Full Build: Crime-Busting Crown Vic Turns Into A Spec Panther Racing Machine

We start working on a project with the novice racer in mind. We take a 2008 Ford Crown Vic Police Cruiser and turn it into a budget-friendly Spec Panther racing machine! We'll upgrade our transmission for better shifting and give the old power plant a tune-up. We continue work with a rear end swap, suspension mods, and upgraded stopping power. Then, we finish by adding a racing-look paint scheme and new wheels and tires before we hit the track to see how well it performs!
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PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
Hawk Performance: DTC-60 Racing Pads
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Hawk Performance: HP660
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Hawk Performance: Talon Rotors
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Matco Tools: 16V Cordless Infinium Stubby Impact Wrench
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Matco Tools: MATCO Tools are the Official Tool Supplier to Carcass
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Sea Foam: Decal
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_2...
Sea Foam: Deep Creep
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Sea Foam: High Mileage Motor Treatment
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Sea Foam: Hydra Trans Tune
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Sea Foam: Motor Treatment
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Sea Foam: Top Engine Cleaner & Lube
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Summit Racing: Decal
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_2...
Summit Racing: Transmission Shifter Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
TEC Products: FlexAll Funnel
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Summit Racing: KYB Shocks & Struts
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Summit Racing: Mufflers
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_1...
Summit Racing: Paint
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_2...
Summit Racing: Wax & Grease Remover
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_2...
Nitto Tire
The Industrial Depot: Tools, Hardware, Shop Supplies

[@sommebuddy]

As a Canadian, I hope that our building and exporting Crowns to the USA makes up for Bieber.

[@JoeyWales]

No. No it does not.

[@BoostedPastime]

You tried and that is what matters!

[@dbabb2484]

It doesn’t but thanks anyway, at least y’all produced April Wine, the speakers in my firebird thank you

[@GorillaCookies]

There's no making up for Bieber. Stop trying

[@sommebuddy]

@@dbabb2484 You must be an oldy like me...Oowatanite!!

[@lawofliberty3517]

ADTR suspension kit is tier quality for Panthers.

[@TearItUpFixItTV]

Do they make suspension kits for the Aero body style crown Vics?? 92-97

[@lawofliberty3517]

@@TearItUpFixItTV ya they do

[@joemurdock6032]

Proud owner of the forgotten panther chassis (Lincoln Town car) can't wait to start modifying it and tighten up the handling and add more power.

[@vincentspencer3699]

One of the last V8/RWD Sedans. I would have gone with a Pro Touring/Freeway Flyer combo. But still fun to watch

[@thallysdacostalima951]

Do A Full Build Crime Busting 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer)

[@just-in-time6069]

As bad that trans fluid was I would of atleast replaced clutches since it's out .

[@MrStacy1974]

Lincoln Town car was a panther chassis also.

[@jerrybeilgard5824]

American Motors colors. It reminds me of a similarly painted AMC Hornet.

[@rm25088]

Going to look at a 2010 P71 today. Jmod would be on my lists of things to do.

[@blakebusbee565]

Blake love y'all boyz

[@chadouellette790]

Big fan of your show for many years! You guys are very talented mechanics! Please wear safety glasses when you use the pressure washer! You need those peepers.

[@aarontyler6599]

I'd love to be on this show. Wonder how one gets this opportunity

[@kennycopley860]

I have a2011 crown vic police interceptor panther the wrench light is on I change my oli and I service the transmission and the lights still on I change the throttle body position sensor the lights still on plus I don't know how to make it go off if you could help me out with it it would be appreciate it thank you

[@rayherron6603]

My Crown Vic came from Canada to Florida.No Bieber wasn't in the trunk.

[@FireChickenTA99]

What's the spec on those wheels? Offset, bolt pattern, size, & width?

[@charlieave2315]

Can u make an AWD with horsepower 👀

[@CathyInBlue]

That cross member is an interference fit, if I recall correctly.

