Looking to get an idea of how cramped the engine compartment would be WITHOUT cutting shock towers. If anyone has any pics or info that would be great.
its not as bad as you'd think it'd be...but dont plan on changing plugs within the better part of 45 minutes! Chopped towers make it "easier". Wish I had a digi-cam...
The Mav I saw with a 351 had shaved towers. It looked like he had just about the same clearance to change the spark plugs as I do with a stock 302 and stock towers. I couldn't imagine not shaving the towers. I talked with him, and he has a good set of swivel ratchets and sockets. When I asked if the plugs were easy to change, he just gave an upset look.
You might just consider keeping your 302. The weight to power ratio of a maverick with a 302 is pretty nice anyway. I am proud of mine.
I think David has a good point. The 302 can be a monster engine especially for a small car like the Mav or Comet. My original 302 was okay, but worn out, so I threw in a 5.0 from a wrecked late model Mustang. I changed it to carb with an aluminum intake, but that was it. I threw headers and exhaust on it, and fired it up. Personally I like my roller engine better than the original 302. It runs great, has alot more ponies than what it had stock, and it is actually a little scarey. I also rebuilt the C4 and threw a shift kit in it. My next upgrade will have to be a Posi because it needs the power going to both wheels. This is just a stock late model 5.0. Imagine if you put the money from buying a 351 and cutting the towers into a 302. I think you could get a lot more bang for the buck, and you wouldn't have to spend an hour changing spark plugs. Don't get me wrong, a 351 would be a great mod if that's what you want, but a 302 or 5.0 would plenty of power for a street car, and even a strip car if built right. Good luck, and let us know what you decide! -Corbin
I've seen some pretty mean 302's in my time, you could always buy a blower kit and daul holley 4 barrels to sit on top..personally, I'm going with something different, a turbocharged 250..
351W Well I have committed my soul to the 351W I pick it up on Friday. It is being rehoned and hot dipped. as far as the money goes to do the shock towers I married into a family of welders and mechanics. DONT GET ME WRONG..I will turn my own wrench but something about the torch gun scares me so I will let them do that part. When I finally get this whole learning experience down I should have a mean lil firecracker under me. I am hoping so anyway!! At the very least I will have some good stories! and who really is an hour THAT bad for spark plugs?!? I have little girl hands...should take half the time! lil me
Turbocharged 250 Now that will be something to see!! Was at MIR this past weekend...4 cylinder turning high8's low 9's quite impressive and very sophisticated motor!
you could alwqays get real complicated...i remember once a guy who had a nova with a 454 and the headers woven through the fender wells...now, i didn't ask how he did it..but it was REALLY nifty lookin....but yeah..project turbo 250 will cost several hundred more then i had originally planned..so, its gonna get up and running march or april of next year...