Tow Ratings and Mileage

[CarlChilders]

Hey all, I'm brand new here. Up until about 3 years ago I owned an '89 Crown Vic woody wagon. I really liked that car, big and roomy, comfy, good on gas considering its size (25 mpg hwy), could haul about anything. I (unhappily) sold it to upsize to a Dodge Ram for towing a large camper. Well that camper's gone and we're going to get a small camper now, probably 1500-2500 lb range. Going to sell the pickup too. I still miss the Vic and would like to get another, or a Grand Marquis.

Questions:
What are the tow ratings of, say, '89-'91 Crown Vics/Grand Marquis? I know it depends a lot on options, what would the tow package give you?

What kind of mileage MPG differences can be expected between standard CVs and Police Interceptor CVs? I image the PI would be optimal for towing but worse on gas, yes?

Thanks in advance, and, uh, does anybody wanna buy a '96 Dodge pickup?

[Grand Marquis GT]

The big issue with towing is that it is a big no-no to tow in overdrive.

Obviously, that will decrease mileage. Also, a good cooling system, brakes, and trans cooler are MANDATORY. Hell, the whole car needs to be checked over pretty good.

Other than that, weight wise, I am sure one of the wagon mangs will chime in.

Welcome to GMN!

[P72Ford]

My 1990 CVPI w/ 351 and VV7200 gets about 15MPG on the highway (2.73 gear). Maybe 13 around town. I once got 17.7 on the HWY, but that was only once. Not the best mileage. It doesn't matter how I drive it either.

I don't think you'd have any trouble towing a 1500-2500 pound unit with one of these cars. Like GMGT said, no OD. :nonono:

[Nathan in MI]

I always got about 20 mpg highway with my 351W CVPI when I had the 2.73s. With the 3.55s I have in there now, I got about 15 mpg pulling a U-Haul trailer. Haven't had the chance to find out how it'll do on the highway now without a trailer on it.

[mrltd]

There isn't anything special about the PI, and if it's a box, it'll be a PITA to keep running good unless you get rid of the VV. Best thing to do is try and find a tow package car. Dual exhaust on a non- PI car is a good sign of a tow package.

[P72Ford]

if it's a box, it'll be a PITA to keep running good unless you get rid of the VV.

LIES!!!!

[Nathan in MI]

and if it's a box, it'll be a PITA to keep running good unless you get rid of the VV.

Hater. :p

[mrltd]

No, a person who previously owned a VV car.

[P72Ford]

In the 25K miles that I have driven this vehicle, I can honestly make the following statement. I would rather drive my car, with the VV, than spend the money and time to install a four barrel (or two barrel), with corresponding intake, and getting the AOD to work with the carb.

That being said, as soon as my VV starts to act up, it will be gone. However, I have no reason to assume its demise any time soon either.

[mrltd]

My car was VV with a C4. No stupid AOD TV cable.

[P72Ford]

My car was VV with a C4. No stupid AOD TV cable.

Even if I didn't have to deal with the TV cable, I still would stick with the VV (unless performance was the goal). If its not broken, then I'm not going to fix it.

[DarkKnight]

I would rather drive my car, with the VV, than spend the money and time to install a four barrel (or two barrel), with corresponding intake, and getting the AOD to work with the carb.

Two questions? whats a VV?

And Whats the dill with getting a carb to work right with the AOD?

[P72Ford]

The VV is a variable venturi carburetor. It came on earlier boxes (up until 1983?) and on 88-91 police interceptors. Many, such as Mr.LTD feel it is a POS, and in general it is. I just haven't had trouble with mine yet.

The trouble with getting the carb to work right is making sure that the transmission TV cable has full range of motion. If not, then the transmission tv pressure won't be right, and the trans will shit the bed. There is a kit that Lokar makes to use the AOD with edelbrock carbs (amongst others). Many carburetors are not compatible with the AOD because the lever on the side of the carb doesn't allow for full range of motion for the TV cable.

[mrltd]

Two questions? whats a VV?

And Whats the dill with getting a carb to work right with the AOD?

You've been here for over a year and don't know that?


Problem with the VV is it usually does break, and not many know how to fix. My car was gettign a built 302 anyway, and performance was a big part of it.


To stay somewhat on topic, the PI and tow package cars had larger rear drum brakes. Front caliper piston material is different on the PI's. Sway bars are better on the PI's, but are very easy swaps.

[P72Ford]

To stay somewhat on topic, the PI and tow package cars had larger rear drum brakes. Front caliper piston material is different on the PI's. Sway bars are better on the PI's, but are very easy swaps.

LIES!!!!

My CVPI has the smaller rear drums. My '88 had larger rear drums, and every other CVPI I've seen has had larger rear drums. Not mine though!

For the caliper pistons, isn't is steel (or some other metal) on the PI, and nylon on the civilian car?