1994 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 (police package) from North America - Comments

Water pump failed at 88,000 miles (not unexpected).

I replaced the optispark when I replaced the water pump (sensible preventative maintenance since the water pump has to be removed to replace the optispark anyway.)

Front suspension: idler arm, tie rod end.

Brake rotors (front and rear) along with pads.

Pass side rear axle shaft pitted on outer bearing surface. Replaced that and used Felpro RDS 55028-1 diff gasket and I enlarged the two lube holes to ensure that diff lube would get to the outer axle shaft bearings. The outer bearings and seals were also replaced as a precaution.

Shocks worn out. (I replaced the factory Delco units with SEO 8X3 Bilsteins, pn B46-1104 and -0929)

Tires worn out.

This was an ex-police car that had been used in a metro area of Milwaukee WI. So it's not unexpected that it needed a handful of the usual wear-out parts replaced. I was mindful of that when I bought the car, and the car has performed extremely well.

The car is a full size car, but it has a heavy duty suspension and brakes, and the motor (LT1) was tuned specifically so that it has excellent torque to get the big car moving. I have run it on the track with a corrected quarter mile ET and trap of 14.96 sec @ 92.5 MPH. That's outstanding given the size (big) and relatively low cost (it's not an expensive import).

My wife was suspect of the purchase -- until after she drove it a few times. Now she loves it.

Anyone that's somewhat handy with cars, and have Internet access, will love any of the Caprice 9C1 models (either 94-96 with the L99 and LT1 engines) or the pre-1994 models with the LO3 (305) and LO5 (350) because they are all basically the same body-on-frame cars from 1977-1996. The Internet provides a wealth of info on common problems and fixes with these cars.

I would not suggest ANY used police model car to anyone that expects a perfect used car, or to anyone that doesn't work on their own car. You might not be happy with it.

Congratulations on owning a piece of law enforcement history. I never got to ride in a 1994 or newer. I have a 89 Caprice 9C1. I don't care what anyone says about them. There the best bang for the buck and the safest thing you could buy. Unlike those civics with the tin cans on their tail pipes .

Heh, my 93 Caprice Wagon ran a 14.3 in the 1/4... and I paid $1300 for it.

Believe it or not, 14.96 seconds in the standing 1/4 mile (as if standing 1/4 mile times had any relevance to real-world driving whatsoever) is pretty impressive for a large, 4,000 lb. car. Put that same small-block Chevy engine in a lighter car, and it'll make it stand on its nose.

Lighter cars also don't have the inherent safety advantages of a car like the Caprice, bub. I think I'll keep my "beached whale" and you can take your attitude elsewhere.

5 comfy adults, a week's worth of stuff in the trunk EACH, for two 600 mile trips. Despite the extra 1250 lbs., I got 20 mpg @ 80mph during both trips (the engine and engine management are NOT STOCK.)

With a minimal trunk contents rearranged back and to the right, a fully equipped interior, and a host of tested-and-approved bolt-on mods, this two-ton beast pulls low 13 sec ETs all day long.

$5000 for the car if you know where to shop. $5000 for the mods.

www.impalassforum.com

Learn something.

You think the 9c1 is great, go for the Impala SS version, more pricey, yes, but a LOT cooler looking. As the ad said, Lord Vader, your car is ready.

I just got a 1994 9C1 and I think it runs and looks so much better than those piece of junk jap cars! American cars are the way to go. My car is safe and quick, how can I go rong?

Hello, I've had about 15 1991 through 1995 9c1 caprices in the last 3 years.

Every time I buy a new one I think "this is a keeper" but then I go to another police auction and buy another one and on and on and on! I have paid as little as 250.00 and as much as 1700.00! they sell very well and I always make a profit! I love these cars!

I am currently driving a '94 former miami police k9 car with 69,000 miles. had to clean it good, replace headliner, rear door panels, get a back seat and I was good to go! later, spike.

I here so much about these 1994 Caprice 9C1's that I think I am gonna get one, put a custom Ram Air system with a K&N filter, Free Flowing Duals, BBK throttle Body, Big MAF sensor, Bosch Platinum 4 plugs, 9mm wires and 3.73's and I think it will run 14 flat or maybe high 13s. this will be my life goal. And to all of those stereotypical import drivers out there-> I like that exhaust tip. Who makes it? FOLGERS??? haaaa.

Several years ago my father purchased a retired 94 caprice LT1 and he drove the car until about a year and a half ago when the 2nd or 3rd transmission blew thanks to my older brother. Unfortunately we did not have the money to fix the car until recently. The guy who is fixing it noticed that the doors were raised pretty high off the body and after looking at it and looking at our recently purchased 1996 LT1 we realized that both sets of doors were raised from jumping up on curbs so if you have a retired police car look at the doors they are supposed to be raised a little, but not a lot also there are probably dents right in front of the doors from jumping curbs so check it out.