[@darnellavery1545]

The music is overly annoying

[@bayramkoc9315]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@firstpersonjay5655]

Nah was that a doorman intake lol ?

[@abc123546879]

It looks like the trans oil is burnt

[@MarkSDCA]

Sorry guys.. . just a bit too commercial for me.

[@robertvance1873]

You Don't have to take all that off to change the spark plugs, you created a bunch of unnecessary work.

[@Jim_Lawrence]

3L27 on the gear tag is 3.27 ratio with a limited slip. No lockers. Clutch style limited slip. They can be rebuilt and stack the clutches different so they actually operate too. Town Car is also a Panther. Stop with the "locked rear end." As an informative automotive show, make sure you use correct terminology. You eventually said it was a Ford Traction-Loc, which is a limited slip, not a locker. That stuck lower shock bolt was most likely froze in the sleeve inside the lower bushing. Trying to spin the bolt to break it free is more effective because the bushing absorbs the hammer blows. If it does get to cutting, cut off wheel (death wheel) inside the mounting tabs to the shock side. Don't hang the calipers from the brake hoses. Come on guys, people watch this stuff and learn all kinds of wrong things... What are the wheel and tire specs? Size and backspace... Basics No mention of check what's on the other side before drilling holes?

[@johnsnow1355]

It was clear they drilled holes into the police center counsel mount not the Trans tunnel.

[@Jim_Lawrence]

@@johnsnow1355 You're right. I obviously wasn't watching close enough the first time. Everything else I listed checked out though hey?

[@JourneyMN]

The Lincoln town car also falls into the panther platform

[@BoostedPastime]

Dont forget the mercury marauder!

[@JourneyMN]

@@BoostedPastime they did include the marauder Wish I had one of them lol

[@ogred6282]

Exactly

[@ogred6282]

Exactly the better panther engine

[@iambiggus]

"That's two or three good inches right there!" I never get tired of hearing that personally.

[@mikewhite3123]

Cletus has made a whole new genre of car building lol Nothing touches the blown coyote in neighbor though...

[@danielwilson6665]

I’m retired from a 30 year career as a civilian employee with the Atlanta Police Department. I got to drive a wide variety of “Police Interceptor” vehicles over the years. From Ford LTD 2’s equipped with the “pushrod” 400 cubic inch V-8 from the 335 series of engines to the Crown Victoria powered by the 4.6 SOHC V-8’s. The Vicky was a solid all around performer with Cop suspension that handled quite well for such a heavy vehicle, bigger brakes and the 4.6 liter overhead cam engine that came on strong at higher rpm’s. With the usual engine performance modifications and steeper differential gears, it should really haul ass and be a great sleeper for street or track duty.

[@MrLlama-rc8nj]

This build makes me wanna buy another Crown Vic get back into the Panther community and do some cool stuff with it that I didn't do with the last one

[@leehodge2415]

When he said first thing is sea foam, my expectations drastically changed.

[@hughstewart547]

Same. And dropped further when he was repping matco tools. Lol

[@ocn2u]

It is sad that they are tearing so many of these cars up doing the Crown Vic races and other stupid things with them because they are half million mile cars if taken care of and they are a safe and secure car they have a great crash test rating on top of that they drive great and they are very comfortable

[@TheREALOC1972]

They are doing it because these cars aren't worth much in resale and they made millions of them. 10 years ago they basically giving them away at police auctions and the civilian models are grandma cars.

[@robertvance1873]

I totally agree 💯 I can't stand seeing a good panther tore up for absolutely nothing 😔

[@mikegill7959]

@@robertvance1873got one in my garage with the roof cut off😃

[@Jmauer]

Noticed you had have the dorman intake manifold on your guys 4.6, swap it back to the ford racing PI intake for a improved 10 horsepower

[@ViciousAdventures-ls2em]

Closer to double that, actually.

