Living With An Ex-Cop Car

"Justin Hughes" (justinhughes54) 11/24/2014 at 22:12 • Filed to: P71, cop car, police car

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"It's got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"

The Blues Brothers is one of my favorite movies of all time. As big as star of the movie as John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, is the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , a 1974 Dodge Monaco picked up at auction from the Mount Prospect, IL police department. A few years ago, when I found myself needing the newest, cheapest, easiest to maintain and run car I could find, I settled on a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (often referred to as a CVPI or P71), that, like the Bluesmobile, began life as a police car. Throughout my time with the car, it was a real head turner. Not in the usual sense, like if I was driving an Aston Martin, but people first noticed "whoa, look out – cop car," and then, upon figuring out that I'm not actually a cop, they became genuinely interested in what it was like, how I ended up with it, and so on. I'll try to answer some of those questions here, starting with confirming and debunking Elwood's famous quote from the movie.

"It's got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant." The P71 got exactly the same 4.6 liter V8 as every other Panther platform car. Yes, my cop car's engine and the one in your grandpa's Lincoln Town Car were identical. But that's not to say it isn't faster. The P71 got lower gearing to give it better acceleration at the expense of fuel economy. Many also got limited slip differentials, including mine. And the transmission was programmed to make faster shifts, even before the popular "J-mod" that improves shifting even more.

"It's got cop tires…" The stock Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are nothing to write home about. They are the definition of all-season tires being no-season tires – they weren't much good at anything. The time I got caught on them in a light snowfall was rather frightening. The Falken Ziex 912s I replaced them with performed much better, and I chose them because they were affordable, not because of their performance. A set of Firestone Winterforce snow tires turned my P71 into one of the best winter cars I've ever had.

"…cop suspension, cop shocks…" The P71's suspension was upgraded in just about every way over the standard car. Stiffer springs, shocks, and sway bars gave it an almost European ride quality – firm enough for performance driving and to hop the occasional curb while chasing perps, yet still comfortable enough for long shifts in the driver's seat. No wonder they're so popular as taxis. 2003 saw the traditional recirculating ball replaced with rack and pinion steering, which provides rather good feedback from the road. Four wheel disc brakes rounded out the performance package.

"It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas." Obviously my P71 had all of the required emissions equipment, and runs on unleaded gas. I'd get 20mpg whether I drove like grandpa in his Town Car, or drove like a complete idiot. You can probably guess which end of the spectrum I leaned toward.

And now, here's my P71 FAQ, based on what I've been asked most over the years:

"Is it a real cop car?" Yes, it was real. According to the included service logbook, it was a sergeant's car in Ashland, NH for several years. The owner before me replaced the stock mufflers with Flowmasters on the stock dual exhaust, but other than that the car was relatively unmodified and in good condition.

"Is it legal?" Yes, or else it wouldn't be on the road. My car came with no emergency lights (though there was clear evidence of where they were once installed), no siren, and no police markings of any kind. It did come with the factory installed spotlight in the A-pillar. I kept it folded down most of the time, but it was handy for finding house numbers, street signs, and parking spaces at night. There are no laws against having an ex-cop car. It's only illegal to have police markings on them, use lights and sirens if you're not authorized to, and of course pull people over impersonating a real cop. Some states may require the removal of the "Police Interceptor" model badge, just because it says "police." Although a few genuine law enforcement officers slowed down and took a careful look at the car on occasion, all of them drove on by without giving me any trouble. Usually they'd just wave at me instead.

"Why did you get a cop car?" As I said before, I was looking for the newest, cheapest, easiest to run and maintain car I could find. Ford has made Panther platform cars since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Parts are very common and usually cheap and easy to find. The Miata I had before this car was proving to be too small for my activities and my work, so I needed something bigger. I didn't need something quite this big, but it was very handy to have the space for ten desktop computers in my trunk when I was working an IT contract for an office move. Try that in a Miata.

