretty underrated, so some suspension tweaks to take the Lincoln smooth out will definitely get me smiling more and handling the boost in power with more confidence. Here is a loose wish list on the car Chassis: Upgraded/Light-Weight Wheels H&R Springs Steeda Sway Bars & Links Front Strut Bar/Chassis Brace Front BBK w/ lightweight calipers and rotors Performance: Engine/Trans Tune (SCT) Cold Air Intake Diverter Valve Upgrade FMIC Catted Downpipes Custom cat-back (light sound, less weight) Throttle body/Ported Manifold(s) Temperature/heat management Cosmetic & Appearance: Considering De-Chroming front grills, monochrome style Debadge rear emblems Front plate delete Tinted front windshield 50% De-chrome tail light trim/red overlays Black vinyl the roof Couple things already done on this list in my first two weeks, (thanks Black Friday!) and will be updating as I go! Thanks as always for reading -Devin

Thanks - 12.4 with just a tune is fantastic. I am 2 weeks into my 3.0T now, and on a cold night with the right launch, I can easily see this car being 12sec with a tune. Sent my info to Unleashed/Torrie yesterday, so hopefully come spring I will have more to add to this thread!

Nice times - what mods and tires?

Thanks, I will most likely make a new thread to track progress on it, but for now - 2017 Reserve CPO'd, 38k mi 3.0T AWD Driver's Package, Climate Package, Revel Audio (Not Ultima) Moonroof Compared to the last one, it gained power, lost features of tech pkg, and lost a little weight. The park assist/adaptive cruise and pano were all really cool and special, but I rarely used them. At the end of the day I really wanted the all black/Carbon fiber interior and a driver's package car with the powertrain. I was able to get the price down because the PO swapped the DP wheels to his new car, and the dealer put these wheels in it place. I figured I might go aftermarket on the wheels and keep these as a back up so I wasn't too upset about it, even though I do like how the drivers package wheels look on the car. I will get something similar in looks, but hopefully a bit lighter to get this car moving even faster. Doing tons of research on mods and support for this car, and so far the driving experience has been incredible. Just what this chassis needed, I loved my last one, but something was lacking.

Probably not too surprising, but when you like a car so much and get rid of it, what do you replace it with? The better version!

I sold my MKZ, so I have a few parts left over if anyone is interested. All from a 2014 3.7 AWD. 1) Custom aFe intake kit. $150 + Shipping This is a kit meant for a Ford Edge/Explorer with the 3.5L, that I adapted to work on my MKZ since nobody offered a full kit. More details available here. This will install in roughly 20min, and yes - it does help with power delivery. I tested this before and after at the track, and saw .2-.3 second quicker E/T's by running this vs stock. It is also a loud louder under medium/heavy loads (sounds great, but not for everyone). Basically remove engine cover, stock airbox and inlet tube (loosen hose clamps and pops out) I am also including my "DIY" heatshields in two materials. Aluminum and plastic (pictured). I was not able to completely finish the plastic version, as I was planning on fabbing brackets, trim, and nice hardware but the car sold so I had to abandon the project. Either way it utilizes the stock air shroud for air entry and mounting, and would only take some trimming and final touches to be complete. Also planned on lining it with some insulation material to keep the temps in check. **Worth noting this will also still work on an Edge or explorer as I have the original parts for that still too.** Video: 2) OEM Springs (4) 75k mi. - Make Offer $50? 3) OEM Rear Sway Bar, 25k mi - $40

car sold!

Sold her today! Been a great car for me, time to start the search for the next thing! I knew it was a good sign when a white MKX rolled up to my house. Car sells itself ? In all serious-ness though, it is going to a good home, and for someone like me - that matters/makes a difference.

Welcome, love the color. This is the best I have found so far, but I also frequent the fordfusionsport forum, as those guys tend to mod a bit more. As Zalvern will tell you, they upgrade to a lot of MKZ parts haha, but still good knowledge base over there.

Bump https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/781725084/overview/

Good to know, thanks for humoring all my questions! I too have "other cars I should be messing with first" but I just cant help it. ? I ran a 14.7 in my MKZ, it was a pretty hot afternoon/evening too (upper 80's, pretty humid). I would love to go again. I would be down for a Sept get-togeher, maybe I can bring my LS out again. Be sure to let me know on here if you are gonna go, and Ill do the same next time I plan a trip. I cant get into a 3.0TT soon enough, and this thread is a bad enabler.

In an effort to keep my FS ads for this car current, I decided to take the day yesterday and wash her, followed by a photoshoot in a variety of settings. I have the car posted on CL, Cars.com, and Cargurus now. Looking to get into a 2017+ 3.0TT if I can get rid of it. One last effort to sell for a while. Anyway, I figured it wouldn't hurt to share the pictures with you guys here as they would be appreciated! Been a while since I have shot with anything other than my iphone, so this was fun to do again. Enjoy, and let me know what you think. (Spacer's uninstalled in these pics)

^^ noted, for when my day comes ?

Nice times! Any shift/trans modifications done on the Livernois tune? Any future mods planned? How much fuel did you have in the car for these runs? (sorry for all the questions haha) Had my 3.7 out at GLD a few weeks back, let me know next time you go i'd love to tag a long and represent Lincoln with you there. ?

Some friends went to the dragstrip last night, so I decided to take the MKZ and join in the fun. I wasn't sure what to expect from the 3.7, but we had a blast. I also decided to "test" the intake kit. I ran the car stock and it did a 15.1 @94. After installing the intake in the pits, and running a few more times, I achieved a 14.7 @ 96. Temp was about the same and I just lightly launched the car off the line. (giving it gas at the same time I released the brake, not really true brake torquing or converter staging, just using two feet and exchanging). I never thought I would see gains that good from an intake on an NA sedan. but It def wakes the car up, and now I have some real world data to back it up. I was really impressed with the way the car moved, and sounded on the track. Even got a few compliments on it from the staff at the strip and some of the other racers. Still trying to get this car sold to a good buyer, but enjoying it in the meantime. ?

Loving the grills, nice work

Bumping this thread, as I am going to be listing the car again soon. Cannot get the next car until this one is gone!Car now has 63k on it - Still 37k left of CPO coverage from Lincoln (or about 3 years) Would like to get $18k for it. Will consider offers! Recent Maint/Work includes: 5/31/19: Oil Change, Tire Rotation, Rear Sway Bar bushings (steeda). Interior 5/1/19: H&R Springs, Motorcraft Rear Shocks, Rear Rotors & Pads, Front Strut mounts & Bearings, Motorcraft rear wheel bearings. Alignment performed. Car rides like new, with some enhanced looks and sportier ride. (not too harsh at all) 9/18/18: Water Pump performed by Lincoln due to small leak, Airbag recall performed, and engine/transmission inspected when removed for peace of mind. Still averages about 20-21 city, pulls strong. Only issues are the pano roof side panels are peeling (deteriorating finish) and front brakes will need to be changed in 10-15k most likely. Also, rear window regulator went out, but I will getting that fixed soon. Thanks and share with all your friends.

MY CPO paperwork states a transfer fee for $100, I paid the same fee to have my LS' coverage trasnferred as well.