460 1972 Comet GT

Discussion in 'Maverick/Comet Projects' started by Trojan, Mar 13, 2019.

  1. Trojan

    Trojan Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2012
    Messages:
    86
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    25
    Location:
    Bakersfield California
    Vehicle:
    1972 Mercury Comet
    Good Evening all,

    So yep, I'm "working" on a 460 swap comet GT. Have had this car for years. used to be a 302/C4 car that I drove daily from 2011-2016. Always had something come up, break down, etc but I loved putting in the work and having something to tinker with. About 2016 it overheated due to 110-120 degree weather, slow stop and go traffic on the way to work. Found a Mustang II front end for cheap, said why not. Shortly after getting the old drivetrain out and the new suspension in, I shipped out to boot, and have been out of the states since.

    Finally heading back to California and I'm ready to get her running again. Been hoarding parts in the family garage, so I'm somewhat close,still need a bunch. Decided to bite the bullet and let Pops start the work so it'll run shortly after I get back to the states. Here's what I've got, what I still need, and some progress pictures. Any input or experiences with similar swaps would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you have parts I may need, I'm always lookin.

    Already owned/worked
    -460(used, pulled from running truck who pulled from an RV. Has mild cam from what I remember.)
    -stage 2 c6(new, will need trans tunnel bashed or cut)
    -mustang II front(OEM out of M2 or Pinto. Cut, extended)
    -Shock towers gone, panels welded in
    -manual rack(new)
    -x2 extended outer tie rod ends
    -5 lug disks
    -4oolb springs
    -new shocks
    -tubular motor mount
    -2 inch drop transmission crossmember
    -transmission cushion
    -subframe connecters(bolt/weld)
    -c6 cable shifter(custom)
    -Trans oil cooler
    -750cfm carb(new)
    -bbf headers(rando,used)
    -slapper bars(universal)

    need
    -driveshaft(custom)
    -monte carlo bar(poss. fab)
    -firewall/shock tower braces(poss. fab)
    -fender/rad support braces(68 Camaro,modify to fit)
    -dizzy/coil/box
    -alternator
    -starter
    -flexplate
    -steering shaft/U Joints
    -aluminum rad/fan
    -trunk mount battery kit
    -mechanical/electric fuel pump
    -Aluminum intake
    strut rod brackets
    brake lines



    1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg 4.jpg 5.jpg 6.jpg 0.jpg 7.jpg
     
  2. Miguel Arzola

    Miguel Arzola Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2015
    Messages:
    302
    Likes Received:
    425
    Trophy Points:
    152
    Location:
    Long Beach Ca.
    Vehicle:
    1975 maverick Grabber
    Good luck in your project, keep the good spirit
     
    Trojan likes this.
  3. Trojan

    Trojan Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2012
    Messages:
    86
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    25
    Location:
    Bakersfield California
    Vehicle:
    1972 Mercury Comet
  4. greasemonkey

    greasemonkey Burnin corn

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2005
    Messages:
    2,401
    Likes Received:
    203
    Trophy Points:
    208
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Sedalia,MO
    Vehicle:
    1973 ford maverick Grabber,2017 dodge ram,88t-bird,indian scout,Indian Chieftain.95 Mustang GT
    Looks like you have a good plan and most of the parts. But, my personal opinion is that I'd ditch that c6 for a good c4. Nice Comet to.
     
    Trojan likes this.
  5. Trojan

    Trojan Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2012
    Messages:
    86
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    25
    Location:
    Bakersfield California
    Vehicle:
    1972 Mercury Comet
    Been a while but here's some updates for anyone following.

    Picking up a set of Dove heads this month, gonna port/polish em shortly after. Will have pics once I got em. Any idea whether it's worth doing the job at home or sending off?

    Have an edelbrock performer RPM intake now.

    Found a local 9 inch rear outta a 57-58 ford, 57 5/8" wide,perches 42 3/4". Gonna reach out and see what they want for it tomorrow.

