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Auto Talk => Driving and the Law => Topic started by: 850CSi on June 17, 2005, 01:04:28 AM

Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: 850CSi on June 17, 2005, 01:04:28 AM
(http://img298.echo.cx/img298/8785/16060511493az.jpg)

Those new stealthy light bars :ph34r: make it a lot harder to see them in traffic! <_<  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Catman on June 17, 2005, 06:43:47 AM
Those are awesome, very pricey though.  They're just as bright but use less power because they're LED's.  The car I use has a "slicktop" which is OK but I miss the alley lights at night, the ones you can shine left or right.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: BartsSVO on June 17, 2005, 08:57:09 AM
Most departments around Georgia are going to those type light bars since the legislature banned slick top patrol cars built after 2002. They're a little harder to spot but I can still make them out unless I'm in pitch black darkness.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: TurboDan on June 18, 2005, 02:05:52 PM
Eh, as long as it's a big Crown Vic, they're not TOO tough to spot.  Personally, I recognize the Ford headlights long before the light bar.   Driving on NYC highways can be tricky, though, since they use a good number of "stealth cabs," which are regular yellow taxis that are really police cars.  They're mostly on the "killing fields" (as NY's finest call the Belt Parkway) of Brooklyn and the LIE and Cross-Island in Queens.

The BQE is "every man for himself."  Fun road @ 2AM.  :lol:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: giant_mtb on June 18, 2005, 02:34:23 PM
Cops try to make their cars less noticeable and stealthy, but it never really works.  Sure, they'll have unmarked cars, but they still have the black wheels and the big-ass antenna's off the back...D'oh!  No kidding...it's a cop car!  As if they think you won't notice.  :rolleyes:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Raza on June 18, 2005, 02:43:12 PM
If cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: giant_mtb on June 18, 2005, 02:45:02 PM
QuoteIf cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Actually that's true.  If everybody can see the cops all the time, they'll go slow, but now they try to hide they just make it more annoying and complicated...good idea, Raza.  ;)  :lol:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: 850CSi on June 19, 2005, 08:44:56 AM
QuoteEh, as long as it's a big Crown Vic, they're not TOO tough to spot.  Personally, I recognize the Ford headlights long before the light bar.   Driving on NYC highways can be tricky, though, since they use a good number of "stealth cabs," which are regular yellow taxis that are really police cars.  They're mostly on the "killing fields" (as NY's finest call the Belt Parkway) of Brooklyn and the LIE and Cross-Island in Queens.

The BQE is "every man for himself."  Fun road @ 2AM.  :lol:
Wow, I never knew that. Clever one.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: James Young on June 19, 2005, 09:15:44 AM
QuoteIf cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Or they would lobby to remove the limits altgether and then focus on truly dangerous behavior such as impeding and lack of attention.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Catman on June 19, 2005, 10:12:22 AM
Those lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.  A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Raza on June 19, 2005, 10:20:41 AM
Quote
QuoteIf cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Or they would lobby to remove the limits altgether and then focus on truly dangerous behavior such as impeding and lack of attention.
Funny you should mention that, since abolishing speed limits is what my latest speech is about (for my speech class, that is).

Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Fire It Up on June 19, 2005, 06:54:00 PM
I need to hear this...:lol:
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: cozmik on June 19, 2005, 07:17:13 PM
QuoteEh, as long as it's a big Crown Vic, they're not TOO tough to spot.  Personally, I recognize the Ford headlights long before the light bar.   Driving on NYC highways can be tricky, though, since they use a good number of "stealth cabs," which are regular yellow taxis that are really police cars.  They're mostly on the "killing fields" (as NY's finest call the Belt Parkway) of Brooklyn and the LIE and Cross-Island in Queens.

