Daughter's car is dead. Sad day. She was driving down the highway, car went bang, died. Built up pressure and blew out the hose on the valve cover. (Of course, I just did the valve cover gasket, timing gears/chain, oil pan gasket, alt, starter, and voltage regulator.) Haven't done a compression check yet, but I'm pretty sure it's the rings. Assuming that, haven't decided whether to do the rings only; take it to the shop and have it machined, etc; or get another engine. I'd prefer to put an I6 back in, but that's not her idea. Daughter said it happened because her car NEEDS a 302 . She leaves on a mission trip Sunday to Iran, so I have a few weeks to figure this out. What's everyone's thoughts? She's just graduated, and needs a car for work/college. Rhonda
302 all the way. It would probably not be any more expensive than doing another I6. It would probably be a bit easier to do an I6, since it would just drop back in, but a 302 would definitely put some cool factor into the car. Does it have an auto or 3 on tree?
6 cyl motors are cheap and plentiful. Converting to a V-8 will costs twice as much. It is a daily driver......6 it!!
See, I don't have a problem with the 302, (she said she NEEDS the 302 LOL)I'm just looking at how long it'll take me to do everything. We don't have the luxury of another car to drive. This is her only car, and she needs it for work. We're sharing my F250 now, and our schedules don't always mesh. I'm trying to get together a list of things I need to change, if I do the 302, along with $$, versus finding another I6, and replacing it. I have a hoist, and have helped do an engine change, this will be the first with me "in charge". A friend owns a machine shop,and can rebuild the original if that's what I decide. I'll get a good deal, plus I know exactly who did it. Oh, btw, it's Mom, not Dad This car is my graduation present to my daughter! Rhonda
If you stay with I-6 it may be cheaper to pick up a running 250 from one of the members on the board than rebuilding yours. heck probably two of them.
Another 6 will be the cheapest/quickest way out.I'll bet you could find a member on here to almost GIVE you a good one.
You know, if you have your friend rebuild the 6 you currently have you could throw a mild cam in it and maybe a 2bbl carb and give it a bit more kick in the pants for pretty cheap. Those 6's can be made to run pretty good.
I've got a 306 I just pulled from my car. It was running when I pulled it. It needs a few things but should work pretty well for you. PM me for specifics if interested. Parts needed are: intake carb distributor alternator cam, lifters, pushrods rear main seal
that's what I was wondering about. Just giving the I6 a little push. I know exactly why she wants the 302, though. It would be my first choice for any maverick, I guess. I just have to be the adult today, and make the best $$ and time choices. I hate having to be the adult, sometimes We're still finishing up their fundraising for their mission trips, and they leave Sunday. Still $1000 short. Just sold my 71 Volvo wagon project car for them. Let's see, what else can I sell?? LOL Rhonda
If it was my daughter I would want her to have the 6 cylinder for mpg and for her safety. She drives a 96 v6 Mustang right now and wants a 5.0 in it. lol But in all honesty we always want to make our kids happy so if I was in your shoes and could swing it I'd probably drop a 302 in there and surprise her. BUT we all know all she needs is a 6 cylinder and like said already with everybody pulling the 6's for 302's you could probably get a nice 6 for almost nothing, drop it right in and keep on trucking. clint
