[CrashTestDummy]

I gotta stop doing this, but I couldn't resist. I've kind of had my eye on the latest version of the Caprice 9C1 since they first announced them. After talking a bit with one of the driving instructors at the Houston Police Academy, and hearing a friend rave about the ride he got in one to the speed limiter, well that sealed the deal.

I was kind of also looking at the new Chevrolet SS, but the $40K+ price tag was putting me off. Then, this example showed up:

(IMG:http://images57.fotki.com/v139/photos/5/1331095/10081187/frontdrcorner-vi.jpg)

It's a 2012 9C1. It's a retired car, so it has some mileage and scrapes and scratches, but it runs great, handles well, and should, for a while at least, get better mileage then my current 96 Impala SS DD. I was specifically looking for a 2011 or 2012, because GM went with some odd shifter stalk that grew out of the dash in 2013. Not sure what the big idea was there, but they wanted to get the shifter off the console, and there's stalks coming out both sides of the column.

The current plan is to fix what's broken/missing, do some mild upgrades in the engine compartment and suspension, and just enjoy. I'll add long tubes, and a better-breathing exhaust, maybe an intake, CAI, but I'm also thinking of a bit more cam. I'd also like to install a converter so this thing comes off the line a bit better. It really woke up the 96, and there are some nice converter choices out there that still lock up. I'd then add coil-overs to get the car a bit lower, maybe some '13 Camaro RS 19" wheels, and swaybars. It handles well now, I think taking a little out of the suspension, and adding some bigger sway bars will only help.

Since the shop is now full, we're thinking about selling our 95 9C1 Impala SS clone, and/or our 95 Z28 LT4/M6 convertible. So if you know anyone who's looking.....

[nape]

My wife currently has a 2012 from her department. The car just feels right sitting in it. It really makes me think about breaking my streak of never owning a car that wasn't built in the USA. Really tempting considering I could get a used 2012 for what '05-'06 CTS-Vs are still fetching and they come in white.

I had to laugh that you're getting almost 20MPG with it, they definitely don't get that on shift. That's my wife's main complaint, she has to fill it up at least every other night vs. about 3 days with the Crown Vic. She said these are a rocket ship compared to the Vic but a lot less trunk space.