Survey: should I switch to a V-8??

As the weather turns cold it's time to come up with things to do to the car over the winter. Here's a question about my car (1970 Maverick Grabber, 250 six, C-4 auto):

Should I change to V-8 power?

I'm not interested in a romping, stomping, 400 horsepower mill, I'm just talking about a stock 302 (using the freshly rebuilt C-4).

I already know Craig's answer, he'll say 70 Grabbers are rare, leave it alone.

Okay, let's hear your opinions.

Thanks. Tom

p.s Bonus question: V-8 was not an option until 1971, right?

 

To Swap or Not To Swap, that is the ????

71 was first year for the 302.
Go with the 302. Chnage trans bellhousing and everything is easy. Put a factory cast iron, manifold and 2V carb. Cast iron exhaust manifolds, port out the exhaust ports, (they sjust plain suck) for better mileage. Good electronic ignition.
And while you have it apart find some manual front disc brake spindles, rotors, calibers, master cyl, and prop valve and change them over too.
I don't know how to break this to you, but the collection market isn't beating down any doors hunting for Grabber Mavericks. Maybe a Optioned out one with the 302, manual trans. Make it a car for you that you enjoy, screw what anyone thinks.
That's why it's called a "Maverick", because you dare to be different then the rest of the herd.

 

Yeah, like ricky said, Screw everyone else put in the V-8!!!

 

Well...since I am the former owner of the car, then screw me because I say keep the 6 cyl.

The car has only 50K actual miles on it. It is all original except the paint, and a rechromed rear bumper. The interior, carpet, grill, headlite doors, side marker lights, etc are all original to the car.

I had a full history of the car, including all owners, the original bill of sale, and the original title. I even had the original temporary tag that was on the back the day it left the dealership. Tom now has all that history as I let it go with the car.

The car was and is extemely nice and can be driven anywhere. For a 6 cyl....it is quite peppy.

Tom, I know you are never going to race the car, so why put in the V-8? For all the trouble it will be and all the headaches, it won't be that much faster and it will drink more gas.

Signed,
Depressed former owner

 

It's your car to do with what you like but I'm for the V-8...

 

new toy

So as the former owner, you're saying he said leave it the way you like it and not to make it "his" Maverick now? God forbid if he changed the rims to a different style, maybe even make it a low rider with skinny tires and gold rims. A nice hyd. suspension to make it jump. Some fuzzy dice with a long legged Hispanic girl with hardly any clothes on wearing 6" pumps standing next to it..

 

No way. I'm a V8 guy all the way, but if it's just going to be a stock V8, there isn't much point or gain. It won't be a lot faster, and that car is so nice as it is. if you want something a little quicker, mod the I6. It can easily go as fast as the stock 302, and much easier to put back.

 

There's nothing like the mellifluous burbble of a V8 exhaust note. It's not like you have to permanently alter anything to make the switch. You have only so much time on this sphere, do it now before you're too old to enjoy it.

 

Oh Ricky,......I shudder at the thought.

 

One Complete Stock Package!

Mavericks are cheap, so go and buy you another Maverick and put a 302 in it. Here you have one complete stock Maverick package with documentation and all. You don't run into one like this very often.

I would have bought Craig's car in a minute if I had had more than a carport to put it under. I didn't feel I would do it justice.

My V8 Mavericks are a real kick to drive, but I also really enjoy jumping into any of my I-6 Mavericks too.

Just my two cents!

-Doug

 

Thanks for all the responses. Before getting the V-8 "itch," I just wanted to pull the motor, detail the engine compartment, paint the motor, and put everything back together. Knowing the way I am, I'd probably tear the engine apart while it's out and go through it. Craig's right, I don't plan to race it, but I sure like the look of a small block. So what am I gonna do -- I still don't know.

Maybe I'll pull the V-6 out of the '03 Accord I picked up last week and drop that in. All aluminum, 240 horses, regular gas, mileage almost as good as the 2002 4 cyl. Now I'm really dreaming.

Thanks again. Tom

 

flip side

You could beef the 6 cyl up a little. Port out the exhaust side, good oiling system, little bigger cam and headers.
There is also a little bigger carbs available. Take one off a 250 or 300 6cyl and put that on. They'll give you more fuel.
Rebuild the trans and a little lower gear ratio. Probably put the hurt to some V8s.

 

I didn't realise it only has 50,000 miles on it (went back & read craig's post)...Almost seems a shame to yank a motor that fresh to swap in a V-8.

By the way, a stock 302 WILL stomp all over the I-6.. I don't know why these guys are saying otherwise. I've had both, so I know the comparison. You have to decide what you really want, but like Rickyracer said, Mavericks have never been highly collectable. The goal here should be to have a nice old (classic) car
That looks good, runs good, and is fun to drive.

With that said, I would not install a bone-stock 302...if I were to take the trouble do it, I'd modify it a bit with basically what I have now, a mild cam, 4-barrel carb, electronic ignition, windage tray, and dual exhausts. I would DEFINITELY install front disc brakes--I don't care how "original" the car is--drums suck. Safety should be more important than keeping the car original. And no one sees the brakes unless they crawl under there & look...

 

When I bought my '73, it had been a guy's driver when he went south to Florida (he left it there). It had its original paint, and very little rust though the paint was poor; the guy drove it to my house, some 60 miles from where he lived. With 119 000 miles on the 'ol 6 cyl., she still ran like a top and didn't burn a drop of oil when it arrived. I promptly drove it around the block to see what it felt like, then set about yanking the six cylinder out. I had a wrecker pick and up and get it out of my way (couldn't find anyone interested in it even for free). It's being replaced with a freshly built 302 (approx. 325 horse). Wouldn't have it any other way, personally. But it is a personal choice matter. Do what YOU want, and have fun! John B.

 

After thinking about it for a while, I decided to leave the 6 in the Grabber. My winter project will be pulling the motor, detailing the engine compartment, and cleaning up and painting the engine. Also, Craig sold me a power steering set-up a while back, that will be installed as well.

A couple months ago I saw a Mav alleged to be a 71 Grabber, "Arizona car." The hood had the scoops, and I think it had a V-8. I would describe it as "rough." I'll have to see if it's still sitting in the back of this guy's car lot come next spring.

Thanks for all you comments and ideas. Tom