I'm getting ready to drop a 302 into my 1970 Maverick. What challenges do I need to look forward to? I read some where the C4 tranny is a tight fit. Any mods needed for the tranny? Will there be room for headers, or should I consider exhaust manifolds?
While the 70 tranny tunnel is a tighter fit the c4 was offered stock so you should not have a problem. Most headers like the Hooker 6901's say floor shift only and PS needs a drop down bracket. Other than that you should be fine to go.
I tried dropin my 302 in today and couldnt cause the oil pan was hitting on the rac and pin any ideas? Mine is a 71
You must mean center link - no rack & pinion in a Maverick/Comet If your ignition key is under your dash you have what is called a 69.5 Maverick - these early Mavericks had a small rear end that has a bolted on rear cover - if you have one of these a change over to an 8 inch rear would be my suggestion now using a 302
Hooker Super Competition headers work with a column shifter. I don't remember the model number off hand.
And now the rest of the story... I am putting in a 8" rear end and the C4 is an automatic with a floor shift. I am also thinking about installing a front end out of 74 Maverick with power steering...good or bad? If I stick with the 70 front end, will I need the Mav/Comet oil pan for the 302? I want to thank everybody for the advice too. This Forum is loaded with years of experience and knowledge which saves me a lot of time.
What did the 302 come out of, does it have a rear sump oil pan, If so you need a front sump pan. All V8 s in mavericks must have a front sump oil pan with a front sump oil pick up. Shock tower clearence isnt a Big Deal for some Folks. But If you do a search you can read some pretty good threads on see the benies of shaveing the towers, comes in mighty handy for changeing spark plugs and installing headers.
As long as you are going to have an empty engine bay, then would be the perfect time to shave back the towers in case you plan on putting something in bigger than a 302 sometime in the future
I removed the 302 out of a 74 Maverick, it does a front sump pan. Shock towers and headers, yes I lived that experience taking the 302 out. Thank god for my Milwaukee saws all. One issue I saw on the 74 is that the powersteering arm was interfering with the header. Some one had severly modified (beat the crap out of it) the header. This is the reason I am questioning about putting the power steering in the 70.
I believe I recall someone posting here somewhere where you can purchase a self contained power steering box and rid yourself of the power assist cylinder