Engine Modifications

• What does my engine weigh?  What's the difference between a 4.6L SOHC and 4.6 DOHC?  What's the difference between a Romeo vs Windsor?
  Check out Sullivan's tech page for more information and some very useful information, dimensions, port shapes, etc etc.
  
  Check out this great article on the differences between the modular motors hosted by Optik for 2vmodular
  
• When talking of PI in engines, what does that mean?
  PI when talking about engines refers to the Performance Improved heads that were available on the Crown Vics from 2001+  The head design is different and the intake is also different. 
  
  For more information on the differences between PI and non PI heads and Moduar engines in general check out this great article hosted by Optik for 2vmodular.
  
• Should I be worried about driving around town with underdrive pullies?

  If you are planning on running a large stereo or ton of electronics, I would suggest leaving the stock alternator pulley on to make sure your charging system works correctly. If you are at all worried about charging problems, just leave the alternator pulley stock and you should have absolutely no problems. When you do put the alt. pulley on, the lights tend to dim at night when you come to a stop.  To compensate for that, many tuners will up the idle speed.

   

  I ran around with my underdrive pullies on my 1998 CV for over 75k miles and had no ill effects. 

   

ADTR Supercharger systems

• What kind of superchargers are used with your systems?
  We use the Vortech V3 self contained headunits so no tapping of the oil pan is necessary.  You have to do an oil change on the blower after the first 2500 miles and then every 7500 miles after that.  Supercharger oil is available through ADTR.  Check with Chris for pricing.
  
• What does blow through system mean?  What's the difference between a centrifugal and roots type supercharger?  What is an air-to-air intercooler and will it work on my car?
  The answer to these and many more can be found in the supercharger FAQ
  
• I am planning on more radical modifications and looking to make over 500 hp going supercharged.  Will your systems work for me?
  Our systems can be adapted to each customer's individual needs.  We have intercooler systems capable of handling up to 800 hp and can upgrade fuel systems to handle the power.  Contact Chris for more information.  
  
• Do your systems include a computer tune?
  Our systems do not include a computer tune as each vehicle is different and we suggest a custom dyno tune for each installation.
  
• Are the systems 50 state smog legal?
  Our systems are not smog legal at this time.  They are designed for off-road use as are 99% of the items on our webpage.
  
• What kind of horsepower does the system make?
  Our 2004 CVPI with our system and Stainless Works long tube headers put down 361 rear wheel horsepower and 365 rear wheel torque on 8 pounds of boost.  The vehicle was on 91 octane fuel and using a stock engine and transmission. 
  
  We don't suggest more than 10-12 pounds of boost on a stock motor and anything above would require a built bottom end with forged internals to handle the power.
  
• Do you have a dyno video?  What does it sound like?
  Here's the dyno video when it put down 361 rear wheel hp and 365 rear wheel torque
  
  Here's the first start showing what the standard system (with polished headunit) looks like.  Optional coatings and polished supercharger headunit are available.
  
  Here's what the car can do now with all that Vortech power!
  

Panther General FAQs

• Do i need a computer tune when putting on normal bolt on?

  No you normally do not need a computer tune when installing normal bolt ons. That includes throttle bodies, intake tubes, K&N intake system, exhaust, ported plenums, etc. You will need a tune for the following: cams, MM airbox or any different than stock MAF, nitrous, supercharger, turbo, It would be ideal to get a tune when you do the PI intake swap, but it is not necessary. It would be ideal to get a tune when you put on the underdrive pullies to raise up the idle to keep the battery charged. If you have any other specific parts, please contact Chris and he'd be happy to answer.

• Do you have any used parts available?

  Ask Chris as sometimes we have the original parts used for testing or know of used parts that are available.

• Does my car have PI heads?

  Any Panther model year 2001 or later has them. 

• How do I place an order?

  You can place an order online through our store, email or call me.  Whatever works best for you!  

• Is there anything else?

