I know that there are alot of threads and posts already on here about putting in 302s, but 1, im only 17 and some time i have no clue about some of the stuff you guys are talking about lol, and 2 i dont plan on ever taking it to the racing strip or anything like that. This maverick is my first and its pretty much just going to be a daily driver, but after i put original mirrors and sunvisors and a gas cap on it, I want to upgrade from the 250 ci 6, to the 302 v8. My questions to you WAY more expirenced guys are: what parts and adaptations am i going to have to make to it to make the 302 work properly, and after i actually get it in there to where itll run without messing up the front end, ect. What other upgrade (that arent too expensive) can i make to it to make it sound better, and possibly run a little better. Once again i dont plan on racing it at all, its just a daily driver that i want to run good, but im only 17 and i only make about 170 dollars a week. I know its going to be a work in progress but i also know that almost everyone here has an overwhelming amount of knowledge about these fine cars and i hope that some of you might be able to help me out. Thank you very much in advance, Chip
chip, about the only things you'll need are, of course, a 302 engine and the v-8 frame mounts, the frame crossmember. you might want to upgrade the radiator. also a rebuild on the engine might be reccommended. i think all the tranny parts will interchange. the tranny crossmember is optonal as some have changed to duals without it. also a good set of flowmasters will make it sound good. if your going to do the rebuild some options are a new cam and lifters, an intake and a new carb. also some headers would help. some of this stuff can be done a little at a time. good luck. i'm sure some will chime on here with stuff i've forgotten. make sure you've got a good manual also.
Chip,, believe it or not you are me, only this is 2007 and I was you in 1974. You live in OH, which has a great base for people on this board. My advice is find a V8 parts car and work off that. Maybe the engine might be gone. So what, get all the other components off it. You already have disc brakes and 5 lugs. If you cannot keep a parts car at your house. Scrounge the junkyards for V8 mavericks/Comets. Getting hard to find, post on here, Chandler posted a complete V8 conversion parts list, sans motor and trans. Welcome to our world and remember, all of were 17 once and I was 16 when I got my first maverick way back in 1974. You need transmission crossmember, v8 frame mounts, motor mounts and a belly bar. If I am missing anything, somebody chime in. Dan
Thanks alot guys, i appreciate the help, like i said, i know practially nothing about cars but with this site here, i feel like i have very good mechanics as friends. I did see the v8 conversion kit listed and i might think about that, after i get up a little money of course. The good thing is i work about 5 or 6 days a week so i shouldnt have too much of a problem getting up a little money. A couple quick questions, if i get a 302 from a junk yard or an old car, is a rebuild necassary. I know it will be good to do, but my "peers" may think that it is an unnessary waste of money. And also i am replacing the instrument cluster because it had pretty much turned to dust, my car has 42k original miles on it. Is there anyway to make the odometer read that on the new cluster?? i hope so. thanks
Chip,, best way to buy a boneyard motor is to be able to hear it run. Take a knowledgeable person with you. Go to cruise nites, car shows, talk to the people who have the cars you like. Ask them for help, car people are willing to give. I am sorry but federal regulations prohibit me with sharing my knowledge of odometer tampering. Dan
LOL thanks dan. I kind of thought that the odometer thing might not be able to be answered, but i appreciate all of the other help.
