Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hello, I have this old Ford Maverick that I want to turn into a NHRA stocker. Have raced for years in ET classes but now I want to go slower (don't know why) in Stock Eliminator. The class for the car will be P/SA. Before I get started and believe me I am new at this game, what kind of tips would you share with me. Who does a good job on heads, what gear ratio should I consider ( I have an 8 inch differential; is it worth building) Is there anyone who has put a Maverick/Comet together that can get me pointed in the right direction. Hey thanks in advance, Hope to be on the track soon.

Dale
NHRA 6080

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

what year Maverick? It would be a 302 2bbl right? as for the 8" rear end,they make axles & aftermarket posi for it. if it were me i'd look for an 8.8 out of a mustang 5.0. what size tire are you looking to run? that will have alot to do with the gear you need. you'll also want a C4 with a low gear set....ATI makes a 2.91 I guess my last question is what are you looking to do with this car? are you going to bracket race it & run stock just a couple times a year? or are you going to run stock 8 or 10 a year? this will have alot to do with the way you build the car. good luck

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

What year is it, or should I say what year do you want it to be.... and what engine are you considering? I don't know if the Maverick ever had a v-8 with a 4bbl carb. Are you thinking 302-2bbl?

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

The 8" rear end would probably stand up in your application. If Louis Jeffery sees this thread, he may be able to provide some insight. He ran one in his IHRA Crate Motor Maverick. The weak link is the limited availability of gear ratios and a "real" spool.

The challenge you will face with the 302 is the Ford curse - heads and carburetor compared to other brand combinations in the class. Depending upon how far under the index you set your target, and where you plan to compete(geographically), you may find a level of performance that allows you to get into the field of choice.

I'm sure there are racers here with recommendations for a small block Ford builder near you.

Now if you REALLY want to slow down, I have a V/SA Maverick for you!!

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

There is a 72 Mercury Comet from Washington state that has been running in P&Q/SA for the past few years, with the 302 2 barrel engine. As previously mentioned, these cars were only equipped with 2 barrel carbs, plus the heads are pretty poor, compared to the 283 Chevys.I can`t say that I had ever seen this Comet run more than about .25 under the current index, don`t forget that NHRA is apparently going to be reducing all the Stock indexs by 2 tenths. I understand that the engine in the Comet was pretty low buck, and decidedly "untrick", but even with wheelbarrows full of $$$ thrown at it, I doubt that it would ever be a top half qualifier. But unless you have a bunch of P&Q cars in your area, why not? Personally, I wouldn`t waste any money on the 8" rearend, the gear selection is too limited, unless you plan to use really short slicks, I don`t think the 4.62 ratio would be steep enough, which I think is as low as you can get. 8.8`s are cheap and plentiful, with a decent gear selection, and spools and axles are readily available.A 9" has a lot more ratios available, but is also heavier.

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

I ran a 1972 Ford Maverick P/SA with a 302 2V. We currently run the car as a L/CM with a 215/240hp 302. The P/SA combo ran 13.50 on a 13.75 index. We had fun with it but wanted to go faster. Keep in mind that the fuel injected 6 cyl. firebirds are coming back and can run 12.60 as a P/SA. We had NO problem with the 8 inch rearend other than ratio converted to 8.8 with regular Ford ends so all the stock brakes still work. I have the heads intake and a Dean Oliver carb. left over if you are interested. Louis Jeffery 3225 stock

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Jefffery,
Thanks for your reply. I plan on running it a couple of years at some 6 or 8 races a year primarily in the North west. Yes I am very interested in the heads . carb and intake so give me a price and lets talk. Phone is 360-871-2454 or leave me your number . I am going to contact NHRA and lobby that they review how they are going to change indexes. The national record for P stock is not to far from the index so it would be unfair to change that class, Maybe I can add weight amove to the next class. Again thanks and I hope to hear from you
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Rory,
I know you from Bremerton Raceway. I have looked at your Mustang in the past. I know the guy who owns the Comet . The car was built fairly inexpensive and that is what Iwas looking for as a first project. Not sure if stock is my game but it may be. I will take your advice and look for a 8.8. I am going to contact NHRA and lobby for P stock class. The national record is not far from the index so they may be eliminating a lot of cars. Again thanks. hope to see you at some national opens and divisionals
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Rory, just FYI, Precision Gear offers a 5.43 gear set for the 8"....I have one.

