Ooooohhhh, rack and pinion I thought you said "Rack and Peanut" steering (I guess you had to see that Simpson's episode)
Honestly, that's likely another issue where there is no r&p setup designed for the car (a lot of the blue-hairs like the recirc. ball steering, go figure . . .)
I don't disagree at all, but can kinda understand why it isn't there.
From what I understand, the 2003 PI has R&P, as does the Marauder, so that issue may already be taken care of.
I dunno who told you the wiper linkage design was the only thing keeping the 5.4 out of the car, but that is utter BS. Heck, we know the motor will fit in the Mustang (and have done it) but it still doesn't go in the car on a regular basis, for many many reasons.
That said, I agree wholeheartedly that the car needs more grunt, at least the new Marauder motor would be a good step in the right direction.
From here:
http://www.crownvic.net/news/lomag.shtml Specifically, in that article:
The early emphasis was on the 5.4L SOHC engine, which has more torque for bottom end responsiveness than the 4.6L SOHC V-8. The 5.4L engine, however, will not fit in the Crown Victoria due to interference from the windshield wiper assembly.
Incidentally, Rara, if you wanted to head over there and help defend me on the weak auto tranny issue, I would much appreciate it. Seems the crowd over there can't fathom that Ford might need to make some improvements to their precious Crown Vic. The link to the thread is http://www.crownvic.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=013102#000024
I'll be honest here, no way in he11 would I redesign a good brake system because the police dept. decides to cheap out on pads at replacement time. Would you ask me to redesign a gas tank if they kept giving you crappy gas?
Just looking for a solution to force departments to buy quality pads. If that is all that is available, they will be forced into it. It's an officer safety issue. I know Ford doesn't care about that, but I sure as hell do....
Federal, and Ford internal design requirements only allow the fuel tank to extend into certain areas, and anywhere near the passenger compartment is not one of them (because of a few notable issues years ago) There is more to this one, but I can't really talk about it.
Which is why I suggested extending it into the trunk space somewhat. I'd give up som space back there for increased range any day.