[@CobraR1993]

Yea about 25hp

[@TheJeracuda]

lol Crown Vic with a Red White and Blue paint Job? Did you build this for Cleetus McFarland as not only does he LOVE Crown Vics to the point he's got an entire fleet of them but Red White and Blue paint would be absolutely perfect for one of his race cars

[@GrandPitoVic]

Another mod I've seen on the Vic is a master cyl from a 04 Mustang GT. Larger bore brake master cyl. I'm going to try it with my Vics.

[@jgray3524]

How did it go if you’ve done it yet?

[@GrandPitoVic]

I havnt yet

[@GrandPitoVic]

I havnt done it yet. I plan to on my 03 Vic. I'm working on Ls3 swapping her.

[@ne1up]

Sorry, know this is old, could you tell me the benefit of this? I have a 2011 CVPI

[@GrandPitoVic]

@@ne1up Stronger brake pressure

[@thallysdacostalima951]

I Saw The French Flag on the Police Car on the Thumbnail

[@TowMater603]

That paint looks horrible. Should have just done Red or Blue , but not both. I am a HUGE Crown Vic fan , and this car is nice , but that paint...omg i need bleach for my eyes.

[@harrison4ever125]

Proud Mercury Grand Marquis owner. These are fantastic affordable machines that are a great foundation to build a high performance toy out of. As long as you understand going into it that the 2 valve 4.6 is very underpowered and very limited when it comes to affordable horsepower. But if you have money, this is a terrific handling machine.

[@jdkuhl3096]

I've got one too. It's an awesome work car, I load it down with my tools and stuff and it's pretty great. Gonna go cut my springs 😅

[@solanaceae2069]

Cool build. A buddy has a retired police Crown Vic. Still has the push bars for crashing thru illegal road blocks.

[@kamoboko86]

It must be nice to have an unlimited budget and all the equipment in the world 😂

[@richardmuirhead3568]

Money well spent ...... Seafoam Corp

[@davidweaver9421]

Last time I checked, K&N is aftermarket. 04 and newer Crown Vic’s had the marauder air box anyway. All you did was make a hot air intake.

[@DannerPlace]

LOL at pouring all the seafoam crap into your car.

[@billsmopars4927]

I had a Marauder, it handled much better than a regular Crown Vic or Grand Marquis. Could you use parts from that model?

[@FullPullTv]

Still a boat though lol the police interceptor will handle just about as good.

[@sommebuddy]

@@FullPullTv I spent some time in the Talbotville assembly plant, and the Marauders got the same stuff frame and heavier suspension as the Interceptors.

[@GorrillaFastTv]

You said regular though cause my p71 handles brooooo

[@mccloud_1999]

“Cheap” can’t find a good one under $4,000 😂

[@lawrencefoster2120]

Are you responding to the politics that have so much to do with the car, the American car.

[@WigglingWaffles]

big shout out to chris murray at immortan automotive for bringing spec panther to the world

[@2006Mercury]

Panther platforms for life

[@1QKGLH]

And the whole "build" starts with a commercial. These types of shows are shameless.

[@highrzr]

Replacing the rear control arms and watts link would have been a better move on the rear suspension than putting softer springs in. If going for a softer spring rate and\or lowering, going with the civilian springs, front and rear, would have been an easier way to get the reduced ride height as the P71's ride height is about an inch higher than the civilian model. Normally, softer springs are not the way to go if you're going for handling improvements.

[@towboatjeff]

They said they couldn't use aftermarket parts for the racing their building the car for.

[@TheDareall]

That deep creep stuff works great. I tried it out after seeing it on this show and I'm glad i did

[@Autoauctionrehabs]

If not for the promotions, this would have been a 10 minute video!

[@chrisangel7463]

What about the Lincoln town car it's on the same plat form

[@robertroth624]

i spotted an black and white cruiser in the early part of the drive , was that Mayberrys Finest?

