Lookin for a P71 at a college student price, any suggestions???

[smokycuda17]

I'm going to finish up my college degree in the fall, hopefully. I currently have a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, I am interested in looking for a 2001+ Crown Victoria or a GM. Problem is money is tight and I am expecting to only get $3000 - $4000 for my 97 GM. Anyone have any ideas where I can get a CV or GM for cheap?? I really like to get a CV or GM with a center console instead of the bench seat up front. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Chinny

[RoyLPita]

See if there are any police auctions near you. Sometimes you could get a good deal on a used CVPI.

[fastblackmerc]

I'd try the police auctions also. They cars usually have high mileage but are well taken care of.

[smokycuda17]

Does anybody know how I would find out if there's any auctions going on in my area??? I have never bought a car from an auction before, so I don't really know how to find out. Thanks Guys.

Chinny

[fastblackmerc]

Check with your local PD, state PD or your state gov. website.

[smokycuda17]

aight coo, thanks Fast Black Merc

Chinny

[RoyLPita]

Try these: www.publicsurplus.com and www.govdeals.com

[RF Overlord]

I'd try the police auctions also. They cars usually have high mileage but are well taken care of.^^^what fbm said^^^

Try to avoid ex-patrol cars from big cities and look for a state police cruiser (they're usually assigned to a single trooper and are better cared for) or a supervisor's car (less idling, curb-jumping, constant wear-and-tear, etc).

Wes, any other tips?

[Big D's Merc]

Hey SmokeyCuda17 where are you from. I'm in Ga and there are a couple of places that strictly deal in ex law cars. Just bought a 97 Vic that was a superintendents car that had no holes drilled in it and I just bought a 01 Vic with one hole in the top and it has the bucket seats and console.

[wchain]

Lets define College Student price......5K? 6k?

Texas DPS has lots of cars, I can call to see what they have, but look for around 5500 to 6K for a decent one. Most of the Texas DPS cars are LOADED and super clean. Loaded for a Cop Car meaning Full Carpet, Full Cloth, Lock rods in the rear doors, cruise, tilt, etc.

Personally, I would rather have a 97 GM than any CVPI, unless its brand new or is totally clean. CVPIs are great cars yes, but its VERY hard to find a super clean one. You have a 97 GM that you have owned and driven, and trading to a CVPI that has been used in police work with a unknown/shady past is like trading down IMHO. (aka VOMIT COMET)

That being said, Texas DPS has them, but you're paying a premium. Thats where we purchase all of the refurbs that we do. With no major problems unless disclosed by them. I can call and ask if they have any available.

Dont forget they will be black/white shamu looking and will need paint, unless you want to be a CVPI= Crown Vic Police Imperonator.

CVPIs ride harsher than a GM or CV due to the CVPI Springs, Shocks and HD Frame, Poly body mounts etc, the interiors are very spartan and most of the time the interior materials and panels are well worn. Seats are usually FLAT and have little cushion left at the end of its service life. Remember, theyre retiring them at 75+K miles, where they have been well worn, even the 'clean' ones from DPS need extensive interior refubishing, i.e. several steam treatments, deodorizing, replacing holes drilled into the dash etc. .

Unless you're looking to impersonate, then maybe look for a LX SPort or HPP Vic? Or maybe hang on to your nice clean car until you graduate, get a used MM or something else.

Another suggestion if you're wanting the center console. do it to your car. Theres wrecked towncars yuo can get the buckets from, provide your own console. How about a trashed LX SPort or MM? Get the seats. Or as another member on crownvic.net did, he cut his bench and installed a console/floor shift in his 96 Marquis. Looks great.

Just my two cents.

[smokycuda17]

Damn, alot of people have connections, geeez... Aight, let me tell you what I had in mind for my project first and then people can give me advice about what I should do.

