302 conversion - over my head?

Hello,

I am new to these forums, and new to Mavericks. In fact, I am pretty new to classic cars, and the restoration thereof! With that in mind, I pose the following question. Please be as brutally honest as possible.

Aside from changing the oil in my Town Car (which I don't even do anymore - if you own a 4.6 modular equipped Lincoln, you'd understand why) and some emergency cooling system work I've performed on a P.O.S. Volvo, I have no experience working on automobiles. That being said, I really would like to learn how. I figure I need a project to start on, and the idea of sleeper really intrigues me. Everyone thinks of Mustangs or Stingrays as fast. But blowing away a Mustang in a Pinto or a Mark IV, that's something to me. So when I came across a little car called the Maverick, I was instantly hooked. Even more so when I found out they came with the 302! After a bit of searching, I came across a 1976 with a 250 I6, and a 3 speed which was converted to floor shifter. The price was reasonable, especially considering that it does still drive, and I could totally leave it as is if I wanted. Of course, I don't want to leave it as is! In a perfect world (one where I know what I'm doing!), I would drop a 5.0 HO and a T-5 in it, mount a 9" rear axle, install an aftermarket Mustang II front suspension kit, new intake manifold, 4 bbl carb, grabber hood, ram air, headers, hi-flow cat-back exhaust, new cam, maybe stroke to 336... etc. Then reality rears its ugly head. I have no tools, no garage/workshop, limited funds, and no experience. So I guess my question is this. What is the minimum amount of modification I can make to this car to make it a fun weekend cruiser that will beat a modern v-6 'stang in a 1/4 mi., and at least keep a cars length behind a modern GT? I don't plan on racing it, but a little light-to-light action isn't totally out of the question. I wouldn't care if it was destined for the scrap heap either way, but I would hate to take something that works and destroy it because I live in La-La Land and think I am Carroll Shelby.

Thanks,
Jack

 

first question. where the heck is rio grande, n.j. i grew up in montclair, n.j. the maverick is a great car, especially to learn on. you do need some tools and a place to work on it though. not real hard to convert to a 302, but there are special tools such as engine hoist, engine stands, jacks, etc to work on it. just a thought, are there any trade schools or community colleges that offer automotive classes in your area. some times those places have the tools and equipment to work on the students cars. also you can get the car and start working on the safety equipment like brakes and shocks with a minimum of tools. harbor freight sells tools at a very low price that are pretty good for the home mechanic.

 

Thanks for the reply, Mr. Graham.

Rio Grande is a small town in Middle Twp., just west of Wildwood. I've actually forgotten that there is a place I could probably work on the car, (there is a garage where I work that the facilities guy said I could use for auto repairs, but I'm not sure this is what he had in mind!) Also, I know an ASC Certified mechanic who is currently a waitress (apparently no auto shop thinks women can be mechanics in the area) if I asked, I could probably get her to supervise and lend some advice/help as I worked. would a place like Autozone rent out all the tools I would need? Also, would souping up the I6 (rather than putting in a 302) be an option?

Thanks,

Jack

 

There is a book by Tom Monroe, IIRC...
How to rebuild your small block Ford.

I don't know that you need all the info in the book, but it has ALOT of info on R&R (remove and reinstall) of the engine in that book.
Also alot of info on swapping parts and general ins and outs.

Probably less than 20 bux for the book.
It is a little dated, but perfect for any year Mav.

Check it out and read it thoroughly.
That will give you an idea of what you need to know and if you want to tackle it.

Dave

 

one thing that you do have going for you is that mavericks are really easy simple cars to work on. you have to start somewhere. but at the same time swapping 6 to 8 is a pretty big leap if your only real expierence working on a car was changing oil. i bet if you were willing to give your watress friend a few bucks on the weekends or whatever she'd may be willing to help you out. but honestly it sounds like it'll be a little out of your league to go it alone. im sure your 31 year old maverick has other issues you could be working out in the mean time and atleast be getting fimular with the car, it also wouldnt hurt to read through some posts on here, read a few books, watch a few car shows on tv and i dont mean that show and shine crap, watch something like monster garage or overhauling where they actually tear into a piece of junk and make it cool. as a teenager with no expierence i really learned alot paying attention to that stuff and it motivated me enough to get out there and get dirty.

 

I will second the part about Mavs being simple.
They are one of the easiest cars to work on EVER!

You can have an engine out in minutes once you understand the key factors in taking one out. Unplug a few wires, undo a few bolts, hook up the picker...
Comes out best tranny and all when you absorb all the ins and outs of that little trick.

 

I think what everyone is saying here is to have fun with it. They are inexpensive (relatively speaking), easy to work on (no computers or such), and have great potential. I don't think that anyone on here will say that these are rare at this point in time. As a matter of fact there are multiple places that will tell you that Mavericks are more common than Mustangs. Personally, I'd spring for the least expensive one that you can find with a minimum of rust (that's just something that you don't want to deal with as a beginner) and build it from there. It's kind of like a do it yourself car kit. "Sir, would you like an I6 or V8 with that???" Have fun and good luck! Please, keep us updated.

 

Thanks for all the encouragement, I think I am actually going to take the plunge! Now as far as first projects go, what would be your recommendations? I want to leave the drivetrain alone for the time being (considering I eventually want to replace it). Maybe upgrade the front discs to something larger/more modern? How hard would a suspension upgrade be? Maybe adding a 9" rear?

Thanks,
Jack

 

the thing that has amazed me is that almost all the parts you need are in stock at Autozone, Napa or O'reilly's. And they are cheap. i.e. ball joints $13 etc.

 

its all realitivly easy. nuts and bolts ya know. souds like you already have a good plan. beefing up the suspension and breaks is a good staet espically if you plan on making some HP somewhere down the road. surf around through the forums here, im sure you'll see a few things that'll catch your eye.

lets see some pics too

 

I wouldn't worry about the nine inch until you are ready for a gear change. Even then...unless you are building a ton of power the 8 inch will hold up admirably. The only issue with the 8 inch is the availability of posi units. I'd go with the detroit locker style given a choice. But back to your question...I'd start with the disk brake conversion. You will be very happy with that. Then on the suspension there is a ton you can do. It depends on what you want for your final outcome. I'm building a strip/street car, so I worked on getting the front suspension to transfer weight to the rear. I added roller spring perches and heim joint strut rods. On the rear I went with the Rancho adjustable shocks and Caltracs for traction bars. Get yourself some rims you like with some wide rubber and you will be very happy with the results. It all comes down to what you want the car to do and what you are willing to put up with (rough ride, more noise etc).

 

thats another good point. most of the restoration and cosmetic stuff for mavericks can be a little pricey but basic mechanical replacment parts are usually as cheap as they come for any carand just easy to find too

 

Are there any cars with 5-bolt pattern disc brakes that would be considered an upgrade?

Thanks,
Jack

 

A 76 should already have discs.
Most Mavs came with drums, so your discs are what most folks here strive for.

Any "upgrade" would have to be aftermarket.
I am sure someone here could fill you in.
My point is that it is not really needed.

 

bumper swap would be a nice upgrade too. if not for the looks it will shave quite a few pounds off the front and rear of you car.