GM equivalent to the Ford Panther platform? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

P.C. · #16 10-18-2013, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

I'm actually starting to consider one of these GM cars now that I'm managing to scrape a few bucks together. I'd like a wagon but would settle for a sedan if price and condition were right. Is the 5,7 the Vortec that was used in trucks from 96 on? Or just a regular SBC, ie without the Vortec head gasket problems?

I've seen a lot of reports of the LT1 being a problem engine. Something to do with the ignition system being trouble prone. Anyone able to clarify this? Other than that these seem to be quite decent cars.

- Peter.

Google "optispark"

pj67coll · #17 10-18-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.C.

Google "optispark"

Interesting. I think I'll be giving LT1's a miss.

- Peter.

elchivito · #18 10-18-2013, 11:15 AM

Regarding either the 9C1 caprice OR the Crown Vic Interceptor packages: when looking at a used vehicle, how do you determine whether these vehicles are the real deal and not just a regular model with cop wheels? Look for the extra coolers? Is there some indication on a door plate or something?

pj67coll · #19 10-18-2013, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elchivito

Regarding either the 9C1 caprice OR the Crown Vic Interceptor packages: when looking at a used vehicle, how do you determine whether these vehicles are the real deal and not just a regular model with cop wheels? Look for the extra coolers? Is there some indication on a door plate or something?

Dont police cars typically have more "basic" interiors? Vinyl seats instead of cloth or leather, no center armrests etc. How about the searchlights thru the A-pillar.

- Peter.

Skippy · #20 10-18-2013, 07:15 PM

In the case of Crown Vics made after 1993, a cop car will have the fifth, six, and seventh characters in the VIN read P71. A P70 was a long wheelbase cab. The P73 was your basic civvy model, and the P74 was the more upscale LX model.

More about it: Crown Victoria VIN Decoder

P.C. · #21 10-18-2013, 07:17 PM

I assume that 9C1 is a RPO or SPO code, and GM's usually have a sticker somewhere on the car (inside trunklid is a common place) which contains all of these three-character alphanumeric codes relevant to the car.

Sometimes the sticker is located in the glove compartment.

elchivito · #22 10-18-2013, 08:23 PM

perfect, thanks!

Raffaelli · #23 10-18-2013, 08:23 PM

I had a police package caprice. Excellent car, space to spare, cheap parts, good milage...

Only complaint was the single defrost vent. Barely worked in 32degrees below zero in Colorado.

Besides that, I'd buy one again. And the lt1s are ok motors. Just replace the 300dollar dizzy every 100k and you will be fine.

spdrun · #24 10-18-2013, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Dont police cars typically have more "basic" interiors? Vinyl seats instead of cloth or leather, no center armrests etc. How about the searchlights thru the A-pillar.

- Peter.

Not all -- some were made with nice interiors. Unmarked cars for detectives or the police chief

P.C. · #25 10-18-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

Not all -- some were made with nice interiors. Unmarked cars for detectives or the police chief

Which are infinitely preferable to a patrol car, as the rear seat inhabitants of those vehicles are notorious for incontinence and nausea...

t walgamuth · #26 10-19-2013, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

I had a Caprice wagon with the tow package, before someone stole it, cops found it, but it disappeared from the tow yard and ended up exported to the Middle East with 100k miles less on the odo (car had 190k miles when stolen) per CarFax.

True story. It handled and drove surprisingly well for a barge that size and got about 27 mpg highway.

I had a 95 caprice wagon. If yours got 27 mpg all I can say is down what hill? The guys on the caprice forum were always talking about getting mid twenties with their caprices but I never broke out of the teens with mine even though it had the mileage rear end and ran perfectly.

t walgamuth · #27 10-19-2013, 06:21 AM

Mine had the stupid digital dash. I think the cop packages had full instrumentation. The 9C1 packages are pretty desireable and if not totally thrashed sell quickly. If you spot one that looks nice don't hesitate or it will be gone. Especially the uber rare cop wagon. The cop package includes special hoses belts and many other hd items. I'd be surprised though if you could get much more than ten around town and about 18 highway with them though.

pj67coll · #28 10-19-2013, 07:52 PM

There were several different engines in them weren't there? A 5 liter, 5,7 liter, the LT1 which I guess was also. 5,7 and I've seen several advertised recently with whT they. Liam is a 4,3 liter V8. Maybe that's the one that gets better Mpg's.

- Peter.

t walgamuth · #29 10-19-2013, 08:05 PM

They claimed it with the LT1 motor.