Posted by T.L. on July 14, 1998 at 02:38:32:
In Reply to: Maverick Restoration posted by Tony Bartolucci on July 14, 1998 at 02:24:26:
Hey Tony. The 7.5" 4-lug rearend is WAY too WEAK for the engine you have. I reccomend going with a '72-'77 Maverick 8-inch 5-lug rearend which is still pretty easy to find and will bolt right in. The 8" is not as strong as a 9-inch, but it can easily handle 300 horsepower with an automatic trans. The 8-inch is actually stronger than a chevy 10-bolt rearend. If you do decide to go with a nine-inch, the lincoln Versailes and some Mercury Monarchs came with them as well as early mustangs. These rearends will "bolt right in" but will be 2 inches wider so your rear tires will stick out one extra inch on each side. That's not necessarily a bad thing-- you just have to decide if it's what you want. BTW--while your at it, you'd might as well convert to front disc brakes as well because not only do they stop far better but they have 5 lugs as well...
: Hi all:
: I recently purchased a 70 Maverick from a friend for 900 bucks (an AZ car with no rust and a good body and decent interior). Then I "got stupid" and spent a bunch of money exchanging the 200 ci 6 for a 302. Even going with a used motor as a core it cost me plenty (please don't ask!). Now I have a 302 with some performance mods (headers, dual exhaust with "flow master" mufflers, 625cfm Carter 4bbl carb mated to an Edelbrock "Performer" manifold, C4 auto/2200 stall with a B&M floor shifter, MSD ignition). I figure I've got about 250 horses which is "adequate" (the car's light - has no power accessories like a/c, etc.). In a few years I'd like to really pump the engine up, but that's another story.
: I do have a few questions: 1) The rear-end. I have the stock 4-bolt rear end. Any experience as to how this will hold up under the V8's torque? How difficult is it to swap to a heavier rear-end and where should I look for one (later year Maverick? Other cars like a Granada, etc?). 2) After market parts. I'm toying with the idea of a Grabber hood. I've noticed that there are some aftermarket ones in fiberglass that are available. Any thoughts on these? What about the other fiberglass body parts available? Thanks in advance (wish there was a Maverick "majordomo" email list).