Ok, first, let me introduce myself, and tell you about the first "New 2 Me" Ford
I have ever owned. I am a born and raised true Montanan. But, that does not mean that I am some kind of "country hick"! I spent from 1988 until 2007, then on and off until 2009 until my failing health forced me off the highway. 2.4 million Documented accident free miles. I have been, since 1997 pretty much a certified Chrysler fan, a 97 Concorde LXi, 125,000 trouble free miles, ran/looked like new when I traded her in 2005 for a 2005 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible. I drove that cute red ragtop for 60,000 absolute trouble free enjoyable miles until last summer, when, after a hip replacement, and other real bad joint issues made every mile I drove her painful due to the way I fit in it. Sadly, as I also needed a car that could tow a trailer with up to 3 motorcycles on it, as restoring older Japanese bikes is my "paying hobby" I spent 5 weeks looking every day on the usual internet listing sites, and toured the used car lots around Billings MT (our largest city at 125,000) On October 4th, I literally struck gold! I found a 63,000 Documented Original mile, near showroom condition, without the "fake wood sides" Ford Crown
Victoria Country Squire Wagon with the EFI 302 and VERY long legged 4 SPD
OD auto. (24 MPG @ 60-65 MPH) I think I got a fair deal, The price on the wagon was $4000, it booked high list in the NADA Guide for $3750, my Sebring
booked at $7500 High, as they were not very popular and don't hold their value much. The dealer wrote me a check for $3250 and the title to the wagon, which with winter coming (worst time to trade in a convertible) I
thought was fair. Since I have bought her, I have had the entire cooling system flushed twice as it looked like coffee with creamer in it at first, and STILL loked almost that bad after the first flush! Afetr the second one, it looks nice and clean now. I also had the rear drum brakes renewed, the front discs were almost new. I had all new hoses under the hood changed, and the oil changed to mobile one 10W40.I also had a set of real mechanical gauges installed (amp/coolant temp/oil pressure) As I am on Disability (believe me, I have tried to return to driving truck twice, and failed due to my health both times, I am NOT milking any system) I can only do so much each month until I
get her to the reliability level I want. Next month I am going to change the Plugs and wires. This is what my first question is. Does anyone know what the standard make and part # the OEM plugs are? I want to actually switch to the Bosch Platinum Multi Tip plugs, for better burning of the fuel/air mixture
and cleaner emissions. And, is there a better flowing air filter that fits in the stock airbox? Also, I am sure that there must be a better chip for the engine Management Computer. One that will give it more power, without totally killing the MPG economy. Also, does any one know what the maximum trailer weight it can pull? I have had a class one hitch installed (4,000LB capacity)
as I said, I have a small trailer that can haul up to 3 loaded 1000cc+ baggers. Any advice from other mechanically inclined owners of this car would be VERY much appreciated! You can also email me at the following:
glenn.merideth@gmail.com
I have ever owned. I am a born and raised true Montanan. But, that does not mean that I am some kind of "country hick"! I spent from 1988 until 2007, then on and off until 2009 until my failing health forced me off the highway. 2.4 million Documented accident free miles. I have been, since 1997 pretty much a certified Chrysler fan, a 97 Concorde LXi, 125,000 trouble free miles, ran/looked like new when I traded her in 2005 for a 2005 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible. I drove that cute red ragtop for 60,000 absolute trouble free enjoyable miles until last summer, when, after a hip replacement, and other real bad joint issues made every mile I drove her painful due to the way I fit in it. Sadly, as I also needed a car that could tow a trailer with up to 3 motorcycles on it, as restoring older Japanese bikes is my "paying hobby" I spent 5 weeks looking every day on the usual internet listing sites, and toured the used car lots around Billings MT (our largest city at 125,000) On October 4th, I literally struck gold! I found a 63,000 Documented Original mile, near showroom condition, without the "fake wood sides" Ford Crown
Victoria Country Squire Wagon with the EFI 302 and VERY long legged 4 SPD
OD auto. (24 MPG @ 60-65 MPH) I think I got a fair deal, The price on the wagon was $4000, it booked high list in the NADA Guide for $3750, my Sebring
booked at $7500 High, as they were not very popular and don't hold their value much. The dealer wrote me a check for $3250 and the title to the wagon, which with winter coming (worst time to trade in a convertible) I
thought was fair. Since I have bought her, I have had the entire cooling system flushed twice as it looked like coffee with creamer in it at first, and STILL loked almost that bad after the first flush! Afetr the second one, it looks nice and clean now. I also had the rear drum brakes renewed, the front discs were almost new. I had all new hoses under the hood changed, and the oil changed to mobile one 10W40.I also had a set of real mechanical gauges installed (amp/coolant temp/oil pressure) As I am on Disability (believe me, I have tried to return to driving truck twice, and failed due to my health both times, I am NOT milking any system) I can only do so much each month until I
get her to the reliability level I want. Next month I am going to change the Plugs and wires. This is what my first question is. Does anyone know what the standard make and part # the OEM plugs are? I want to actually switch to the Bosch Platinum Multi Tip plugs, for better burning of the fuel/air mixture
and cleaner emissions. And, is there a better flowing air filter that fits in the stock airbox? Also, I am sure that there must be a better chip for the engine Management Computer. One that will give it more power, without totally killing the MPG economy. Also, does any one know what the maximum trailer weight it can pull? I have had a class one hitch installed (4,000LB capacity)
as I said, I have a small trailer that can haul up to 3 loaded 1000cc+ baggers. Any advice from other mechanically inclined owners of this car would be VERY much appreciated! You can also email me at the following:
glenn.merideth@gmail.com
Just noticed in the op that the wagon is EFI......Gadget got you covered with a HO upper intake though. In all honesty I believe the car is fine with just dual exhaust some gears and a trans cooler to tow. I'd leave the engine as is.
to GMN! Always good to see new members out west. Looking forward to seeing some pics of the wagon!
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