  For more FAQ and technical information, vin decoders, etc, check out Liquid's site: http://www.crownvic.net/liquid/

  And: 

  If there are other FAQs that you think would be beneficial or worthwhile to add to this, please email Chris and let him know:

  adtrsales@hotmail.com

• What are some modifications that I should get?

  Steeda underdrive pullies, ported upper plenum (throttle body if you have the money), 80mm Marauder air box and a chip. Later on down the line, exhaust, rear gears and trac loc (if you don’t already have it), shocks and sway bars.

  
  
• What is a Panther?

  A Panther is the designation for the chassis on a Town Car, Grand Marquis and the Crown Victoria

• What is the MZT?

  The MZT is a term that many of the Crownvic.net members call the Marauder airbox, Zip tube and custom computer Tune.

   

  For more information click on the www.Crownvic.net link compliments of dRock

• Who do you recommend I get a custom chip from?

  Talk to Lonnie at www.BlueOvalChips.com He knows his stuff and strives to make every customer happy. Tell him Chris sent you!

Intake Modifications

• What throttle body should I get?

  Trying to figure out what throttle body to get?

  • As far as price goes, BBK Throttle body 70/75mm unit ($$) > Aviator 70mm unit ($)
  • The Aviator throttle body is a 70mm throttle body at both ends, but have a step in the inner part of the body. The inner diameter steps down to 68.34 mm.
  • The Aviator has a plastic throttle bracket while the BBK pieces have a steel bracket.
  • The BBK pieces are one piece billet bodies that are 70 or 75mm all the way through. As far as build quality goes, the BBK is a nicer piece then the others
  • Will you notice a difference in performance between the different 70mm throttle bodies?  No not really.  All will give a noticeable gain and increase in throttle response
  • On a stock car, we do not suggest anything larger than a 70mm throttle body! You will lose low end torque and the car may bog off the line.  For heavy modifications (cams/nitrous/blower/etc) you can go with the 75mm throttle body or larger 78mm throttle body/plenum upgrade
• 70mm or 75mm Throttle body?

  70mm is the largest I'd suggest on a relatively stock car. With a 70mm throttle body, there will be a slight gain in throttle response and maybe some horsepower. Many will argue that it costs horsepower, but I felt a gain on my personal car. A 70mm throttle body and our ported upper plenum are a great combination and you'll definitely notice a difference.

   

  The 75mm throttle body works very well with the AED kits. This is not suggested for a naturally aspirated car.

• Do you need a larger MAF (mass air flow sensor) to make a 70mm TB work?

  No you do not need a larger MAF, but the two parts compliment each other nicely.

  
  
• What do I need for the PI intake manifold swap?

  You need the following:

  • -PI intake manifold
  • -PI coolant tube
  • -PI coolant nipple
  • -Intake manifold gaskets
  • -A new alternator bracket or modification to existing bracket

  Contact Chris for pricing

• What else do I need to get the MM airbox to work?

  You need the MM airbox assembly and a custom computer tune. (No a Superchips 1725 tuner will not work)

  Other suggested parts to go with your MM airbox would be the following:

  -   Either the '04 or '06 PI intake tube as the opening going onto the MAF is the correct size. You can use your stock tube but it will require effort to make it go on.
  

  For more information on intake tubes check out the following link compliments of dRock

  -    MM MAF wiring harness replaces your stock MM wiring harness and relocates the IAT sensor which used to be in your airbox into the MAF. This makes for a cleaner install on all 02 and earlier Panthers. If you don't want to do any wiring, you just need to drill a hole in the airbox for the IAT sensor like stock. 03-04 Panthers have the same MAF pigtail and modifications are not needed. All 05+ Panthers should use the 04 PI airbox as that utilizes the same MAF connector and incorporates the larger 80mm MAF.
  

  -    180 thermostat and 22c plugs are a good addition as they help reduce pinging and detonation. Most tuners suggest these.

• What kind of PI tube do i need on my car?

