I'm new to the maverick world, but not new to racing. I would lilke to build a hard running (10.50's motor) street Maverick. 351 swap, stock suspension front and rear w/ bolt on's, etc. I know 351 swaps can be tight, as can header clearance. Can someone give me the full scoop on this? I don't want this car to be a headache, but if it takes a little extra work (shock tower trim, etc), I might do it. I searched a bit, and it appears that the 351 is doable, but the plugs are hard to get to. There has to be a reciepe for this! Thanks in advance?
Welcome! If you don't already have the engine you should consider a 302 based 347 stroker. I will let the guys that have done the 351 swap chime in on the how to 351 swap questions.
351w will fit in but as you said the plugs will be a bear. tubular makes headers for the 351w swap and the shock tower trim will help. other than that it's a bolt in job. my next will be a 347. got a 308 now, best of 11.96 in phoenix in january. a 408, 351w stroked, would be a nice motor for what you want. good luck. btw, welcome to the board.
Opinions vary but I helped a buddy lower a stock 351W into the bay of his Comet back in the 80's and there was no way to get exhaust manifold on it without shock tower clearance. Cut and reinstall flat plates or the wrong way, heat and bang with a hammer method! Seth
Cool...thanks for the reply's! And thanks for the welcomes... A 408 is the way I would like to go. And since the car needs to have a cage and mini tubs and stuff, I figure we can notch the towers then.... I know there has to be some more info available. Have alot of guys done a similar swap?
yeah, I did that.....notch the towers, and its pretty close.... how big of a tube can you get in there?
That engine compartment looks great. ....awesome job! Can't wait to get a motor in my car... PS Are those the covers on your hoses, or did you do the actual braided lines.?? I havent decided which way I want to go....I know the actual braided lines are pretty expensive.....
Cool, same places I'm going to race in a few months after I get the motor put back together. I raced both of my Mavericks at Qualcomm a few times. Also want to race in Vegas and LACR.
Back in about 1977 I helped a buddy stuff a 351W in a 70 Maverick. That car was the talk of the town until it was stolen and used in a bank robbery. Man, we did a clean job of shaving the shock towers and stuff. I only wish we had taken pics,, who woulda thunk after all these years it would still be a topic. My 302 based Stallion still beat him in a 1/8 mile drag race though. Still see my old buddy from time to time, he is into pontiacs now and is disabled. We enjoy shooting the bull bout the old times. Sadly that maverick was consfiscated by the law and sat in an impound yard and totally was destroyed by vandals. The smack still goes about how bad it was. Dan
