Yeah I thought about that but I also was thinking about keeping the numbers matched on the vehicle but not sure if that's important at this stage. It's also a 76 and I believe I have to have it smog every five years because I have historic plates on it. I'm also trying to convert the factory air conditioning from R12 to 134 and I I'm going to flush the system and then try the conversion kit that I purchased and see if that works. How do you get your 76 smog with the different motor?
Ford did not match numbers of engines to chassis. That is a GM & Chrysler thing. It wouldn't matter anyway, because a '76 Maverick will never be a "holy grail" of a collectible vehicle. You can retain all your original emission controls on the newer engine...
I thought they stamped a partial vin on the block at the rear. It is irrelevant as you said, only a select few of these cars where originality would play a factor on price.
The only designation is the year, and what line of vehicles it was assigned to (ie: Truck, Mustang, Full-size, Mid-size, etc.)...
On my 74 Comet, had partial VIN stamped on the Mexican 302 block, just behind the intake, was built in Kansas plant. David
Never heard of a Mexican block in a Maverick/Comet from the factory. Ford cast the numbers on the block behind the starter...
Yes....a partial VIN is stamped in the back of the block on a 302. A partial VIN is also stamped at the top of the transmission. There are also date codes stamped into most of the outside sheet metal parts. So yes....one can verify they have a "numbers matching" as well as date code matching Maverick. But....as stated......it might mean historical value but not monetary value.
Wow, I always heard they didn't match blocks to the V.I.N. Obviously I heard wrong. Any idea why someone would have a Mexican block in a '74 Maverick/Comet?...
I figured maybe because my 74 was made at the Kansas plant, was a shortage of USA/Canadian blocks so they used ones from their Mexican foundry? Also, my 74 was bought new from Ford dealership in New Westminster BC Canada and was "imported" from Kansas plant, has transport Canada tag........When I went to rebuild the 302, was pleasantly surprised that I had a Mexican block, with the stout Main Caps....... Merry Christmas to all, hope Santa was good to everyone! David
I would say a Mexican block was probably just a mistake that happened along the way down the assembly line. I have heard of it happening.
Dead on with that suggestion. I’m a big cubes guy myself but if I were staying with a 302 then a roller motor would be the way to go. With an aluminum intake, 600 cfm carburetor, E303 cam and some decent headers a lot of fun could be had. welcome aboard btw