  For all information on the differences in Zip tubes, check out the following link compliments of dRock

• Which should I get? Marauder airbox or K&N FIPK?
  I personally would go with the Marauder airbox assembly as it includes an 80mm MAF and will give you a documented 15 rwhp. The FIPK kit is nice, but the main problem is that it would require modification to make an 80mm MAF work.
• Why do you suggest the colder plugs and thermostat?

  The answer is that it allows the tuner to be more aggressive with the tune and helps prevent pinging and detonation.
  
  Normally 1 heat range colder on the plugs is for N/A cars and 2 heat ranges are meant for heavily modded cars with boost or nitrous.

ADTR ported upper intake plenum

• Would you port my plenum if I send it to you?
  We do offer plenum porting services at competitive pricing. Contact Chris for more information.
  
• Why is there a core on the 2003/2004 plenums?
  Ford discontinued the 2003/2004 plenums so unfortunately we have to charge a core to ensure we'll be able to continue porting these plenums and have product still on the shelf.  Once you return your stock plenum to us we'll credit you back your core charge or can apply it towards a future order. 
  
• Do I need a chip to make this work on my car?

  No chip has been needed thus far to our knowledge. Any time you make an improvement a chip would be suggested but not required.

• Do I need a gasket or anything else for instalation?

  Nope, everything is included and you can reuse the throttle body, IAC and EGR gaskets as long as they come off in one piece.

  
  
• Is it hard to install?
  No, it is a simple bolt on that can be done in less than 30 minutes. Instructions are included, and if you lose them, they are also available on the web.
• What is an ADTR ported upper plenum?

  It is a new hand ported upper intake plenum. We remove sharp edges, remove casting defects, reshape the angle the air enters the engine and help smooth out the airflow.

• What kind of gains have been observed?

  The car hasn’t been dyno tested with just this part, but there was an increase in acceleration and throttle response. Similar plenums have been shown to increase hp over 8-12 rwhp and 12-15 rwtq.

• What size throttle body would you suggest?

  Stock works for most near stock cars, 70mm for slightly modified cars and 75mm for heavily modified or blower cars.

• Why are the 03 plus plenums more expensive?

  Ford decided to change the casting design along with different vacuum ports. Those changes cost more, thus the increased price.

Stainless Works header and exhaust systems

• What kind of horsepower gains will I get with the headers?
  One of our customers installed headers with the full Stainless Works catback system on a 2006 CVPI and he picked up 18.86 hp and 31.43 ft-lb  Other customers have done drag strip tests and have knocked off .6 - .8 seconds off their 1/4 mile time.  Not only do the systems sound good but they perform great as well!
  
• What do the systems sound like?  Do you have any videos?
  Here's Stainless Works' promotional video
  
  Here's our 2004 CVPI with full SW headers/catted lead pipes and SW catback system with chambered mufflers
  
  Here's some videos of the headers and cat back system installed on customer's cars
  - 2003 CV with SW headers and factory cat back
  - Cameron's CV with SW headers, custom exhaust and Dynomax ultraflow mufflers with turndowns
  - Lonnie's 1999 CV with SW headers/catted lead pipes and SW catback system with s-tube mufflers
  -Tom's 2005 CV with SW headers/catted lead pipes and SW catback system with chambered mufflers
  
• Do I have to lift the engine off the mounts when installing the headers?
  We did not on our install.  Some of our customers were able to leave the engine in the mounts while others had to remove the driver's side engine mount for clearance to install the oil dipstick.  No matter which way you do it, removal of the starter is required.
• Do I need new exhaust gaskets or anything else for the install?

  Gasket making material, bolts, and hardware are included in the kit.  Locking header bolts are available as an option.

• Have you had problems with the bolts backing out?

  With any header, this is a common occurrence. You will definitely have to tighten them after a couple of heat cycles and you may have to tighten the bolts every once and a while. If it is a big inconvenience you can get the locking header bolts to ensure a tight bolt every time.

