1978 Mercury Cougar XR7 351 Windsor

Summary:

They don't make them like these anymore

Faults:

Engine main bearings gone due to oil pump failure.

Light switch.

Moon roof power assembly.

Automatic trans shifter broken off.

Quadraphonic AM/FM tape player right side amp fail.

Busted power seat middle button (back and forth up down)

General Comments:

My uncle bought this car off of his neighbor who bought it new.

It ran perfect up until 95 and then the Windsor went.

I asked about it and he gave it to me just in time.

It sat out in the middle of a field with a bull tied to it!

Its burnt orange with pale yellow interior.

I have very available interior option for that particular year.

The vinyl top (white) is still intact and in perfect condition.

Its hard to explain what it looks like from behind the wheel.

The driver and the hood ornament (intact) are 6+ feet away from each other, unbelievable.

It sits with the blown engine now and I'm deciding what to put in it. (anything)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2004

1st Jul 2004, 10:50

Chrush it.

30th Oct 2006, 12:25

Put a Ford 302 in it. It's the same bolt pattern as the 351W, so you can use the existing transmission. There are lots of aftermarket toys available for the 302 thanks to Mustang enthusists.

The 351W had a stock compression of 8.3:1, so it's output was not great. A 4bbl 302, with 9:1 compression will run on regular gas and give you more power than the original.

23rd Nov 2006, 01:01

I own a 78 Cougar with a 351w. Check out after market parts. I rebuilt my 351w very reasonably, and it now has 435HP. And I love the car even more. It's truly a dream car. I hope to still be driving it ten years from now.

7th Jun 2007, 09:14

Put a Ford 302 in it, you won't regret it, although you may have to switch out the motor mounts, it is totally worth it.

20th Sep 2010, 13:27

I just bought a 78 XR7.

I'm in New Brunwick, Canada. I got it for 1200. It's in need of some TLC, but is in generally solid shape.

The landau top is mint, the car was originally blue, but was painted purple (hmm... I know), so I plan on painting it white.

It runs great, and the white vinyl interior is still in great shape. It just needs a bit of brake work and a small patch job on the wheel well on the driver side and I'll have her purring in no time.

Rob.

28th Sep 2010, 21:29

I just bought a 1978 Cougar XR7. It has 80k believed to be actual miles. It is Red/white in and out. It has a 351/400 not sure. It is very solid, interior is great.

1978 Mercury Cougar xr7 351w V8

Summary:

This car is one of the best ever made

Faults:

The car seems to have a loss of power, but I think it's age is catching up with it.

General Comments:

Very nice comfortable car, vary reliable, looks are amazing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd October, 2003

1978 Mercury Cougar V8 302

Summary:

Not too bad of a deal !!

Faults:

Nothing but gas mileage. The car weighs 5795 and has a 302.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a man in his 60's he said his mom bought it brand new and only pretty much drove it to church and back. Engine is still somewhat clean even though it has been parked for about 3 years in a garage. Smooth ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th September, 2003

1978 Mercury Cougar XR7 400 CID

Summary:

A cruising machine

Faults:

The vinyl on the exterior has started to crack.

Some surface rust.

General Comments:

I love this car!

Excellent for highways, very comfortable.

I bought it off a little old man who had babied it since he bought it brand new.

Factory installed CB radio!

It even has full time posi-trac.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2003

1978 Mercury Cougar XR7 351ci V8

Summary:

A luxurious tank

Faults:

The master cylinder had to be replaced the year I bought it. The previous owner had to replace tires because of dry rot while setting in garage. Leaking transmission fluid (which still has not been fixed).

General Comments:

You have heard of the little old lady who only drives to church on Sundays. Well, she really does exist and I bought her car. Actually she gave it to me because I am her grand daughter.

The "tank" was custom ordered with a factory installed CB radio and 8 track tape player. (both still work)

The only down side of the car is it won't fit in parallel parking spaces so if you have to go downtown you get you exercise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th January, 2003