1998 Lincoln Mark VIII

  _____________________________________________________

Introduction  -  New/Revised This Year  -  Models: SF/CE/LSC/Base  -  Engine  -  Suspension  -  Options

Color Combos  -  Marketing  -  Competition  -  Warranty  -  VIN/VC Info  -  Other Facts

_____________________________________________________

Introduction

Once again, Lincoln expected much higher sales for the 1997 Mark VIII than what was actually achieved. As such, most of the changes made for 1998 were done to reduce costs. Early on, dealers could order a special edition Mark VIII, the Spring Feature car. Lincoln announced plans to discontinue the Mark VIII on January 26, 1998. To commemorate the end of the Mark line, Lincoln created special Collector's Edition Mark VIIIs, which featured special interior and exterior touches. The last Mark VIIIs to roll off the assembly line were all Collector's Editions.

 _____________________________________________________

New/Revised This Year

Interior:

• Improved thicker carpeting
• Cassette/Radio replaces CD/Radio as standard equipment
• New Color:    Midnight Black (all models)
• New Color:    Ivory (newly available on the LSC)

Exterior:

• New Color:    Medium Charcoal Green CC MET
• New Color:    Midnight Grey CC MET
• New Color:    White Pearlescent CC MET

Functional:

• Revised transmission internals and controls
• Second-Generation driver and passenger airbags are now installed
• Engine valve covers now read 'Intech 32valve V8'
• Mercon V replaces Mercon III in the transmission
• A revised/improved 1-2 accumulator is used in the transmission
• Change in the wiring harnesses for the HID headlight bulbs
• 'PATS' security system is renamed 'SecuriLOCK'

Option Revisions:

• Spring Feature model added
• Collector's Edition model added
• Homelink garage opener is now optional
• Cassette radio replaces CD player as standard

Discontinued This Year:

Interior:

• Homelink garage door opener is no longer standard equipment.
• Rear power point

Exterior:

• Color:    Light Prairie Tan CC MET
• Color:    Evergreen CC MET
• Color:    Deep Navy Blue CC MET
• Color:    Pewter Grey CC MET
• Color:    Opal Opalescent CC MET 3X
• Alternator cover

_____________________________________________________

 Models Available This Year

Base Model:

    Revised in 1997, the 1998 model Mark VIII saw nearly no changes for 1998. Some minor mechanical changes were made to the transmission, including upgraded parts. The alternator/engine beauty cover has been deleted as a cost cutting measure. Inside, improved quality carpeting has been installed, and the cassette deck has once again replaced the CD player as standard.  Minor changes were made to the HID headlight wiring, which now allows for the bulbs to be replaced without cutting wires. Exterior colors have been reduced. This is the last year of the Mark VIII.  The Base model features the same color choices as the LSC model, and has the VIN identification designation of M91.

Standard Features

Exterior:  Body color front and rear bumpers with bright insert, bright exposed exhaust tips, flexible chrome grille, front and rear gravel guards, body color door handles, high-intensity discharge headlights, cornering lamps, back-up lamps, limousine doors, power mirrors w/heat and memory recall, body-color side moldings with bright inserts, bright 'Lincoln' emblems front and rear, 16-inch lacy-spoke alloy wheels, concealed radio antenna, neon rear taillamp

Interior:  Dual airbags, rear center armrest, front cigarette lighter, center console w/real wood trim, ashtray, leather covered shifter, front storage bin, rear defrost on/off switch, vinyl door panels w/map pockets and leather armrests, chromed switchgear, driver's side footrest, lockable lighted glovebox, rear seat heat ducts, 4-way adjustable head restraints, analog instrumentation (speedometer,tachometer,fuel, temperature) w/PRNDL indicator, message center with memory profile system, leather seats w/6-way power, 3-user driver's seat memory, power lumbar, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping leather steering wheel, dual lighted vanity sunvisors with secondary sunvisors, electrochromic rearview mirror

