Lately I have developed an itch for a Crown Vic. Y’all seem to have some knowledge when it comes to the Ford Panther platform cars. And I have some interest in getting me one in the 1998ish and up generation.
My questions are . . .
Is there a preferred year(s) for these beasties?
Should I be aware of any specific issues beyond typical used car stuff?
Thank you
I asked a while back, good starter info here to allow you to get more granular in your questions.
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/learn-me-crown-vics/177044/page1/
L5wolvesf said:Should I be aware of any specific issues beyond typical used car stuff?
Thank you
If it sounds like a sewing machine it may be due for timing chain guides and tensioners.
Any noise from the rear end is a bad noise. I've owned 3 panthers, a P71, CV Sport and a Marauder and I've done axle bearings in all 3. Not the worst job in the world but if its gone too long you'll need new axles or offset bearings.
In reply to JThw8 :
Problem is excess axle length and an open bearing. You can still do a c clip eliminator kit if the axle isn't too bad, but it will leak/seep.
I owned an 03 P71 during my early college years and it put up with all kinds of abuse.
IIRC:
-2001 and up got the PI (performance improved) engines which had heads, cam, and intake revisions for slightly more power. You can put these on a pre 2001 car for a slight compression bump, but you might need to run higher octane fuel.
-2003+ Panthers had rack and pinion steering which was a huge upgrade.
-at least back in the day, the 04 P71's were the most desirable due to being the final year of cable throttle. Some guys said they had slightly more power, but that was probably just placebo.
they're surprisingly fun cars for the boats that they are. I wish I had kept mine sometimes.
I had a 06 P71 that was downright awesome. Lots of autocross, several time trials, and quite a few rallycross runs.
I ended up putting a transmission in it and quite a few sets of brakes but it was a damn good car considering what we put it through.
My eldest son has it now. His wife wrecked it but we rebuilt the front end and put it back on the road.
Everyone should own one at least once.
Thanks guys for the links and 411 - much appreciated.
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