The BQE is "every man for himself."  Fun road @ 2AM.  :lol:
Really? The Belt? I know when I went to our offices in Westbury, I was on the Belt Parkway from the Verazano, to the Southern States Parkway, and I never had any problems, and I was flying too. I even passed a couple cops and none seemed to really care at all...  :blink:

Maybe they knew that they had no chance against the mighty Saab!  :D  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: 280Z Turbo on June 19, 2005, 09:57:02 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteIf cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Or they would lobby to remove the limits altgether and then focus on truly dangerous behavior such as impeding and lack of attention.
Funny you should mention that, since abolishing speed limits is what my latest speech is about (for my speech class, that is).
That's the greatest idea since communism!
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: R33 GT-R on June 20, 2005, 10:50:41 AM
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteIf cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Or they would lobby to remove the limits altgether and then focus on truly dangerous behavior such as impeding and lack of attention.
Funny you should mention that, since abolishing speed limits is what my latest speech is about (for my speech class, that is).
That's the greatest idea since communism!
What's wrong with communism?
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: L. ed foote on June 20, 2005, 02:34:14 PM
QuoteEh, as long as it's a big Crown Vic, they're not TOO tough to spot.  Personally, I recognize the Ford headlights long before the light bar.   Driving on NYC highways can be tricky, though, since they use a good number of "stealth cabs," which are regular yellow taxis that are really police cars.  They're mostly on the "killing fields" (as NY's finest call the Belt Parkway) of Brooklyn and the LIE and Cross-Island in Queens.

The BQE is "every man for himself."  Fun road @ 2AM.  :lol:
Yep...  

But admittedly, there are more than enough marked cars and unmarked impalas (among others; saw an undercover Prius on the Bruckner last summer) going around NYC to contend with
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: 280Z Turbo on June 20, 2005, 02:34:29 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteIf cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Or they would lobby to remove the limits altgether and then focus on truly dangerous behavior such as impeding and lack of attention.
Funny you should mention that, since abolishing speed limits is what my latest speech is about (for my speech class, that is).
That's the greatest idea since communism!
What's wrong with communism?
Communism seems like a great idea, but in real life application it turns out to be a disaster!

Same thing would happen here. Some may think it's a great idea to abolish speed limits, but trust me, it would NOT work! :rolleyes:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: L. ed foote on June 20, 2005, 02:36:29 PM
Quote
QuoteEh, as long as it's a big Crown Vic, they're not TOO tough to spot.  Personally, I recognize the Ford headlights long before the light bar.   Driving on NYC highways can be tricky, though, since they use a good number of "stealth cabs," which are regular yellow taxis that are really police cars.  They're mostly on the "killing fields" (as NY's finest call the Belt Parkway) of Brooklyn and the LIE and Cross-Island in Queens.

The BQE is "every man for himself."  Fun road @ 2AM.  :lol:
Really? The Belt? I know when I went to our offices in Westbury, I was on the Belt Parkway from the Verazano, to the Southern States Parkway, and I never had any problems, and I was flying too. I even passed a couple cops and none seemed to really care at all...  :blink:

Maybe they knew that they had no chance against the mighty Saab!  :D
Yeah, but most the people who drive the belt are flippin stupid.  Especially when there's construction going on.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: L. ed foote on June 20, 2005, 02:37:24 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteIf cops really wanted to prevent speeding instead of profit from it, they'd make their cars MORE noticeable.
Or they would lobby to remove the limits altgether and then focus on truly dangerous behavior such as impeding and lack of attention.
Funny you should mention that, since abolishing speed limits is what my latest speech is about (for my speech class, that is).
That's the greatest idea since communism!
What's wrong with communism?
Communism seems like a great idea, but in real life application it turns out to be a disaster!

Same thing would happen here. Some may think it's a great idea to abolish speed limits, but trust me, it would NOT work! :rolleyes:
Let automotive darwinism work its magic
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: TurboDan on June 20, 2005, 02:54:41 PM
Haha.  I've seen a Prius or two out there as well!   :lol:

Yeah, the Belt definitely draws alot of nuts.  I almost got smashed one night when a guy came on from the Coney Island Ave entrance and never even looked before speeding into traffic.  Luckily I was able to swerve in time.  I'm on it a decent amount of time because I have alot of family in Breezy Point and it's a great beach to go to without making the trek to my parents' place in Jersey.  

