I am 15 years old looking for my first car, and I like huge american made cars like the crown vic. One problem is that I strongly dislike driving with a slush box, and and would like to get one cheap with a failed transmission and replace it with a mustang's manual transmission. I don't know if the drive shaft or computer need to be replaced or anything so can someone tell me what parts I will need and total cost? In other words can I pull this off with only $4000?
Chuckles2014-01-14T20:12:28Z
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You need to replace too much stuff. The Crown Vic was not sold with a manual transmission. Therefore there are no parts available for the interior to make the shifter look good. You will have to get a good number of parts machined and the installation will be ugly.
Besides putting in all transmission, clutch and the pedals you will need to replace the engine controller with one that has the programming for a manual. The issue is there is no such controler. A mustang controller will not be suitable as the engine controller also operates a pile of other accessories in the car and these will be different. There may be a bunch of other stuff that will not work especially the instrument cluster.
Also the Crown Vic will have a different rear end ratio which would confuse the mustang controller.
As well since you would be using a controller not certified for the Crown Vic engine, even though it may be the same displacement, you may not be able to get a smog check done on your vehicle. This depends on your state. It will be OK in some states but if you are in a state that needs a smog check done you will not be able to get it certified.
Also, plan on never being able to sell the car. The annual demand for a car like a Crown Vic with a manual gearbox is about 2 units a year. People do not buy them to row through gears.
Overall, I would suggest you get to learn how much better a modern automatic is than an antiquated manual gear box or you go and buy something that already has a manual. There were some RWD Chevy Impalas made in the 90s with manuals.