"Hasn't it been beaten to hell?" You have to shop smart when looking for a P71. If you're talking about a black and white patrol unit from a big city that's been run 24/7, then yes, it probably has. Run away. What you want to look for is a history of easier use – from a small town, an unmarked detective's car, and so on. One of the cars I looked at used to be a campus police car. It had probably never seen a pursuit. Only title issues kept me away from that particular car. Also look for one that comes with a service logbook from the police department. Because mine did, I knew that my transmission had been rebuilt around 90,000 miles, and it was retired soon after, so there wasn't very much hard use on that transmission for me to worry about. This was part of the reason I chose the particular car I did.

"Does everyone think you're a cop?" Yes, absolutely. I went out of my way to NOT appear to be impersonating a police officer (aside from this photo, working the Concord Pond finish control at the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ), but people thought I was one anyway, especially on the highway. I couldn't sit in the right lane doing the speed limit without causing a traffic jam behind me, since nobody wants to "pass a cop." If I moved right along at the upper end of the average speed of traffic in the left lane, everyone would bend over backwards to get out of my way. Left lane hogs were no problem, and only rarely did someone cut me off. A couple of times people who cut me off actually pulled themselves over after they saw me, dead certain that I was about to stop them myself.

"What are those antennas on it?" The car came with an NMO antenna mount already drilled through the trunk lid. Since the wire was cut, I replaced it with a new one and added a second for my ham radios. I built a radio console out of wood scraps from a friend's old stairs to sit between the bucket front seats. I even bought a dual microphone clip that bolted to the dashboard from a police parts distributor. I can't deny it added to the cop look, but all of the equipment was functional for my amateur radio hobby.

"Is it fast?" No. People complain that the FR-S/BRZ, which weighs 2700lbs and has 200hp, is under powered. Compared to the 4200lb, 239hp P71, the Toyobaru twins are rocketships. That said, for what it is, it's surprisingly quick. When I took it to the autocross, rallycross, and the track, it was one of the cars that turned heads the most – not only because it's a Crown Victoria, but also because it didn't completely fall all over itself on course. But that's a story for another time.

And yes, the cigarette lighter works.

(Top photo by !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! )

 > Justin Hughes 11/24/2014 at 22:17

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Are you on CVN?

Thunderface > Justin Hughes 11/24/2014 at 22:18

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Would you recommend one as a first car?

Or would you recommend a civilian one?

Justin Hughes > Thunderface 11/24/2014 at 22:24

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The campus police car I wanted was for sale because someone had bought it as their first car, and his parents wouldn't let him keep it because it was too fast and powerful for a new driver. On the other hand, its sheer mass will keep you pretty safe in a crash, which new drivers are more likely to have. I'm sure you'll get a lot of conflicting opinions on this one!

Justin Hughes >  11/24/2014 at 22:26

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Yes, I'm on there as White_and_Nerdy.

Thunderface > Justin Hughes 11/24/2014 at 22:27

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Also, how is the interior to live with?

Any concern over the nastiness that the interior has been subjected to over its life?

Justin Hughes > Thunderface 11/24/2014 at 22:32

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Great point. Even in a good car, you've got plastic everywhere, fabric front seats with no side bolstering (they were made for people wearing body armor and gun belts), a rubber floor, and a vinyl back seat. The good news is that most of them don't pop up on the market with the plastic seats with the cutouts for your handcuffed arms still installed. The vinyl seats are usually removed when new, then put back in for auction. Also, if you don't like the interior, go grab one from a civilian Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or even a Town Car at a junkyard. It'll pop right in.

Steve in Manhattan > Justin Hughes 11/24/2014 at 22:37

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I remember that a guy called in to Car Talk about one of these. The guys pointed out that, although the car had about 110K on it, the motor had 163,048 hours because of idling at speed traps and in front of the Dunkin Donuts. Still, engines like to run, and 'miles' put on at idle don't really count. And this is truly ancient technology and easy to work on. If you read your history closely, you'll find that Julius Caesar had a Town Car. Panther.

Justin Hughes > Steve in Manhattan 11/24/2014 at 22:43

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Great point, and that's something to keep in mind. Later P71s actually came with an engine hour meter. I think there's some kind of conversion, X hours = Y miles, as far as scheduling oil changes. But they're made to idle, and have better cooling systems than anything this side of a heavy duty tow rig.

lucky's pepper > Justin Hughes 11/24/2014 at 22:45

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My first one, a '97, was a great car. Despite it's mass it didn't feel or drive like a big car. It handled well, had good acceleration and was well built. The 2004 that I got after the '97 caught fire was worse in every way. It drove like the big car it was and the interior (materials, fit & finish) was garbage. Still it was a good car for the eight years I drove it.