Cosmic - I usually don't worry about marked cars in NYC too much because they usually aren't out there to get speeders in the first place.  You'll usually find them ticketing at the rest stop area near the Flatbush Ave. exit on the Belt.  Once you get into LI, Nassau County cops and NYSP are out in droves on the Southern Parkway - especially in the summer to catch people speeding on the way to Robert Moses and Jones Beach.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: 850CSi on June 21, 2005, 09:01:17 AM
QuoteThose lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.  A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Wow, I never knew that, but it makes sense. A normal light bar must also cause a lot of noise at higher speeds.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: R33 GT-R on June 21, 2005, 09:06:21 AM
But at least deer move out of the way.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: James Young on June 21, 2005, 12:31:43 PM
I think all cars used for traffic enforcement should be painted florescent pink with a continuously lighted pink "halo" around the roofline.  Oh, and they should be Geo Metros with an oversize driver's compartment.  :P
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Catman on June 21, 2005, 12:40:17 PM
QuoteI think all cars used for traffic enforcement should be painted florescent pink with a continuously lighted pink "halo" around the roofline.  Oh, and they should be Geo Metros with an oversize driver's compartment.  :P
LOL :lol:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Car Zeus on June 22, 2005, 07:15:04 PM
If you think that is bad Cobb County GA has Camaro's that have a regular front and backends and no lights on top. (BTW Cobb County always increases ticket revenue every year)

(http://www.sspmustang.org/images/Cobb_CTY_GA_B4C_4530_1.jpg)

(http://www.sspmustang.org/images/Cobb_CTY_GA_B4C_4395_2.jpg)
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: R33 GT-R on June 22, 2005, 08:57:07 PM
boo ya to those bad boys
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Car Zeus on June 23, 2005, 06:13:43 PM
I wouldn't race those Camaro's either as they can go up to 150+ MPH. (they are tuned)


Shakaka~
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: TurboDan on June 23, 2005, 08:53:53 PM
They're tuned?  I spoke with an officer from Long Island once who was responsible for working out the deal to buy a couple Camaros for his department.  He said they just bought them from a local dealer and had loaded it up with police equipment and had a light bar and logo put on.

Actually, I would think with the added weight of police equipment, their Camaros might not catch the same top speed of a civilian stock Camaro.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: TBR on June 23, 2005, 09:36:11 PM
QuoteThey're tuned?  I spoke with an officer from Long Island once who was responsible for working out the deal to buy a couple Camaros for his department.  He said they just bought them from a local dealer and had loaded it up with police equipment and had a light bar and logo put on.

Actually, I would think with the added weight of police equipment, their Camaros might not catch the same top speed of a civilian stock Camaro.
Actually, the aerodynamics of the light bar would probably limit the top speed more than the extra weight would.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Colonel Cadillac on June 26, 2005, 12:09:40 PM
Damn, the cops where I live all have huge light racks on top of their cars (and they have a few Expeditions and Explorers too...waist of funds in my opinion). The only problem is that they hide behind big trees.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Colonel Cadillac on June 26, 2005, 12:13:07 PM
DAMN, I just went on the police department of my town's website to snag a picture of the police cars, and all of them have the "stealth" rack! damn damn damn
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Catman on June 26, 2005, 06:40:51 PM
The Camaros are fast.  The police model was ungoverened and if I remember topped out about 150.  The MSP tested it a couple years ago, I'll see if I can find it.

*Edit*  Top speed on the Camaro was 159 as tested my the Michigan State Police.  That's fast.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: footoflead on June 27, 2005, 03:13:07 PM
QuoteThe Camaros are fast.  The police model was ungoverened and if I remember topped out about 150.  The MSP tested it a couple years ago, I'll see if I can find it.

*Edit*  Top speed on the Camaro was 159 as tested my the Michigan State Police.  That's fast.
what are they goverened at????
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Catman on June 27, 2005, 03:17:25 PM
Quote
QuoteThe Camaros are fast.  The police model was ungoverened and if I remember topped out about 150.  The MSP tested it a couple years ago, I'll see if I can find it.

*Edit*  Top speed on the Camaro was 159 as tested my the Michigan State Police.  That's fast.
what are they goverened at????
Not sure.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: hahn on June 27, 2005, 08:47:11 PM
The LS1 F-bodies were supposedly governed at 160 mph.  C/D tested a Firebird that hit 160 mph and a Camaro that hit 158 mph.  Other magazines had similar results.


Even with light bars, they shouldn't be all that slower, as the LS1 is a much torquier engine than the 4.6 Ford, plus the Camaro is a lighter and more aerodynamic than the Crown Vic.  All the New York State Police Camaros have aero light bars anyway, so they most likely top 150 with ease.



Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: footoflead on June 29, 2005, 04:06:25 PM
QuoteThe LS1 F-bodies were supposedly governed at 160 mph.  C/D tested a Firebird that hit 160 mph and a Camaro that hit 158 mph.  Other magazines had similar results.


Even with light bars, they shouldn't be all that slower, as the LS1 is a much torquier engine than the 4.6 Ford, plus the Camaro is a lighter and more aerodynamic than the Crown Vic.  All the New York State Police Camaros have aero light bars anyway, so they most likely top 150 with ease.
well they beef up the suspension and other stuff...so wouldn't that slow them down a little
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: hahn on June 29, 2005, 08:06:06 PM
Quote
QuoteThe LS1 F-bodies were supposedly governed at 160 mph.  C/D tested a Firebird that hit 160 mph and a Camaro that hit 158 mph.  Other magazines had similar results.


Even with light bars, they shouldn't be all that slower, as the LS1 is a much torquier engine than the 4.6 Ford, plus the Camaro is a lighter and more aerodynamic than the Crown Vic.  All the New York State Police Camaros have aero light bars anyway, so they most likely top 150 with ease.
well they beef up the suspension and other stuff...so wouldn't that slow them down a little
I don't know about other states, but in New York they were bone stock Camaros, bought from a dealership.


Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: NomisR on June 30, 2005, 10:08:27 AM
QuoteThose lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.  A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Hold on one second here.. now why would they need the extra 10 mph of top speed again?

Now here's something to think about, why do they think that it's extremely dangerous for any "sports car" to go 1mph over the speed limit yet a Crown Vic can go top speed safely?   :blink:

BTW, what's the top speed of the CVs?
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Raza on June 30, 2005, 10:21:47 AM
Quote
QuoteThose lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.  A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Hold on one second here.. now why would they need the extra 10 mph of top speed again?

Now here's something to think about, why do they think that it's extremely dangerous for any "sports car" to go 1mph over the speed limit yet a Crown Vic can go top speed safely?   :blink:

BTW, what's the top speed of the CVs?
On World's Scariest Police Videos, they said a couple went over 140.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: BMWDave on June 30, 2005, 10:30:19 AM
Quote
Quote
QuoteThose lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.? A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Hold on one second here.. now why would they need the extra 10 mph of top speed again?

Now here's something to think about, why do they think that it's extremely dangerous for any "sports car" to go 1mph over the speed limit yet a Crown Vic can go top speed safely?   :blink:

BTW, what's the top speed of the CVs?
On World's Scariest Police Videos, they said a couple went over 140.
With the handling of the CV, I'd be frightened for my life at that speed.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: TBR on June 30, 2005, 10:31:46 AM
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteThose lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.  A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Hold on one second here.. now why would they need the extra 10 mph of top speed again?

Now here's something to think about, why do they think that it's extremely dangerous for any "sports car" to go 1mph over the speed limit yet a Crown Vic can go top speed safely?   :blink:

BTW, what's the top speed of the CVs?
On World's Scariest Police Videos, they said a couple went over 140.
With the handling of the CV, I'd be frightened for my life at that speed.
I'd be frightened for my life to be within 5 miles of a Crown Vic going 140.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: BMWDave on June 30, 2005, 10:36:10 AM
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteThose lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.? A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Hold on one second here.. now why would they need the extra 10 mph of top speed again?

Now here's something to think about, why do they think that it's extremely dangerous for any "sports car" to go 1mph over the speed limit yet a Crown Vic can go top speed safely?   :blink:

BTW, what's the top speed of the CVs?
On World's Scariest Police Videos, they said a couple went over 140.
With the handling of the CV, I'd be frightened for my life at that speed.
I'd be frightened for my life to be within 5 miles of a Crown Vic going 140.
:lol:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: NomisR on June 30, 2005, 11:25:55 AM
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteThose lightbars aren't really designed to reduce visibility as much as improve aerodynamics.  A typical lightbar can reduce top speed by almost 10mph.
Hold on one second here.. now why would they need the extra 10 mph of top speed again?

