Hi gang! Anybody drop a 351W in a 73 Maverick? If you did how about some insight as to clearances and any other details you guys have to offer. Thanks a million. The car already has a stock 302 w/C-4 set up.
Are the shock towers stock or have they been modified (to accept a wider engine and bigger headers)? As you are probably aware, the 351W has a taller deck height (~1") which in turn, will require a wider area for clearances. I'm in the middle of putting a 351W mock-up in mine now. I've done the shock tower modification for a 302 block, but decided to use a 351W as well for future use - 'may require even more widening.??)
jake, i've got a 351w in my 71 maverick. it fits , but it's tight. hard to change the plugs, but not impossible. i bought the car with the engine in it and i did pull it once. the hard part about putting it back in was installing the headers. i don't know what brand they are, but some on here have talked about different headers and they can tell you more than i can. i had to remove the engine mounts to get the headers in and then reinstall the mounts. i recently acquired a 78 mustang II and plan to put the front end on to the maverick to get rid of the shock towers. i've seen it done and it sure adds a lot of room to the engine compartment. there's also some after market mfrs. that make special front ends, but they are expensive. i use the car only for drag racing. if i was going to use it on the street, i think i would stick with a 302 and stroke it a little. just my $.02. in fact if this 351w goes by the wayside i'm going to go back to a 302. good luck with your project..
Thanks alot for the insight gang. I have made no modifications to the MAVERICK since I was pondering the idea of a 351W. I think a little bit of stroked 302 will be the smart choice. Thanks again!
Does the 351W need shock tower mods? I would have thought it fit pretty good. I have put a 351C in... the worst part was headers and plugs. The rest was pure bolt in. Dave 351C in Maverick pic
Dave, I think it's a matter of what the car is going to be used for (daily driver or strip). I went with the tower mods to aloow bigger tubed headers and to provide easier access to the plugs (as they will be changed often).
the shock towers don't necessarily need to be modified for the 351w to fit, but you will expand your vocabulory a bit
Agreed, the plugs are a real pain. Is the process of boxing the towers difficult? Where can I find instructions? TIA Dave
Misread Message I think you have to make an apology to the gentleman, exspanding your vocabulary, refers to the many times you will cuss out the clearance problems of changing plugs etc. without modifying the shock towers. Chill out, try and understand the message in context first.
ratio, i'm the last one to correct anyone's etiquette on this board or any other. i was just remembering all the curse words, some i think i invented, trying to get the engine and headers back in. sorry if it sounded wrong.
Re: Misread Message Don, As suggested by Dave, I owe you an apology. I am sorry. I was not at all familiar with that term, then combine that with being a little over sensitive I went overboard. I humbly delete my assinine comments. I hope you can forgive me. Dave
Modifying Shock towers My website contains information on shock tower modifying as well as a 351 Powered Maverick and comet registry. Please take a look...