[@vermontvermont9292]

I just hope there's some of these left after all the recent craze over these. They're great cars. I prefer the aero body Vic's personally.

[@vickypratamaputravivo4940]

Ford Crown Vic Cruiser

[@henryhulsing8211]

I really want to see engine power do a triton v10

[@ikonik6286]

love to see it show cleetus how its done

[@mikewhite3123]

Neighbor would destroy this car...

[@dakotajones151]

I love my panther car she's getting better and faster with each month. But I myself have made a fair share of people sick 😂

[@bannablitz247]

Interesting build so far, but I have to say not only is that most definitely not a "locking" rear differential. Crown vics and most cars ever made were never available with locking differentials. This is a limited slip, very different but still functional.

[@GrandPitoVic]

Using a 1/4 drive swivel would have saved you pulling the fuel rails and the throttle body. I have a 03' and a 08' P71. Great cars. I am planning the Jmod to my trans soon as well. I love what you guys are doing with this Vic.

[@jamesrockford6416]

I’ve been working for Toronto PD since year 2000. In 2011 when the Vics were gone, I felt part of me is missing!! And there is no authority without them!!

[@steelo136]

The Panther platform is a great platform to maintain but not build. There is a very small aftermarket for the car in terms of performance and information on those parts is a bit limited. It's possible but its very expensive especially considering the results.

[@Tomas-mu1kb]

Finding built internals isn't hard because mustangs used these engines. Finding solid suspension upgrades isn't terribly hard nor extremely expensive. Swapping it with a manual isn't unheard of. There's not a lot of aftermarket support specifically for these cars but there is some, and when you run into finding more unique mods you can take inspiration from mustangs for the most part.

[@bluethunder.351]

There is actually a ton of aftermarket support for these cars and a ton of easy to find info all over the internet. And parts are plentiful and cheap.

[@MGAUT0]

typical banger video

[@beboboymann3823]

Amazing! No rust and no greasy buildup on the underneath.

[@MaximRecoil]

A clutch-type differential is not a "locker."

[@kanaric]

lmao I saw this car last monday at mid ohio, wasn't expecting that when i watched this video.

[@MrMicahMane]

Hey don’t forget the Lincoln Town Car 🥲 all 3 generations of it were panther platform.

[@abdullasaif3494]

24:47 it has POLICE writtein in Arabic بوليس

[@silicon212]

Personally I'd rather use a BG EPR treatment followed by BG MOA vs. SeaFoam in the engine. 44K in the fuel vs. SeaFoam. But then I'm also a mechanic & BG seems a better product. More expensive, yes but I like my engine.

[@PBAB17]

Why did you pull the fuel rails to change spark plugs??

[@dedpoptart]

No offemse but how do you do a vid that covers trans in a panther and not address the j mod. Guy literally engineered the trans and said "well, this better". Sad. Not to mention marty could have tuned this over the phone

[@pascalhumphrey]

Ahhh, the famous Deep Creep that doesnt creep.

[@BoostedPastime]

Try Kroil! Diesel Creek uses it and it works very well for him

[@mikewhite3123]

Kroil definitely

[@tclott316]

Deep creep is by far the best penetrating oil I’ve ever tried.

[@true_identity]

Tell me your sponsor by Seafoam without telling me you're sponsored by Seafoam.

[@jasonholdiness]

I know this is an older video , but I’d love to know the wheel specs on this setup. Width and offset 🤔

[@haroldparker3487]

Nice! Sea Foam commercial.

[@paxwallace8324]

So they're shillin for seafoam any objective opinions?

[@kravmaga7070]

the best performance part i ever bought was an electric shift kit for 97 ford f150 it had normal, street and strip modes and in strip mode it shifted so hard you wouldnt wanna drive it with even a slightly sore neck. it was cheap too like 35 usd or something and installed in 30 minutes on the other hand ive paid 500 cdn for tuner chips and noticed a DECREASE IN performance! probly cuz the tune only works with highest octane pump fuel which i rarely bought since its so expensive which only added to the waste of money this tuner was in the first place

[@Tomas-mu1kb]

Where'd you find that electric shift kit? I can't find anything online.

