Crown Vics with 10-Speed Transmissions? This Workshop Claims It’s the Way Forward.

      US Shift via YouTube

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      They simply don’t make vehicles like the Ford Crown Victoria anymore. The automaker, along with its Mercury and Lincoln variants, thrived on the Panther platform back in the day—and though it may no longer be in production, enthusiasts are still passionate about it. This is evidenced by the team at US Shift in South Carolina, using a Grand Marquis with a two-valve 4.6-liter V8 to showcase its 10R80 transmission controllers. While hot-rodders have relied on three- and four-speed automatics for years, this team believes the 10-speed is the future.

      You may think I'm crazy, but I believe they could be onto something.

      Understandably, people like Karl Baumann at US Shift have far more knowledge about high-performance transmissions than I do. I am merely a humble writer. Baumann and Andy Wood from Unity Motorsports Garage argue in a recent YouTube video that several issues with the Ford 10-speed have been resolved, including the CDF drum problem that affected earlier models. Newer iterations of the 10R80 have established themselves as viable replacements.

      The Mercury Grand Marquis in question is largely stock in terms of its engine. It is equipped with long-tube headers and a complete Stainless Works exhaust, but beyond that, it remains a factory two-valve V8. Therefore, any changes in drivability can be attributed to the 10-speed, which is paired with a 3.08 rear end in this vehicle. Baumann mentioned he thought about using a 2.73 rear end due to the broad range of gear ratios, even though that seems unusual if you’re accustomed to something like 4.88s with a four-speed.

      US Shift chronicled most of the swap on its YouTube channel, where you can also find an S197 Mustang fitted with a 10R80. The shop utilizes billet SunCoast Performance flex plates in these vehicles, as the aftermarket already offered them for eight-bolt crank engines and has recently added support for the six-bolt Ford modular V8s. An entire ecosystem is developing to cater to hot-rodders pursuing this route, reinforcing the idea that these 10-speeds could become the standard.

      While you can't overlook the additional horsepower from the exhaust modifications on the Grand Marquis project, it covers the eighth-mile approximately 1.2 seconds faster than a four-speed vehicle. That’s a significant enhancement, considering the engine remains untouched. When you factor in the superior drivability of a 10-speed that maintains low RPMs while driving around town, it makes a strong case for the swap.

      “You shouldn’t be able to have that much fun with 270 hp,” Baumann remarked after a brief test drive.

      Referred to as Project Silver Bullet, this build replaced its old 4R70W with the 10R80. US Shift via YouTube

      If you're concerned about the durability of the 10R80 under higher power levels, just look at the supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote trucks delivering 700 hp without any issues. The reality is that modern vehicles produce more torque from the factory than a two-decade-old F-150 or Mustang could have ever imagined, necessitating a stronger stock transmission. I’m not claiming they’re indestructible—what is these days?—but it does appear to be a solid combination.

      Lastly, for those more loyal to GM, US Shift is in the process of developing products for the 10L90. This transmission was co-developed with Ford, although it comes with distinct shift programming, a different valve body, and certain GM-specific components. The first project will involve an F-Body Trans-Am that they are currently working on. Personally, I find that quite intriguing.

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