If you're looking for a big, comfortable, roomy and very reliable car an old well maintained Crown Vic is hard beat.

Steve in Manhattan > Justin Hughes 11/24/2014 at 22:47

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Exactly, and if you switch it to Mobil 1 or similar, it'll add to your engine life. If 100 hours added 5 miles, I'd be surprised, especially in a low-compression engine.

CB > Justin Hughes 11/24/2014 at 23:31

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So you mention the interior, but have no pictures of it?

Also, sweet looking ride. Love the spotlight on it.

Justin Hughes > CB 11/24/2014 at 23:45

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I know I took one of the homemade radio console, but I can't find any interior photos. I found this picture of a newer car than mine, though.

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Justin Hughes 11/25/2014 at 00:29

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Its crazy how cheap i can find these on Canadian Gov't surplus sites. There are no less than a dozen P71's for sale in Halifax for $500 CAD. And they all havr less than 80000 km because they were base patrol cars and MP transports.

Brian Silvestro > Justin Hughes 11/25/2014 at 07:42

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But that's a story for another time.

Those are the stories I'm actually interested in though.

Justin Hughes > Brian Silvestro 11/25/2014 at 08:21

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Don't worry - they're coming soon.

Justin Hughes > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 11/25/2014 at 08:22

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Wow - maybe I should get my next one from Halifax...

Justin Hughes > CB 11/25/2014 at 10:46

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Aha! I found one on my other computer showing my custom ham radio console.

CB > Justin Hughes 11/25/2014 at 11:33

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Very nice!

jkm7680 > Justin Hughes 11/25/2014 at 19:12

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Looks super clean! How's the interior? Ruined or clean? I've always wanted a P71, but never could find it practical since I've already got a sedan.

Justin Hughes > jkm7680 11/25/2014 at 19:24

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Thanks! It got fresh paint not long before I got it, though there was a little underlying rust in places - nothing serious. The interior was in great shape. At least the owner before me took excellent care of it.

jkm7680 > Justin Hughes 11/25/2014 at 19:28

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That's always good to hear! It's always nice when Panthers get some love, and a little break from Police use abuse and stuff, Haha.

Glad you like it, Well written article keep them coming!

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Justin Hughes 11/25/2014 at 19:39

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I'm actually an idiot. The $500 ones are on a salvage title, it'll cost between $800 and $1000 for a drive able one, and they'll still be in rather sorry shape.

$1000

https://www.gcsurplus.ca/mn-eng.cfm?snc…

Justin Hughes > jkm7680 11/25/2014 at 19:45

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Thanks! I'm working on the "that's another story" now...

Justin Hughes > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 11/25/2014 at 19:51

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Ah, maybe not so much, then. Unless I want a project car. Like a rally car donor...

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Justin Hughes 11/25/2014 at 20:12

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GOD DAMNIT STOP PUTTING THESE THINGS IN MY HEAD. I just bought a lifted '79 Econoline for cod's sake.

jkm7680 > Justin Hughes 11/26/2014 at 12:36

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Awesome, I'll be looking out for it!

xxstich666xx > Justin Hughes 12/17/2014 at 21:33

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Wait you had both a Miata and a P71?!? Are we long lost twins?!?

xxstich666xx > Justin Hughes 12/17/2014 at 21:34

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Calling a Crown Vic too fast is laughable. They struggle to hit their limiter of 131mph.

Justin Hughes > xxstich666xx 12/17/2014 at 22:06

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I agree. But that's what the kid's parents said, and why they made him sell it.

Justin Hughes > xxstich666xx 12/17/2014 at 22:07

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Maybe! I've actually had three Miatas - all red 1.6 models, by chance.