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Dave Thanks for your reply,
I plan on running the car for a couple years to see if stock is my game. There are lot of Ford guys but not many P stock. My target was to get 2 under the index and as long as I don't run into them fuel injected Pontiac guys I should be fine. Maybe add some weight to get to Q. If NHRA reduces the index by 2 tenths then I guess Ill have a bracket car for sale. That V/SA sounds interesting, slow but interesting. Thanks
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Dave,
Would that be too steep for an under powered 302

Thanks
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Probably, I was just passing along some info.

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

You will have more luck with the NHRA if you ask them to reduce the HP on the combo than asking them not to mess with the indexes. The indexes are a done deal. If you write a letter to the NHRA and ask them to reduce the HP of the 302-2V combo you will probably be successful in getting some power off. Unless there is someone who is running the combo and is fast, it would be very unlikely that your request would be denied. You can make a request every six months and if you are not keeping up with the pack, they will usually give you a HP break. Keep at it until your in the game.

Good luck.

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

I don`t know if NHRA would take any HP off the 2 barrel engines or not. They reduced the 302 2 barrels (and most other 300ish inch 2 barrel combos) by 30 HP a couple of years ago. From 200 to 170.Wouldn`t hurt to try, guess.

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey dale that is a natural P add weight to Q.....I'd think Q would be the way to go. it would have to weigh 3060 with you in it. If it were me I'd go with the 8.8 with a 4.56 or 4.88 gear....that way you can run a 26X8.5 or a 28X9 slick those cars don't have alot of tire clearance.....I had a buddy that ran a bracket maverick with a 302 it had a 4.56 gear 26X10 slicks..it would run 11.90 1/4 & 7.50's 1/8...good luck!

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

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Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Dale, I talked to Brian S, in late August,(he is the guy who bought the 72 Comet Stocker, and ran it this season). He recently bought a well known 428 Ford Stocker, so maybe he would sell the Comet now. Just a thought.

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Now if you REALLY want to slow down, I have a V/SA Maverick for you!!
__________________
Dave Turner 3110 STK


Hi Dave, got any Pic's or info about the car? Please Email me at Todd1153@aol.com Thanks...Todd

Todd Hoven
1035 Stk

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

You have a PM Todd

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Rory,, Which Mustang did Brian pick up? A few weeks ago there was an old 69 Mustang stick car at Bremerton that looked like someone's old stocker,, but I couldn't see who was running it.
Just curious,,,,,,,,,,, Danny Durham

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Sorry Rory , you did'nt say it was a Mustang,, I assumed it was, my mistake. A Torino?? A Fairlane perhaps?? What do I know? I've always been a Chevy guy! LOL!
Danny Durham