I am looking for a Crown Vic or GM to do a LX Sport or a Maraduar conversion, just with a touch of my styling so it will be slightly different from everyone elses, I like to be different. Anyways, I am looking to do a manual tranny conversion, some body mods, wheels of course, and some other interior mods and obviously alot of engine mods. I have been told that getting a 2001+ CV or GM would be my best bet for a starting base for my project. And I do like the newer front end and rear end styling of the CVs and GMs. I have a 97 GM that I am willing to trade or to sell, but if I am going to sell the 97, I have to do it first so I have the cash to buy the new Panther. I am only expecting to get like $4000 for the 97 and I might take out a loan or something to cover the rest of the bill. I can probably go about $10,000 max.

What do you guys think I should do???

Chinny

[wchain]

Damn, alot of people have connections, geeez... Aight, let me tell you what I had in mind for my project first and then people can give me advice about what I should do.

I am looking for a Crown Vic or GM to do a LX Sport or a Maraduar conversion, just with a touch of my styling so it will be slightly different from everyone elses, I like to be different. Anyways, I am looking to do a manual tranny conversion, some body mods, wheels of course, and some other interior mods and obviously alot of engine mods. I have been told that getting a 2001+ CV or GM would be my best bet for a starting base for my project. And I do like the newer front end and rear end styling of the CVs and GMs. I have a 97 GM that I am willing to trade or to sell, but if I am going to sell the 97, I have to do it first so I have the cash to buy the new Panther. I am only expecting to get like $4000 for the 97 and I might take out a loan or something to cover the rest of the bill. I can probably go about $10,000 max.

What do you guys think I should do???

Chinny
1. The 32 Valve Motor will NEVER clear the hood with a pre 03 car without major cradle mods or a custom hood. You will need a 03+ Car/Frame to install the 32V Motor

2. THe Manual Conversion. Keep money aside you will need for a proper tune. with the Advent of OBD-II, it will be VERY tricky to get some kind of 32 Valve Car with a manual trans and make the wiring work correctly. A Mach I PCM would be a good place to start.

3. You will need a 03+ Frame Setup to put the MM wheels on the car otherwise you'll be using spacers. Keep in mind here that you get what you pay for, and if your life is riding on them, you'll want to get some good ones.

4. I have seen LX Sports going for well under 10K online, in local ads and on dealer lots. That may be a lot easier than going to find wrecked cars and putting in the nice interior with floor shift etc, if you're not concerned with getting the 32 Valve motor in it right now, maybe you can get a good deal on a 01-02 LX SPort, which is enough savings in headache alone just by having a nice interior and creature comforts in itself. Maybe an ultra rare Grand Marquis LSE with Floor Shift?

5. Crownvic.net and Grandmarq.net is your friend. A LOT of people are trying to do what you are trying to do, and have been successful. (i.e. 5 speed conversion etc). We talk about our MMs here a lot, but most of us have limited knowledge outside the realm of the Marauder. Those above sites may be a better place for you to bounce ideas off before, while youre still in the planning stages.

6. Body mods? Such as? PLEASE Dont rice out your panther :)

7. 01+ Cars have the PI Heads (Performance Improved) that breathe better at higher RPMs for more power, but have the perception of less low end power due to the changes in the heads.

8. Not to be insulting, but lets take a look here. I pulled up KBB just to check what the private party value of a 97 Grand Marquis is. Being almost a 10 year old car, I configred it with 130K miles, and as an LS, with all the options. Here is the result. Around 3 Grand or so. Don't forget to count in the soft used car market.

I'm not trying to be discouraging, just 'realistic' in what your plans are going to be. In order for it to be sucessful, it needs to be well thought out, otherwise you'll have a work in progress thats never done!

Keep us posted.

[RF Overlord]

Chinny:

Well, your most recent post certainly adds a new dimension to your original question.

A couple of points:

First, '98-'02 CVs and GMs are the same. Changes in the drivetrain and suspension happened in '03, so some things are not compatible with earlier years.

Second: is the $10k figure you mention for the car alone or does that include all your mods as well?

