Need Motor Help

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by Mikef, Jun 6, 2022.

  1. Mikef

    Mikef Member

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    I have a 1971 Maverick I am restoring. I am new to this and not much of an engine guy. Right now it has the 250. I want bigger, faster and more power. Nothing crazy. Still want a daily driver. Price will not be an issue. I am thinking a brand new crate motor. Maybe a fuel injected 302? What do you guys think? I have also heard about putting the 5.0 mustang motor in mavericks. The coyote it’s called I think. I want to have a shop do it and I want it problem free. I don’t like to tinker with the mechanical stuff. If I do a brand new modern 302 can I keep the existing rear end and trans but maybe have them rebuilt? Or am I better off doing a new motor, trans and rear end?

    Thanks guys.
     
  2. BruceS

    BruceS Member

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    Rear end should be fine if it's 5 lug, you can get another if needed. trans I would rebuild it. The bell housing will fit the V-8 but the flex plate will need changing. I'm assuming this is a C-4.

    You will also have to switch to V-8 motor mounts and frame stands
     
  3. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Without cutting chassis and many other modifications the Coyote will NOT fit in Maverick engine bay. Nor will transmission bolt up. Paying a shop(if you could find one interested) would be a HUGE money pit. Even with stockish V8 swap, unless you're willing to learn to work on & service a older vehicle, you'll soon be selling it.
     
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  4. Powerband

    Powerband Member

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    ---- 1976 Comet --- 1974 Maverick- - '61 Comet T'Bolt Six ---- 'quite a few projects ...
    ".. unless you're willing to learn to work on & service a older vehicle, you'll soon be selling it."

    ... getting that small block six in top working order until a more powerful V8 conversion is practical is a good start. Torquey 250 in good tune while working on rest of car can make for a fun driver ...

    have fun

    ... former 3OTT - ... still bench' - '74 250:

    [​IMG]
     
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  5. Mikef

    Mikef Member

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    Good information. I have the 5 lug nuts on all four wheels with disc in the front.
    Yes it is the C4 and I will have it rebuilt.
     
  6. Mikef

    Mikef Member

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    ok. So the 5.0 is out. Do you think the 302 crate motor with fuel injection and electronic ignition is a good idea with the rebuilt C4?
     
  7. Mikef

    Mikef Member

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    great advice. The 250 runs pretty good. Seems to be a great motor.
     
  8. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    Any traditional 302 base small block Ford would be an easy swap in place of the 250. If you went with an aluminum headed engine from Blueprint Engines and did one of Holley's throttle body EFI setups you would have a nice running, reliable setup with plenty of power. The Coyote swap would be a great way to go but there are a ton of modifications to fit that monster in the bay. Finding a shop to do it wouldn't be difficult, finding on to do it well might be. I have two shop near me I would have no issue taking my car to if I wanted it done in a hands off way but both would give me a bill close to or over 100k and be so nice you'd be afraid to drive it.

    Here's the Coyote in a Maverick.
    [​IMG]
     
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  9. Shorty

    Shorty Member

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    I second the Blueprint Engines comment. They offer some good choices for small block Fords.

    DSCF9167.JPG

    Bruce
     
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  10. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    5.0 roller...:thumbs2:
     

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  11. Mikef

    Mikef Member

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    ok. Great. Thank you. I will start looking into this option.
     
  12. Mikef

    Mikef Member

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  13. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    EFI would be my choice between the two.
     
  14. Shorty

    Shorty Member

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    When I bought my 347 from Blueprint Engines in 2018, I talked to them via email about swapping to a front sump pan and a timing chain cover with a dipstick in it which they had no problem providing. There was also a question about serpentine belt systems versus the v-belt water pump they supply but I suspect one could replace the pump with the correct rotation pump but don't know for sure. I'm using a Gilmer belt replacement for the stock v-belt so there was no problem there. Also, the later model roller cam blocks they use do not have provisions for mechanical clutch linkage so you would have to use a hydraulic or cable clutch linkage or an automatic.
    This engine is awesome and they are very good people with which to work.

    Bruce
     
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  15. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    I would suggest any engine you pick have the car road ready before ordering. that way if any problems you want have had it for 3-4 years sitting on a stand.
     
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