Maverick Project

[Barry_R]

Never had a Maverick.  Had its "sister" - a 73 Comet with the tire shredding 250 big block sixer.

[mn67]

My first Maverick had a 250 six and a 3 speed. Would do a first gear chirp of you side stepped the clutch.

[machoneman]

....was that the one Barry that was twin-turbo'ed with a 250 hp shot of nitrous too?

Never had a Maverick.  Had its "sister" - a 73 Comet with the tire shredding 250 big block sixer.

[Barry_R]

....was that the one Barry that was twin-turbo'ed with a 250 hp shot of nitrous too?

Afraid not.  But it did get faster when the muffler fell off...

[mn67]

Uneventful assembly,  need to wire, prime it and hopefully it stays together this time. Made a few improvements on this one, but for the most part it is the same survival headed 445 roller motor.

[57 lima bean]

Very much like!

[mn67]

Had time for a first start today. Got the engine wired up and being a little nervous after the last one it took me a minute to push the starter button. It fired right up idled well (rumpity but well). I got it timed and it runs fantastic on the stand. No drama no leaks and with the cvr water pump, stahl fan and champion radiator it stayed at 190 for the half hour i ran it. Oil looks like i just put it in. I am very happy with how this turned out. Now to get a dyno appointment and put it to bed for the winter. I am itching to get the body done now. Thanks to those who have helped with parts and advice.

[mn67]

First start video.

https://youtu.be/5IwosVgkCoA

[Barry_R]

Sounds good!

[mn67]

Thanks Barry.
   

[mn67]

Been a while since I got any real work done on the Maverick, with the exception of working on the next motor (BBM 427 stroker) before I even get the 445 installed. I Also made some improvements to the 445 over the spring. I changed the BT single carb intake out with a BT medium riser 8v and a set of Drews 600's. Also removed the Harland sharp rockers and shafts and replaced them with a set of Brents light weight non adjustable rockers with Precision oil pumps shafts and stands the harland's will go on the 427. Need to find some time and put it back on Jay's dyno to see if any real improvement was made. With that stuff out of the way and nicer weather I am working on the body and finishing up the drive train. I got the rear end completed and am sure the tires I have on hand will be sacrificial at best. Also completed and detailed the C4.

For the body I have stripped it and metal worked the warped quarters as best as I could get them. Shock tower mods turned out nice and I will get this thing in primer and blocked out soon I hope.  Would really like to get it off the stand and start assembly by the end of summer. As soon as I can I will get pictures uploaded

[mn67]

Quarter was not great under the previous owners skim coat. Probably more effort than result but I am happy with it for now.

[mn67]

Nine inch shortened for the Maverick and some sacrificial tires.

[jayb]

Looks good Mike.  Let me know when you want to dyno, I will make sure Kevin is available to save the day 

[mn67]

Will do Jay. And we would have been pretty stuck without Kevin's willingness to help.