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The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan that was produced by Ford from 1992 to 2011. The Crown Victoria was popular with law enforcement and taxi companies due to its durability and reliability. The Crown Victoria was powered by a variety of V8 engines over the years, including the 4.6L Modular V8 and the 5.4L Triton V8. In this article, we will focus on the 4.6L Modular V8 engine, which was the most common engine used in the Crown Victoria.

Ford Crown Victoria Engine: Specifications, Problems, Maintenance, and Upgrades
Engine Specifications
Engine Type
The Ford Crown Victoria engine is a 4.6L Modular V8 engine. The engine has a displacement of 4.6 liters and a compression ratio of 9.8:1. The engine produces 225 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm.
Cylinder Heads
The Crown Victoria engine has aluminum cylinder heads with two valves per cylinder. The cylinder heads are designed to provide optimal airflow and combustion efficiency.
Valvetrain
The Crown Victoria engine has a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. The camshaft is driven by a timing chain. The valvetrain is designed to provide precise valve timing and reduce friction.
Displacement | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|
4.6 liters | 225 horsepower | 275 lb-ft |
Pistons and Rings
The Crown Victoria engine has hypereutectic aluminum pistons with steel piston rings. The pistons are designed to be lightweight and durable. The piston rings are designed to provide a good seal between the piston and the cylinder wall.
Connecting Rods
The Crown Victoria engine has forged steel connecting rods. The connecting rods are designed to be strong and durable. They are also designed to reduce friction.
The Crown Victoria engine is a powerful and reliable engine that has been used in a variety of Ford vehicles over the years. The engine is known for its durability and performance, and it is a popular choice for law enforcement and taxi companies.

Engine Specifications
Common Engine Problems
Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
The intake manifold gasket is a common failure point on the Crown Victoria engine. The gasket can fail due to age, heat, or wear and tear. When the gasket fails, it can cause a vacuum leak, which can lead to a loss of power and fuel economy. In some cases, the gasket failure can also cause the engine to overheat.
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria's iconic design elements
Spark Plug Failure
Spark plugs are another common failure point on the Crown Victoria engine. Spark plugs can fail due to age, wear and tear, or fouling. When spark plugs fail, they can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to a loss of power and fuel economy. In some cases, spark plug failure can also cause the engine to stall.
Symptom | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Loss of power | Intake manifold gasket failure | Replace the intake manifold gasket |
Misfire | Spark plug failure | Replace the spark plugs |
Overheating | Intake manifold gasket failure | Replace the intake manifold gasket |
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are another common problem on the Crown Victoria engine. Oil leaks can occur from a variety of sources, including the valve cover gaskets, the oil pan gasket, and the rear main seal. Oil leaks can cause the engine to lose oil, which can lead to engine damage. In some cases, oil leaks can also cause the engine to overheat.
- Learn more about the Ford Crown Victoria's V8 engine
- Read about the Ford Crown Victoria's environmental impact

Common Engine Problems
Maintenance and Repair
The Ford Crown Victoria is a reliable car, but like all cars, it requires regular maintenance and repair. Here are some of the most common maintenance and repair tasks that you may need to perform on your Crown Victoria:
Task | Frequency | Cost |
---|---|---|
Oil change | Every 5,000 miles | $30-$50 |
Tire rotation | Every 7,500 miles | $20-$30 |
Brake inspection | Every 15,000 miles | $50-$75 |
In addition to these regular maintenance tasks, you may also need to perform repairs on your Crown Victoria from time to time. Some of the most common repairs include:
- Brake repair
- Suspension repair
- Transmission repair
The cost of repairs will vary depending on the severity of the problem. However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for most repairs.

Maintenance and Repair
Performance Upgrades
There are a number of performance upgrades that you can make to your Ford Crown Victoria. These upgrades can improve your car's horsepower, torque, and acceleration. Here are a few of the most popular performance upgrades:
Upgrade | Benefits | Cost |
---|---|---|
Cold air intake | Increases horsepower and torque | $200-$500 |
Exhaust system | Improves exhaust flow and sound | $300-$1,000 |
Tuner | Adjusts the engine's air/fuel ratio and timing | $500-$1,000 |
These are just a few of the many performance upgrades that you can make to your Ford Crown Victoria. By choosing the right upgrades, you can improve your car's performance and make it more fun to drive.

Performance Upgrades
Final Thought
The Ford Crown Victoria engine is a powerful and reliable engine that has been used in a variety of Ford vehicles over the years. The engine is known for its durability and performance, and it is a popular choice for law enforcement and taxi companies. If you are looking for a powerful and reliable engine for your Ford vehicle, the Crown Victoria engine is a great option.