How do I tell if my Crown Vic is a P71?
The Ford Crown Victoria is a beloved vehicle, known for its durability and classic design. Among its various trims, the P71 stands out as the Police Interceptor model, specifically designed for law enforcement use. If you’ve recently purchased a Crown Vic or are curious about its history, you might wonder how to determine if your car is a P71. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key identifiers to help you confirm whether your Crown Vic is indeed a P71.
What Makes the P71 Special?
The P71 Police Interceptor is a unique version of the Crown Victoria, built with enhanced performance, durability, and features tailored for police work. These vehicles often include upgraded suspension, heavy-duty cooling systems, and reinforced frames, making them distinct from civilian models.
Steps to Identify a P71 Crown Victoria
Follow these steps to determine if your Crown Vic is a P71:
- Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The easiest way to identify a P71 is by examining the VIN. Look for the code "P71" in the VIN's sequence. This code specifically designates the Police Interceptor model.
- Inspect the Speedometer: P71 models often have a certified calibration speedometer, which is different from the standard speedometer found in civilian models. It may also display higher speed limits.
- Look for Heavy-Duty Features: Police Interceptors are equipped with heavy-duty components, such as upgraded suspension, larger brakes, and a reinforced frame. These features are designed to handle the rigors of police work.
- Check for Dual Exhaust: Most P71 models come with a dual exhaust system, which is not standard on civilian Crown Victorias.
- Examine the Interior: The interior of a P71 is often more utilitarian, with features like vinyl flooring instead of carpeting and fewer luxury options.
- Look for Police-Specific Modifications: Many P71s retain remnants of their police service, such as holes in the dashboard or roof where equipment was mounted, or wiring for police lights and sirens.
Why Knowing Your Model Matters
Identifying whether your Crown Vic is a P71 is important for several reasons. First, it helps you understand the car’s capabilities and maintenance needs. Police Interceptors are built to endure heavy use, so they may require different care compared to civilian models. Additionally, knowing your car’s history can affect its resale value and insurance rates.
Final Thoughts
Determining if your Crown Victoria is a P71 can be a fascinating process, especially for car enthusiasts or those who appreciate the legacy of police vehicles. By checking the VIN, inspecting key features, and understanding the unique characteristics of the P71, you can confidently identify your car’s model. If you’re still unsure, feel free to bring your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos, where we can help you with diagnostics and maintenance. Happy driving!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to tell if a Crown Vic is a police interceptor?
The only completely infallible way to identify a CVPI is to look at the VIN tag. The 5th, 6th and 7th digit of the VIN will be "P71" ("P7B" for 2010 and 2011 model years).
What makes a Crown Vic a police interceptor?
Its large body and cavernous trunk made it well-suited to carry police equipment. And its performance features, like RWD and a V-8 engine, made its speed and handling perfect for pursuits.
What was the worst year for the Crown Victoria?
The suspension and steering were also less reliable, reducing its appeal among potential buyers. 2008: The worst year for Crown Victoria was arguably 2008. It was marked by a number of common problems that plagued owners, including transmission troubles, blown head gaskets, and failures of the fuel pump.
What year Crown Vic has the 5.0 engine?
For 1983, the engine line was revised, as Ford ended production of the 4.2 L V8 across all model lines. The 5.0 L effectively became the only engine available, as the 5.8 L carbureted V8 became restricted to fleet sales (particularly police vehicles); in Canada, it remained an option through 1991.
How do I know if I have a P71?
The only completely infallible way to identify a CVPI is to look at the VIN tag. The 5th, 6th and 7th digit of the VIN will be "P71" ("P7B" for 2010 and 2011 model years).
What's the difference between a police interceptor motor and a regular motor?
Performance Specs
Most retail versions of the civilian Ford Explorer come equipped with a 300-horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Police Interceptor Utility base model, by contrast, has a 285-horsepower, 3.3 liter V6 engine.
What is the P71 package?
The P71 package included extra-heavy-duty engine cooling to handle demanding driving (car chases, endless stop-starts, and hours and hours of highway) and the range of climates that police patrolled in.
Is the police interceptor badge illegal?
One of the essential things to know about police decals is, that you are not allowed to have them in your car as a typical citizen. It is illegal to impersonate a police officer, which you would be doing.
What's the difference between a P71 and a P7B?
“Until recently, I also had a 2007 Crown Victoria P71, the P71 being the serial number for the Ford police package. Apparently they ran out of VINs so adopted the P7B number for later cars.
What does a police interceptor package include?
Police Interceptor Utility
It comes with an all-wheel drive powertrain, larger brake rotors, advanced ABS and traction control systems, a more efficient cooling system, emergency equipment fitments, and other standard equipment.
