I just recentlly noticed that my local highway patrol just purchased a fleet of camaros. I bet they sup the ____ out of a z28!!!!
Has anybody else seen these or have them in thier area????


Moderator's Note- Please dont make me go through and check the language in every post. You know the rules.

NY State Police has been using z28 Camaros (theie version) for many years, as chase cars where they set up speed traps. If you blow by the cop with a Crown Vic trying to pull ypu over, there are a couple of Camaros about 1/2 mile down the road waiting for you. Prior to the Camaros they were using Mustangs. I suppose they will replace the Camaros with Mustangs as the fleet wears out. The cars are stock except for heavy duty cooling and elaectrical system. They are well maintained and make good late model used cars, even though they are up to 100K miles by the time they are sold.

Is it true that these trooper Z's have a upgraded chip also?

Thanks

I asked a buddy of mine, who did maintenance on these cars before he left the force, and as far as he cuold tell the whole power train and control was stock. By the way, the 93s are the only ones that you can change chips, 94 and up the computer needs to be flashed to change settings. A good story he was twlling me was, that the light bars used to rip off the roof if the cars went over 150 and they had to reiforce the mountings. NYS Tropers have trained cops to maintain their vehicles.

in PA the local highway patrol had a newer SS and a 01 or so cobra for chase vehicles. a friend of mine's dad worked there, and said that they were both modded, as they had been confiscated in drug busts, and were modded when obtained

basically, they look for rear drive cars with staright axels that are fast, reliable, and fairly easy to drive, and maintain. They been going back an forth between Camaros and Mustangs, depending on what was available, and which was the fastest. When I was a kid, the Nassau County Highway Patrol had a dozen or so supercharged GTO's, some with Paxtons, and some with belt deiven 671s sticking through the hood. They were quckly taken out of serice as the cops were having too much fun with each other.

you cant forget that the price is important too!!
A camaro sure isnt expensive as a bmw M3 as a chase vehicle!

A few of the highway patrols out here have a few z28's, one pulled out in front of me on the highway to chase someone down, and those things are pretty quick.

Beside being fast an inexpensive, a police car has to be rugged. Many chases wind up off the road and across fields, etc. I doubt very much that a BMW M3, as fast and as good handling as it is, will last too long flying down a dirt road without some serious beefing up of the underpinning. A good friend of mine recently ripped the front shock mounts on his year old M3 pushing a little too hard on the entrance ramp to the Long Island Expressway. Kinda hard to merge with bumper to bumper traffic moving at 70 to 80 MPH, without flooring it.

Yeah around here the FHP has been using Camaros for a few years.

I live about 10 minutes from one of the FHP stations... They do have quite a few camaro...they also bought some supercharged mach 1 mustangs to go with them. The stangs like to race you then pull you over after you go

wouldnt that be entrapment?

I see FHP camaros all over the place. Also they have '05 mustangs that look stock, light bars are inside and in grill. they're getting tricky. I've heard about them trying to race you and then pulling you over also but I heard they were doing that with imports that the had confiscated for racing. FTP

Yeah they are probaly doing that too...though im not sure that they could catch some of the cars around here in imports.

Around here there arnt many Camaro cops, ive only seen 1, there are a few mustang cops tho, and a really nice 04 Cobra cop that was confisacted in a bust.

I saw a camaro cop car once, I pulled over to get gas and asked a police officer if it was modded and he said "nah he doubted it."

F rice

rice???

I have a 1994 B4C Camaro, but it was never in service.

The LS1 B4Cs actually have a more aggressive PCM than the standard Z28s.

Previous B4Cs had some 1LE parts, but leather or ttops were not available on them.

To my knowledge, Florida, Nevada, California, Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, and a few other states are still using B4Cs.

They used them here in NC - still do as I see a bunch in the State patrol motor yard, where they repair and amintain them, which I pass going to work most days. They also seel the used ones at auction from time to time, but of course they are pretty worm by the time they get there.

Maine had a few B4c when I lived there, makes no sense though as they are useless for about 5 months out of the year due to weather.

ORIGINAL: Lee Willis

They used them here in NC - still do as I see a bunch in the State patrol motor yard, where they repair and amintain them, which I pass going to work most days. They also seel the used ones at auction from time to time, but of course they are pretty worm by the time they get there.


