I have a 76 Ford Maverick that I drag race. I have a 302 in it now but I have a 460 that I am building. Just wanted to know how hard it is to do this and If anybody has any info about doing it. Please Help, Stangbrain80
Hate to burst anyone's bubble, but a 460 wont fit unless you do some serious cutting. The motor is too wide and wont fit between the shocktowers, even with no exhaust on it. The 351's are tight and either require custom headers, mustang II front end, or some tiny 351 swap headers (not good for performance). Look at some posts on here about how to eliminate the shock towers. Just "notching" them wont be enough for the 460. It can be done, but will be a lot of work and $$$
Forget it. Don't waste your time. Their isn't much you can't do with a 2000 pound maverick and a stroked out 302, you might wan't to consider that route.
we've got a guy here that runs a maverick in super street with a 460. he had a datsun ( i think) coil over front suspension added. looks good and has a ton of room. he's had it for a number of years and it's really easy to work on. i'm hoping to eventually put a mustang II on my front.SIZE]
460 to go Well I've seen a 454 Chevy in a Maverick. not that hard when it's built to dragrace not street drive. Makes a bunch of difference. Go with the Mustang II type coil over up frontend with rack & pinion manual steering. use a rear sump on the oil pan. For a trans, you can go with a Power guide, but personally use a big block C-4 bell housing and a C-4 trans. Ford made some C-4s for the 351M and it's the same block bolt pattern as the 460. Install a 4 link rear suspension. Alum heads and manifold will lose you about 100 lbs off the engine to. Fiberglass the front fenders and hood and she'll be lite enough. I'd put a 514 big block Mav against a 347 one anyday. You don't need as much in a big block or twist them as much as a small block to go fast. She should be a screamer.
Ever the realist, you could go either way (Small Block OR Big Block) - money can buy a lot of things. I work on my own car and am limited in space, tools, extra funds and did I mention extra funds? I've seen BB's in Mavericks - it doesn't look like something I, personally, would want to undertake. A LOT of mods have to be done (as mentioned) to go with a big block. If you're budget minded (like I am), bore and stroke a small block to 347 c.i. If you really want the big block...... - all it takes is money! Good luck either way, Rick
if it was me, I'd go with a stroker 302, maybe blower or turbo. That should be more than enough to really do a number on some unsuspecting chevy's. I couldnt imagine a stout 460 in a light maverick, heck, I cant imagine driving mine on the street with the 393! No such thing as traction, no matter what speed, and the 393 isn't really all that stout. I cant imagine what big-block torque would do!
well guys. yes it can be done a 460 in a maverick is not all that hard as long as you have a spare month,paitience and a lot of tools I even have the pictures to prove it . but at last I have worked on many cars and have about 25 years swaping experience If you would like to know how its done cheaply email me cam mcleay at degreen45@hotmail.com
All I'm gonna say!!!! I am very budget minded and I am putting a 460 in mine me personally I would have a big block anyday.....but that's just me as far as the money issue???? well my front end may not be near as pretty as the nice after market ones but......I can say that I have a total of $500 in my mustange II front end compleete and installed Including rebuilt rack,new brakes 11" ,and rebuilt upper and lower control arms granted I did all the work myself......and on my coilover ladderbar system I retained my full interior.....yes It has been alot of work but I prefer to call it a labor of love but I have less than $700 in the rear end and that included narrowing up my 9" the new full spool and the new moser axles that price also included all the rear suspension pieces......If you or anyone needs any info email me........at irritatioacres1@juno.com here is the motor I used to mock up my mounts(460 in my mav)
just another opinion, but behind a 460 I would recomend a c6 don't take me the wrong way c4's are great trannys but behind a 460 I am using a c6(it is bolted to that motor and it fit in the tunnel just fine ) just don't plan on changing a servo in the car and you will have to run a cable shifter.......Mavman.....If all goes well I hope to get down your way this summer I really want to hook up with you and old guy!!!! besides its only a few hours away