Functional: CFC-free air conditioning, 130-amp alternator, anti-theft alarm system and PATS, 72 amp/hr battery, four wheel disc brakes, 'performance' camshaft, child restraint anchors, trunk release, chrome fuel door release, delayed accessory power, 4.6L DOHC V8, dual exhaust, tubular exhaust headers, 18 gallon fuel tank, solar tinted glass, automatic headlamps, lighted entry system, keyless entry, all-speed traction control,

 

LSC model:

    For 1998, the LSC package returns once again as a true model rather than an equipment package for Base model cars. VIN numbers on LSC models carry the M92 designation. The features that make up an LSC have not changed compared to 1997.  LSC models benefit from the same changes made to the base car. Engine ratings are once again 290hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque. HID headlights are no longer part of the package, since they are standard equipment on every 1998 Mark VIII. Options available on the Base model were also available on the LSC, with the exception of 10-spoke painted wheels.

Standard LSC Model Features: (Note: deviations from Base model standard equipment listed above. All Base model equipment also included on LSC unless otherwise noted)

Exterior: Body color front and rear bumpers (replaces body color front and rear bumpers with bright insert),  LSC badge on lower right side of trunklid (replaces 'Lincoln' badge at same location), body color side moldings (replaces body color side moldings with bright insert), chrome aluminum 10-spoke wheels (replaces lacy spoke aluminum wheels)

Interior: Embroidered LSC floormats (replaces embroidered MARK VIII floormats), 'Euro' perforated leather seats (replaces standard leather seats)

Functional: Dual exhaust pipes (replaces standard exhaust), 3.27:1 rear axle (replaces 3.07:1 rear axle), revised suspension settings with larger front (1.06" replaces 1.024") and smaller rear (.846" replaces .886") stabilizer bars .

Spring Feature Model:

    Likely the rarest Lincoln model, The spring feature car was manufactured as both a LSC model and a Base model. A special color, medium gold CC MET was the highlight of the features. This color was to be an exclusive color for the 1999 Continental. Also included were gold Lincoln Star badges that appeared later on the Collector's Edition. If the car came with the optional Octastar wheels, the center cap featured a gold Lincoln Star. Only 117 Spring Feature cars were made.

Standard Spring Feature Model Features: (Note: deviations from Base model standard equipment listed above. All Base model equipment also included on Spring Feature unless otherwise noted)

Exterior: Medium Gold CC MET paint. Gold Star emblems on grille and trunklid. LSC models include all of the standard LSC changes

Interior: No known changes. LSC models include all of the standard LSC changes

Functional: No known changes. LSC models include all of the standard LSC changes

Collector's Edition Mark VIII:

    To celebrate the end of the Mark line, Lincoln produced a 'Collector's Edition' model. CE models were only available in two colors, Cordovan, and White Pearlescent. All CEs are LSC models, and have additional special equipment to set them apart. All CEs have special gold badging, and a 'Collector's Edition' insert on the door rubstrip moldings. Chrome 10-spoke wheels were standard, and featured special center caps with black Lincoln Star emblems.  The interior benefits from the most changes, including special two-tone leather seating, real wood steering wheel inserts, special floormats, real wood shift knob, highly polished center console wood trim, 'Collector's Edition' silkscreened on the real wood door inserts, and a serialized plaque mounted in the door jamb. Collector's Edition owners also received a special set of .999 silver ingots highlighting the standout cars of the Mark series.

Standard Collector's Edition Model Features: (Note: deviations from LSC model standard equipment listed above. All Base model equipment also included on Collector's Edition  unless otherwise noted)

Exterior: Limited color choices (Cordovan or White Pearlescent), Collector's Edition badging on door molding, chrome wheels w/black center cap, gold badging

Interior: Limited color choices (Light and Medium Graphite or Light and Medium Prairie Tan) two-tone leather seating (NOT euro perforated), Collector's Edition badging on doors, real wood inserts on steering wheel, real wood shifter, high polish center console wood, special floormats, Collector's Edition plaque on doorjamb

Functional: Collector's Edition models include all of the standard LSC changes

Other: Special collection of silver ingots highlighting the Mark series

 

_____________________________________________________

The Engine

All 1998 Mark VIIIs come standard with a DOHC version of the modular 4.6 liter Ford V8. The engine has a rated output of 280 horsepower and 285 ft-lbs of torque in Base models, and 290 horsepower with 290 ft-lbs of torque in LSC models. The block and heads are made almost entirely of aluminum (iron cylinder sleeves are used), which weighs 64lbs less than the iron block used in other applications. This version of the 4.6L uses dual overhead camshaft heads and 'performance' cams. A center mounted intake plenum and a coil-on-plug (COP) system is used instead of the coil packs used on 1993-1996 engines.



