I have a 1971 Ford Maverick 200cid Strait 6cyl, and I wanted to know if anyone here can tell me exactly what steps I need to take to get my car to be a stock 71 grabber. I know that I need to get a 302 and of course the hood and decals but that is it. Also if anybody can tell me what steps I need to take to get the 302 in such as do I need a adapter for my tranny from the 6cyl to the 8cyl and do I need dual exhaust. I ask because I keep on asking people that I know and the all tell me something different so if you guys could squash the rumors for me and lend me a hand that would be awsome Thanks, TheMadMav
Although I'm all for the V-8 swap, it is not necessary to make the car into a "Grabber", as most Grabbers came with 6-cylinder engines anyway. A Grabber is nothing more than a V.I.N. and trim package (which happens to make for the best-looking Mavericks)...
You also need the 3 piece spoiler for the back to make a grabber clone. The only thing essential to drop a 302 in your car is the frame mounts. If your running automatic, you will need another one that mates to the 302 block. If your running manual, your trans can be used but you will need a flywheel, bellhousing, & clutch assembly. Your 6 cyl clutch linkage can be modified to work but it takes some fabrication skills. V8 clutch linkage is very hard to find so modifing yours is the better way to go. Other things that would be nice to have is the transmission crossmember which gives you more clearence for the left side exhaust, and the frame brace which mounts under the oil pan.
302 Mavholic, Are you saying that I need a whole new tranny for the 8cyl or is there such thing as an adapter for my current tranny (auto) that I can bolt on to swap from 6cyl to 8cyl.
200 used a different bellhousing. 250 and 302 were the same. Are trying to say you want to make a Grabber Clone? This has been discussed before if you search ... Basically paint, stripes, hood, spoiler, sport mirrors, grill with sport lights. 302/V8 could be had in any Maverick or Comet as an option ... was also an option on the Grabber. Here is my 100% stock 6-Cylinder Grabber before restoration ... http://homepage.mac.com/dmhines/PhotoAlbum38.html
I now have the option of getting a 302 from a 68 mustang gt, the mustang has been sitting there for the past 7 years untouched and is a rust bucket but they say the hood has been closed the entire time. I asked if the engine turned over and they told me that the battery is dead and they havent gained the initiative to get a new one to find out. Do you guys think it is worth my time or do you think it is too risky considering the lack of upkeep?
I'd take it for free as a possible rebuildable core ... no sense buying it if they can't even prove it will run ..... Personally, I am done tinkering with engines ... my next engine will be a crate engine ready to bolt in ....
I wish I had that luxuary of saying that buy I am still am in High School so both my funds and knowledge are limited.
I don't suppose anyone knows the cost if i were to take just the block down to the motor store and ask If they can overhaul it for me.:confused: then all I'll have to do is bolt the motor In.
thats what i did. a local engine shop had me bring in my 302. they rebuilt it and it came to a total of $840 exactly. that would be a good price too. you have to bring the engine in and pick it up course. mike
