v8 swap

Discussion in 'Technical' started by texas_maverick, Apr 29, 2009.

  1. texas_maverick

    texas_maverick Member

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    i would like to put a v8 in my 71 maverick that originaly has a 200. i was told i would have to beef up my front end to support it. what all does that entail?
     
  2. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    Basically the only thing needed is the belly bar. There are a few other things you need like frame mounts and motor mounts, double hump tranny crossmember. Go to the search function on here and type in v8 swap and a lot of stuff will come up.:)
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2009
  3. veetwelve

    veetwelve Member

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  4. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    As Don mentioned, V8 Mav frame mounts and motor mounts, or do like I did and just bolt 66 Mustang motor mounts to the frame horns with a 3/4" spacer between the mounts and the engine block. I haven't used a belly bar in the 35 years since I did the swap but if you get one it certainly wouldn't hurt. Auto or manual transmission? There will be some items needed there. Larger radiator is needed. The front end will sit lower due to addded weight, may be a problem depending what wheels/tires you're running. The front end suspension parts are the same for I6 or V8 except my 70 had a really small anti-sway bar, I replaced with one from a Grabber. What rear end is in your car?
     
  5. brainsboy

    brainsboy Member

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    I believe that V8 front springs are different from 6 because there are two different part numbers for them when I ordered my springs.
     
  6. texas_maverick

    texas_maverick Member

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    dont know the rear end its a 4 lug. i have moter mounts and auto tranny. some fab needed since it has a c4 in it. will miss the I6 at the pump but im a v8 kinda guy
     
  7. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    Yeah, the springs are different but some who do the swap, myself included, keep the softer riding 6-cylinder springs. Does the rear have a removeable cover on the back or is it solid? If solid it's an 8 inch and will hold up to a mild V8.
     
  8. texas_maverick

    texas_maverick Member

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    not mild lol, came hot out of factory. so will need new rear end
     
  9. AllRoundCarGuy

    AllRoundCarGuy Member

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    Curious about the belly bar. One what is it and I plan on putting a high horsepower engine about 700 into my 70 maverick and I'm wondering if I need something like this to stiffen up the front end.
     
  10. blugene

    blugene Senior member Supporting Member

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    700!? HP!?:yikes: You will need all kindsa stuff.
     
  11. AllRoundCarGuy

    AllRoundCarGuy Member

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    I have another question about motor plates I will need to put solid mounts in this car and curious if Ill need a motor plate mount or chains or anything so I dont rip the engine mounts off the car. Also could I use a stock belly bar.
     

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