I love these cars!
I remember my favorite of all of my Dad's unmarked cars, a 77 Fury, a mean patrol car.
I also remember that every patrol car I ever saw (carbed ones obviously) had the Air Cleaner lid flipped over.
I did the same thing with my cars later in life:)
I agree, a 44o w/ athermoquad makes an awosome sound.
In 1989 I was living in California and bought a 77 Monaco that used to be on the Simon & Simon show at Universal Studios for $500.
440, former CHP car, I loved it, wish I'd never sold it.
I've built numerous versions of these cars and I use the AMT Road Runner/GTX frames, I just move the front clip forward a hair.
Your build looks great, can't wait to see it.