• I know there are cat back systems for 98-02 cars and 03-04 cars, but is there anything for my earlier or later car?

  There have been a couple of customers who have used the systems on cars earlier or later successfully but they may not be a direct bolt on.  Many had to modify the piping over the rear axle and change the hanger orientation. 
  

  
  

  For the later cars (06+) Magnaflow also sells a system that will bolt up to the stock cat pipe (or Stainless Works long tube headers with lead pipes) that sounds great, is stainless steel quality and mandrel bent. 
  

• Are all the O2 bungs and EGR hookups still available and part of the long tube header packages?

  All factory sensors are still retained.  Depending on you year there will be O2 extensions included for the front sensors and the rear sensors will connect like stock.  EGR is still retained but can be capped off with the Ford Racing EGR cap available through us.

• Will I need a computer tune?
  No you will not need a computer tune but they are suggested.
  
  If you chose the off-road version you will need to either get MIL eliminators or turn off the rear O2 sensors.  You may get additional codes as indicated here.  A computer tune will be able to remove those issues.
  

Rearend Modifications

• What's the difference between the Superior Axle overhaul kit and the Ford Racing overhaul kit?
  An overhaul kit is suggested when you replace your rear gears.  The Ford Racing overhaul kit includes axle seals and axle bearings while the Superior Axle kit does not.  The Superior Axle kit has Timken brand bearings which many feel are a better bearing.
  
  I am running the Ford Racing overhaul kit in Casper and quality and performance have been fantastic so far!
  
• What is a trac lok and how can I find out if I have one or not?
  
  
• Do I need friction modifier with a trac-lok rearend?
  Yes you do.  We sell the Ford Racing friction modifier and it is required with a trac lok rearend.  If you're running a synthetic rearend fluid you may not need it as many companies already include it.  Check with the manufacturer to see if it is needed on your application.
  
• My Speedo doesn't read correctly after a gear change?

  After swapping in different gears, you'll need to adjust the speedo to read correctly.

  2002 and earlier cars can swap the mechanical speedo gear to get the speedometer to read correctly. 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10 all uses a 23 tooth speedometer gear. For more precise adjustment a speedcal is suggested.

  2003+ cars have no speedo gear and require a computer tune to calibrate the speedometer.

• What gear should I put my car?

  (Courtesy of TurboVic) Gear choice depends on several things, it's a trade-off. The more gear you get, the faster you can accelerate, to a point. The trade off is that your gas mileage will suffer with each step up on the gear chain.

  
  

   

  Most civilian Crown Vics come with 2.73 gears, 3.27 in the performance and handling package (99-00 Vics with P&H get 3.55's). Police interceptors get 3.27's from the factory, which was upped to 3.55's for 99-00.
  

  
  

  All civilian Crown Victoria's come with open differentials, which means you will only leave one mark when you try a burnout. 3.55's should be the minimum you should consider to up the performance of the Vic. 3.73's are a much better choice and are still very good with gas mileage. 4.10's would be about as far as I would go on a modded Vic due to the fact you run out of revs at around 4250rpm. 

  
  

  Regardless of which gears you choose, consider it a good time to replace your differential at the same time, the labor is not extra when doing a diff and gears at the same time. Most shops will charge between $250-300 for installation, add an extra $100 if your bearings are shot.

  
  

  You will need a 23 tooth speedometer gear to switch to any of these gears. With 3.55's, your speedo will read about 3mph slow at 65mph. With 4.10's, it will read about 3mph fast. 3.73's will read about perfect. On the newer cars, you'll need an electronic speedometer compensator, which is available from Abbott.

• What is the difference between 28 and 31 spline axles?

  28 spline axles are stock on all Panthers up to 2004 except for the Town Car limo packages. 31 spline axles came standard in all 05+ Panthers. To upgrade to a 31 spline trac-lok, you would need to replace the trac-lok unit as well as a set of 31 spline axles.

