Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Nees
Is there a FFFFord expert on here who can tell me if there's anything wrong with a 1996-7 Crown Vic with the 210 horse motor? It's in the guide and they have to be a "Dime" a dozen at cop auctions. There's no factor for the motor. Are they the same as the Mustang and T-Bird? If they are, that's got to be one heck of a Q and R car. It's even listed with a 5 speed!
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Billy, I hope it's okay for me to just jump in here with both feet. I was a Ford factory-trained technician, through the introduction of the Modular 4.6 V8 engine. I've been participating in sanctioned drag racing since the '70s, sometimes seriously. I have always had a major appreciation for NHRA Stock Eliminator cars, especially the slower ones.
There are some minor differences between the police and civilian versions of the Crown Victoria, depending on year.
The 2-valve 4.6 was made at both the Romeo and Windsor engine plants, and parts are not the same. There is also the newer PI (Product Improved) version and the older Non-PI (NPI) version. The Mustang got the PI version in '99, and the Crown Vic got it in 2001. The PI has better heads and cams, and the PI version has a MUCH better intake manifold, resulting in about 20 additional horsepower over the older NPI engine.
These engines have SERIOUS piston-to-valve clearance issues, especially the PI engine. The Modular Head Shop web site has good cam selection info here. They sell Bullet cams of their own design.
I also am interested in researching a Q/R 2-valve 4.6 Crown Vic. Maybe P if you could get one light enough. The factory horsepower ratings were 210, 215, 235, 239, and 250, depending on civilian/police and the specific year.
FWIW, the brakes and suspension was revised in '03, requiring 17" front wheels, and it is somewhat hard to find lightweight, affordable 17" front drag wheels. M&H makes a 28" tall front drag tire for a 17" rim.
They have driveshaft speed issues- you're gonna need a lightweight large-diameter driveshaft.
Stainless Works makes 1-5/8"X3" headers.
Competition Engineering makes adjustable drag shocks (front and rear) for models all the way up to '02.
Everyone makes 8.8 parts.