(Part 2) Best products from r/CrownVictoria

No worries, you've got a good mindset to learn and no time like the present.

I'll add that most swear by solder and heatshrink + electrical tape. This is nice once you're really acclimated but you'll likely end up reconnecting things several times as you tinker and expand. I'll list below my couple of absolute favorite things I've picked up over the years and why I bought it:

Ratcheting Wire Crimper-- Can't tell you how many crimps have failed just because I didn't apply enough force. The ratchet ensures you get that final click down.

And a pricier ratchet I invested in over time-- Nice because it's more modular but not needed.


Posi Twists and also Posi Taps-- These make for quick connections + testing. Various sizes available but I tend to get some that cover 14+, and another set for smaller gauges ~22+

Solder Seal Wire Connectors-- I started buying these in bulk recently because they're just stupidly easy to use and make a rather quick and solid connection. Soldering is another experience onto itself if you've never done it before. While I tend to do more circuit-board soldering than wire to wire, it's all relatively similar and you'll find certain products that you fancy more over time. The biggest thing I'd say here is to buy solder WITH lead. Can't tell you how much frustration I've had over shit solder, haha.

My most recent wire stripper-- I chose because it has the largest range of gauges and there's no internal spring that forces the stripper open. Having one tool to do 10awg all the way to 26 is pretty sweet.

honestly, replace all the coils if you can afford it. $30 for an 8 pack of generics on amazon with prime/free shipping or $8 each at rockauto.com -- you can get a 4 pack of O2 sensors for $70... or $20 each at rockauto.

If you plan on replacing the O2 yourself, please remember my name so you can curse it repeatedly as you swap them.... the Coil On Plug (COPs) are super easy, just be careful to NOT snap off the plastic retaining clip, else you're going to want to put a glob of blue RTV on there to make sure they don't just shake off... or buy new ones and replace the wires by using the release tabs in the connector with a push pin.


Also check the COP harness for broken insulation or visible corrosion. BE CAREFUL not to break it, move it as little as possible.

also with that many miles, plan on replacing the timing chain in the future.

The newer ones are a lot better.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00URUJWPW/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've used that one in midtown Manhattan and still got stellar sound quality. Basically as good as aux. And it's been working great for 4 years and has a USB output.

The FM transmitter I have let's you stream bluetooth to your stereo with your phone and it also has an analog AUX input and will play audio off of a micro SD card as well. Love it!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018E0I01I/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You should be able to fit most aftermarket 5x7/6x8" speakers I believe. Ones a little over 2.5" in depth may contact the window glass. I put in these ones and they fit perfectly. My '00 has a plastic frame the held the stock speakers, and I was able to screw them right into that.

My main requirement is some way for me to hook my phone into it, this one seems to be the best possible solution, but I'm seeing mixed things about it in fords. Also not sure what secondary hardware would be required and... well, yeah.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A15X2WC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488158700&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=vdp+center+console
I use this it fits perfectly between the seats u probably could bolt it down but i just threw it in there and let it sit. It could have a little more foam or better foam for long rides but it works

I bought a Rockford P1-1x12 ported prefab sub with a Rockford R1500X1D amp. The sub is 4 ohms and will run 300W on that amp. Both are about $300 together and will add some decent bump without straining your ears or electrical system.

If you want sightly less bump, they have a 10 inch version as well. If you want more bump, they also have dual sub prefabs, but those might require a bigger amp.

As for the hassle of an active/powered sub, it's not much different to install one with an amp vs without. You still have to run wires and plug them into the right spots. The only difference is the external amp just needs to be attached to either the enclosure or somewhere else and then the wires ran from the amp to the enclosure terminals, which is really easy.

No clue where you bought your fuses but I got this kit of 120 for under $9. These things love to blow fuses, just get that kit and keep it in your glovebox.

I find these but as you can see they are only listed as being fit for up to 2006. In the Q and A section a person asks if they fit a 2007, and one seller says they do while another seller says they do not, so I'm not sure about that. These are exactly what I'm looking for though, plus bulbs.

Right. I'm happy as well with these

I've owned more than a dozen cars and almost 2 dozen sets of tire so far in my life, and hands down the best for the money I've ever bought were Sumitomos. Currently I have 4 sets between my two CVPIs and couldn't be happier.

https://smile.amazon.com/SUMITOMO-TOURING-Touring-Radial-Tire/dp/B01N75MCQ5/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=225%2F60+16+sumitomo&qid=1572202105&sr=8-2

Not pushing this exact tire because it's RST and I don't know the load rating, but just as an example.

Buy em on eBay, have Costco install them. Don't get the road hazard. Out the door for around $400.

Any android double din will do. There's a range of them, but I went cheaper and it works fine.

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DHKLR1V?ref_=pe_527950_33920290_dpLink