Howdy folks! So I just got the results from the inspection on the blue maverick that was advertised as "1975 maverick for sale, as is" in the classifieds section, and should be taking delivery in a couple of weeks. Everything is in great working order, and aside from a few minor cracks in the vinyl top and a dent in the drivers side door, the body is perfect! All of this leads me to the following question; I have a mile long list of things I would like to do to the Mav, but I don't know where to start. She has drum brakes, so I'll want to convert those. Also has a column shifter- gonna change that to a floor shifter. Power steering and ac from the factory so no upgrades needed there. Had new c4 transmission installed from AAMCO 6 years ago, so that should be fine for a while. And last...but certainly not least...she has the 250 I6. Not horrible, but not muscle car material. And as someone noted in a previous post of mine; "it ain't a muscle car until you make it one!" so I'm trying to plan out where I should start. I'll be using her as my daily driver, so I can't afford (time wise) to take long period of time for each individual upgrade. For the engine swap, I'll be paying someone to do it as I have neither the experience nor tools necessary for such a task. The brakes I <may> be able to swap myself, we'll see. And the shifter I think I can handle. I'm just so new to this that I have no idea what I should try to tackle first. I love the styling of the car and the "underdog" vibe it carries, but I want it to reach its potential. Taking all these things into consideration, what are you folks' thoughts? Side not- what is a "reasonable" price range for the purchase and installation of a decent, reliable 302? Very arbitrary I know, but any additional input would help. I've read all the tech articles regarding the extra parts needed for the swap, but those were all assuming you did the work yourself. Thanks for any input you folks offer up, and I'm sure y'all will be hearing more from me! Semper Fi
You should be able to get a rebuilt longblock (all stock) for about $1200. Then you'll need all the exterior parts, valve covers, oil pan, water pump, fuel pump, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, flywheel (unless it comes with the build). It cost me just under $3000 to swap my 200ci for the mighty 302 about 4 years ago. Since you already have a decent tranny, as I did, that's a good ballpark. But nowadays, probably looking at about the same... but that's if you do all the building yourself. I have no idea what it would cost to get an engine installed and broke in. Call around to your local shops and maybe they can give you a ballpark figure. Good luck!
"I've read all the tech articles regarding the extra parts needed for the swap, but those were all assuming you did the work yourself. Thanks for any input you folks offer up." you will still need to get these parts....most shops have no clue where to get them...
"aside from a few minor cracks in the vinyl top." I would address this first...not the top but the roof underneath. this is a costly repair if unatended..:Handshake
Haha thanks 71gold (and everyone else of course)! Yeah I knew I'd have to procure the parts, but judging from the classifieds section that shouldn't be <too> big a problem! Semper Fi
I have no clue on their pricing, but you could look into a remanufacturer like Jasper engines to see what a reman 5.0 L would run you. You have a good C4, but also consider a reman AOD fitted behind it since this will be a daily driver. You'll get a warranty with reman items. If this will be your daily driver for many years, used stuff will end up needing to be redone sooner then you would like. As for things to address first, besides the drive train ... brakes and suspension for safety factor, all mechanicals for reliability (good radiator, etc.), and cosmetics last. Also, check out local car clubs. Someone might be able to point you to a good shop for working on older cars that will take care of you and not suck every last dime out of ya. Good Luck
I have a ...belly bar...when you get ready... :Handshake ...born and raised (17 years) in Pittsboro, N.C... Mom lives in Sanford...I get up that way often, we need to hookup on one of my trips...
