New Member from AL

[24601]

I've been lurking on here for a couple of weeks and decided to go ahead and register.

I have a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor that I recently purchased as a new daily driver. Sure it isn't the most economical choice out there, but for the mileage and the money I can't complain.

My first tank I averaged an unimpressive 16.3 MPG.

After adjusting my driving habits I've been doing considerably better with my last 3 tanks coming in at 20.6, 20.6, and 22.4. I don't think that's too bad considering the EPA combined average is 16 MPG and it has just over 100K on the odometer.

I'm curious to see how much more I can squeeze out of this whale of a car.

[MetroMPG]

Good laser-focused advice from Old Tele Man.

Decent improvement from your first tank - that's a significant volume savings when you're in that MPG neighbourhood.

Out of curiosity: why did you get this car if you're interested in fuel economy? Question not meant to be an insult.

[24601]

I spent several years focused on high performance and the ford family (I.e. mustangs) is where most of my mechanical knowledge base is. I'm very familiar with these engines and drive train. This makes me already familiar with what's out there for these cars and can do most maintenance and modifications myself. Plus I picked this car up at a very reasonable price. If I can average in the upper 20s and flirt with 30 I'd be ecstatic.

[mcrews]

pump up the tires to 40 psi
get a gauge. (see first link n my signature)

[dirtydave]

Do the police models have a idle time gauge? I was thinking about getting one for pulling a tent camper and making it an autocross car and then i realized they are only automatic and they will sit for hours on with the AC on max until they will go full trottle several times a day. for years.

[spacemanspif]

Welcome! Nothing wrong with trying to squeeze some extra miles out of a V8

What kind of driving do you do? It's my understanding that the police cars have very tall rear gearing which is good for long highway trips but not really best for stop-and-go. If you do a lot town driving, a gear swap or looser converter might actually net better MPG.

Car would probably also benefit from a belly pan. Front and rear belly pans would probably be great additions as well.

[24601]

About 75-80% Hwy, 20-25% City. It's main duty is the 30 mile daily commute to work.

The available rear gear ratios for the P71 (Police Interceptor) Crown Vics changed at some point, but the options were 3.27 and 3.55 for my model year.

The civilian CVs came with 2.73.

[dirtydave]

I can't wait to see what kind of mods you do. This is the most reliable V8 car in america. I have seen them with 400K+ miles. hard hard miles. It is built like a truck, dirt cheap parts too. I am still thinking about getting one to pull my 12" enclosed trailer for work and to pull around a tent camper. all while slowing down speeders and running red-lights while waving at cops. That 22 MPG isn't bad at all #!

[24601]

Originally Posted by dirtydave

I can't wait to see what kind of mods you do. ... That 22 MPG isn't bad at all #!

Thanks

I've got some ideas, some of them more cost effective than others. I suppose the question is do I want to shoot for max MPG or be satisfied going with the low hanging fruits (i.e. most bang for my buck).

[dirtydave]

Do the easy stuff first, why not? Go get a scangauge or alternative that and driving smart will get you the biggest gains.