Engine Consideration For A 1974 Maverick 363?

363 is expensive to build compared to a 347 for an extra 16 cubic inches. I had two stock block 347's w/150 shots of nitrous and a T5Z. One I got stupid with the nitrous and the other spun the rear rod bearings after many miles of abuse. The tires would spin before anything in the driveline broke. As others mentioned, Blue Print builds some nice engines for the money. If you have the tools you can build a nice one yourself. A couple years ago I put together a stock block 347 for a friend's '66 Mustang. Probe forged pistons and rods, Scat crank, Comp XE274 roller cam, AFR185 Renegade heads, Scorpion rockers, Edelbrock RPM intake, 670 Holley. Made 420 hp (forget the torque) for less than $4000.

 

and with any build you have $2,500-$3,000 in extras.
fuel pump, water pump, hoses, belts, fan (s), dist., plug wires/plugs, radiator, alt, starter, up grade transmission, converter, flexplate, spacer plate, U-joints, rear gear, tires, upgrade exhaust (headers), ets, ets.
and don't forget...higer grade fuel...if you raise the compression......

 

the list of upgrades can go on and on and on and on it seems when you get started especially if youre trying to stay in a particular budget.
when deciding to build my 363 I was all in I dont care what it cost I WANT IT well $13k later I still need a fuel system pulleys valve covers water pump +++++ so yeah now it seems like theres a PILE of parts I still need lol

grab something turn key it will be so much easier and everything is already there no figuring out oh crap I forgot I still need to get a thermostat or some little thing like that
good luck with your build keep us posted

 

331 makes a LOT more power.

 

Lets not forget another 2-3 grand to upgrade the brakes, transmission and rearend

 

I probably will be running a c4 Cruis A Matic, wanted to do the C6 but from what I was told the C6 is a bit hefty to run for a Trans on the Maverick. Not sure, besides wanted a floor shifter instead of a column shifter for the car. It's more for Daily Drive fun.

 

As far as build goes? Thought about an 8.8 Rear Axle. Might go for Helper Leaf Springs to give it some rear lift. I have heard for steering control arms that you can use the ones off of 1967 or 1969 Ford Mustangs.

 

C6 may be a little hefty and may require some mod's to the tunnel! My opinion, C4 better option.

 

You'd probably have to modify the trans tunnel and/or cross member for a C6, plus a shorter drive shaft, BUT you'd never break it.

Disc brake steering arms(spindles) are basically same for all '68-'71 intermediates(Fairlane, Torino, Ranchero, Cyclone etc) & '68- '73 Mustang/Cougar. Pre '70 does use slightly smaller tie rod pins & wheel bearings. I have '69 Torino disc brakes on my Comet.

The four caliper '67 Mustang/Fairlane disc brakes will bolt to the std drum spindle.

 

If you truly want fun, go with a manual transmission. I started with the C4 that came with my Comet when I dropped the 331 in. But that got boring after a couple years. So I swapped in the Toploader 4 speed I ran behind the 331 in my 89 Ranger. The Comet went from boring to BEAST with the Toploader. Goes sideways in first and second, even with the 295/50's on the trac loc 9" rear.