Building a dragster, Phase One

**scooley** · 10-10-2007, 05:46 PM

My son and I have decided to build a dragster. Since this is our first attempt at a project like this, we are starting out slow and cheap. I plan on posting the progress of this project here and also include pictures.

Here are the basics.

1972 Ford Maverick
Ford 351 W engine (police interceptor)
Transmission ???

I just picked up the engine today, and I get the car this weekend. I will attached some pictures of both.

I am open to constructive comments and suggestions.

**FuhBreezeE** · 10-10-2007, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by scooley

My son and I have decided to build a dragster. Since this is our first attempt at a project like this, we are starting out slow and cheap. I plan on posting the progress of this project here and also include pictures.

Here are the basics.

1972 Ford Maverick
Ford 351 W engine (police interceptor)
Transmission ???

I just picked up the engine today, and I get the car this weekend. I will attached some pictures of both.

I am open to constructive comments and suggestions.

Why not a 351 cleveland? Just a thought...

**Blitzed** · 10-10-2007, 06:21 PM

Stick with the Windsor and slap some used E7 heads or GT40's, it might already have E7's but if not they are the stock heads on 50 stangs, GT40's are the stock heads on Later 5.0 ford explorers, very nice and you can get them for nothing

**scooley** · 10-10-2007, 06:27 PM

My understanding is that the windsor is a stronger engine, roller cam, etc. I bought the engine, running, for a hundred and fifty bucks, including the PI transmission, not sure what Im gonna do with it, regear it or put a T5 HO SVo, in it.

**FuhBreezeE** · 10-10-2007, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by scooley

My understanding is that the windsor is a stronger engine, roller cam, etc. I bought the engine, running, for a hundred and fifty bucks, including the PI transmission, not sure what Im gonna do with it, regear it or put a T5 HO SVo, in it.

My understanding was the other way around, as for the tranny....I'd swap for that t5.

**Blitzed** · 10-10-2007, 06:30 PM

The Windsor for the win, trust me. theres a reason why they kept building it until a few years ago. A Cleavland isn't bad, but a M motor is... eh... boat anchor for the most part. I know my Fords an Chevies people

**scooley** · 10-10-2007, 06:46 PM

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**scooley** · 10-10-2007, 06:51 PM

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**ATCharming** · 10-10-2007, 06:54 PM

wayyyyyyyyy too much money/time on ur hands lol

**burnws6** · 10-10-2007, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Blitzed

The Windsor for the win, trust me. theres a reason why they kept building it until a few years ago. A Cleavland isn't bad, but a M motor is... eh... boat anchor for the most part. I know my Fords an Chevies people

**scooley** · 10-10-2007, 06:58 PM

**Blitzed** · 10-10-2007, 08:45 PM

That should be great fun, I had a MAverick once, it was awesome!!!!.... until that homless guy started living in it. So one day I got up the nerve to talk to him. I said DAD you get teh fuck out of my car!

We haven't spoken since

**94z28l** · 10-10-2007, 09:56 PM

what class will it be run in? that can effect what heads go on it and other things like that

**Blitzed** · 10-10-2007, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by 94z28l

what class will it be run in? that can effect what heads go on it and other things like that

Hes going to run heads up to start I'm sure, or just somthing to fuck arounjd with at the track. Or bracket but non of those matter what motor or heads or anything else, only that you run your dial in

**1fastcamarosss11** · 10-10-2007, 11:09 PM

i got an 87 monte ss areocouepe that i will bedoing the same thing.
first timeis always the hardest, good luck. time/ money is allit takes.

**ztrouble** · 10-11-2007, 05:06 AM

Originally Posted by scooley

My understanding is that the windsor is a stronger engine, roller cam, etc. I bought the engine, running, for a hundred and fifty bucks, including the PI transmission, not sure what Im gonna do with it, regear it or put a T5 HO SVo, in it.

mavericks make awesome race cars

you DO NOT want to put a t5 behind a 351, wont last long especially drag racing. get a tremec TKO 600 ah and if you are planning on putting any extra power to it put an 8.8 rear in the car if it doesnt already have one.

**ntimid8r** · 10-11-2007, 05:52 AM

Originally Posted by fabrizi

Why not a 351 cleveland? Just a thought...

Originally Posted by scooley

My understanding is that the windsor is a stronger engine, roller cam, etc. I bought the engine, running, for a hundred and fifty bucks, including the PI transmission, not sure what Im gonna do with it, regear it or put a T5 HO SVo, in it.

The windsor is a thicker block than the cleveland. So works out better for boring out and retain's strength. The cleveland has thinner walls. Most old school Ford guys are building everything using the windsor blocks for that reason. The cleveland is nice but the heads is what makes a cleveland motor. FWIW

**scooley** · 10-11-2007, 05:53 AM

I have been getting suggestions that I go automatic tranny. The engine came with its original tranny, I am guessing it is geared for top end speed. After I get everything cleaned up and get the numbers off both, I should have a clearer picture of what I am dealing with. If I go automatic, I can set the stall for a faster launch.

**ztrouble** · 10-11-2007, 06:05 AM

if you go auto go c4. tryin to save you the time of replacing stuff down the road lol

**FuhBreezeE** · 10-11-2007, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by ntimid8r

The windsor is a thicker block than the cleveland. So works out better for boring out and retain's strength. The cleveland has thinner walls. Most old school Ford guys are building everything using the windsor blocks for that reason. The cleveland is nice but the heads is what makes a cleveland motor. FWIW

Well thank you for clearing that up!