I'd recommend doing searches using the search function at the top right corner of this page. Start with "headers" and you'll get a feel about the challenges of getting headers to fit a Maverick. Then move on to the other topics. It's hours of informative reading. MD
Just checked the California emissions regs and 1975 and earlier gasoline powered vehicles are except from testing. Since this one is a 77, looks like it has to be inspected. Also looked for certification for carbs and found the Edelbrock 600 series carb was approved for GM applications to 82 but no mention of approval on Fords. Anyone from California have this beat (legally)? MD
1.) Check the brakes - don't take anyone's word -- If pwr brakes -- should not hv to stomp pedal. Manual brakes take a lot more effort - not like today's cars. Check master cylinder fluid be mostly clear, make sure it's not leaking on the firewall and on the inside floorboard. 2.) License plate fits high up in the valance, if it's in the same place as 73's, I am not sure. But, I don't think anything in the rear of the car should scrape going up a driveway w/o any rear passengers. 3.) On the issue of springs - not all springs ride like tanks; just have to be selective on the spring rates. Most cars 40+ yrs old probably need spring replacement. You should post some pictures so you can get some input from members of this forum who have extensive knowledge and experience with these cars. Believe Me -- will save you a lot of time, money and grief...
I don't have to stomp the brakes to stop but I've had to when people pull out and don't see me, and in the few times I've had to stomp on them they've always been good but I'll check them out and the fluids too, and for my the lowest part of my car is the license plate, about half of it hangs below the bumper, and the frame of it is even lower, and the springs are old and we replaced the ones on my brothers 66 Mustang so maybe I'll get the same ones he got, because he likes them, so I'll ask him about that. I'll be gone in the mountains over this weekend but I'll try to post a picture of the back and the leaf springs
So I'm back from the mountains, and I've read all the threads on here about headers and it seems like their a huge hassle. But hopefully the short Hedmans will work well, because it seemed like they caused the least problems. As far as safety, I'm going to have my friend check it out because he is a mechanic, I'm going to have my brother check stuff because he knows more than I do, and just to be safe I'll take it to the place where I got it aligned for them to check the brakes and whatnot. I have a list of things I'm going to eventually buy after saving up some money. https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/fms-m-4209-88355/overview/ Hopefully these are correct, if not I'll find others http://www.ebay.com/itm/EDELBROCK-1...ash=item237dc50cf5:g:klUAAOSwB-1Yn9CQ&vxp=mtr if someone could tell me if this is good I'd appreciate it, it was recommended but I don't know exactly if this is the one. https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/wnd-8020wnd I was told this would help me out a bit https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/hed-88400/questionsanswers/ And hopefully these headers go one easily. I'm also going to buy a performance Catalytic Converter because my friend is selling them for cheaper and they have similar specs to the ones I've seen, and just because if I don't need to use it I'll sell it online probably. Thanks to everyone on here for helping me, and I'd still love any suggestions about these or other parts that might be better. If anything on here won't fit please tell me and guide me to some other part that would. I'm also probably going to get new leaf springs since the ones I have are a bit too low and they have a lot of surface rust, and probably should be replaced. I'm also going to take of the Impact Bumpers on the back but perhaps not the front, we'll see how it goes. Any other recommendations would be very helpful, and thank you.
That gear is for a 8.8. From factory mavericks only came with 8". Also this intake will work also and is just as good plus it has the rear water cross over. I have known a few people who have used this one with out issues. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBF-Small-B...former-Aluminum-Intake-Manifold-/390721619509 It's also a bit cheaper. That carb is going to need a rebuild and will cost extra money. It will be cheaper to go to a local carburetor shop and buy a used rebuilt one. But that is a good carb for a 302.
Oh ok, thank you! I'll look for a Carb shop, and if I can't find one I'll probably just buy it new any have one installed. Is this Gear good? https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-740801/overview/
Are there any local car/swap meets in your area? If so that is the best place to find stuff like that. Also on the carb make sure someone experienced with them tunes it for you.
There aren't any swap meets around me that are car specific, just general swap meets, although I'll see, and we have a few friends at an auto shop who I'm sure can tune it well, but I'll get a few opinions on it.
You are in cali correct? There are several members on this board that are from there. You might be able to get help from some of them. You generally collect a variety of parts for cars over the years...lol.
Yes I'm in Southern California, I've seen a few members in Northern California but I'll try to find some people on here. Thanks for your help!
So, after looking at my options, I'm torn between what to get. I don't think I'm going to be able to get a good carb because of the strict California Emission laws, and the Catalytic Converter is also hard to obtain due to California Laws. I believe I'm going to go with an Edelbrock 1405 because its the performance one, and then I'll go with the SBF Small Block Ford 302 347 5.0L Dual Plane Performer Aluminum Intake Manifold as long as it'll fit well on the Maverick. I can also get the Edelbrock 1405 for $190 if I get a re-manufactured one. So first I'm going to buy the 3.55:1 8 inch Gear and I'll have that installed. Then I'll get the Hedman 88400 headers and have those put in. Then I'll save up for some Leaf Springs (Not sure which ones to get). Then I'll try to get a good Catalytic Converter, the Edelbrock 1405, and the SBF Intake, and get those on. This will definitely take some time, but I believe this is what I'll be doing to it in the next half a year to a year. Here's the links to all the parts http://www.nationalcarburetors.com/performance/edelbrock-600.aspx http://www.ebay.com/itm/SBF-Small-B...former-Aluminum-Intake-Manifold-/390721619509 https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-740801/overview/ https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/hed-88400/questionsanswers/ http://m.autoanything.com/exhaust-mufflers/61A7242A0A0.aspx