Actually, law enforcement vehicles are normally very well maintained, but I would still question the running condition of a B4C that's served. Hell, I know that if I were a cop, and had duty of driving a high performance interceptor like a B4C, I'd be hammering on it. How can you not love your job when you get paid to drive a high performance machine?!

They are well maintained, but the Highway Patrol is selling them because up-keep is getting to be expensive. They are worn.

Still, it might make sense to pick up one because the police packages have a lot of stuff that is really hard to get, cheap. The whole drive-train is hardened axles, U-joints, etc. (((I've been told that there is a code the dealer can use to order this upgrade on a civilian car for only about $300, but don't know), and heavy duty everything. It would be a good starting place if you were going to build up a seriously upgraded engine, etc.

ORIGINAL: Lee Willis

They are well maintained, but the Highway Patrol is selling them because up-keep is getting to be expensive. They are worn.

Still, it might make sense to pick up one because the police packages have a lot of stuff that is really hard to get, cheap. The whole drive-train is hardened axles, U-joints, etc. (((I've been told that there is a code the dealer can use to order this upgrade on a civilian car for only about $300, but don't know), and heavy duty everything. It would be a good starting place if you were going to build up a seriously upgraded engine, etc.


In most cases, it's not only because cars are getting expensive to maintain, but once they have a particular amount of mileage on them, they go on the block for auction. Yes, in most cases, the amount of mileage is significant, normally running around 100,000 miles or so, I believe.

As far as the drivetrain being upgraded, it's really no different than that of the Z28. The B4C includes 1LE swaybars/bushings, 3.23 performance axle, and a higher amp alternator. Other than that, the LT1 B4C and LT1 Z28 are the same. You could get anything on a B4C that you could on a Z28, save for the ttops or leather.

With the LS1 B4Cs, it was the same story, except for the LS1 B4C had a slightly more aggressive PCM tune than the standard LS1 Z28.

If you are in the market for a B4C, make sure you're getting an authentic one. I've seen A LOT of Z28 police cars, more-so than B4Cs. Keep in mind that B4Cs are "Z28s in V6 trim." You won't find "Z28" badges on a true B4C.

Maybe they are the same, but we bought a rear axle out of a BC4 and it had heavier and stronger axles (metal, splines, etc.) than the stock axle that came with the car: we put the whole axle into our Camaro for a while in hopes it would do for strength (it did for a while).

We were told by the surplus yard that the axle came from a police Camaro (and it sure looked like one-like you say, no Z28 badges) so if it wasn't a police upgrade I don't know what it was.

ORIGINAL: Lee Willis

Maybe they are the same, but we bought a rear axle out of a BC4 and it had heavier and stronger axles (metal, splines, etc.) than the stock axle that came with the car: we put the whole axle into our Camaro for a while in hopes it would do for strength (it did for a while).

We were told by the surplus yard that the axle came from a police Camaro (and it sure looked like one-like you say, no Z28 badges) so if it wasn't a police upgrade I don't know what it was.


Lee,

What year was the car? A true B4C would only have "Camaro" badges on the fender, if it were an LT1 model. If it was an LS1 model, there probably were no badges. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 98+ V6 models don't have "Camaro" badges on the fenders, do they?

I could call GM and see if there were in fact heavier duty axles in B4C models. I think their number is 1-800-222-1020. I've called their customer service department before for information regarding my car, and they've been extremely friendly and helpful with finding information on my car.

I don't remember too much about the car we got the axle from. We got it at a surplus yard outside of Henderson, NC and we saw them taking the axle out whole front: supppsedly a trooper had been really hurt in it; but I remember it had only Camaro badges on the side of the car. The exhaust looked to be a stock exhaust (at least the tips were.

The interior was already partly gutted and I can't remember if it was a pre-98 or not: but it had lots of holes and cut outs as if it had had a lot of police type equipment in it at one time.

The axle fit with no real problems except for drilling out a couple of holes where we had to put bigger bolts. Its possible it was from an Lt1 version but it was more robust than the axle we had. It lasted through one season of hard weekend drags back when the car did about 370 RWP N/a and 460 with NOS, but then we blew the engine trying to go to 175 shot of NOS and we replaced the axle with a locking axle which is a total pain the butt on the street.

