Comments: 1-15, 16-22
The only thing I had ever go wrong on the car is alternator at 78,000 miles. Besides this no other problems with the car. It ran like a champ.
The Cougar had a little speed with the 351 modified long block engine. It handles like a boat with 3 and a 1/2 turns to either side. lovely car. I hit a deer with it and damaged the front end. I need to replace the whole end and is wondering if anybody has a front end for sale off a 1974-1978 Mercury Cougar. Thanks.
There are an awful lot of people out there who are spreading incorrect information about Cougars of this vintage. Allow me to straighten you out on this one, which by the way is a mistake being made over and over. 1974-1976 is one body style, and 1977-1979 is another body style. The engine choice's for 74-76 were 302/351w,351c,460. 77-79 were 351m/400. and a few stray 302/351w's. 77-79's were on the LTD-II/Thunderbird chassis. 74-76's were Gran Torino Elite/Cougar/Montego chassis. There were many other difference's as well, but I don't have time to go into them right now since I just happened upon this web site. Now, how do I know this information to be correct, because I just happen to be selling a mint condition, all original, all white, fully loaded, 33k 1976 Cougar XR7 which I have owned since day 1. Hope this information is of help.
On your comment on engine sizes in 74-76. I owned a 74 Cougar back in the late 70's that had it's original 400. I liked it so much I know have a fully loaded 76 with a 460.
I happen to have the original brochure's for 74-76 Mercury's. 400cid. engines were not an option in Cougars. Only in the larger Marquis. Sorry. Sounds like an engine swap you weren't aware of if that infact was a 400. I worked at a Ford dealership in the 70's, so there is something else you may not be aware of as well. 351m/400 engines were an E.P.A. forced mutilation, which started in 1977, of the 351c/400. engines, that Ford stopped production on, then started up again when the Windsor plant couldn't keep up with engine demands. Bottom Line, the older engines were better (Pre Catalytic Converter,75 back) or you can take a later one, throw the heads, cam, man./carb, and all the bolt on's in the garbage, and start from there. Just have fun and don, t sweat the details cause Fords worst engine was still a pretty good one.
1974-1976 and 1977-1979 Cougars all share the same platform. The big Gran Torinos and Ford Elites and Mercury Cougars of 1974-1976 became the Ford LTDIIs and Mercury Cougars with a body reskin for 1977-1979. Basically the same car 1974-1979 with a 1977 facelift!
I also own a 1976 Ford Mercury Cougar XR7 (I actually left another review about the car on this site) and keep in mind that the engine also had a split year due to some faults in the engineering, mine (which has remained completely stock after 260K miles, has the original V-8 400m.
I have a '76 with only 34k original miles--very nice. It has the 351 Windsor which I really like because it's just a longer stroke version of the 302--4 1/2x3 vs. 4x3, I believe. Power is good with better economy than the 'M'engine or the 400. The only major thing I've done is replace the steering box, which had a lot of play for some reason.
Own a 76 MErcury Cougar XR7, belonged to late husband. Looking for restoration info, may possibly even sell if price is right. emerald52061@yahoo.com.
Actually The 400 Was Available In The 74-76 Cougars. I Have A 76 With A Numbers Matching 400. Also When Going To Parts Stores One Of The Optional Motors Are 351w,351c,351m,400,and 460.
The 351c was dropped in late 75 and the 400 took up its place as the H code for 75 and 76.
The last review was wrong. I owned a '76 Cougar and it did have a 351 Windsor. That was the base engine offered.
To the last poster If you reread my post It says 351c not 351w. Been awhile since I been on.
I just got my hands on a 76 XR7 it came from the fac with a 460. Just trying to find out more about these cars. Will headers off a Torino work with these or I am I still going to make a set??? Anyone know where to find info on these cars or a VIN checker that goes back that far??
Yes the 74-76 Torino headers will work. They are pretty much the same car as the Cougar under the skin. If any more info is needed Look up a guy on mercurycougar. net called slim chance. He is kinda has a lot of knowledge on the 74-76 Cougars. He also has posted on here.
1974 Cougar definitely available with the 400 from the factory. Had to be Fords worst and most gutless engine, as I blew 2 of them, couldn't take the punishment of a 19 year old. I loved that car and am still fond of them, but that 400 put me off Fords for many years. Wouldn't mind finding a pristine example, but would have to be a 460.
I ordered a triple black 76 xr7 late may of 76. At that time the only engines available where a 302,351w or a 460. I went with a 351w