[@kravmaga7070]

@@Tomas-mu1kb that about 2001 so no idea anymore

[@Tomas-mu1kb]

@@kravmaga7070 damn. You're old

[@anthonyd8932]

Is this just a giant seafoam commercial?

[@Yipe-gm1wp]

It does appear to understeer pretty bad.

[@kevintuma6223]

I just bought a 2010 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. How do i know if I have a panther ?

[@jeffmorefield]

They are all panthers.

[@danielmaguinda8985]

Third comment

[@Bluue05]

Second comment!

[@funnycity6671]

You forgot to mention the lincoln town car in the panther platform

[@dw-dawg64]

Usually I use these for demo derby’s but this works too🤣

[@towboatjeff]

I like watching demo derbys but hate seeing these old cars go to their deaths at the same time.

[@martinstrickland8260]

Does crank case mean where you put engine oil

[@rickdeckard6280]

No imagination

[@rickdeckard6280]

Canadians suck

[@ToneboneW-ju5ry]

How much y'all charge for the remods

[@johndomine1574]

If I bring pat a 2002 318 Magnum how much he charge to build a 437 stroker super late model engine? I'm from WI maybe he knows what kind circle track racing I mean

[@briankrasne3518]

Yall forgot to straight pipe it with headers

[@darrenmurkerson8566]

Brave guy, using an impact on the aluminum an plastic engine parts.. they become brittle , heat and time takes its toll

[@stevekinney729]

Milwaukee tools all day fuggin

[@falconpatrol3565]

You goons think cutting a spring stiffens it? You got another thing coming.

[@ViciousAdventures-ls2em]

Kinda, sorta, but not really. Linear springs like in the 'Vic the spring rate is the same, but instead of having 10 coils spreading the load, you'd have 9. It will take less weight to compress the 10 coils 1" because you have more material to work with. There are diminishing returns on that math. It's funky math, but math...

[@falconpatrol3565]

@@ViciousAdventures-ls2em A springs stiffness is proportional to its length. You should pay attention to physics.

[@ViciousAdventures-ls2em]

@@falconpatrol3565 Re-read my post. I address that exact issue. You also seem to be contradicting your post that I commented on. Just what are you trying to say?

[@falconpatrol3565]

@@ViciousAdventures-ls2em What does my post say?

[@ViciousAdventures-ls2em]

@@falconpatrol3565 "You goons think cutting a spring stiffens it?" - YOU "A springs stiffness is proportional to its length." - Also YOU So which is true Mr. Physics?

[@King_Creole]

Easily the worst car ever made🙄🙄

[@dannycortada7721]

Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Geo Metro, Saturn, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, dodge neon, 1990s Cadillac's, Taurus, Focus are all worse

[@King_Creole]

@@dannycortada7721 clearly you never owned a crown vic

[@lawofliberty3517]

Love my 01 panther. Parts are affordable and conversions are easy.

[@timothyfay1209]

add to that list the Yugo.@@dannycortada7721

[@timothyfay1209]

Yeah ok, what is the best car ever made Professor?

[@uncleben4560]

Its still not a race car.. its a fun car!!

[@hotrodlincoln7186]

You for got about the lincoln town car

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-1983]

Seafoam cancel ❌❌❌ 🤧

[@pimphatwaggoner1655]

Sponsored by Seafoam™

[@TundeEszlari]

Amazing content. 😘

[@davidmortensen1978]

I wish you would stop calling the front shock a strut. 🤪

[@ViciousAdventures-ls2em]

The coil spring/shock system changed over to a strut in 1999, I think. So yeah, strut.

[@christerfer409]

How does it drive

[@scottsatterthwaite4073]

Wow! A Seafoam promo. Great.