Posted by WEST on July 13, 1998 at 04:17:09:
In Reply to: New Mav owner has some questions. posted by Brandon on July 13, 1998 at 02:29:09:
: Hi. I am 15 and about a month ago, I bought a '72 Maverick 2 dr, 302, w/C-4 automatic. The car has just over 60k original miles and is in near perfect shape. I'm going to be getting my drivers license when I turn 16 in about 2 weeks. I have some general questions about the car. Sorry to bore everyone with this long message.
: 1. Since the car was owned my "grandma" and probably driven at and average speed of 25 mph, is there a possibility of excess carbon build-up on the heads? If so, what is the best way to get rid of it.
: 2. Should the timing chain be replaced? Its not making any noise or anything but I have been told that it should be replaced. Also, do I have to drop the oil pan out to do that?
: 3. How much of a power and torque increase am I going to get over the stock 2V if I go blow all my money on an Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold and Holley 650cfm carb?
: 4. Anyone have any suggestions on a good wheel/tire combo? I've been looking at Cragars but I realized that wheels are expensive.
: 5. I've replaced belts, hoses, plugs, wires, and all the usual tune-up stuff. Anything else?
: I think this message board is great and I know everyone probably hates these kinds of messages. Thanks in advance and I hope to become a regular at this site after I learn a bit more about the car.
Welcome Brandon, it's good to have new people, especially with so much interest. You have lots of questions, and will get lots of different answers...be prepared. I'll touch on just a couple, the ones I know something about, but my answers are just opinions, like many others you are going to get. The first I would suggest is going out and buying a Maverick repair book or at least one on Ford's period (if you haven't already).
Your question about the timing belt has a couple different theories. One is "if it aint broke, don't fix it." On the other hand, I rebuilt my 302 partly because of the plastic timing gear that had worn away, but I don't know what year they started using the plastic gears, mine was a '76. I would suggest going to a Cloyes double roller if you do opt to change over. By the way, oil pan does come off, and is a pain in the neck, but
if you got time on your hands, it can be a good learning process. Any auto book can explain how, and what's involved. The next question I'll touch on is about the intake/carb. combo. The first thing is, make sure whatever you chose is emissions legal for your state. Second, it's my opinion that a carb/intake swap provides the most bang for the buck, especially when thinking about work involved. Edelbrock makes good stuff, personally, I would suggest
the "performer" over the RPM. You will notice a big difference in car performance, and it is worth it. I would not suggest blowing all your money on this though, when you start to drive, it is always a good idea to have little extra cash for un-forseen events such as a starter going out, etc. Performance items are something to save up for, not to go broke for. Just a thought though. Also, you should check around for used stuff, sometimes you can save money
that way. I order most of my new stuff through "summit", they beat almost all prices on things I check for in stores, but I definitely shop around for big money items, and recommend that to you too. In fact, I ordered my performer intake and Carter AFB through them. I also ordered my 15" wheels through them, and I feel like I got a good deal too. Look back through the entries and you'll see some discussion on wheels and tires. Also, if you already
have good tires, don't worry about getting a fancy set yet. Cosmetic items, i.e. cool wheels, are secondary to important things, such as good brakes and tires. When the time comes for cool wheels, I stand by my 15"ers! Now, on to your tune up. It's good to see you did the tune up stuff. You mentioned some things, the only other things I would suggest would be a "cap, rotor, and points(if so equipped)", but I bet you already did that.
Actually there are a couple other things you may want to check out. I would check front and back brakes, and if you do replace them, take time to turn the drums and maybe replace the old springs (pretty cheap to do). Also, definitely repack your wheel bearings...book will explain. One last thing I would do is replace the small rubber fuel line above your rear axle. It's only a few inches long, but rarely gets looked at. I know
of a guy who had ones rot away and eventually caused a fire. For a couple of bucks, it is definitely worth the peace of mind! While your under there, take a look at your shock bushings, if they are well worn, chances are the shocks could use replacement. Anyway, take everything I typed as just an opinion and not a factory direct recall notice.....hahahhahah. Anyway, good luck, have fun, and keep your Mav. off the sidewalk.:)