1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 from North America - Comments

27th Nov 2007, 11:25

"I really like the body style"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Started leaking and burning excessive oil at 120,000 miles. Engine stopped, factory timing chain slipped at 147,000 miles - which bent the valves. Driver's side seat started to tear.

General comments?

Even though there were some serious engine problems, I know that the car had lots of potential. The body was in almost perfect shape with just a couple door dings. The shiny "lipstick red" paint still looked good. It also had the fancy Mercury chrome spoke hub caps. I kept the stock look which includes white wall tires.

For the above reason, I decided to rebuild the engine. I have a friend that owns a machine shop that helped me with the project. I decided that since I had his help, I would hot rod it up a little. But talking about going mild to wild. At first I just wanted a little more power then stock, but then the ending project turned out to be very aggressive.

Among the MANY modifications I performed, here is a list of the FEW major ones. I installed a 351W cam which changes the firing order, traded in the stock 302 heads (with bent valves) for 351W heads that contain Chevy 2.02"/1.60" valves and 5 angle valve job, bored out block to.040" overbore, installed Keith Black 9.5:1 pistons with Teflon coating on skirts, Headman Headers, added dual exhaust with 2.5" diameter pipe, 2 Thrush California Turbo mufflers, Edelbrock intake and 4-bbl 600 cfm (cubic feet per minute) carburetor with auto choke, high output mechanical fuel pump, replaced Ford 9 inch rear third member 2.75:1 gears with Richmond 3.55:1, rebuild C4 transmission, and added B&M Shift kit.

We estimate the power output to now be around 380-420 HP.


21st Apr 2009, 09:53

Hi, please tell me how do I install headman headers on my same car. Yes it is a neat car.

nitro456jk@hotmail.com or call please 856 4043258.

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