I know alot of you might think i ask dumb questions, but what all exactly would i have to change to swap out my sons 200 for a 302? It's a '77 with automatic tranny. Once again, thank you all.
Thanks Darren, I'm just trying to figure out if its really worth all the trouble, he really wants the 302 put in but he's 16 and doesn't know how much all this stuff costs. I've had people tell me the front springs, shocks, motor mounts tranny and torque converter all need changed. Not much of a mechanic here, but I can get it done if needed.
Let the kid drive it with the 6 for a year or two and learn how to drive that car first.Its a bit harder to get in trouble with the six. The only dumb question is the one that isnt asked.
get junk mav/comet with a v8 in it and then you know you have everything you could possibly need in the swap.
according to Autozone.com 16 percent of '77 mavericks had 200's with a 1 barrel carb, unfortunately i bought one of em and my son is not impressed with the power. lol
my bad, i thought they had done away with them before then.. i was trying to save you some $s, the transmission would have worked if it had been a 250... " my son is not impressed with the power." you need to find out ...how much power it takes ...to impress him... my son started with a 250 6cyl...wasn't enough...now 3 motors later we are at a 347 stroker moter and i don't let him drive it anymore... ......
Most of what you've been told is correct. There are other things also,do you plan to run headers? if so you will need a v-8 tranny mount and then think about exhaust.There will also be some ignition module changes to be made.Requires alittle wiring skills,fairly easy. You may want to update the radiator. If you do lots of home work and try to stay ahead of your project you can do this with moderate mechanical skills, helps to have working knowlege of v-8 engines. I am currently in a project build with my 16 year old and we have had a great time and have learned most of what we have done here. The guys here have a chiltons manual plus many years of experince with Maverick knowlege and most are willing to share. We have learned how to use the search mode and thats save me from asking alot of stupid questions that after searching the archives the anwser came easy.we have done pretty extensive mods to his car,BUT it comes with a price.I believe right now we have we (I) have close to $750 in the swap of a 250 to 302 not including the cost of the engine or engine bay paint.. The reality of it is at 16 years old do you really want to turn them lose with a high performance machine? That was the biggest question I asked myself prior to the build.My son has drove from the age 14 and is fairly level headed. BUT he still is 16 and if he is anything like me (God forbid) I have got so problems in store. The engine he has is small HP but has great sound and looks. I think by having him put as much time and elbow grease in his machine he will learn to love his rod and take care of it. I have made this project fun and yet rewarding for him and myself too. This build is something he and I shared and I sure he will always remember and hopefully I've been able to teach him so mechanical skills that may be helpful in his adult years. So in anwser to your question yes the v-8 swap can be done some cars will require more time and money than others. If money and time are no issue and its based upon spending the most valued time with your son then I say go for it but do your home work and learn together you and he won't be sorry. Good luck!
can't blame you there, i've got a 2008 f150 and he likes to molest the tires on it, who knows what he'll do with a 302 in his mav. I can tell you one thing tho, he's gettin a job this summer for whatever he decides to do with it.
Thanks Mitch, that was a great reply. Sounds like you and your son will have many memories, I wish you nothing but the best.