TheInfamousMisterLicious > Thunderface 12/18/2014 at 13:16

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I have recommended it as a first car and even assisted in the locating, reconditioning, and purchasing process. While the non-P71 Panthers aren't as "tight", finding a low mileage Gran Marquis from estate sales in Florida or Arizona is another great way to get a super reliable, very safe car for (relatively) cheap.

haberb > xxstich666xx 12/18/2014 at 14:30

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Uh, I have that exact same model Miata (same color body and top), and a 1997 P71 I've had for 14 years. hmm. I smell a trend.

xxstich666xx > haberb 12/18/2014 at 21:27

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They're polar opposites as far as handling lol. I got a Crown Vic because i figured i wasn't ready for manual yet but i wanted to try my had at a RWD car. I got the Miata because I figured I was ready for a 5-speed and I loved going sideways down offramps.

imadeaburner > Justin Hughes 12/27/2014 at 12:41

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Wait, wasn't the P71 engine slightly different, PI Heads and intake? Or was that just the early ones....I had a P73 and a P71 both the same year, and the heads were different as well as the intake manifold. I could be dead wrong.

RobG-ADV > Justin Hughes 12/27/2014 at 12:45

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I've been wanting one of these for a while.. for all the reasons you've listed. I found several on Craigslist in the sub-$3k range in pretty nice condition, but haven't bit the bullet yet. I'd like to go to an auction if I could, but I'm not even sure how to go about that.

Forrest > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 12/27/2014 at 13:42

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*soory shape

Forrest > CB 12/27/2014 at 13:44

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Does it have cruise control?

Ad_absurdum_per_aspera > Justin Hughes 12/27/2014 at 14:23

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It may say more about the kid (or the parents) than the car. Some aren't ready for such a vehicle's easily accessible power at ordinary driving speeds. Some aren't ready for the surplus of power of another kind that comes from driving what looks like a cop car. Some, at the typical ages, just aren't ready for unsupervised driving of anything.

If anything I'd say that the suspension and brake improvements would make this a better car than other Panthers for a (suitably mature in attitude) beginning driver. If you are braking too late or overcooking a curve (and haven't we all?), better to do it in the version that handles least like a waterbed.

What I'd optimally suggest for a beginner, especially an urban one, would be something smaller and boxy with good sightlines and easy-to-judge corners and edges, but you could do a lot worse than a surplus cop car provided it's in good shape — and probably most of us learned to drive on what our parents had or could afford to buy, not on some hypothetical ideal. (Of course, these days, at least in US cities, it has become fairly common to take those first beginner lessons from a driving school... using their cars. )

I learned to drive on big-block, rear-wheel-drive, full-sized Chryslers and Fords ("in the snow, uphill both ways") and refined my skills, insofar as they ever got refined, on everything from half-ton pickups to Army-surplus Jeeps. What they had in common, besides deserving a better driver than my teenage self, was that a lot of people nowadays would think they were perfect death traps even when a lot newer and in their factory configuration, never mind as-found.

Ultimately, no matter what you're learning on, a key lesson is "if you feel as though you're going too fast for you, the vehicle, the road, the traffic, or the conditions — pick one or more — slow down!" This is a powerful motif applicable to any car.

BenLikesCars > Justin Hughes 12/28/2014 at 03:03

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And then they did what? Bought him a Honda that ended up being quicker but much more discreet about it?

Justin Hughes > BenLikesCars 12/28/2014 at 10:36

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No idea. I didn't hear from him after I ran out of patience waiting for him to get a title and bought another car instead.

EdWunclerJr > Justin Hughes 12/28/2014 at 10:52

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P71's are cool I guess. 9c1's are faster, get better fuel economy, handle better and don't look like your grandparents car after removing the push bars and spotlight. Here's mine that I bought cheap and has cost me $0 in repairs since I bought it. Came with a full service history.

Justin Hughes > EdWunclerJr 12/28/2014 at 10:55

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Nice. I like the 9C1 Caprice with the Corvette motor, but those are pretty rare these days. I'll bet you don't get the "OMG cop!" reaction from other drivers, which can be a good thing to keep people from going 5 under the limit when you can't pass.

EdWunclerJr > Justin Hughes 12/28/2014 at 11:03

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Actually I drove it home 1500 miles the day after I bought it, it was like the parting of the red sea. Drivers got out of the left lane in a hurry. Everyone knows it was a cop car even after removing the push bars and spotlight.