Now here's something to think about, why do they think that it's extremely dangerous for any "sports car" to go 1mph over the speed limit yet a Crown Vic can go top speed safely?   :blink:

BTW, what's the top speed of the CVs?
On World's Scariest Police Videos, they said a couple went over 140.
With the handling of the CV, I'd be frightened for my life at that speed.
I'd be frightened for my life to be within 5 miles of a Crown Vic going 140.
:lol:
Exactly!!!  So why do they need the extra 10mph top speed?
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Catman on June 30, 2005, 01:17:11 PM
Cv's top out at about 128.  They are electronically limited because of drive shaft harmonics.  Yopu don't want to go faster than that anyway, trust me.  There is a lower rear end gear option that brings it down to like 120 or something.  The lower geared cars are much better all around.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: The Phantom on July 01, 2005, 12:04:42 PM
QuoteEh, as long as it's a big Crown Vic, they're not TOO tough to spot.  Personally, I recognize the Ford headlights long before the light bar.   Driving on NYC highways can be tricky, though, since they use a good number of "stealth cabs," which are regular yellow taxis that are really police cars.  They're mostly on the "killing fields" (as NY's finest call the Belt Parkway) of Brooklyn and the LIE and Cross-Island in Queens.

The BQE is "every man for himself."  Fun road @ 2AM.  :lol:
I saw some "stealth cabs" on a Law & Order episode.  :lol:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: 280Z Turbo on July 01, 2005, 01:02:53 PM
QuoteCv's top out at about 128.? They are electronically limited because of drive shaft harmonics.? Yopu don't want to go faster than that anyway, trust me.? There is a lower rear end gear option that brings it down to like 120 or something.? The lower geared cars are much better all around.
"Harmonics"?

That must be why my Ranger will only really top out at 75-80. The engine is willing to go faster, but the driveshaft starts to vibrate very loudly around 75. What would happen if you kept going?
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: giant_mtb on July 01, 2005, 01:41:51 PM
Quote
QuoteCv's top out at about 128.  They are electronically limited because of drive shaft harmonics.  Yopu don't want to go faster than that anyway, trust me.  There is a lower rear end gear option that brings it down to like 120 or something.  The lower geared cars are much better all around.
"Harmonics"?

That must be why my Ranger will only really top out at 75-80. The engine is willing to go faster, but the driveshaft starts to vibrate very loudly around 75. What would happen if you kept going?
Yeah...harmonics means the vibration of it.  Such as the harmonic of a string on a string instrument.  At the exact halfway point on a string (between the end of the fingerboard and where the other end is touching (whether it's a bridge or whatever) is a harmonic.  If you just touch your finger on that point and play, you get a note that is exactly one octave above the string you are playing.  So say I had a D string...I put my finger on the middle of the string, and get a one-ocatve-higher D.  :lol:  Something to do with vibration.  :lol:  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Colonel Cadillac on July 23, 2005, 08:50:49 PM
I saw one accelerate like crazy today in town and top at 75 or so. I saw the policeman, and it looked like it was pretty scary for him.  
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: BMWDave on July 24, 2005, 06:48:10 AM
QuoteI saw one accelerate like crazy today in town and top at 75 or so. I saw the policeman, and it looked like it was pretty scary for him.
I think some cruisers have different engines than a stock CV, high output or something, that allows them to go a lot faster.  Is this true, Catman B)
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Run Away on July 24, 2005, 11:38:15 AM
No, they just have updraded cooling and electrical systems along with the factory dual exhaust.

And with all the weight, cop cars are in the 9 second range for 0-60; they are not fast.
Title: I don't like this new change to my town's cop cars
Post by: Secret Chimp on July 25, 2005, 12:12:20 AM
Quote
QuoteEh, as long as it's a big Crown Vic, they're not TOO tough to spot.  Personally, I recognize the Ford headlights long before the light bar.   Driving on NYC highways can be tricky, though, since they use a good number of "stealth cabs," which are regular yellow taxis that are really police cars.  They're mostly on the "killing fields" (as NY's finest call the Belt Parkway) of Brooklyn and the LIE and Cross-Island in Queens.

The BQE is "every man for himself."  Fun road @ 2AM.  :lol:
I saw some "stealth cabs" on a Law & Order episode.  :lol:
That show is laaame  :P