Hello people. Im new here. I have a burning itch to start a project with a maverick as a base. Im not a mechanic, just very creative thinker in a number of different areas... I guess thats a very winded statement... I want to know if I had a donor car, say a 1992 Mercury Cougar LS 5.0L, or a similar year (range) Mustang engine, could I utilize the engine and transmission, rack, computer, other modern features such as power steering, a/c, power brakes, electric windows. Also curious about using the floor shift from the existing car i have, the 92 Cougar listed above. I really have no idea where to start, but my basic goal is to modernize a maverick. I know im a newbie, please dont make fun. Any help, where do i start, what do i need to consider. ANy yes i have looked at the tech articles, but they are really geared towards people who are mechanics mostly. I will have a mechanic doing the work but need to direct the project with the help of your expertise... Thanks!
The 5.0 swap is done with Maverick motor mounts,trans crossmember depends on which trans. If your going to use an AOD trans you need a different crossmember. Sold on this forum. The simplest way is to convert the 5.0 to carburetor. If your not experienced the EFI thing will be a real chore or expensive to have installed. The trans can be used if its an AOD but the simplest route is a C4. I realize you want to modernize the car but its kind of a tough step to start off on. Resto mods are more for experienced builders. For the first timer I would stick with something simple that wont frustrate you and drain the wallet. The steering isnt any good to you. To put a rack in a Mav the shock towers are removed and a subframe/crossmember welded in to accept the new suspension and steering. Power brakes are a real tight fit in a MAv so you will need factory Mav parts. Ac and power steering depends on if your Mav is equipped with them. You can use a late model ac compressor on a Mav factory system. You have some good questions but dont get too far ahead of yourself. It takes a lot of time,work,experience and money to build a car. I still say keep it simple I think you'll be much happier. Unless of course you have lots of money to pay a good builder to do your car. If so go for the AOD.4 wheel disc,EFI,rack&pinion.
Engine/computer/transmission/shifter= yes. You can also buy plug and play wiring kits for the engine. The rack is going to take quite a bit of work and money(since your not doing the work). It would probably be cheaper just to get an aftermarket suspension kit.
thanks! even reading these first two replies has save me a ton of reading on this site... OK. without starting a new thread then, again with an absolute starting point of buying a maverick and 'easiest, fastest build, most bang for the buck...' ...What is the most common recipe? I do have the 92 merc donor car, but am not overly committed to using it as it has 211000km on it. should i get it rebuilt or just start with another engine trann, etc. btw, i was hoping to not spend more than $10000 on the car purchase, engine trans, suspension, paint, etc .. everything... also i have a very experienced mechanic (30 years) that typically works for me at $40/hour.
what is your plan for the car? being you are not doing the work (paying someone to do it), for 10K you can buy a pretty nice turnkey ride. Example...if it takes...2.5 weeks to complete...100 Hrs. X $40 =$4,000...that's 40% of your investment and that is not counting...car, car parts or paint... ...and this...mechanic needs to have worked on something older than an 80s model car and have fabrication skills... Frank
First plan of action: Get lots of money. However much you think it is going to take....double it. All kidding aside for a second, I see no way to get this done for $10,000 and you paying somebody to do it ALL for you. Find a car that is already done and BUY it
They are right, it's hard to hit a 10k budget doing the work yourself and near impossible paying someone to do it. If you really want to kill the Merc for the engine find a nice driver Maverick on the cheap. There's a decent looking one where I live (not too far from you) for $1,300 USD. Swap in your drivetrain then save up more for future upgrades. The engine swap would be easier if you find a V-8 car but a 6 is only harder because you have to find new frame mounts. If the Merc runs good I would skip a rebuild to save funds and use that money for an aftermarket harness for the EFI. From there you need a front sump oil pan and pump pick-up then drop it in (using the trans crossmember mentioned earlier). Good luck, you're in the right place to get accurate, honest answers.