Oh, by the way, it was a 3:23 ratio axle when we got it and we had to change it to 3:73 gears --- the ones we had fit with no more than the usual problems of adjustment, so it definately was a Camaro rear end, not some other piece.

ORIGINAL: Lee Willis

I don't remember too much about the car we got the axle from. We got it at a surplus yard outside of Henderson, NC and we saw them taking the axle out whole front: supppsedly a trooper had been really hurt in it; but I remember it had only Camaro badges on the side of the car. The exhaust looked to be a stock exhaust (at least the tips were.

The interior was already partly gutted and I can't remember if it was a pre-98 or not: but it had lots of holes and cut outs as if it had had a lot of police type equipment in it at one time.

The axle fit with no real problems except for drilling out a couple of holes where we had to put bigger bolts. Its possible it was from an Lt1 version but it was more robust than the axle we had. It lasted through one season of hard weekend drags back when the car did about 370 RWP N/a and 460 with NOS, but then we blew the engine trying to go to 175 shot of NOS and we replaced the axle with a locking axle which is a total pain the butt on the street.


Cool. I'll definitely have to check to see if there are any differences with mine also. I've read a lot of info on the B4Cs, but I've never heard that they had stronger axles. I guess it's possible it's just never been mentioned.....

I wouldnt mind a cop camaro. They look real nice when they zoom by.

[sm=ttiwwp.gif]

i was told by one of my police friends around here ( macon, GA ) that the GSP used to use mustang 84 lx 5.0 as their police cars... he also told me that they put an end to that because they couldnt handle turns well enough (handling sucked)... of course i havnt done the research on that but i thought it was a pretty interesting tidbit of info.

ORIGINAL: z28pete

NY State Police has been using z28 Camaros (theie version) for many years, as chase cars where they set up speed traps. If you blow by the cop with a Crown Vic trying to pull ypu over, there are a couple of Camaros about 1/2 mile down the road waiting for you. Prior to the Camaros they were using Mustangs. I suppose they will replace the Camaros with Mustangs as the fleet wears out. The cars are stock except for heavy duty cooling and elaectrical system. They are well maintained and make good late model used cars, even though they are up to 100K miles by the time they are sold.


They are already replacing the camaros with HEMI Chargers and magnums
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/VettemanZo6/Dodge-charger-magnum-2.jpg

All police will probably be replacing thier crown vics with v6 impalas or even v6 chargers (the charger V6 produces MORE horsepower than fords POS V8)

They will probably never go back to 2 doors as long as there are fast/cheap/reliable 4 doors.

here in phoenix all the cops are getting rid of the cruisers and they are all switching to Tahoes. they say the crown vics are getting too old. I think thats odd cuz they wont be able to chase anyone. but, we have a lot of off road problems out here, so thats probly why they are switching.

anybody see the movie, The Island?

they use chargers and magnums as police cars in that movie


very cool looking

this is actually really interesting to hear. I live in wisconsin, and only see crown vics and a few newer impalas, but was under the impression that florida was the only force that was using them anymore.

in upstate ny they use camaros,crown vic forstate and local use crown vic and impala there is a ls1 model camaro by me they keep it in extremely good shape. they racked up a lot of mile on it when i saw it a local gastation (stewarts) i took a good look at the camro him i asked him how many miles were on it and he said about 120k i said about time for the chopin block for it then? he told me what you mean i said you guys gona get rid of it arnt you? the officer told me no the car was in good enogh condition that they would probly replace the engine. he told me it all depended on the cheepest root for them if they could get a deal on engine and tranny they will keep them if not they sell them. he also told me they also buy whats ever cheepest as a "lot" buy meaning they would be driving mustangs if they could buy a bunch of them at a cheeper price for there value. if any one noticed in ny i see they went out and purchesed a ton of new suvs from chevy to im guessing they were left over 05'

ORIGINAL: RatedZ


ORIGINAL: Lee Willis

They are well maintained, but the Highway Patrol is selling them because up-keep is getting to be expensive. They are worn.

Still, it might make sense to pick up one because the police packages have a lot of stuff that is really hard to get, cheap. The whole drive-train is hardened axles, U-joints, etc. (((I've been told that there is a code the dealer can use to order this upgrade on a civilian car for only about $300, but don't know), and heavy duty everything. It would be a good starting place if you were going to build up a seriously upgraded engine, etc.


