Dear Fellow Maverick Owners, I don't post too much on here, but I've got some news. I'll be heading to college next fall (August 2006) and I'll be taking my Maverick with me. I currently have the original I6, 200 ci engine. I'll have some graduation money plus the help of my parents before I take off to college so I figured I would invest that into the car. I'm going to be living in Downtown Denver and if any of you are familiar with downtown you know that it's a rough driving area for a poor little maverick that seriously lacks power. The handling on my car is pretty bad; it's not much of a smooth ride and I don't have power steering. I also don't have a/c or heat, but I don't really mind that. My car lacks power as I said, and it's pretty embarassing. I hate driving around with people on my tail cause my car can't accelerate like new cars these days. Now I love my Maverick dearly and I do realize I could sell it and just get a more college kid friendly car. But you have to realize I've put a lot into it and it's just a great car with a wonderful personality. I don't expect my car to be like a new one, but I just would like some general advice on how to make it ride a little better for the next four years. Alright, so here's what I would like to do. -Increase the car's power while at the same time making it a little more efficient on gas consumption.. (if that's even possible?) -Make it a smoother ride. That's basically it. I also don't really have any mechanical skills and my dad doesn't have real advanced skills either. So I would more than likely have to take it in somewhere to have the work done. I'm also in desperate need of some rims, but those can wait. Right now I need to just get my car operating a little better because it's got to last for these upcoming years in college. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. ~kara
If I were in your position, I would drop a rebuilt 250 in there. My 31 year old 250 with 98,500 miles on it keeps up just fine in Atlanta Traffic which is just as bad or worse then anywhere else. You would have to change the engine mounts, bell housing and torque converter, but other then that it should be a fairly straight forward swap. Also, if acceleration is more important then driving for long periods on the interstate, you may want to consider putting a better rear gear in. I'm glad to see someone finnaly make a post like this though. Seen to many of these cars getting sold off lately because of people going away to school and stuff.
Jamie has some good ideas. However, (face now cringes)....if you are on a shoe string budget consider the following; 1. Keep stock engine but dump some Restore in the next oil change. It may help raise compression a little (light'en up, I've seen it work a little in tired engines). 2. Bump up timing a little (as long as you don't get any detonation/pinging). 3. Drop in a cotton gauze air filter (K&N, Air Hog, Jeg's/Summit generic, etc.) 4. Run a little higher pressure in tires 35-36 psi (make sure you have radials). 5. Make sure everything is in tune (pot calibration, wires, dist, plugs). 6. If the handling still feels crappy, try some Addco anti-sway bars. 7. Replace heater core for those nasty winters. Just a few ideas to possibly hold you over until you can do more mods.
Make NO Apologies!!! So its slow.....Its in no hurry, it has character. I have a 71 with a 170 which is grossely underpowered. I dont care, I love driving it. The slower it goes, just gives the people behind me more time to admire it!!!
I must be underestimateing how weak the 170/200 is compared to the 250. I'm usually the one doing the passing... I've yet to drive a 170/200 powered car but I will be soon probably. Found another Mav with one and I'm probably going to buy it. That engine restore you can buy at Wal-Mart in the chrome looking can does work wonders.
Haha I know! I love driving my car as well. I always get lots of people staring at it and even giving me compliments. But even on some streets here in town I get so annoyed when I can't get my car up and going. I mean, who wants to have a slow car? I don't need anything fast because I'm not into speed or racing by all means, but I just want it to be able to keep up in traffic. I mean heck, even when I have people on my tail sometimes I'll drive even slower!