Justin Hughes > EdWunclerJr 12/28/2014 at 12:02

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Nice!

Luke Murphy > Justin Hughes 12/28/2014 at 12:50

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I've always wanted one of these. I've loved the look of the Crown Victoria and having spent a lot of time driving my Grandpa's and now my brother's Mercury Grand Marquis, I quite like these cars. One day I'll buy one for shits and giggles seeing as they're so cheap, just can't have 2 cars right now.

darthshiznit > Thunderface 12/28/2014 at 16:53

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My brother got a crown vic as his first car and kept it for 12 years and loved it. begrudgingly got rid of it.

Got pulled over once for impersonating a police officer for the blue neon on his subwoofer in the back seat lol

Jeo meo > EdWunclerJr 12/28/2014 at 19:23

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I guess that depends on the location. CVPIs are universally known as cop cars. Anything else would be considered regional. A solid color Dodge Charger with body color or plastic grill wouldn't turn heads off of I-695 around Baltimore. Much like an early 2000s Impala would be ignored outside of suburban Washington, DC.

TommyRocker > xxstich666xx 01/04/2015 at 18:15

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I had one and, while not fast, it would cruise at 115+ for extended periods of time without issue. Which is entirely too fast for a new driver. And the Ford V8 sounds great, which further encourages vulgar displays of "power" and asshattery.

Not that I ever broke the speed limit or reved the engine past 2000 rpms..

xxstich666xx > TommyRocker 01/04/2015 at 18:17

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That extra 20mph is like trying to swim upstream.

TommyRocker > xxstich666xx 01/04/2015 at 18:24

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Maybe, but I think "too fast" is relative. My first car was a 3 cylinder, 5 speed geo metro that struggled past 55. That thing was clapped out and 16 year old me still managed to perform wondrous acts of hoonery in it. Then I upgraded to a 97 Malibu that would kiss 107 if you had enough road. That thing seemed fast as hell. Then I graduated to full size pickups with V8s, which would break 100 easily and then felt like they hit a brick wall. The danger of the CV was that it got to 115 with no drama at all. It felt like I was floating along at 75 or 80, nice gentle highway speeds, until I looked down and saw the speedo at 115. I'd been on cruise for almost a whole tank of gas at that speed and didn't even realize it until I started looking for an exit. The Geo felt like you were about to die at 50. The Vic felt smooth and comfortable at 115. VERY dangerous for a young and stupid new driver. The only 4 wheeled vehicle I've ever driven that was smoother at speed was an Audi R8, which was rock solid at 135. In the rain.

HydraulicDragon > Ad_absurdum_per_aspera 01/04/2015 at 19:38

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If you're worried about a kid having a 236hp 4400 lb brick as their first car, they probably shouldn't be driving. There are far faster vehicles parents get their kids than these old Crown Vics.

HydraulicDragon > Justin Hughes 01/04/2015 at 19:42

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So if one was to do some mods, such as coilovers and get about 400hp out of it, do you think it might be a competent sleeper or a lost cause?

Justin Hughes > HydraulicDragon 01/04/2015 at 19:47

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It would be fun, but you're talking about a 4200lb beast of a car. You could put it on a diet to drop it below the two ton mark, but with all that heft, a live axle, and body on frame construction, I think the same work would help another platform a lot more. Then again, Ford did work some wonders with the last generation Mustang.

HydraulicDragon > Justin Hughes 01/04/2015 at 19:51

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I was just pondering because a long while ago when I listened to Autoblog's podcast they pondered the idea of doing a Ford V10 swap with a T56 trans into a Vic and I started thinking about how wonderfully silly that might be.

Justin Hughes > HydraulicDragon 01/04/2015 at 19:57

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I know a 5.4 V10 swap has been done, with some cutting. Really, you can make anything fit anything with enough work. My choice would be to drop a modern Mustang Coyote motor in somehow.

crabby125 > Luke Murphy 01/04/2015 at 21:05

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if you ever get a crown vic, spring a bit of extra money and get an lx or at minimum a base model civilian vic.

