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Ok where to begin?
Well in the past, police packages were special packages on ordinary sedans that for the most part were unavailable to civilians. For example, 428 Pontiac motors with 6 packs or dual 4bbl carbs, CT T-type regals with the GNX motor 2 years before it was sold as a GNX, supercharged Fords with 429s, stickshift 454 powered mid-70's caprices....and in each case they came with the largest brakes, upgraded suspension mods, some armoring etc.
In the 80's, Ford put 351 VV motors in the LTD/crown vics that could not be purchased by the masses period. Chevy put 3 and E code 350s in the caps that were likewise. Larger numerically ratioed axles were used, tranny shift programming, HD alts, cooling, and brakes and suspension parts (these of which COULD be had by the public if they knew where to look).
In the 90's the 9C1 package came to mean police package but not neccessarily the 350 'LT1' motor. In all cases 9C1 got better suspension parts and brakes, but the armoring and lighting were typically done post-factory. For a while the Vic and cap of the mid 90's had the same HP as the civilian cars, but the speed limiters were removed for highway patrol sales, different instrument head units were used and the E-type trannies had better shift programs.
Around the mid 80's, certain western states required a special car known as the 'interceptor' to replace aging high HP sedans from the 70's that were specially made. Some depts used vortech equipped mustangs, some used Kenne Bell fitted regals. Chevy pretty much gave up the police car market except fwd impala sales to local depts and 'utility sales' of special handling Tahoes for winter/desert states. Ford however still does sell the 'police interceptor' and for the most part it LOOKS like the small town dept car, except if can be special ordered with a 5.4 for NV, AZ, MT, UT and ID states (perhaps others?) and is a lightly armored version that the CIA, FBI, SS also buy (theirs are armored and reinforced post-factory)
The big difference in the highway patrol dept across the USA is that the 4.6VIC has different programming and a 130mph speed limiter, which as you know the civilian version would never hit
As for armoring, it usually consists of plates in the back of the drivers seat, the 'gate', plates in the trunk firewall, special glass for the windshield and front seat, as well as plating under the drivers seat. Some places even use shielded cooling and run flat tires. Most of this is post factory and is often removed at sale time, as well as the goofy light wiring.
Would I buy a police car? No. They are worn out. Dont care what motor is in them, it needs rebuilt.
Of note, some local municipalities do have cars specially modified for police work. Many places have a 'nostalgic' feel and ressurect 1960's police sedans. You might recall one used in the movie '3000 miles to graceland', that was an actual 'in use today' throwback police car borrowed for the movie. Until last year, our local town used mid 80's caps with 260hp GM crate motors designed as legal drop ins (which anyone can buy)
Well in the past, police packages were special packages on ordinary sedans that for the most part were unavailable to civilians. For example, 428 Pontiac motors with 6 packs or dual 4bbl carbs, CT T-type regals with the GNX motor 2 years before it was sold as a GNX, supercharged Fords with 429s, stickshift 454 powered mid-70's caprices....and in each case they came with the largest brakes, upgraded suspension mods, some armoring etc.
In the 80's, Ford put 351 VV motors in the LTD/crown vics that could not be purchased by the masses period. Chevy put 3 and E code 350s in the caps that were likewise. Larger numerically ratioed axles were used, tranny shift programming, HD alts, cooling, and brakes and suspension parts (these of which COULD be had by the public if they knew where to look).
In the 90's the 9C1 package came to mean police package but not neccessarily the 350 'LT1' motor. In all cases 9C1 got better suspension parts and brakes, but the armoring and lighting were typically done post-factory. For a while the Vic and cap of the mid 90's had the same HP as the civilian cars, but the speed limiters were removed for highway patrol sales, different instrument head units were used and the E-type trannies had better shift programs.
Around the mid 80's, certain western states required a special car known as the 'interceptor' to replace aging high HP sedans from the 70's that were specially made. Some depts used vortech equipped mustangs, some used Kenne Bell fitted regals. Chevy pretty much gave up the police car market except fwd impala sales to local depts and 'utility sales' of special handling Tahoes for winter/desert states. Ford however still does sell the 'police interceptor' and for the most part it LOOKS like the small town dept car, except if can be special ordered with a 5.4 for NV, AZ, MT, UT and ID states (perhaps others?) and is a lightly armored version that the CIA, FBI, SS also buy (theirs are armored and reinforced post-factory)
The big difference in the highway patrol dept across the USA is that the 4.6VIC has different programming and a 130mph speed limiter, which as you know the civilian version would never hit
As for armoring, it usually consists of plates in the back of the drivers seat, the 'gate', plates in the trunk firewall, special glass for the windshield and front seat, as well as plating under the drivers seat. Some places even use shielded cooling and run flat tires. Most of this is post factory and is often removed at sale time, as well as the goofy light wiring.
Would I buy a police car? No. They are worn out. Dont care what motor is in them, it needs rebuilt.
Of note, some local municipalities do have cars specially modified for police work. Many places have a 'nostalgic' feel and ressurect 1960's police sedans. You might recall one used in the movie '3000 miles to graceland', that was an actual 'in use today' throwback police car borrowed for the movie. Until last year, our local town used mid 80's caps with 260hp GM crate motors designed as legal drop ins (which anyone can buy)
.
its so bad a$$ for a car that weighs close to 2 tons and still be fast as hell and handle like a dream.
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