"Cheap" (inexpensive) Performance Upgrades

Great site Bryant. Not sure how far I will go with the Maverick...as I stated and many of you know the car (previous owner - Chuck - Maverick Connection). She is absolutely great the way she sits...I'm simply putting my "finger prints" on her. Had the windows tinted, considering a "Hood Stripe" and some engine upgrades. I'm not sure how far I want to go, again she is a "Wash/Wax/Cruise" car and at this point in my life I like that. I've done my share of rebuilds, swaps and so on....so somewhat limiting my actions now. If the weather stays nice probably won't begin any engine work until the end of the season....but some quick, simple (nothing is simple) upgrades are always a weekend consideration. As for the "Hood Stripe", here is where I can start a "New Post" for consideration. Keep in mind, this is a 4 door 75 "Police Interceptor" (clone) Maverick....a real "Hey What Is That" ride...she has a Comet GT side stripe with the "INTERCEPTOR" cut out of the side on the rear. I was thinking of two "Hood Stripe" options.

1. Go with the Maverick Grabber "wrap around" hood stripe but instead of the GRABBER cut out of it, have INTERCPETOR cut out, or

2. Go with the Comet GT Hood Stripe look, double (wide) center hood stripes without the scoop.

I found a guy who has the unit to cut and apply any type I want.

Opinions ?

1. Grabber type hood stripe (ones you see on the Grabber hoods without the scoops)?
2. Comet GT type hood stripe?
3. No stripe

 

Groberts....great info on the "Higher Quality Plugs" holding their gap...I like that...that in itself is worth the extra $....thanks. As for the exhaust flow, currently she is handling a semi-dual setup (has manual cut outs coming out each side) on it with a single Warlock muffler....sounds nice and seems to flow good, may do the header and or simply dual exhaust out the back.

 

Sharp black ford.....

 

You can start another thread with a "poll" in it, but I would vote no hood stripe.

 

Very well and I was hoping I wouldn't get any "No Stripe" votes....I kicked it around and I somewhat agree with you simply on the quality of the paint......but....after talking with the stripe guy he said hey if after a while you don't like the stripe he can remove it simply with a heat gun and he said the paint (if quality paint) can be brought right back to the original shine...so we will see. Thanks and the new post will be posted.

 

I'm in the same boat. I have a low miles 75 Comet with a 302. I'm using the engine and C4 in another project since it runs so good. These smog motors aren't really great performers but I'm going to do some minor upgrades to get a little more power.

 

Exactly. It's the stock motor, don't want to change that. I'm not attempting to build a "drag" car, simply a (somewhat stock) modified 1975 Ford Maverick 302....not intended for racing or setting any times....just sounding good, looking good and a little more "punch". I understand the thought behind building up as much as you can, but in the case.....simply a "top end" upgrade. Thanks for your input...hey, check out my other post titled "Poll - Strip or No Stripe" and let me know your opinion...again thanks.

 

Try this thread too for cam info. Some good suggetions for cams for otherwise stock 302s with slight mods.

http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=92234&highlight=cam

 

For the money and time of putting heads on the 75 302 itd be cheaper and easier to swap in a post 86 5.0.