Craig is right Buy a retro car and start enjoying the drive immediately. However if you want to start from scratch, I have a three cars for sell that will get you started. From a bare rust free body to a car ready for paint and interior and completing the engine rebuilt engine start up, $500 to $3,000. Rick
Yep if your paying someone to do it this is your best bet, some very nice cars can be had for that type of money that are already completed.
I think it could be done for under $10000 if..... You got the car for free, You got a Mustang II suspension kit half off, You have a junkyard worth of parts laying around, You have a best friend who is a fabricator and, Your other best friend owns a body shop. All kidding aside, I say buy a restomod Maverick and start driving it. There are some very nice cars to be had in the 7,000 to 10,000 dollar range that cost WAY more than that to build.
There are also crazy deals out there still. Just last year i went to look at a 71 that had a rebuilt 5.0 running EFI, a T5 swap. A $600 dropped spindle disc setup, body was in even better condition than mine is. And all the guy wanted was a grand because he was moving and couldnt take the car. He was also going to toss in two MSD setups, the original 302 and a set of headers. If you search on the forums, ebay, craigslist, etc..... You might luck out on a deal.
Thanks again... UPDATE I do want to do this project over a turn key. My grandfather has recently passed and we really shared the car interest. I will dedicate this vehicle to his memory. Im sure you guys can understand this on some level. Perhaps the money is an issue, but I could probably do things in stages. If you can provide any info or directions regarding the info below, it would be greatly appreciated! I have found a car... 1973 Maverick 250 6, 44000 miles, for $1800 some rust, maybe surface, mostly, except for a section behind the rear wheel. The trunk has no carpet. I noticed some rust in the lower outer pockets, again may be just surface. Also there is a wet spot in the drivers side rear floor. Water pooled a little there after rain. The guy selling it is a mechanic himself at a local shop. he is the second owner bought from litle old lady. It sat for over 10 years before he bought it. Car runs and is completely driveable. No dents. Most likely never been in an accident, really straight, just needs a cleaning. Interior is in really good shape too. What my plans were, as it runs as is, is to do these things, and I need some suggestions.... Firstly Safety. Guy says it will peel and make smoke, so i know it goes. I want to stop though! 1. So Braking, What direction do i go? Suggestions? Best bang for the buck. I got a guy that works at a parts store, I get cost... i also came across this > http://cgi.ebay.ca/Dynalite-Pro-Ser...ories&fits=Model:Maverick&hash=item5196ed181c 2. Handling. Suspension... where do i go with this? This will be a daily driver. I saw someones tech article about getting rear leafs from a big ford van, and that looks like a deal and a half. Other Suggestions? What about the front. Shocks struts springs? i'd like a lower stance, but not dumped. rake... maybe. 3. Wheels and tires. What is the bolt pattern? Offset? Widest wheels that will fit? Largest wheels? I've seen someone that put 20" on a california car. I was thinking about a staggered look maybe 20" in the rear and 19 in the front, but that might be too big. 19 and 18, or jut 18 all around, as they would be the cheapest. Mainly, need the spec info on a stock, of course need brake information prior to establishing wheels and tire info. What do you guys have or a stock brake system or upgraded brake system? 4. Interior. This could almost stay as is for a while. Everything works, but i'm not fond of the colour brown tan. I want black. I would buy carpet, re-upholster the rear seat, switch out the front split bench for buckets from another car. What do people search for in terms of seats for the front? Another issue for me in the interior is the shift. Its a column shift and i was really after a floor shift. Can this be changed in the future? When i address the engine and trans? Or if i'm after this type of feature should i bail on buying this car? 5. Stereo. Something hidden. I will probably go CarPC with a tablet and hard drive of some kind. Where do you guys put speakers? Subs. Amps. Will I need an alternator upgrade? 6. Paint. Right now its white with brown roof cover. I want to remove the roof cover and paint the car orange/copper, with black accents, stripes. So As you can see, the handling and appearance are my first priorities because it runs fine as is. The eventual goal after the above would be to change engine and transmission, and add more electrical options like power windows etc. If that can even be done? Any help and advice greatly appreciated!