 The engine has many features aimed at increasing reliability and performance.

1. Dual overhead camshafts: DOHC heads allow for the use of four-valves-per-cylinder, with two intake and two exhaust valves. This increases intake valve area by 40%, and exhaust valve area by 35%. DOHC heads also allow for the valves to be angled in the head for optimum placement. The spark plug's are also mounted in the center of the combustion chamber. By design, OHC engines are capable of reaching much higher maximum RPM than conventional pushrod designs.
2. Chain camshaft drives: The camshafts are chain-driven, as opposed to the more commonly used belt-drive. Since the timing chains rarely break and are fitted with tensioners, they do not require service, and take up less space.
3. The block is deepskirted, which means that the block walls extend three inches beyond the centerline of the crankshaft, which strengthens the block.
4. Low-friction piston rings are used, to decrease wear and increase the engine redline speed.
5. Platinum-tipped spark plugs are used to allow the engine to go 100,000 miles before needing a tuneup.
6. The connecting rods are powder-forged, a process that helps better balance the rods, which makes the engine operate smoother and reach higher RPMs. The rods are also manufactured as one piece, then purposefully 'cracked' apart in such a way that prevents them from being installed incorrectly.
7. Roller-finger cam followers feature bearings between the cam lobes and followers to help reduce friction, increasing maximum RPM. Hydraulic lash adjusters remove the need for adjustments during servicing.
8. An aluminum intake manifold, specially designed to decrease engine noise transmitted to the interior features a centrally mounted intake.

_____________________________________________________

Options

Factory Installed Optional Equipment:

    Like previous years, the Mark VIII has a long list of standard features, and a short list of options. Below is a listing of factory installed optional equipment. Factory installed means that these options were installed before the dealer received the vehicle. Options installed by the dealer upon arrival or customer request are dealer installed options, and are covered below.

1998 Options Guide

    Determine what options your car has using this visual guide.

Wheels:    1998 Models were available with six different styles of factory wheels. All are aluminum, and measure 16x7, with a +39mm offset and a 4.25inch bolt pattern. P225/60R16 97V was the only size tire available. The Lacy-Spoke version was standard on Base model Mark VIIIs. The 10-Spoke painted version was available as a no cost option on Base models. 10-Spoke chrome wheels were standard on LSC models. Octastars were available as an option on all 1998 Mark VIIIs. Octastars with gold emblems on them were available only as an option on the Spring Feature cars.  Special black logos were also used on Collector Edition wheels, which in turn were only available on the CE cars.

           

10-Disc CD Changer:    Trunk mounted 10-Disc CD changer. Requires AM/FM/Cassette radio head unit. Factory systems are mounted in the trunk on the left side. All factory CD changers have 'Ford Audio System' silkscreened onto the unit. The felt cover shown in the picture is also standard. Since the CD-changer is controlled through the radio, a special head unit is also fitted. Notice that the 4,5 and 6 preset buttons now have secondary functions.

   

Premium AM/FM Stereo Compact Disc:    Available as a no cost option, a single-CD head unit could be substituted for the cassette head unit. This unit was not available if the CD-changer option was specified.



Heated Seats:    Once again, heated seats are an option. Heated seats offer multiple heat settings, along with being able to heat the back of the seat only, or both the back and bottom sections.

   

Front Floormats:    A no-cost option, front floormats came with every Mark VIII. They are color-keyed with the interior color of the car, and are fitted. Base models have 'Mark VIII' woven into the mat. LSC cars have 'LSC' instead of Mark VIII. LSC floormats were only available on LSC models. The Collector's Edition also has its own special floor mats.



