Modifying a Ford Crown Vic to Reach 155 mph: Possibilities and Challenges

Can you modify a Ford Crown Vic to achieve speeds of up to 155 mph or higher without damaging it? This question has caught the interest of many enthusiasts, especially with the example of NASCAR teams pushing their cars to incredible speeds. However, as we explore the potential for such modifications, it becomes clear that achieving these lofty speeds would require significant enhancements and may not be feasible without risks to the vehicle.

What NASA Teams Can Teach Us

NASCAR teams have successfully modified full-size cars from Ford and other brands to break speed barriers that seem extraordinary to many. In fact, it is not uncommon to see NASCAR cars exceeding 200 mph during races. Nevertheless, transforming a regular Ford Crown Vic into a high-speed machine without damaging it is a much more complex task, and it is highly unlikely to achieve speeds as high as 155 mph or beyond.

The Most Likely Candidate: The Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor

The most probable candidate for modification is a stock Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (PI), which is rated to reach 129 mph. Even with upgrades, the vehicle would struggle to exceed 155 mph, and it would certainly take a substantial amount of time to achieve such speeds. These upgrades would include beefing up the engine and transmission cooling systems, fitting speed-rated tires, and ensuring that other components are robust enough to handle the stress of high-speed driving.

Engine and Cooling Upgrades

One of the key challenges in achieving higher speeds lies in the cooling systems. Heat is the number one enemy in sustained high-speed driving. Therefore, a PI would have a more robust radiator, a more effective transmission cooler, and possibly an engine oil cooler. These enhancements are critical for maintaining the performance and longevity of the vehicle. Additionally, the tires would need to be stronger and more durable to withstand the wear and tear associated with high speeds. Most PI models come with two alternators to handle the heavy electrical load required for radios and computers used in police work, but these do not significantly impact the car's top speed.

Further Speed Enhancements

For more advanced speed modifications, particularly to push the Crown Vic to 155 mph or higher, engine modifications would be necessary. One possible approach is to bore the engine a bit larger to increase its displacement, thereby enhancing its power output. Additionally, the suspension system would need to be more similar to that of a sports car to handle the increased weight and forces at higher speeds. Modifying the transmission and exhaust would also be important for maximizing performance.

Realistic Expectations

While it is possible to make these modifications, it is important to note that the enhanced performance would still be limited by the inherent design and physical constraints of the vehicle. Even without a speed limiter, the Crown Vic would be engine and aerodynamically limited in reaching the desired speeds. Therefore, while modifications can enhance the vehicle's performance, the goal of achieving 155 mph or higher may not be entirely realistic without additional significant modifications.