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New from NJ

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:02 am
by lastcall190
Just saying hello. Have an '08 CVPI right now which has actually been one of the best cars I've owned... but I am having an itch for something with a little more get up and go. I love being able to drive my family places and drop my daughter off in the morning, so a 4 door is a must, but I don't have 30k+ lying around to drop on an SS. When I saw what the PPV cars are going for, I almost couldn't believe it. Just starting my search now, and going to start reading up.

Side note: anyone with first hand experience on interior size differences between the Crown Vic and the PPV? I had looked at Chargers, but frankly, I was kind of surprised at how not big the car was on the inside. I ain't a huge guy by any means (6'2 give or take), but the back seat felt mildly claustrophobic.

Thanks again, have a great day all.

-J

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:49 am
by garrett
I've owned a few P71's over the years, and have had my 2012 Caprice 9C1 for about 6 months now. They're very different cars, the Crown Vic just feels like a much older design inside and out. On the one hand, the Vic feels more roomy up front for the driver because of the way the seats and dashboard are more of a "slab" design. The Caprice has a more modern-feeling cockpit with a dash and center console that sort of wrap around you. As far as rear room is concerned, most every passenger I've had has commented on the amazing amount of rear legroom. It's seriously on the same level as an S-class or long-wheelbase BMW.

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2017 8:21 am
by lastcall190
Thanks for the input. It's funny I was commenting to my wife the other day when was commenting on something in my car, that for all intents and purposes, the car seems mostly unchanged from 99-2011. That being said, still one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven. Hope the Caprice is just as comfortable as I love driving.

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2017 9:52 am
by CrashTestDummy
garrett wrote:I've owned a few P71's over the years, and have had my 2012 Caprice 9C1 for about 6 months now. They're very different cars, the Crown Vic just feels like a much older design inside and out. On the one hand, the Vic feels more roomy up front for the driver because of the way the seats and dashboard are more of a "slab" design. The Caprice has a more modern-feeling cockpit with a dash and center console that sort of wrap around you. As far as rear room is concerned, most every passenger I've had has commented on the amazing amount of rear legroom. It's seriously on the same level as an S-class or long-wheelbase BMW.
So what do your passengers say when you reply: "Yeah, that's the ride the perps get to jail. Nice, huh?" :lol:

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 10:16 am
by lastcall190
Well instead of creating a new thread, finally picked up a 2012. Got to drive it home last night on about an hour drive on the highway, was nice as it kind of gave me an idea on what to address, issues, etc. After that long of a drive I will say that this car is night and day with my 2008 CVPI that I've been driving for 2+ years. Granted the Ford is technically a bigger car, but at 4k+Lbs, the Caprice does not feel bloated IMO. It felt very similar to my wife's '09 Mazda 6. The power difference from the 4.6 is very noticeable. I didn't even pin it and just accelerating to pass on the highway from 65mph, the car just wants to go. First up is de-cop-ifying it (remove spotlight, antennas, full wheel covers, plug hole in roof properly), and then brakes, front suspension work (bushings or just replacing the control arms), oil change, and first run maintenance. Got a nice clunk up front and can feel in the steering wheel similar to my Chevy 2500's intermediate shaft. Looking forward to the long weekend to get the car up in the air and have a look after the family time (this will end up being the family hauler so the plethora of rear seat space is a delight).

If I remember to take pics I'll start a member build thread.

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 10:30 am
by CrashTestDummy
That clunk is likely the upper front strut mount/bushing. Known issue, fairly easy to replace.

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 10:31 am
by lastcall190
Thanks! I helped my buddy do those on his '06 GTO many moons ago, and from browsing GMpartsdirect these look vaguely similar in design...

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:05 pm
by CrashTestDummy
They are EXACTLY the same design. In fact, a popular upgrade from OEM are the White Line brand for the G8. When I did the coil overs on our '12, the used set of coil overs I got didn't include the 'hats', and, of course, one of them 'exploded' when I removed the spring compressor. Cramped for time, I had to grab a pair of replacements from the parts house, that, luckily, had them in stock. I was able to find all of the needle bearings, clean the original up and put it back together to use as a spare but I installed the new tops when things went back together. They've been fine, so far, but if I start to hear the pop, again, I'll be ordering a pair of White Lines to go in. They're not a permanent solution, but are a bit stiffer and won't compress with age, quite so much, which is where the popping or thumping sound is coming from. A permanent solution would probably be CC plates. I know there are CC plates made for the 5th Gen Camaro, but haven't gone much further to see if/how they fit.

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:12 pm
by lastcall190
Didn't feel like a "build" thread was necessary as I am not really in the market for any other mods right now, but just an update to my initial post.

Just got the car back from a DOD delete and new cam. Space and time are limited with my house and expecting our 2nd child in a few weeks, so I happily sent my car off to a shop. I am super thrilled with the work they did, and the car is a blast. Now time for new tires and an alignment after the dreadful NJ winter roads... Enjoying the hell out of it and it is very reminiscent of my old LSx cars now with all the work done. My daughter calls it "da da new car"

Short term plans are putting the HIDs in my car I have on the shelf, getting the car inspected (Evap System readiness monitor takes FOR-E-VER), tint, and clean up some body issues (moldings, floor mats, etc.). Then just drive it. I put 35k miles on my Crown Vic in 2.5yrs so with any luck the Caprice will give me just as good service as that car!

Hope everyone is enjoying theirs, I never knew how enjoyable an auto LSx could be (still would like a 3 pedal version of this... one day)

-J

Re: New from NJ

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 5:25 pm
by Pursuit
What cam did you end up using?

Maurice