Yeah, you heard right - the Caprice got a complete front end rebuild and alignment today. Most of that push should be dialed out - once I add some tires, it might not be the slowest car on the track!! WooHoo!

I used a polygraphite bushing kit from PST (make resto parts for older Fords and Chevys). The kit also had all the ball joints and tie rods and idler arm. Took forever to rip the front end apart, take parts to shop that had a press, and get alignment.

But, the end result was worth the hassle. The car feels much better on the street - turn in is crisp (not BMW crisp, but better than it was) and steering feels firm and precise. The alignment specs are as follows: -1* camber, 0* toe, 4* caster. I didn't want to go more extreme, as the car still has to tow the RX-7.

Oh, I also took the opportunity to lower the front of the car 1.5". The big front springs took a while to cut through, but the increase rate and lower stance should help a lot. Haven't decided what to do with the rears, since there are hepler springs in there for towing. It's got that redneck hotrod look - like it should have soft-sided slicks in back.

Anyways - there isn't any real reason to this post. I'm just happy to have my car back (after two weeks of down time from the front lower balljoint failing).

I you ever decide to do your bushings, don't ask me - one car was enough.

Alistair

 

The slowest cars have the most character, time to put some bucket seats in the bad boy!

 

Didn't think you'd have a fan base here did ya?

Well, I had been a long time supporter of the Fangled Chevy Caprice/Impala for awhile.

Mine were X-Police cruisers, 1 was a Blue 87 4bbl 350 4sp/od sans the Posi. The second was a White 89 tb/ 350 same tranny with the Posi. #1 was a town car used for ticket patrol so it wasn't abused too much and #2 was a state park police car that again was in good condition. Both got repaints and I reinstalled all the nice cop goodies. They were definately fun to drive around especially wback when I had 'em in the late 80's and early 90's!!!

Ahh the good old days, My remembers back when we did naughty things in the cavernous front seats, kinda like a big plush sofa with doors and big motor.

Cheers to ya, do ya have any PICS? and if you race it what class is it in?

A.

 

I am sure that you turn quicker laps in your Caprice than I do in my ITR.

 

Wow! A fan club!

Mine is an '89 9C1 (cop package). 350ci L09 w/ TBI. 3.42 rear, no posi. Most of the cop goodies are still there - the only thing missing is the push bars (which I don't think were ever actually installed).

Mods so far:
- PST front end kit
- hacksawed springs
- Monroe Heavy Duty shocks with rear helper springs
- "performance" alignment
- flipped over air cleaner lid (worth 5rwhp on teh dyno!!!)
- Carbotech Panter+ front pads and Kellated Metallic rear shoes. ATE fluid.

Stuff to come this year:
- F-body front swaybar
- posi rear
- 3.73 or 3.90 ring and pinion
- 3" single exhaust
- Hedmen Hedders
- K&N filter
- LT1 cam
- Tires, undecided what brand

The car currently dynos about 155rwhp (pre-tuneup), which is about right since it was rated at 190hp from the factory. With the breathing enhancements it should put down 200-220rwhp. That, with some tires and the rear gearing should put it in the high 14s. Current 1320 is 16.3, with no prep and a trunk full of tools.

I autocross it on occasion. It might be legal for ESP, depending on whether the helper springs are part of the shock (they are coilover, so I could argue that, just not sure if I'd win). So, usually I run Street Mod. Doesn't matter since the car is still on police spec Firestone M+S tires. Next year, it will be CP or SM, depending on where there is more competition. Locally, there is a Barracuda that runs CP and is still a street car, so I'll probably run there.

 

If your Caprice ends up being better prepared than my Challenge car...I'll join the fan club too.

 

Yeah but you hit retaining walls with wicked mad skillz y0!

 

Great, Wow ya make me wanna go out and find another. I did the same thing with the filter cover too. love the sound of the intake, definately better than any 4 banger sounds even with an AEM. But just try to tell those guys.

Not only did I have 2 of 'em but I have PICS too in full revelry! I'll post 'em soon or Email 'em to ya. I bought them both for around $3500. and sold 'em for around $4000. after the paint and reconditioning to Taxi companies.

I actually used to follow some Police and Emergency service websites for awhile but, they usually don't last too long. They are Great places to find parts, So I'll have to find the links again and set you up with some people to get parts from, "if they are still in business." but, again there is ALWAYS business for used Police cars.

HEY SHULTZ, Hands Down when they were in service with my household they were absolutely the most fun to drive or be in. I'm sure they are still a hoot to drive, but when they were still being used, God the looks I got were better than when I had my PY-R, PRICELESS! On more than one occasion Cops actually waved or waved me on. and a few times I'm sure I made young kids **** their pants.

And YES if I had another Id' set it up and run it on a few Auto-X's for ****'s and giggles.

The Barracuda might be bait if you set it up correctly, especially since it has lower HP and will Not spin around and churn up it's rubber as much. 185 WHP was what I remembered for my 87 and I think 180 WHP for the 89! I also have lots of Cop car books with PICS and specs.

Boy just look at those swaybars! These import guys woulden't know what to do with a piece of pig iron that big if it hit them in their head!

And to boot those engines bays are soo big and those engines are soo easy to work on, just climb right in. Or if you get tired of your passengers yo could throw them in the trunk!

Awesome Crack Monkey, you're makin me want another, when all I'm gonna get for a second car is my wifes used 92 Nissan Sentra. Just NOT the same man... But, you already understand.

Anton

 

get it right...it was a Jersey barrier!

Yeah...crashing is all about style, yo.

 

Did it keep you from going somewhere you shouldn't have (like oncoming traffic or trees/ditch/etc)? If so then it "retained" you therefore it is a retaining wall . . .

 

Since we are off-topic...What do you guys think of the new Ford Marauder coming out. It is basically, a suped up Grand Marquis, but I like it. I am still in love with the Impala SS (the RWD version, not the fake FWD version they have now).

 

Looks good, but still just a Ford.

Actually, if it can tow 4500# I would consider it over a truck.

 

heh it's the Mercury Marauder...yup its badass. my dad used to have the Interceptor package on his Crown Vic, it was awesome.

Drew - well, define oncoming traffic. After I hit the wall, I careened back onto the highway, and the cars in my lane were suddenly oncoming!

 

I want Al to chase me around the track with sirens and lights going - it would be just like real life, but in a controlled environment!!

ceas..

 

Thats true. Speaking of - I found out there are 3 "escort" services that can provide service at the hotel, anyone trying to set up a honda-tech discount on those services???

ceas..

 

That's got to be a joke...