roadmaster wagon vs P71

Ported stock LT1 heads can support REALLY healthy power....

Good thread.

I've been considering a used LT1 Roadmaster Sedan vs. a 2003 and up P71 for a daily driver for a while.

I'm GM, and not a Ford guy, but the large number of used P71's available with its reasonable cost, factory equipment, and price is what has me interested.

I've found that some P71's do not have factory cruise control. Much like my son's 2000 Impala 9C1 did not arrive with factory cruise.

I'd rather have a 4R75w (or even a 4R70w) and an 8.8, than a 15 year old 4L60e and a 10 bolt.

i think it's a toss up there.

the 8.5" 10 bolt is plenty stout.

looks - rmw

pimp factor - rmw

intimidate other motorists factor - p71

torque - rmw

comfort - rmw

wagonness - rmw

handling stock vs stock - p71

plus - p71 rear sway bar easily adapted to rmw.

Wheels. P71 wheels are just a Mustang away. If you use 9C1 bits, you're left with truck sized 5x5 rims. No Corvette takeoffs without adapters.

xflowgolf wrote: They are cavernous! Fold all rear seats down and you can fit 4x8 drywall and plywood in it and still close the gate.

I've seen this claim a number of times, but in my Roadmaster, I'm almost certain that an 8' piece of material would not fit in the cargo area without the hatch down. Has anyone actually ever verified this?

I do know that I could haul 12' long pieces of trim by just putting them over the top of the front seat and letting them go up to the dash. That would be less comfy if you had a passenger.

Appleseed wrote: Wheels. P71 wheels are just a Mustang away. If you use 9C1 bits, you're left with truck sized 5x5 rims. No Corvette takeoffs without adapters.

With 9C1 bits, you get Impala SS rims, which are super cheap. Hell, I have an extra set of them in my garage! As for the P71, '03+ take S197 wheels and all else need thick spacers/adapters.

dculberson wrote: I've seen this claim a number of times, but in my Roadmaster, I'm almost certain that an 8' piece of material would not fit in the cargo area without the hatch down. Has anyone actually ever verified this?

It's been a long time, but yes, it will technically fit. That said, have to put the front seats awkwardly far forward and virtually straight up though. Some discussion here: http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=275881

The higher you stack the less and less practical/possible it is. On nice days I typically hauled with the gate down, and I often had longer lumber on top of it anyways.

So, you want torque?

Lugnut wrote:

Appleseed wrote: Wheels. P71 wheels are just a Mustang away. If you use 9C1 bits, you're left with truck sized 5x5 rims. No Corvette takeoffs without adapters.

With 9C1 bits, you get Impala SS rims, which are super cheap. Hell, I have an extra set of them in my garage! As for the P71, '03+ take S197 wheels and all else need thick spacers/adapters.

False on your second premise. The 02- P71's use essentially the same wheels as the 94-04 Mustang. I stuck FR500's on the front of mine straight-on. The rear 10.5" ones needed an adapter, but the regulars (fronts) would have bolted right on.