Power Moonroof:    Factory moonroofs include a privacy shade. They also feature 'One-Touch Open' operation. The moonroof also has a vent feature. The motor for the moonroof is in the rear-center of the roof.  The standard overhead interior light is removed, and is replaced by a smaller unit housing the moonroof controls. The new unit is mounted between the sunvisors.

   

Cellular Telephone:    At the time, cell phones were not a prolific as now, so this feature was not all that common. The cell phone available in 1998 is an analog version. The factory cell phone is voice activated, and uses the stereo system during calls. Cell phone equipped cars have a small unique cell phone antenna mounted at the rear of the roof, right above the rear window seal. The only phone version available in 1998 is the portable/convertible version.



Tri-Coat Paint:    Only available in Ivory Pearlescent or White Pearlescent. Other colors were not available in 1998.  This tri-coat painting process makes the car appear to be more than one color.

_____________________________________________________

Dealer Installed Optional Equipment:

    Dealer installed options vary wildly. Some dealers add only minor things, such as adding aftermarket tire/wheel packages, while others add tonnau covers or complete ground effects packages. Below is Ford-Authorized optional dealer installed equipment for the 1998 Mark VIII.

 Mudflaps-    Specially designed for the Mark VIII. They are black in color and have MARK VIII in white letters written on them.

Mark VIII Car Cover-    Specially designed for the Mark, these covers feature 3 layers of protection, wind relief vents, and reinforced and oversized mirror pockets.

Valet Key-    Each 1998 Mark VIII came with a card in the glovebox that could be taken to a dealer to receive a special white key, which only operated the ignition, and would not unlock the trunk or glovebox.

Compass Mirror-    Not specific to the Mark VIII, Owners could opt to have the autodim mirror replaced with one that featured a small digit compass readout.

Trunk Cargo Net-    Standard equipment on 1993-1996 Mark VIIIs, the cargo net was a LPO (Limited Production Option) for 1998, and them became a dealer installed option for the remainder of the 1998 model year.

10-Disc CD-Changer-    Two versions of this were available. Cars equipped with the JBL audio system could be equipped with the factory changer by the dealer. Non-JBL cars could have a changer installed that used FM-modulation to play the CDs on head units not equipped with CD changer controls.



6-Disc CD-Changer-    Available only as a dealer-installed option, the 6-disc changer uses the same controls as the 10-disc version.

_____________________________________________________

Interior/Exterior Color Combinations

Combination Availability:

        Only certain color combinations were available on 1998 Mark VIIIs. Below is a chart detailing available color combinations.

 _____________________________________________________

1998 Marketing

    As the last year for the Mark VIII, Lincoln spent almost nothing advertising the car. For the spring selling season, Lincoln created the Spring Feature car, which had some exclusive options and special paint, but interest was so low that only 117 of the cars were made. Lincoln announced in January that the Mark VIII would go out of production, and announced in February that a Collector's Edition of the car was going to be produced. Lincoln dealers were provided with a special Collector's Edition folder to show potential customers. Press coverage was sparse, but a few comparison tests and small writeups could be found. Scans of the Collector's Edition folder and press release can be found in the Library. Magazine reviews can be found in the Magazine Archive.

1998 Mark VIII Demographics:

Median Age: 56 years
Median Annual Income: $100,000
Male/Female: 79%/21%
College-educated: 55%

The majority hold managerial, professional or technical positions, and have read about the Mark VIII in enthusiast magazines. Sales Consultants should be prepared to answer performance-oriented questions. The LSC model attracts younger buyers in the 45-50 year age group.

Key Reasons to buy a Mark VIII:

For 1998, Lincoln considered these to be the key customer buying motivations, i.e. what customers are looking for when they consider a Mark VIII.

Performance/Handling
Comfort/Convenience
Quality
Durability/Reliability
Safety/Security

Sales Numbers: Lincoln sold 14,357 1998 model year Mark VIIIs.

