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What is the biggest engine you can put in a 1971 Ford Maverick?

There's no single definitive answer to the biggest engine you can put in a 1971 Ford Maverick, as it depends heavily on your definition of "put in" and your willingness to modify the car.

The biggest engine that can be relatively easily installed with minimal modifications would likely be a Ford Windsor 351 cubic inch (5.8L) V8. This engine is a popular swap choice due to its relatively compact size compared to larger engines, and it utilizes many readily available parts. However, even with a 351, you'll likely need custom motor mounts and possibly some chassis modifications.

Larger engines like the 460 big-block are possible, but require extensive fabrication, including custom motor mounts, transmission crossmembers, potentially modifications to the firewall and inner fenders, and possibly even frame reinforcement. It becomes a far more involved and expensive project.

Therefore, while a 460 *could* theoretically be installed, a 351 Windsor is a more practical limit for a relatively straightforward swap. Anything larger pushes into serious custom fabrication territory.