  
  

  You can find out your rearend combination by checking out the following vin decoder compliments of Liquid

  
  

  The advantage of 31 splines is with more splines it can withstand more hp and heavier launches on the track

Suspension Modifications

• What are some of the more popular suspension mods and why?
  Control arms, watts link and swaybars are some of my biggest sellers. 
  
  The control arms help put the horsepower to the ground and improve handling as well.  The stock control arms are made of stamped steel and have rubber bushings while the Metco and Heinous offerings are made out of 6061 aluminum and have polyurethane bushings.  The reduction of flex and mushiness of the stock arms and bushings help off the line acceleration by reducing the vehicle's tendancy to squat and improve handling by tightening things up.
  
  The same can be said of the Metco watts link.  The watts link helps keep the rearend centered and the reduction of slop and play from the stock arms aids in cornering ability and makes the car feel much more sure footed in the corners.
  
  The swaybars help even if you've got large swaybars from the factory.  The addition of the Addco swaybars front and back with polyurethane bushings helps keep the body flatter in the corners and makes the car so much more enjoyable in the twisties!
  
• My car has rear air suspension, will the Heinous or Metco control arms still work?
  Yes they will.  Doesn't matter if its lowered, PI, civilian, spring or air spring, both offerings will fit and improve handling performance.
  
• What lube do you suggest I use when installing control arms, watts link or the Addco swaybars with polyurethane bushings?
  Energy Suspension has a specific lube for polyurethane bushings and we suggest that as it's thicker and more sticky than a regular lithium grease.  It should be available at most large chain auto parts stores or contact Chris for pricing.
  
• Do the Addco swaybars include everything needed for installation?
  Yes they do assuming you have swaybars on the car currently.  Some models do not have a rear swaybar so the bushing brackets, bolts and nuts need to be purchased to install. 
  
  The front bars for the 2003+ cars re-use the stock endlinks so if your endlinks are questionable we suggest replacement.  There are no polyurethane endlinks available for the front swaybars on the 2003+ cars.
  
• Do the Heinous control arms have a HP limit? 
  Quick answer, no they do not.  They are made out of the same material and have the same bushings as the Metco pieces.  The bushings themselves would fail first before the billet aluminum would break. 
  
• Why are the Metco Aero arms adjustable?  Are they strong enough?
  The uppers are adjustable, the lowers are fixed. The upper design of the original Heinous arms was 4 different pieces welded together due the the design of the stock arm. There really isn't a way to make it cheaper than this. In the end, the cost of the adjustable uppers is maybe a little bit more than the original welded design but also offers pinion angle adjustment and looks super badass.
  
  As for how strong it is I called Metco and did some research online. Metco did an independent tensile strength test of a stock Cobra control arm (before it was IRS) and compared to their adjustable arm offerings and theirs was 440% better out of the box.
  
  My rep at Metco also mentioned that they have customers with 1000+ hp and have had no history of ever breaking or snapping a control arm. Further, Metco completely stands behind all of their products with a lifetime warranty on the bushings. I'm putting a set on the Couch with no reservations.
• Using the Metco Aero control arms, how do I change the pinion angle?  What advantage is there to adjusting pinion angle?
  Check out the following Car Craft article for more information. 
  
  (This only applies to 92-97 aero cars using the Metco adjustable upper control arms)
  
• I have a PI and have heard the Addco sway bars don't fit. Is this true?
  No it is not true. If you just bolt it on, the oil cooler line does run into the sway bar. Addco now includes an aluminum spacer to put between the sway bar and the frame. The oil line rests on the bar, but is not bent or kinked.
• Why can't I use the Energy Suspension control arm kit on my 03 plus Panther?

  The suspension design changed on the 03 plus Panthers as they went under a complete redesign and implemented rack and pinion steering.  

  You can try to make your own kit piece by piece, but as of now, there are no complete kits for 03 plus cars.

Brake Modifications