Published Performance Figures: Below are published performance figures from popular car magazines. It is important to remember that a lot of variables affect these figures, such as driver skill, launch techniques, weather conditions, elevation, test track conditions, and vehicle condition.

1998 Mark VIII LSC:

Car and Driver (Feb 1998) :  0-60: 7.0sec    1/4mile: 15.3 sec@ 94 mph    Top Speed: 124 mph    Braking 70-0: 175ft    Skidpad(300ft): .80g

 

 

The Competition:    The luxury coupe segment that the Mark VIII competes in has shrunk rapidly over the years, due to market trends favoring Sport/Utility vehicles. For its last sales year, the Mark had three major direct competitors: The Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lexus SC300/SC400.

Cadillac Eldorado-    The front-wheel drive Eldo got a new audio system for base models, and saw no other changes for 1998.

   

Sales Consultants were trained to point out the following advantages the Mark VIII has over the Eldorado.

• A slightly lower base price, with a higher level of standard equipment, makes the Mark a better value.
• The Mark VIII's rear-wheel drive setup does not suffer from the torque-steer effects of the Eldo's front-wheel drive setup.
• The Mark VIII has a smaller turning diameter, making the car easier to maneuver around in parking lots and tight spaces.
• The brakes used on the Mark VIII have 14 percent greater swept area, for improved braking performance.
• Better fuel economy, both on the highway and in the city. Mark VIII - 18/26, Eldorado 16/25.
• The Eldorado's Road-sensing Suspension does not adjust vehicle ride height at highway speeds.
• The 4.6L engine in the Mark VIII is more powerful, at a lower RPM than the Northstar in the Eldorado: 280@5500  vs 275@5600.
• The Mark VIII can tow twice as much as the Eldorado (2000lbs vs 1000lbs).
• Ride comfort was better, since the Mark has a 5-inch longer wheelbase.
• The Eldorado shares some of its styling cues with the 4-door Seville, leading to a less-distinctive appearance.

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the Eldorado has over the Mark VIII.

The Front-wheel drive setup contributes to the larger interior room of the Eldo.
The Northstar system makes more torque at a lower RPM than the InTech system (300@4000 vs 285/295@4500).
The optional Northstar engine is more powerful than the optional Mark VIII engine.
The Eldo has a larger trunk with almost 1 cu.ft. more space, and a much more 'useable' shape.

Published Performance Figures:

Car and Driver:    0-60: 6.8 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.2 seconds @ 94 mph (1998 ETC Model)

 The Eldorado outlasted the Mark VIII by four years. 2002 was the last year for the Eldo, with 1999-2002 models receiving option and color choice shuffling, and the final model year offered a ECS Collector's Edition with special paint and exhaust.

Buick Riviera-    Two major options disappeared for the 1998 model year. The base model engine was deleted, and all Rivieras used the supercharged engine. The bench seat option was also deleted.

       

Sales Consultants were trained to point out the following advantages the Mark VIII has over the Riviera.

• The Mark VIII's rear-wheel drive setup does not suffer from the torque-steer effects of the Riviera's front-wheel drive setup.
• The Mark VIII has a smaller turning diameter, making the car easier to maneuver around in parking lots and tight spaces.
• The brakes used on the Mark VIII have 14 percent greater swept area, for improved braking performance.
• The engine in the Mark VIII is larger, smoother and more powerful than the engine in the Riviera.
• The Mark has leather seats as standard equipment.
• The Mark has a computer-controlled air suspension system.
• The Mark VIII has a 4yr/50,000 mile warranty, whereas the Riviera has a 3yr/36,000 mile warranty.
• The Mark VIII can tow twice as much as the Riviera (2000lbs vs 1000lbs).

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the Riviera has over the Mark VIII.

The Riviera has more interior room.
The Riviera gets better gas mileage both city and highway, both with and without the supercharger.
A well equipped base model Riviera stickered for around $30,000, much less than the Base Mark VIII
3 cubic feet more trunk space.

Published Performance Figures:

Motor Trend:    0-60: 7.8 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.9 seconds @ 88.7 mph (1995 supercharged model)

Buick discontinued the Riviera in mid 1999. Only a few 1999 model year Rivs were made. A special collector's edition was made, called the Silver Arrow. No major changes were made for the final year.

