So yeah, deals that are too good to be true are too good to be true... I bought a 1973 Comet for 2 grand from some guy up in Atlanta- it ran fine & the downside was that it needs a paint job (bubbling & chipping on the hood & wheel wells) & the interior had been redone somewhat, but really wasn't that stellar at all. Well, after I took it home and was completely and utterly in love with it, of course I had to speed it around a bit just to see how it ran & it was doing great, well... for about a week. The dipstick started shooting out from too much pressure, got oil all over everything, and had to get an alternator & oil pump replaced. I thought it was because I put too much oil in. So, that's all done about 130$ later. I'm all thrilled & have it all fixed & boom it happens again once I get on the highway. White smoke is pouring out from the oil burning off the engine because this stuff expoded *everywhere* & soaked my alternator... again. So, being the genius that I am I never did a compression check when I bought it because of course I was assured it was a great engine and that they'd never had any problems. I'm a bit too trusting sometimes. <b>Apparently 4 cracked pistons & shot rings isn't a problem to these people</b> He'd rigged with with super thick oil so it'd run well enough to sell it & unhooked the blow-off tubes to relieve pressure, of course, until that oil cycled through & let you know "Hey, you're screwed!!" So... I'm prolly going to get my engine rebuilt and my exahust system fixed (it's got a hole in the pipe somewhere) for around 2 grand, the money I was going to use for the body work... I figure that if I'm going to get a basically whole new engine, shouldn't I just save up to get a bigger shiny faster one? The car is wide but it's short, and I was just curious as to whether or not I could fit a 351 in there, and if so, what all would have to be done. I'm not very knowledgeable about cars but I really want to learn, so sorry if my terms are a bit retarded or if my question isn't the greatest. Thanks for your time, guys! Christie
Just do a search for 351 topics and you'll find several threads concerning the swap. It's a bit tedious but very "do-able". Majority of people trim the shock towers back and the 351 engines fit easily. There is no such thing as a stupid question unless you ask it twice. Search through the site and you'll learn plenty about these cars. There is a huge amount of knowledge here. I do know a very knowledgeable engine guy about an hour and a half north of you if you need the help. I'm sure there are plenty of others here who will "volunteer" to help you too.
Oh, yeah. Who do you know? I've used Frank Harris in Griffin for over 20 years. I'm also familiar with and have spoken with Lamar Walden and John Kasse (can't afford his stuff just yet). I'd be interested in knowing of someone else.
The help would be awesome (once I figure out what I'm going to do) From what I've read, I've gathered that (I may be completely wrong) I don't have to buy an entirely new engine, I can keep some of the bits I already have therefore making it much cheaper...? I only have 1100$$ to work with as of right now, which in the scheme of things is only half the horse. I'm just going to have to live off of ramen for the next few months... So if I bought this... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford...2QQihZ012QQcategoryZ33615QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem and put it in my car, I'd also need to buy new (insert what I'd need here) Thank you so much for your help guys
My dad knows Lamar Walden very well. Lamar built the engine that was in his Comet. Heads, headers, timeing cover, valve covers, intake manifold, carburetor, water pump, fuel pump, misc. gaskets, pulleys, belts, etc. and then you don't know if your transmission is going to hold up to the added power. 351 also makes it harder to change the spark plugs unless you shave the shock towers. I would suggest just finding a low mileage (~50k) 302 out of a Mustang or something. That would be your best bet on a budget with limited knowledge.
Windsor or Cleveland? either way it is goin to be a pain , headers are goin to be a pain along w/ spark plugs i did windsor , i know couple guys did a cleveland dont worry if you dont know a whole lot , hang aroudn your will learn something to the board eddie
The engine in that link will not be the easiest to retrofit to a Maverick due to being a late model. IMO you might start out with a 302 or better yet 331 long block. You have a lot of little problems to work out to get the 351w into the car, then using the late block you add a variety of other little problems to your list. For example, you put yourself in the position of using a remote electric pump. The late block is not set up to use the mechanical pump. I just think a nice 331 with some aftermarket aluminum heads would be great, and easy. Make sure you get it based on the early block though, that way you will be able to run a mechanical fuel pump and 28 oz balance. Good luck Dave
Danny Towe just outside of Atlanta. He was the points runner-up in FFW Mod Comp this season and his wife Suzanne won the Open Comp title last year. Danny is very good with small block Fords and is one hell of a mechanic. Very down to earth guy also. One warning though....he doesn't mince words.
the easiest thing is to put in a 302 based motor. (331,347 stroker). these will give you all the power you need for the street and occasional strip. i have a 302 bored .040 over making it a 308 and it runs high 11's-low 12's at the track. all you need is the frame and motor mounts,and belly bar and tranny bar. no shock tower modifying needed.
