Notable Past Cars
Give GM credit: The Caprice was killed when it was at the top of its game. The '96 was one of the quickest, fastest, and best-handling and -braking police sedans ever produced. Only the '69 440 Magnum-powered Dodge Polara was faster. Its performance was nearly identical to the Special Service Package Fox-bodied 5.0 Mustangs that were used in many jurisdictions as highway patrol cars. The LT1 engine, first available in the '94 Caprice, represented a 30-percent increase in power over the previous model year's TBI 350, and the difference in performance was staggering. Acceleration times dropped to levels not seen since the big-block era of the '70s, and the cars were also steady at high speed and had capable handling in spite of their weight. They won five out of six phases of the Michigan State Police patrol-car tests in 1995. The 9C1 police package started off with a reinforced frame and added stiffer springs, shocks and sway bars, four-wheel disc brakes, a 140-amp alternator, and coolers for all fluids. Look for the distinctive green silicone coolant and heater hoses specific to police cars. The 15-inch black-powdercoated steel wheels with bolt-on center caps were also a police-only option.
Though the Caprice has been out of production for 11 years, there are a handful of them still patrolling the streets. The LASD has a number of '94s still hanging around. Sargeant Killeen told us that during a budget crisis several years ago, many of these cars were refurbished rather than retired for half the cost of buying new models. Refurbishing police cars is not unlike a restoration-the engine and transmission are replaced with new or rebuilt units, and the car gets a thorough mechanical and cosmetic overhaul. These refurbished '94s are slowly getting phased out, and it is a very real possibility to see one of these cars on auction soon.
When shopping for a 9C1, the '94-'96 cars are by far the most desirable and prices still can climb over $6,500.00 for unmarked, lower-mileage ones or $3,000.00 for black-and-whites. Beware, though, that the L99 4.3L V-8 was also an option for these years and looks the same as an LT1 under the hood. Check for a P as the eighth character of the VIN to verify the LT1 engine. The L99 cars are VIN W. In a hurry? All LT1 cars had true dual exhaust; the L99 cars ran a single tailpipe. '93-'02 Chevrolet Camaro B4CIn 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.
'94-'96 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1
Engine: 5.7L OHV V-8
Horsepower: 260 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm
Curb weight: 4,221 lbs.
Brakes
Front: 12-inch ventilated disc
Rear: 11.6-inch ventilated disc
Acceleration
0-60: 7.1 seconds
Quarter-mile: 16.4 seconds @ 135 mph
Braking
60-0: 120 feet
Top speed: 135 mph