Lexus SC400/SC300-    Lexus has steadily improved it's sporty luxury coupes since their introduction for 1992. For 1998, the SC400 gained variable-valve timing, which netted a huge gain in power: 40 more hp and 30 more ft/lbs of torque. the SC300 gained another 10 ft/lbs of torque. The SC400 also gained a 5-speed automatic with manual-shift capability.

   

Sales Consultants were trained to point out the following advantages the Mark VIII has over the SC400.

With 15 percent more passenger space, the Mark VIII is noticeably more spacious inside for all passengers.
The Mark VIII has 55 percent more luggage space.
The Mark VIII has a computer-controlled suspension with self-leveling features, which is not available on the SC400.
The Mark VIII's sticker price is much less than the SC400.
The DOHC V8 in the Mark VIII uses a chain camshaft drive, which is more durable than the belt-driven version used in the SC400.

Sales Consultants were also trained to be aware of the advantages the SC400 has over the Mark VIII.

The SC400 is about 100 pounds lighter than the Mark, and makes more power  and torque from its smaller V8.

Published Performance Figures:

Car and Driver:    0-60: 7.4 seconds    1/4 mile:  15.8 seconds @ 89 mph (1998 SC300 model)

The Lexus SC series of coupes are still in production today, although much different than the 1992-2000 model. The current version first appeared in 2001.  The last year for the SC300/SC400 was 2000. Only minor trim and equipment changes highlight the 1999 and 2000 models.

_____________________________________________________

Other Information

Warranty Information:

    All 1998 Lincolns came with 'The Lincoln Commitment', a comprehensive warranty/dealer service plan.  Coverages were as follows:

Service Loaner-    The dealer will provide a service loaner, or a rental car is covered for $30 a day up to five days.

Roadside Service Assistance- Towing, jump-starting, lock-out service, tire changing. Service is free for four years after delivery of the car.

Emergency Travel Expense Reimbursement-    If the car becomes disabled more than 100 miles from home, Lincoln would reimburse travel expenses such as meals, lodging, and car rentals up to $1,000.

Destination Assistance-    If your Lincoln is in an accident, Lincoln will reimburse up to $250 in travel expenses to reach your immediate destination.

Trip Planning Service-    Lincoln provides maps and trip routings custom made for your trip. Requires advanced notice.

QUEST Membership-    Gives you discounts at hotels and restaurants that are a part of the QUEST network.

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty-    4 years, 50,000 miles. Includes a five-year corrosion warranty.

  Understanding Your VIN and Vehicle Certification Label:

    There are two major forms of vehicle identification on Mark VIIIs.  The VIN number is a 17 digit number that is unique to each car, and is visible from outside the car, through the windshield in front of the driver. The VIN number can tell you the model year, engine, body type, assembly plant and serial number of the car.  The other is a vehicle certification sticker, which has the VIN, along with several other tidbits of information, such as interior and exterior colors, axle, transmission, radio, and intended sales region. To see examples of VINs and VC stickers along with an explaination for each, click on the links below:

        VIN number identification

        Vehicle Certification identification

Other Facts:

A 10-cars-per-hour assembly line is used at the Wixom factory.
Wixom, the plant where all 1998 Lincolns were built, received Ford Motor Company's Q1 award in 1998.
The rear window is installed using a zero-tolerance procedure.
Two-sided galvanized steel body panels are used everywhere but the roof. All of the steel used to build the car comes from the same supplier, which helps ensure a close fit. The tolerance spread for the Mark VIII's sheetmetal is +/- .040, which is the tightest requirement of any Ford product.
The paint process used on the Mark VIII has 23 steps, and the primer is color-keyed to the topcoat to reduce visible scratches.
The cell phone antenna was wind-tunnel tested to reduce annoying wind noise at speed.
The design utilized 'team-oriented' product development
The Mark VIII benefited from more pre-launch testing than any other Ford product (this explains the frequent appearances of Mark