In most cases, it's not only because cars are getting expensive to maintain, but once they have a particular amount of mileage on them, they go on the block for auction. Yes, in most cases, the amount of mileage is significant, normally running around 100,000 miles or so, I believe.

As far as the drivetrain being upgraded, it's really no different than that of the Z28. The B4C includes 1LE swaybars/bushings, 3.23 performance axle, and a higher amp alternator. Other than that, the LT1 B4C and LT1 Z28 are the same. You could get anything on a B4C that you could on a Z28, save for the ttops or leather.

With the LS1 B4Cs, it was the same story, except for the LS1 B4C had a slightly more aggressive PCM tune than the standard LS1 Z28.

If you are in the market for a B4C, make sure you're getting an authentic one. I've seen A LOT of Z28 police cars, more-so than B4Cs. Keep in mind that B4Cs are "Z28s in V6 trim." You won't find "Z28" badges on a true B4C.


How do I tell if I'm looking at a real B4C and how do I tell if it has the 3.23 axle?

I have heard that you can call upGM and give them your vin, they should be able to tell you all the options your car came with. Might cost a coupla bucks tho. And it only works on cars from the mid 80's or so.

the local police here are using imports and a new mustang to try and start races with young people. they rev you an gun it, then when you gun it, a marked car sitting a little up the road gets you. cheating as far as i am concerned, i would not have believed it, but heard it from a local sheriffs deputy.

here in south dakota the force is switching out to Chargers, that includes taking away the one Camaro cop that was here. it was a slightly built IROC. made around 425hp at the ground. way better than this thing though:D
http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v71/148/47/1500931020/n1500931020_30221722_8855.jpg

let me get on my 10 speed and see if it can keep up! lol

I once had a 1985 Capri RS 5.0, and it's handling, ride and esp steering was so bad I went back to euro cars (Alfa 164).

Calvert Co MD has a Charger pursuit car; neighbor had it awhile and said it was trick. Cops love interior space...

ORIGINAL: McNasty

i was told by one of my police friends around here ( macon, GA ) that the GSP used to use mustang 84 lx 5.0 as their police cars... he also told me that they put an end to that because they couldnt handle turns well enough (handling sucked)...

I found this iteresting article this guy made when he got his Camaro B4C. From what he said it sounds like he got a good deal.

http://www.texasinterceptors.com/1996_camaro_b4c.htm

the cops here hate the chargers because of the lack of interior space

ORIGINAL: riceeater

the cops here hate the chargers because of the lack of interior space


Lack of interior space? How fat are these cops? I drove a Charger on a 12 hour drive from Maryland to Wisconsin last year, and it was as roomy as Hell. It was a great long-trip cruiser.

I don't remember too much about the car we got the axle from. We got it at a surplus yard outside of Henderson, NC and we saw them taking the axle out whole front: supppsedly a trooper had been really hurt in it; but I remember it had only Camaro badges on the side of the car. The exhaust looked to be a stock exhaust (at least the tips were.

The interior was already partly gutted and I can't remember if it was a pre-98 or not: but it had lots of holes and cut outs as if it had had a lot of police type equipment in it at one time.

The axle fit with no real problems except for drilling out a couple of holes where we had to put bigger bolts. Its possible it was from an Lt1 version but it was more robust than the axle we had. It lasted through one season of hard weekend drags back when the car did about 370 RWP N/a and 460 with NOS, but then we blew the engine trying to go to 175 shot of NOS and we replaced the axle with a locking axle which is a total pain the butt on the street.

I live in Henderson where exactly is this yard?I need some parts.

Wyoming has gotten rid of their camaros because they were to fast for our roads. There were a couple of fatalities in a given time period, so they took away the camaros and govern the chargers at 135 mph. With the wind,weather, and animalsaround here, driving in triple digits is very dangerous.

Our sheriff deputys are all in chargers...They say the cars are modded a little, but nothing to spectacular. Our county covers almost 600 square miles, so these guys get to open up their cars quite a bit.

that is entrapment. not legal.. if they do that **** to anybody fight it. you will win in court and the officer will be watched by ia. they cant convince you to do something like that and then ticket you. its not legal and they are risking their career. get a dirty cop off the force.

Here's a video of a Camaro cop chasing an M3.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5T19lBXxToM