Heres Maverickman's 75 Maverick look what it can look like with a nice buff/wax job and a set of mags.
my 71 used to handle like a slug too until i got the polygraphite kit from P.S.T. installed. also put kyb gas shocks on all corners. now does corners at 60 as flat as any new car. i agree with the post that you can make these cars handle well without replacing the whole front end. grocery getters--- originally. retro hot rod---definately. you would not believe the comments at the shows. just ask a few of the guys on this board. you are now cutting edge:bananaman whatever you do keep everyone posted. good luck
You can have handling and fuel injection on your Maverick. It just takes a little more work since you will have to install things that were mostly never intended for the Mav. For handling, I installed a TCP coilover kit(http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/coil.html). Although it was designed for Mustangs and Cougars, all of the parts interchange except for the strut rods. I also installed a 7/8" sway bar in the front and a 3/4" sway bar in the back. Here is a pic of the suspension as I was building my Mav last year: http://www.maverickcomet.com/ProjMav/sm6_9_03/smDSCF0002.jpg Definitely not the cheapest option, but everything bolts on, and I think it is a nice alternative to a full blown rack-and-pinion conversion. I have successfully converted my Mav to EFI as have many others. It can be kinda tricky, but can definitely be done and there are lots of us here around to help if needed. I have also done a lot of other whacky mods..power windows, power locks, keyless entry, automatic headlights, rear discs...Mavs do not have to be boring! Don't give up on 'er just yet!
Maverick Man - isn't that the same color as that non running car you detailed? Just kidding. That color really looks pretty good when it is spit polished and shines. Cleaver
Ive had this car since late march of this year and it barely had 66,000 miles on it. I drive it everyday and it still only has less than 67.000 miles on it. If I were to keep it I would have to convert it to a roller motor with latemodel 87-93 fuel injection, but probly end up making it a mass air car. Im 100% fluent with latemodel stangs so all the wiring I can do. Ive even built fuel injection wiring harnesses for Texas Mustang for a while. Id want to put an 8.8 rear form a 94 up stang for the 5 lug disc brakes and posi. Definitely run latemodel wheels, (probly 01up bullets) I hate this single groove belt so the serpentine setup would have to be used. I wonder if a 5.0 power steering pump will work with the maverick steering stuff. I looked at the accelerator cable and it looks to bolyt into the firewall and pop into the pedal the same. Ill probly end up keeping this car but it will have to come up to date. I have a brand new never used roller shortblock and stock heads laying around. Just need to assemble it. Texas mustang parts carries lowering springs for the front of the 64-73 stangs. does anyone know which are compatable and what bushings etc. I buy at cost there so buying is dirt cheap. and Im 3 minutes away from them.
wakywaco man you gonna give up huh? its up for sale i see. my last words of advice............ don't be a belly button
i just scored an 88 mustang gt for 400 bucks. if i dont sell the maverick ill be putting a roller motor in it, with fuel injection and all the latemodel goodies. I gotta do some research on howe to make the fuel system work with the stock fuel tank. and possibly the t5 tranny too. My cars an auto so I dont know what it needs to be a 5 speed car.
If It were me I'd use an 8 or 9 rear instead of the 8.8. You could adapt disk brakes per the article here http://www.ultrastang.com/Ultrainfo.asp?Page_ID=11 and not need C-clip eliminators. Also will bolt in. 8.8 would need to be narrowed.
On my '72 I used the vapor line as a fuel return line to the tank. The only snag I ran into is that I had to take apart the fitting on the top of the gas tank and drill it out because it was about the size of a pinhole and was causing very high fuel pressure. On my previous Mav project with EFI ( a '77), the vapor line was rusted out and I ended up running a separate line back to the sending unit, where I silver soldered a separate fitting. For a fuel pump I have an external high pressure pump mounted near the gas tank. I also had a speed density system when I started, and I successfully converted this to mass air last year.
