maverick engines

[kainsreign]

i'm pretty much new to classic cars and all the mechanical aspects,but have always dreamed of owning one,but i'm not going to bore u guys with all that.My question is this does anyone know what size engine would be compatible with a 1970 ford maverick w/an automatic trans?The origonal engine is a re-built straight 6,maybe i'm just to used to the modern engines but iv'e driven 4 cylinders with more get up and go than my maverick engine.Maybe if noone has any ideas on diffrent engine compatibility maybe u can give me some ideas on how to get better performance out of my existing engine.It takes a couple of times to get it started and does n't run well until it's ran awhile,ive replaced all plugs and wires,seems to do a little better not much though.I'm open to all ideas just be patient please as i am deffinetly a newbie to classic cars,but,am more than willing to learn as i love the classics.Thank you for your time.

[MagicRat]

Those older Ford OHV straight sixes will run forever, but they were never intended for anything resembling a performance application. If you have a 200 cid six, I suspect the 250 cid engine might fit.

However, Mavericks came with an optional 302 v8, which opens up many possibilities. The easiest way to swap in a 302 is to find a v8 Maverick parts car. You would most likely need the complete engine and engine mounts, transmission and transmission mount. Chances are many other smaller parts would be handy like the radiator and cradle, driveshaft, engine accessories and brackets, along with countless little clips brackets etc.
Furthermore, having a parts car can provide you with a handy guide as to how everything bolts together.
Otherwise, you can locate a suitable 302 from 1968 through 1994 (Mustangs are a good source for high powered examples) and a matching auto trans, then adapt or locate all the remaining parts.
It is MUCH easier to install a carbureted 302 over an EFI engine, from a later model mustang.
Once the 302 ready to go in, the sky (and your wallet) are the limit for the amount of power you can get from that engine, using a suitable combination of performance parts. You don't even need to find the high performace 302's either. Lower performance 302's are easy to find and very cheap. It is very easy to use some basic performance parts to get decent power out of them.

[kainsreign]

thank you for taking the time to reply to my question as it is VERY much apreciated,my wifes uncle said a 302 would be a good engine to put in a maverick,do u by any chance know where i could get a decent priced engine?and would you suggest a new or re-built engine,is there a big diffrence?thx again for taking the time to answer my questions your suggestions are awsome and very precise!

[MagicRat]

By all means get a rebuilt engine. I would suggest to find a local engine builder who has a good reputation. They could set you up with some mild performance parts such as a decent intake manifold and a 4bbl carb.
They could also advise you on a transmission......I am not sure if the existing trans you have will physically bolt up to the 302...