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Bill Thanks for the reply. I am going down to Glendora in November for the finals. I have talked to the tech department before on other issues and will bring this up as a preliminary issue. I haven't built the car yet so I have no grounds. I don't see any record getters in ths index but from what I am hearing about those P class Pontiacs a 12.60 is going to be the norm. I can not make a 2 barrel Ford weighting over 3000 lbs go that fast. They will see that if one of those guys trys to set a national record. If they play the finish line game then I guess I will be a duck and may not make the index if the weather gets tough. Thanks
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Thanks for the reply. I am going down to Glendora in November for the finals. I have talked to the tech department before on other issues and will bring this up as a preliminary issue. I haven't built the car yet so I have no grounds. I don't see any record getters in ths index but from what I am hearing about those P class Pontiacs a 12.60 is going to be the norm. I can not make a 2 barrel Ford weighting over 3000 lbs to go that fast. They will see that if one of those guys trys to set a national record. If they play the finish line game then I guess I will be a duck and may not make the index if the weather gets tough. Thanks
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Greg, Thanks for the reply. It seems the stocker guys are a great bunch. Please pass along. I am going down to Glendora in November for the finals. I have talked to the tech department before on other issues and will bring this up as a preliminary issue. I haven't built the car yet so I have no grounds. I don't see any record getters in ths index but from what I am hearing about those P class Pontiacs a 12.60 is going to be the norm. I can not make a 2 barrel Ford weighting over 3000 lbs to go that fast. They will see that if one of those guys trys to set a national record. If they play the finish line game then I guess I will be a duck and may not make the index if the weather gets tough. Q class is a viable option and It just might work as long as I am not to far off the weight. I can add maye 100 pounds and be right at the Q minimum.
Thanks
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Rory,
I know Brian well and for the time being he is going to keep it. He said he will race the old Waldo Mustang at some events but not all. See you at the track
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey danny, Dale Hrenko here. Yes I am going to try stock elminator for a few years. I got ths old Maverick here and when I saw Brian Seabergs/ Biscays old car I though why not. Originally I was going to build a Mustang but I don't want to spend a gazillion bucks on something I may not like or keep. Anytime you build a car you always lose a bunch when you sell it . Anyways good to heare from you and I will see you at the banquet.
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Dale ya don't loose "as much" money with a stocker when ya sell it as ya would with a bracket car....stock is one of those things that once ya do it your pretty much hooked! no buy backs, no playing games in the staging lanes & a real good group to race with! at least here in Div.3......good luck & if ya have any other question feel free to ask. ;)

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Danny, Brian bought Jim Waldo`s blue 69 B/S Mustang.It was on Ebay in July.

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hi Greg, Thanks for your offer. I am just now getting started with the project and I already have the heads , manifold and carb. The block will go out in a week or so to the machine shop. There is not much you can do to the block and I would imagine that I should have the deck height set at a few thou over spec. I am not familiar with OEM Crankshafts and not sure who would be a good supplier. Got any ideas? They list a few manufactures in the tech replacement guide for rods and pistons so I will cross that bridge when It get that far. Thanks again
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Dale!!!! Wow this is a surprise! I did'nt know you were going to give Stock Eliminator a try. You should 've come up in the tower and told me. Best of luck with your project. I will deffinately see you at the Bremerton banquet next month,, I have a couple awards to hand out to some deserving racers.
Rory,,,,,, thanks for the info on the former Waldo car. I wonder if Brian will run it as a C car, or try another combo in it. I guess time will tell.
See ya guys later,,,,,,,, Danny Durham

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Dale I set the deck dead on. you can play with head gasket to get that right. as for cranks don't forget it's + or - .015 most everyone goes + .012 now for pistons make sure you use a floating pin piston...little motor with low Hp needs to get rid of all the friction it can....I know ran a 230 6cyl for years (dad still dose) & set 5 IHRA records with it. I now have a P/SA 307 cutlass that can run 12.60's on these low Hp engines frictions kills! oh & don't forget dry film coated bearings.....friction. ;)

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Danny,
I have wanted to build a stock eliminator for years but as you know my wife was seriously ill for the past few years. That put my racing on hold. I only had the Pinto out 4 or 5 times this year and it broke every time. Never got it fixed to make a full race except for last race and it got rained out. I picked up this old Maverick a while back and was going to turn it into a street hot rod but after I saw Brians Comet I said that could work for me. So here I go. I may have it ready for track testing by May. See you at the banquet.
Dale

Re: Newbie Building a Ford Maverick
 

Hey Greg,
Thanks for the tips I will put that information to good use.

Thanks
Dale