I was wondering about some general prices for some things... A late model 302 5.0 HO... when looking around online I can only seem to find new ones so I dunno about used.... where would I even look for a local used one? It's not like I can pick up a used engines mag from the store (although Autotrader sometimes has a few random parts listed). And what would some of you charge a fellow maverick lover to do the 6 to late modle 302 swap? Either from a 200 or 250... I coulden't personally do (no experience) it but I know a few people who may be able to... Edit - After reading this page... http://www.geocities.com/cping3/late302.html It sounds like he is talking about a 5.0 that is carbed... what about EFI?
Start checking the local boneyards.I found a '97 explorer 5.0 complete from intakes to oilpan for $350.It had 156,000 miles on it but still was gauranteed to run.Put on a carb,change the cam and i'd be good to go.I got a complete 5.0 roller engine(disassembled)given to me,the crank is junk and some of the roller lifter keepers are missing,but the block is good,rods & TRW pistons are good too.Your best bet though is probably an Explorer motor because they're the newest ones,might find a lower mileage example for around $600-$800,depending where you're at.
I am still wondering... why switch over to carb when it stock has 225hp and gets decent MPG? (I dunno about the explorer ones but I know the 5.0 from mustangs are good...)
Because fuel injected motors need a LOT of things to work. Computers, wiring harnesses, modified fuel tanks and pumps, etc. You can save a lot of money bt running a carb.
In my humble opinion get yourself a car first that runs and can be driven around town. then get your nose into the books and read,read, read. start going to car shows and meeting fellow maverick nuts. dont be in a hurry to start swapping parts... start working with friends who have any kind of car but dont let them talk you out of your mav.working on any kind of old cars will get you the needed expierance as the ideas are the same ,just different kind car. most important is to have fun with your car no matter weather it is a 6 or 8 and flashy paint or faded paint. if you dismantal the car and it takes too long to get back together it then cause some people to become discuraged and they end up selling the BASKET case.HAVE fun with this car hobby. RON
out the crapper older cars don't always get good mileage. It depends on weather you wear skin diving boots or not. a lead foot equals poor gas milage. drive the car and have fun. don't worry about the mileage.
look for cheap 87-92 Mustang 5.0's They are plentiful, have roller cams, and forged pistons. According to many sources, there is a good chance that an 100-150,000 mile undisturbed example (not overhauled yet) will either take some abuse as is or you can do a cheap "bearings and rings job" on the stock bottom end and then flog it. SUPPOSEDLY the amount of wear over 100,000 miles that the stock TRW forged pistons accrue, and the wear in the bores, CAN be very reasonable. I bought one out of a wrecked 91 convertible at a Pic 'n Pull type yard on a half price day for $62.99. Worth the $ even for a decent core. I will soon see if the above info is corrrect.
Yea,gas milage sucks with a carb.My stock 2bbl 302 '73 grabber got 18 around town and 25 out on the big road.My stock '91 5.0 AOD mustang got 22 around town-27 hwy.Not that big of a difference,especially with all the wiring,fuel system upgrades,etc that FI brings with it.'Course that's my opinion,you don't have to make it yours.
My rules for entering the car hobby 1. Buy car 2. Make sure car is safe to operate 3. Begin to modify car by doing very small things that can be done in an afternoon. After all, the car will have to get us to work the next day. 4. Read, read, read and read some more. Whether it's Hot Rod magazine or studying a Summit catalogue. Your ideas will grow from this. 5. Listen, listen, listen to what the people you admire and trust have to say on a certain project, and how it is approached. 6. Help, help, help, others in their projects, lay under some cars, pulling tranny's, replacing U-joints, welding up exhaust. Hands on involvment is still priceless. 7. Be realistic with your goal, I dont really know anyone who built a prize in their first attempt. I know quite a few who have built killer cars on their 5th or 6th try. As your knowledge, skill, finances and use of good tools grows, so does the quality of the project. 8. Be true to yourself, know your limits, but never stop your search for knowledge and when to say, I can't do this........yet. 9. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. You are capable of learning and growing all your life. 10. Be patient,, this might be why you see so many unfinished basket cases. You are not going to build a car like the guys on tv,,,,,,yet. Have goals, realistic goals can aid in patience. If you dont meet a goal, maybe it was due to problems that were unforseen. That last sentence packs a big punch. This is really my philosophy on this hobby we love, it aids me in times of disgust, and invigorates me in times of laziness. If you are a real car person, all of the above exists in you. It is up to you. Dan
