Newbie Building a Ford Maverick

[Rory McNeil]

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.

[LouisJeffery]

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

[racerdale]

Originally Posted by LouisJeffery

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

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

[Dave Turner]

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

[racerdale]

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

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

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

Thanks
Dale

[Dave Turner]

Probably, I was just passing along some info.

[Bill Harris]

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.

[racerdale]

Originally Posted by Rory McNeil

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.

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