When I did the conversion from I6 to V8 I heard a lot of people say I needed this bar (sub-frame connector runs under oil pan). Came stock w/ this for any maverick that came w/ a 302. I ended up w/ 400 horses out of my 8 and I have not really punched it yet. I have only put about 1200 miles on the new 302 but the erge to nail it to the floor is growing. I want to see about this bar b4 I twist my car if this is possible to do w/ 400 horses. If any one has one i can buy or knows where i could get one or tell me how necessary it is I have this please help me. Thanx, 74 Maverick, Thom
In my opinion it is absolutely necessary...particularly with a modified engine...the weight of the 302 coupled with the added torque it could conceivably cause a host of problems when it comes time to shower down on it if not before then
Thanks Riporter, Now I know I need to find one ASAP. Do you know anyone that makes them or has them? Someone even told me they re not hard to make yourself. My dad is good at welding, know how I would go about making one? Thanks again, Thom
It is the large bar in the center of this picture ... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2453768161&category=50454
Yep! Thats what I need. Thanks for the pic. If I cant find anyone that has one to sell me I m makin one! My friend had said it can really screw your front end if you start whoopin on the gas. I dont want that happening. Thanx, If anyone else has any info please share! Thanx again, Thom
If you have trouble finding one... It's a pretty simple unit Thom. If you can't find one, why not just make it out of some heavy square tube? It would look trick and if you take your time with it and have a competent welder involved it will most likely be stronger than the factory one anyway. The two holes it bolts into should already have threads in them and everything. Take pictures!
I have been working with a company that is going to be making that part. Should hopefully know something real soon.
thom, i have one i haven't gotten aroud to installing yet from todds' swap. if you want to borrow it, lemme know... sounds like you pop could whip one up! e-mail me. (you know the drill... "mav" in title bar)
I did the conversion 30 years ago and have never had that bar. When I hit the nitrous I've got an easy 400 hp. Never had any problems. Without the bar you defiitely don't want to drive without the firewall-to-shock tower braces. Did that once, felt like the front end was going to fall off. Most people I've talked to feel the bottom bar isn't needed unless you do a lot of driving on some really rough roads or slolam racing, etc.
You will know you are having problems when you go around corners and your hood pops up when the fenders squish together .
Thanks I just wanted to thank all of you for your help. I think iwill see about my father constructing one. Craig, just in case this doesnt happen right away, can you post something when you find out about the company making? Thank you all for your help on this. 74Maverick, Thom
I just talked to the company today. They should have them ready in about two weeks. In "real world" talk I think that means 4 to 6 weeks. I will let you know.
These are pretty common in junk yards and I know where there is one right now. I am heading there this weekend to see if the mounts are still in the car because the engine was already removed. I think most people who snatch up the Maverick V8 mounts didn't realize the bar is unique so they leave them in the car ...
Thank you 1000X Craig. Also Craig I thought you might know, is it already too late to get these valve covers or will they be putting out more later. I was so bummed when I saw I missed my chance on e-bay Thank you all, Thom