    Slow progress but progress is progress
     
  6. Jaybee

    Jaybee Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2019
    Messages:
    430
    Likes Received:
    206
    Trophy Points:
    117
    Location:
    Hampton Roads, VA
    Vehicle:
    1974 Maverick
    Thanks for the update, I'm excited to see how this goes together. When finished it'll be a beast.
     
    Trojan likes this.
  7. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,250
    Likes Received:
    818
    Trophy Points:
    498
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    Do you plan to notch/modify shock towers? I've seen one
    Comet/Maverick w/ FE motor; as I recall he did not have any mod's to the towers. If I hadn't seen that car -- would not have thought that motor fit in these cars w/o tower mods. The car was at the MCCI Roundup a few years ago in Dayton, OH. and was bought new by owner.
     

    Attached Files:

  8. mn67

    mn67 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2017
    Messages:
    80
    Likes Received:
    30
    Trophy Points:
    45
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Great white north
    Vehicle:
    1971 Maverick

    Not sure what they did but those towers have been moved. I am finishing up my FE/Maverick build and the valve covers are 2 inches wider that the towers. I have seen pics of that car before and it is very well executed. I started mine thinking it would shoe horn in like that.

    Best of luck on the 460 build looks great so far. Keep us updated.
     
  9. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2009
    Messages:
    4,124
    Likes Received:
    1,154
    Trophy Points:
    523
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Kennewick, WA
    Vehicle:
    1971 Maverick Grabber
    Whatever they did to make that happen they did it right, from that picture I can't pick it out.
     
  10. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,561
    Likes Received:
    2,319
    Trophy Points:
    531
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chesapeake VA
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT clone 306 . 1969 Fairlane Cobra 428CJ 1988 T-Bird awaiting 331 ..
    A 460 is even wider than 428.

    That's the reason the '70 Mustang Cobra Jet was a 428, while '70 Torino CJ used 429. No I ain't talking 'bout Boss motors.
     
  11. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,250
    Likes Received:
    818
    Trophy Points:
    498
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    The owner told me he had not modified the towers for the 427 -- I looked at it a lot, couldn't see where he had modified them. If he did, it was a most masterful job. Could be the combination of heads and valve covers may allow one setup to fit and another not fit.
     
  12. stumanchu

    stumanchu Stuart

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2016
    Messages:
    1,375
    Likes Received:
    556
    Trophy Points:
    338
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    74 comet, 70 Olsen step van, 2005 Scion xB
    Nice Comet. That is a lot of engine to put in there. You will have enough torque for two cars!
     
  13. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2009
    Messages:
    4,124
    Likes Received:
    1,154
    Trophy Points:
    523
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Kennewick, WA
    Vehicle:
    1971 Maverick Grabber
    Wish I could see it in person, looking at dimensions it just doesn't seem possible. Now saying it isn't, just seems too big to fit.

    [​IMG]
     
    Hotrock and Krazy Comet like this.
  14. Hotrock

    Hotrock Rick, an MCCI Member Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2012
    Messages:
    1,467
    Likes Received:
    713
    Trophy Points:
    313
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Munroe Falls, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    1972 Mercury Comet, 1997 Mustang Cobra, 2019 Ford Edge ST
    Those are great diagrams!!! Of course the 302 is narrower and lower than the 351W and considering the angle of the exhaust ports on the FE facing more downward it just might fit in a Maverick or Comet without shock tower modifications.

    BTW I've seen the FE Comet in question twice and have talked to the owner twice. As Everett states according to the owner/builder no shock tower modification were performed.
     
    mojo likes this.
  15. Trojan

    Trojan Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2012
    Messages:
    86
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    25
    Location:
    Bakersfield California
    Vehicle:
    1972 Mercury Comet
    The shock towers are gone. Has a mustang II set welded in.

    Grabbing the rear end in about two weeks, doesn't have a pumpkin, but I nabbed one this weekend out of a van at a local pull yard. Think its 3.50 geared but I'll have to count teeth to make sure.

    Here's some pictures of the heads

    2004.jpeg 2006.jpeg
     
    mojo likes this.

Share This Page