Tank of Justice III: 97 Ford Crown Victoria HPP

[svt98t]

Still chugging along. Waiting for winter to stop so I can start working on the back end and underneath.
Ready for the GGP in April.


-ryan s.

[elhigh]

This is one of my favorite vehicles in the EM forum. I already have an irrational love for Panthers, but getting over 20mpg out of one in a New York winter? That's a win no matter how you look at it.

Any parts commonality or at least installation commonality between Panthers and Fox Mustangs? Would their rear axles be lighter? That might get you way closer to your 200 in one big lump AND reduce unsprung weight, win-win.

[svt98t]

Thank you!
There are some common parts, however, it's the width of the axle that's the issue. The 92-02s already have short axles, and the Fox's are even shorter. They do use the same carrier and gears, though.
Still need to route the exhaust out the bumper, and probably tack in some new piping, since it's kinda getting ****ty.
There is definitely still room to lose weight on this car, especailly when the A/C dies. Because at that point I'm just going to rip the entire A/C system out. I don't really need it much.


-ryan s.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by svt98t

There is definitely still room to lose weight on this car, especailly when the A/C dies. Because at that point I'm just going to rip the entire A/C system out. I don't really need it much.

I used to consider the A/C unnecessary sometimes, but nowadays I'd much rather re-use the residual water it takes out of the passenger compartment, as it could serve for water injection in order to enable a leaner air-fuel ratio without knocks.

[hayden55]

I assume you are already running 2.73s?

[Big Dave]

I have a P71 Interceptor.

MPG ideas:
Manual conversions are easy to come by for Crown Vics.
If you just have to have an automatic, there is a shop in SC that will transplant in a 6 or 10 speed auto. $$$

Car has 3.27 gears. 2.73 would be practical.
It also has the police high stall (`2200 RPM) torque converter. A 1600 RPM stall would give better MPG and not be such an annoyance to park.

There is CNG in my Vic's future. It's cheap around here.

I put Mooneye (Bonneville-style) hubcaps in it.
I'm looking at skirts for the rear wheel arches.

This vehicle might benefit from a low trunk spoiler.

[hayden55]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I have a P71 Interceptor.

MPG ideas:
Manual conversions are easy to come by for Crown Vics.
If you just have to have an automatic, there is a shop in SC that will transplant in a 6 or 10 speed auto. $$$

Car has 3.27 gears. 2.73 would be practical.
It also has the police high stall (`2200 RPM) torque converter. A 1600 RPM stall would give better MPG and not be such an annoyance to park.

There is CNG in my Vic's future. It's cheap around here.

I put Mooneye (Bonneville-style) hubcaps in it.
I'm looking at skirts for the rear wheel arches.

This vehicle might benefit from a low trunk spoiler.

I think a TR-3650 would be way easier and more cost effective.

[Big Dave]

I agree that a TR-3650 might give the best bang for the buck.

They are cheap and plentiful on the used market. Lots of people have done the swap (see crownvic.net). The 4.6 engine is not torquey enough to trash the TR-3650 and it gives good cruise ratios.

My guess is an instant +3 MPG on the highway.

[Big Dave]

Here is a thread of an enterprising DIYer going down the 3650 rabbit hole.

https://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/...22&nt=7&page=1

A 4.6 makes less than 300 ft-lb of torque and a Vic isn't but a couple hundred pounds hevier than a Mustang so stress on the 3650 should be acceptable.

[svt98t]

Funny enough, my old landlord just offered me a "5-speed from a Coyote".
He's an old gear head and he's a great guy, but not too informed about the newer stuff.
I don't think there was a 5-speed that came with the Coyotes (Mustang or F-150). I'm really hoping it's the MT-82, and I score a 6-speed.
Or if it ends up being a T-3650, I'm ok with that too.....for $200.

Then I'll press into a manual swap with summer, once the Marauder comes online.


-ryan s.