To swap or not to swap, that is the question

So I have this dilemma, although as dilemmas go it's a pretty cool one. Some of you will remember my joining the forums a few months ago with my little red 77. Since then, with help from some of the members, I have been dutifully collecting parts for the v8/t5 swap with a hydraulic clutch. I have almost everything I need. The problem is that every other car/toy I've owned started out as a crapper. I've had no issues with tearing them apart and changing whatever. My Maverick, aside from a couple of small rust spots behind the rear wheels and very rock chipped original paint has no issues. Granted it's a base model 200 i6, 3 speed, w/o air, power brakes, or power steering. However, with 55,500 miles on it-it runs like a top, and it's fun in a quirky, three on the column, don't even think of a passing gear, sort of way. It even buzzes at me when my seatbelt is undone. I've had several people claim they'd just leave it the way it is. Ultimately I'll make my own decision, but I'd like to hear some opinions from Mav./Comet owners.

 

Swap it!

Unless your bad about getting projects back on the road after you tear into them.

 

Swap! v8/t5 and hydraulic clutch is my set up. I smile every single time I drive it.

 

Do what you want to your car. A stock 77 Maverick is pretty boring, even to a purist like me. Unless is was a super low mileage car...(less than 20,000 miles, that's low to me) Over the years, I've seen a lot of low mileage Mavericks & Comets, since they were mostly old lady cars

 

I'd leave it alone & drive it. But I'm a bit biased as I like the quirky 3 on the tree, and the 200 is cheap on gas and pretty much bulletproof. Find another car needing a driveline to do your swap with. JMO

 

Do what ur feelings and resources dictate - That's the only way u'll be satisfied. JMO.

 

do the swap :Handshake

i love my V8 t-5 mav

my swap info


http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=58050

and when i swaped it all in my 69.5 mav

http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=65916

 

I'm an I6 fan. Bulletproof, easy access to everything, and getting more and more uncommon with all the swaps going on. Got my eye on an "orphaned" built up 250 at a local Mustang restorer that will be my "swap".

Think about it, how many guys get to say "three on the tree?"

I'm into my Maverick for the 70's styling----so it goes from 0-60 by lunchtime, it's a perfect match for what I want to get out of my hobby.

 

you know i think i would leave it the way it is and find a rust free body to put the v8 and t5 in. then you would have your car that got good gas milage and the fast fun car. but in the end it is your car and you can do what ever you want.

 

I would swap it ,the car would be more valuable with a v8 swap alone.My Comet gets about 18-20 mpg in the city and about 24-26 on the highway with 3.89 gears and will run in the 12 second range at the dragstrip.Doesnt get much better than that.

 

That's pretty freaking impressive. I know it has more to do with than just the carb but just curious what carb are you running? I am betting Eldebrock??

 

+1 for the swap

 

Thanks guys. Just got back from a vacation in Gettysburg, PA and read your responses. I appreciate them. I'd love to build a fast six and spank some 5.0's (Are there any stock 5.0 mustangs left?) but then again, you can't beat the sound of an American v8 running through the gears either. Like I said kind of a fun dilemma. Thanks again.

 

Edelbrock not a chance just a plain old 650 HOLLEY DP.The car is pretty efficent most of the speed limits here are 30mph or 50mph and i'm just tip toeing the throttle.Of corse if you get hard on the pedal it will use the fuel.