'93-'02 Chevrolet Camaro B4C
In 1979, 12 Camaros were tested by the California Highway Patrol to ascertain their potential as traffic-enforcement vehicles, but it wasn't until 1991 that Chevrolet equipped the Camaro with the official B4C Special Service Package, making it available as a traffic-enforcement car. Originally powered by 305 and 350 TPI engines, the '93 model year brought the fourth-generation LT1 cars to market. Interestingly, a six-speed manual transmission was available as well as the 4L60E automatic. In '98, the LS1 replaced the Gen II small-block and served through the remainder of the model's run until GM discontinued production of the F-car in 2002. The LS1 could also be paired with the six-speed box or four-speed automatic. The manual-trans cars got 3.42:1 final drive ratios, while the slushboxes got 3.23 gears. The B4C package also included a 140-amp alternator, auxiliary fluid coolers, and specific springs and shocks. The sirens were usually mounted behind the front fascia below the turn-signal lenses, requiring a grid of small holes to be cut into the bumper cover--one quick way to identify some of these cars. Not many B4C Camaros were made, so finding one at an auction may be difficult. They will cost more, too. In checking some listings on eBay, we saw the LS1 cars selling for around $10,000.00. Some are still in service; the California Highway Patrol currently uses a few of these cars, so diligent buyers may still be able to get a newly retired unit.
Engine: 5.7L OHV V-8
Horsepower*: 310 @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 340 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb weight: 3,462 lbs.
Brakes
Front: 11.8-inch ventilated disc
Rear: 11.85-inch ventilated disc
Acceleration
0-60: 5.77 seconds
Quarter-mile: 14.44 seconds
@ 102.48 mph
Braking
60-0: 141 feet
Top speed: 159 mph
*All specs taken from '98-'02 LS1 cars *Performance info for all vehicles has been compiled from the Michigan State Policeand the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department vehicle-testing data.
Buying a used police car
Police cars can live very tough lives. They may spend hours on end idling on the side of the road, they get driven hard through potholes and over curbs in urban settings, they chase down bad guys on the open highways, and they even get shot at. But they are usually maintained religiously by their departments-money spent on regular maintenance is much less than the cost of turning over the fleet more frequently than they have to. Still, it would be wise to scout out the local auctions before you buy. See which jurisdictions the cars are from and try to contact the fleet manager of that department to find out the maintenance regime. In talking with local departments, we found that they end up retiring their black-and-white patrol cars after about three years of service, while the unmarked cars are kept a couple of years longer. By then, the mileage is usually within striking distance of 100,000 miles, which, if the cars are well maintained, is not anything to worry about.
Prefer to shop from the comfort of your sofa? There are several online retailers who specialize in selling police cars. Google "used police cars" and you'll be up to your eyeballs in Crown Victorias. Of course, eBay is another viable option, and a good way to monitor the trend in pricing and value of the various models. Now get out there and patrol your own beat.