I mean no disrespect, but I think trying to make a "Marauder conversion" is a little like adding auxiliary lights and a push-bar to a CV, which can earn you the title of "Police Impersonator", even if that isn't the intent...fooling people who don't know any better is pointless, and people who do know what a real Marauder is won't be fooled and will most likely think you some sort of geek/loser/wannabe. Again, no offence to you is intended here...

By all means build and personalise the car as you see fit, but have some decorum...no 22" spinners, no fluorescent green neon paint, no Japanese lettering... :eek: :D

[wchain]

By all means build and personalise the car as you see fit, but have some decorum...no 22" spinners, no fluorescent green neon paint, no Japanese lettering... :eek: :D

Like these?

Please note, these are poor attempts at MM conversions :lol:

http://images15.fotki.com/v231/photos/4/41821/142907/Image2-vi.jpg
http://images6.fotki.com/v98/photos/4/41821/141880/662131_2_full-vi.jpg

[smokycuda17]

HAHAHAHAHA.....no no no guys lol I am not going to rice out a Panther or spic it out or whatever you want to call it. I am all about big engines, big HP and TQ and of course big B$LLS!!! I just want to have a deep tone exhaust, Marauder lookin front and rear bumper (or LX Sport), some interior mods maybe a custom hood that looks good none of this 6 inch cowl or whatever. And no I am not going for a Cop Inpersonator or a Maraduar wannabe, I just want the car to perform equivalent or better than factory. I have been drving these cars since 1996 and I have always wanted one of my own. The 97 GM was given to me from a family friend but he really beat the snot out of it. For instance, dented tranny pan, just replaced a cracked oil pan, replaced what was left of the crossmember, replaced both front shocks cuz the shafts were bent and the whole frame/chassis is twisted. The car only has alittle over 90,000 miles on her, it is a GS edition and inside is in mint condition, the exterior is in fair condition.

10k is what I want to spend on the car right now, mods will come later as I save up for them and no I will not put 24s on a Panther, I'm white and I know I can't rhyme for my life. In my personal taste, I will put on 19" wheels MAX!!!! most likely 17" or 18" wheels tho. I want to get a floor shifter if possible, anyone know what years and models come with a floor shifter????

I really do appreciate the info guys.

Chinny

[wchain]

1. 98-07 Rear BUmpers on a CV are essentially the same as a MM less some bumer trim configurations. They already have cutouts for the tips.

2. As far as big engines, 4.6L isnt that big.....

3. 10K will buy a nice LX Sport

4. If your 97 Is Clapped like you say it is, mechainically you wont get anywhere near 4 K for it.

5. Floor shift:
01-07 CV LX Sports
03-04 MM
01-02 GM LSE (I may be incorrect on this one)

[TAF]

There will be SEVERAL on sale this weekend here in Cobb County...

CLICK HERE (http://www.weaci.com/cobbco070806.htm#list)

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ABSOLUTE GOVERNMENT AUCTION
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Saturday • July 8th • 9:00 AM
Cobb County
2245 Al Bishop Dr. • Marietta, GA 30008
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[fairlane347]

Chinny, I have a 2000 MGM that I personalized to my likes. See my sig, and see lots of pictures on my web site, (www.highrevsrestoration.com) look for the Blue 2000 MGM. Questions on my car I can help with what I did. Good luck:D

[smokycuda17]

ok wchain, you got a point on the big engine thing cuz 4.6L def. isnt that big but a 5.4L or even a V10 could fit in between tha frame rails, now thats a big HP increase!!

Thanks for the info guys and I am very appreciative. I think this is the best forum that I have joined.

Chinny

[wchain]

5.4 wont clear the deck.

Otherwise the MM would have had one.
V10 will work in a 98-02 car but you must use the 03+ wiper cowl and you wont have A/C in the car and make extensive mods to the engine cradle area.

[stryker]

:awe: ! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAARRR RRRGGGHHHHHH ! it's an police aberration...! NOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGHHHHH !


STRYKER.