347 Install

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by Cloontang, Dec 1, 2016.

  1. Cloontang

    Cloontang Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2010
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    21
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    1974 Comet GT
    Hello,

    I am planning on swapping my 302 out for a 347 in the near future and was wondering what additional/supporting upgrades I should be looking at doing to the car?

    The car is a 74 Comet GT with a T5 and the engine should be around 400 hp.

    I'm going to switch to a hydraulic clutch setup at the same time I am doing the engine.

    I want to put in subframe connectors, is there a good kit out there that would not require cutting into the floor?

    I am not sure how much the current rear end can handle so my plan was to run it until it breaks, then go to a 9".

    Thanks
     
  2. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,456
    Likes Received:
    2,835
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    make sure it will stop...
     
  3. rotorr22

    rotorr22 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2008
    Messages:
    1,302
    Likes Received:
    259
    Trophy Points:
    211
    Location:
    Columbiana, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2018 F150 XLT/5.0, 2014 Focus 5 spd manual,1974 Maverick Grabber, 1986 Thunderbird Elan 5.0/AOD
     
  4. rotorr22

    rotorr22 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2008
    Messages:
    1,302
    Likes Received:
    259
    Trophy Points:
    211
    Location:
    Columbiana, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2018 F150 XLT/5.0, 2014 Focus 5 spd manual,1974 Maverick Grabber, 1986 Thunderbird Elan 5.0/AOD
    "You" will be the deciding factor between the 8" and stock T5 living or dying with a 347. You already realize both are marginal in this application.

    I used Chassis Engineering subframe connectors on my 74 Maverick and they fit well with a little trimming.
     
    Cloontang likes this.
  5. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,671
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    288
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    70 Mav. 74 Comet
    Hey Cloontang:
    You should be okay with the 8" incher as long as you don't run ' Slicks ' . If you're going for a neat-street version with a 347 stay with a good street tire. These cars don't weigh much and that helps out . We're running 3:55's on a few cars here with Trac-Lok and a Currie Setup and they seem to hold up well. Just my opinion.
    Cometized
    (Chip)
     
    Cloontang and 71gold like this.
  6. Cloontang

    Cloontang Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2010
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    21
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    1974 Comet GT
    Car has disc brakes on the front already.
     
  7. Cloontang

    Cloontang Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2010
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    21
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    1974 Comet GT
    Ok thanks, I'll look in to them.

    Transmission is a TKO500 with less than 10,000 miles on it so it better hold up! haha
     
  8. Cloontang

    Cloontang Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2010
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    21
    Location:
    Chandler Arizona
    Vehicle:
    1974 Comet GT
    That's good news I was under the impression that the 8" would be a major weak point. I am not planning on running slicks either. What is involved with getting the Trac-Lok and Currie Setup? Is it just different internals with the same axles and everything else?
     
  9. z28th1s

    z28th1s MCCI State Rep Coordinator

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2007
    Messages:
    2,334
    Likes Received:
    562
    Trophy Points:
    387
    Garage:
    2
    Location:
    Lynchburg, VA
    Vehicle:
    '72 Maverick Grabber, '75 Comet GT, '70 Maverick (Grabber tribute)
    Yes, the TKO500 is MUCH better than a stock T5!

    I've had two of those and one TKO 600 in 10 second 1/4 mile Foxbodies and they held up very well!
     
  10. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,456
    Likes Received:
    2,835
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    I bent two driver side axles in my 8" with my 347. they were bent on street tires.
    I have Strange axles now w/Detroit locker and 3:55 gears, small maverick drive shaft.
    :drive:...:chirp:
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2016
  11. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,671
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    288
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    70 Mav. 74 Comet
    You must have ' hooked-up ' pretty good ! Did you have the ' locker ' in place when you bent them ? Or did you add that later on ?
    Chip
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2016
  12. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2007
    Messages:
    4,166
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    297
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Minneapolis, MN
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT
    The pinions are the weakest points on these rearends. As the ratio increase it becomes way too thin. Put a set of sticky tires under decent power with a clutch drop and pop goes the weasel.

    Otherwise I've seen them living in street cars with more than 500 horsepower. Longevity all comes down to how hard.. and how abruptly(this shock is what most often breaks them).. you are transferring the energy to the pavement.
     
    Cloontang likes this.
  13. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,671
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    288
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    70 Mav. 74 Comet
    A lot depends on how you ' intend ' to DRIVE it ! If you burn out at every stop-light then I would say go for the
    NINE INCH .. If you drive it normally ( get on it now and then ) you should be OK with the 8" incher. At any rate
    GOOD LUCK with your launchings !
    Cometized
    (Chip)
     
    M.A.V. and Cloontang like this.
  14. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2007
    Messages:
    4,166
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    297
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Minneapolis, MN
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT
    Burnouts are no problemo. It's when the tires quit spinning that you have to start worrying more. I've tested and ridden in test cars many tests through the test years. Sometimes it seems like my whole life has been one big long test. I know I've bought well past my fair share of rear tires. lol
     
    Cloontang likes this.
  15. 7D2 Grabber

    7D2 Grabber Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
    Messages:
    999
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Location:
    Northern CA, Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT, 1967 F100 short bed, 2008 Z06
    I don't think the TKO will fit with out clearance from the tunnel. Another option for the rear is an 8.8 from an explorer. You will just need to take a couple inches off from one side to center it. They come with disc, limited slip and are 31 spline. Junkyards are plentiful and should be 3-400.
     
    Cloontang likes this.

Share This Page