I am getting ready to start my first project.. I have decided on a 1971 maverick... I'm going to purchase a crate 302 from Phoenix engines... I've read that the water pump can't be reverse rotation.. Does it matter if it's a crate motor.. Or does that rule just pertain to the differences in timing covers. Also will a long block drop into the maverick? And on a 71 do I need a front sump or rear sump.? Thanks for your help guys
Welcome to the forum much information on here that will help with your quest. Yes the long block will drop in as long as it has the front sump. You will need Maverick specific frame stands and motor mounts. I suggest that you spend some time reading on this forum to help you understand what works and parts needed
The water pump rotation needs to coincide with the belt setup, reverse with serpentine or standard with v belt. The term "long block" means the cylinder heads are included with assembly. A "short block" would not come with heads. All Mavericks will use a front sump with factory suspension setup. And nice pick with the '71!
Welcome to the site from northeast Ohio!!! Consider ultimately what you wish to do with the Maverick. Do you want a car to drive locally and go on some road trips? Are you interested in higher horse power and torque than you would get with a stock engine? Do you plan on doing some racing? Having the wrong engine built for what you want to do can be costly.
That's KS for the reply guys. I love this forum and have been reading a lot. I bookmarked a forum that provided a link for motor mounts and crossmembers needed for the swap.. I am not interested in racing or road trips.. I live on the coast so a good car show and cruising vehicle.. I intend on purchasing a 376hp 5.0 from Phoenix engines.... I am going to gut the car and run 100% new wiring.. This is gonna be long and exciting (frustrating) project.. But I look forward to a huge learning experience
Good luck with your build & have fun,as one member on here says,buying a Maverick is easy,restoring one is not.
Thanks guys.. I'm nervous... But it's something I've always wanted to do. I plan on putting a c4 in it.. Any experience on what headers fit and sound real good. Mufflers? I want that old choppy sound. The motor comes with a good power 2 Cam that has a nice love on it... Just looking for advice on a good exhaust system that fits.
For a long tube header the most common one used would have to be Hooker 6901, fitment varies from car to car with some having problems with drivers side tube hitting pitman arm and if using a column shifter interference issues with linkage and if it is a roller block there is no hole for linkage to z bar that goes from frame to engine to bolt too so you have to get an adapter that bolts to bell housing , with power steering you will have to use a drop bracket for the ram. 2 1/2" exhaust will be enough to give good performance and sound, a little tight getting exhaust to come out the back. Mufflers are a personal sound thing but Magnaflow sound good but you cant beat good ole glass packs for the sounds of yesteryear just have to change them often. For a car alarm setting off experience get some purple hornies and bolt them straight to your headers.
