This is my first thread. I own a Black and yellow 1976 Maverick Stallion with of course a 302 that came standard with it (I bought it in 1978, and only have 89,000 on it currently, because most of the time I drive my rusted out 1974 Datsun 710). I just installed an Edelbrock 500cfm carb (and Edelbrock intake manifold). After I put on the air cleaner, the first thing I noticed was that I couldn't close the hood (clearance problem). Taking it out for its test run (without the hood) with the new carb, the clutch plates slipped (there is no more adjustment on the clutch linkage), so now I'm researching having a T5 put in it (don't want to spend the $400 to have clutch plates replaced in the 3 speed). I have a Comet GT hood scoop, which will solve my clearance problem, but hate to cut a hole in a mint hood, so am looking for another hood (if it has a dent in the area where the hood scoop covers it, that would be no problem). I am also seriously contemplating getting rid of the safety bumpers for the 1970-72 style bumpers. That would help the car to handle better, and get a little better gas milage (less weight). Anyway, I am glad I finally posted a thread, as I first joined this forum sometime in 2005.
Welcome to the board. You might try a drop down air cleaner for the carb. I believe summit or jegs sells them. Someone else may chime in as this seems to be a common problem.
Welcome to the Madness! Stallions are nice looking cars. Going to the small bumpers would make it even nicer! Again, welcome. Jim
Thank you Don, svthauln, maverick5946, comrick317. Matt, coutangman (Jim), and maverick73 for the warm welcome. Thank you Don also for the air cleaner advice. I did try on a drop down air cleaner, but it wouldn't clear the coil, which is mounted higher on the new manifold. I also mounted my fuel filter next to the coil, and would have to relocate that, as well as the fuel line. all this could be moved, but at this point it looks like it would be easier to find another hood (I have several good leads that I am persuing). With the hood scoop, I could get more air directly to the air cleaner, and might even be able to put a 3" air filter in, instead of the 2" I have in there now. I took a picture of my engine compartment to show you the situation, but haven't yet figured out how to post the picture on this message. I agree with you Jim in that the safety bumpers really don't look good on the car. They look added on as an afterthought (which they are), and don't follow with the contour of the car. I also learned that the passenger compartment will crumple first, while the bumper will sustain little damage. That's how I lost my first car (a 1974 Comet GT that the local Ford dealer ran into an electrical pole for me when they were test running it).
Howdy and As far as clutch plates, manual transmissions do not have clutch plates, You have a clutch, and you have a transmission. Two totally separate assemblies. If you pull the 3 speed and install a T5, you will still be running through the same clutch.
Clutch Plates Thank you for the info on the clutch plates. I hope that the t5 will fit directly on my bell housing without any modification, or cutting into the hump.