Avoid p71's at all costs unless you are dirt poor and can only afford $2k towards a car. P71s are ridden hard, filled with holes, mystery wires that the police dept never gave a crap about and god knows what in the back seats. They are called vomit comets for a reason.

You will have a nicer interior and you can always upgrade to p71 specs.

TacMedic > Justin Hughes 01/04/2015 at 22:37

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I'm seriously considering an AWD Taurus-based Interceptor. More power, safer, more comfortable, and AWD for the fucking snow.

Justin Hughes > TacMedic 01/04/2015 at 22:42

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I wouldn't mind an Explorer based Interceptor someday. It would make an awesome rally sweep vehicle!

TacMedic > Justin Hughes 01/04/2015 at 22:45

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Cost is the issue though. I see a lot of nearly new (less than 2000mi) Interceptor sedans around 20-22k. A civilian AWD Taurus won't be near that. Neither will be an Explorer.

Also, try to find a FPIU. They're impossible to buy.

Justin Hughes > TacMedic 01/04/2015 at 22:46

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True. Compare that to the Crown Vic, where the cop version is usually much cheaper than the civilian version. It'll be a few years before the prices come down.

TacMedic > Justin Hughes 01/04/2015 at 22:48

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Also, I wish we had rallyes in my neck of the woods. Tactical paramedic/FF with advanced driver training and wouldn't mind doing that.

Justin Hughes > TacMedic 01/04/2015 at 22:51

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Nice! Get a ham radio license and you'll have the complete package of qualifications for medical sweep!

TacMedic > Justin Hughes 01/04/2015 at 23:14

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I have it. I also know how to shoot bad ass guns! :P

The Artist Formerly Known As... > Justin Hughes 01/05/2015 at 07:15

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I see what you did there.

Payull > Justin Hughes 01/05/2015 at 10:04

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When it comes to time to make a Skywarn Porcupine, I will have to consider this. 73's KF5QDQ

Payull > Justin Hughes 01/05/2015 at 10:07

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What radios are you running? I have a Kenwood TM-D700 in mine, and a Yeasu FT-1900 backup.

Justin Hughes > Payull 01/05/2015 at 10:30

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I ran a Kenwood TM-621A 144/220 dual bander, and an Alinco DX-70 for 6M and HF. Both rigs are in the shack now since there's no room in my BRZ. I got a Kenwood TM-G707A with a remote head,

crabby125 > Thunderface 01/06/2015 at 03:50

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Get a Civilian one hands down. 9 times out of ten they are not beat to hell and have a lot of holes in them like the police versions. Grab an LX or LX sport if you got the chance.

Millertyme > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:51

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Wife's cousin is an officer and drives one with the ecoboost. Was talking with him over Christmas break at a family dinner event and said the power was far to much. He has to be very careful with the accelerator, especially in snow.

Lawyer_Applegate > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 12:19

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The 5.4 is a V-8 and an easy swap. The Triton V-10 is a harder swap, but it's been done.

beman03 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 12:40

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What I really want, badly, is one of these:

stigshift > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 12:55

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I got a laugh out of your previous car choice. Beside my '00 Interceptor in the driveway sits my '90 Miata. The perfect automotive stable (if you only have two).

feather-throttle-not-hair > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 13:15

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One of my best friend's has owned 2. First one didn't have an LSD, second one does. I will tell you from driver's seat experience, that thing will hoon. With four people in it, surprisingly well, in second gear if its raining.

Honestly, coulda been the 4 people in the car, but that thing felt more balanced in a slide than my buddies old GTO (2006,) though the vic is squishier and rolls a lot more.

Vic788 > beman03 01/31/2015 at 13:55

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gr8 choice ^^^^ question why do this not have a towbar on the PPV set up as seen in this photo ?

CaptainBoss > beman03 01/31/2015 at 15:50

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I was looking into these, apparently they made two kinds of cop-spec Tahoe. The PPV is 2WD and lowered for pursuits, and the SSV is 4WD and at the stock height for special services, whatever that means. The SSV models are tough to find but would be more desirable here in CT.

rudyH > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 16:26

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The back seats are usually cramped and uncomfortable. Not that I know that...I've just heard that.

DoubleClutchingAutomatic > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 17:21

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Did you buy this from a police auction?

VTDriftworks > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 17:53

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I recently looked at an 03 Vic. LX sport. It needs alot of work, but is a runner and only 400 bucks. Question i have is what your experience in snow was like? I usually buy an old volvo to go ice racing with, and am very comfortable on heavy snow days making my 40mi each way commute for work. are the Vics confidence inspiring at all in the snow?

Justin Hughes > DoubleClutchingAutomatic 01/31/2015 at 17:55

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No, I was actually the fourth owner. I found it on Craigslist.

Justin Hughes > VTDriftworks 01/31/2015 at 17:58

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My P71 is one of the best winter cars I've ever had. Seriously. It needs a good set of snow tires. My car also had a posi diff, which helped a lot. That, a clue how to drive, plus the sheer mass of the car, and it was excellent. I'd ponder one for a winter beater again.

CyanogenModFTW > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 18:02

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http://jalopnik.com/5920238/for-15…

CyanogenModFTW > Lawyer_Applegate 01/31/2015 at 18:02

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http://jalopnik.com/5920238/for-15…

drock905 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 19:27

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I just want to know what the old bluesmobile was....

Justin Hughes > drock905 01/31/2015 at 20:00

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1975 Dodge Monaco.

Stiiles > CaptainBoss 01/31/2015 at 20:08

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"Special service" = anything where you don't do pursuits. Truck enforcement, parking enforcement, etc.

SCarGo > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 20:32

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33 miles per idle hour. Visit Facebook.Com crownvic.net page. Warning, it gets brutal.

drock905 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 20:41

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I though that was the one that replaced the original "bluesmobile" in the movie?

Justin Hughes > drock905 01/31/2015 at 21:04

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Oh! That. It was a Cadillac of some kind. They weren't any more specific.

f20c > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 22:19

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I would like one of these.

MN > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 23:10

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PLEASE tell me there's video of that autocross!

drock905 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 23:18

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ahhhhhhhh! Cool that makes total sense!

Justin Hughes > MN 01/31/2015 at 23:34

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I have none of the autocross, but I do have this:

MN > Justin Hughes 02/01/2015 at 00:35

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LOVE it! There just something about a big Ford and a track. All hail American Iron!

95SHO > Justin Hughes 02/01/2015 at 00:52

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Imagine turning heads like this.

CaptainBoss > Stiiles 02/01/2015 at 07:14

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Yeah I figured as much, just an attempt at humor lol. The CBP guys use them as well. As far as I can tell, the standard SSV trucks have painted silver steel wheels and the standard PPV models have painted black steel wheels.

Justin Hughes > 95SHO 02/01/2015 at 09:14

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I can't find the video but I saw something similar at an autocross I was at once. Except the cop was having trouble finding the course, so the event chair led him through it in his car. Of course, the cop lit him up and "chased" him!

LightningZ71 > Lawyer_Applegate 02/01/2015 at 10:35

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I definitely have to second this. Look for a 3V 5.4L V8 in a wrecked F-150. You'll need the electronics as well as the engine. The engine fits in the bay well with some minor mods needed because of the taller deck height of the 5.4L. If you're doing the swap, you should take the time and expense to look at some light mods for the engine. With the right amount of work, you'll have a real beast. You can even stick with the stock tranny if you don't go overboard with the mods on the engine.

LightningZ71 > imadeaburner 02/01/2015 at 10:39

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Depends on the year, but the 2000s era ones all basically had the same engine. The CVPI did have the option (later standard) of a different exhaust system that did give a slight boost to power. I've driven one with it and one without it, and, honestly, without instruments to test with, you really can't tell them apart.

Jeo meo > f20c 02/01/2015 at 13:17

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For what? Target practice? It's the most generic looking police vehicle I've ever seen. It's almost like GM took design cue from Electronic Arts' Need For Speed: Most Wanted

Lawyer_Applegate > LightningZ71 02/01/2015 at 13:46

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If it weren't for California's draconian emissions regulations, I'd do that in a heartbeat. Instead, I'm replacing the Oldsmobile diesel motor in a mint 1979 Delta 88 with a nice 6.0 LQ4 and a 4L80E transmission.