Chevy Vega

[Colt45]

I've finally started to resurrect my '73 Vega GT kammback.


opinions/ideas/whatever?

/so tired..

 

[rickn]

just so long as it don't catch fire like they were known to

 

[CrackRabbit]

Get a Gremlin

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: Colt45
I've finally started to resurrect my '73 Vega GT kammback.


opinions/ideas/whatever?

/so tired..

Just dump the 4 cyl engine. Those engines were pretty crappy as they didn't have proper sleeves in the cylinders. Drop a nice 350 c.i. in there and have some fun.

 

[Colt45]

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[Colt45]

Originally posted by: Tiles2Tech
Just dump the 4 cyl engine. Those engines were pretty crappy as they didn't have proper sleeves in the cylinders. Drop a nice 350 c.i. in there and have some fun.

Thats the plan. I was thinking either a plain 350, or a 383 stroker.. or something in that neighbourhood. but.. i want to keep the weight down as well, so im not sure what to do.. aluminum would be nice.

 

[T2T III]

Back in the late 70s/early 80s, a few people dropped V-8s in their Vegas where I used to live. One had a 350 and the other had a 283 with a 2bbl carb. The ol' 283 could smoke the tires like mad and still get up and go.

 

[Ronstang]

I used to own a V8 Vega. They are the single most low quality complete POS that GM ever crapped out. Even a Pinto has a better build quality. That being said, they are fun to drive with a V8 but they don't handle for crap and don't put too much money in it unless it is your dream car and plan to own it forever becuase it isn't worth much and nobody is going to want if unless it is super cheap.

 

[Colt45]

Yeah, I'm not planning on putting too much into it. i actually have 2 of them.. a wagon and most of a hatchback.

I just thought it would be a nice car to keep sleeper-ish, but tub it somewhat.. put some wide tires in the back.. ive got a ford 9" rear for it.


I'd love to see the look on a ricer's face when they see that my plain looking 1973 econobox is at the next block before theirs makes it through the intersection

 

[Colt45]

*burp*

 

[arcenite]

Definately go with the wagon... It's so much more... sleepish... I would love to build one of them some day... Put a 350ci and maybe some sort of forced induction (superchargers are my favorite, turbos a close second, nitrous sucks..) and have lots of fun. If you do that, and you plan on moving that thing, you should put a rollcage in it or something

 

[jadinolf]

I had a '79 Monza (Vega) wagon /
Sorry excuse for a car.

 

[Colt45]

*sneeze*

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: Colt45

Originally posted by: Tiles2Tech
Just dump the 4 cyl engine. Those engines were pretty crappy as they didn't have proper sleeves in the cylinders. Drop a nice 350 c.i. in there and have some fun.

Thats the plan. I was thinking either a plain 350, or a 383 stroker.. or something in that neighbourhood. but.. i want to keep the weight down as well, so im not sure what to do.. aluminum would be nice.

You could try a 215 aluminum V8 from Buick (same mounts as V6) if you want a neat retro-rod.

Maybe a V6 or Turbo V6 to keep weight down.

 

[Colt45]

good Idea ironwoode. I was thinking about a rover/buick 215, but figured it might not be too easy to find.

I've got one of the 4.3L V6's in the shed.. I'm debating to use that or not. good because lots of parts are interchangeable with a 350, and it is lighter, bad because less power and... well its not a V8

 

[Brutuskend]

Cosworth baby!

 

[arcenite]

If you want aluminum you could go with a LS1 Motor

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: Colt45
good Idea ironwoode. I was thinking about a rover/buick 215, but figured it might not be too easy to find.

I've got one of the 4.3L V6's in the shed.. I'm debating to use that or not. good because lots of parts are interchangeable with a 350, and it is lighter, bad because less power and... well its not a V8

You would be sorry... a 6cyl wouldn't put your head in the seat like an 8

 

[Godsend1]

My first car was a 76 vega, Canary yellow with the black racing stripe.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: aRCeNiTe

Originally posted by: Colt45
good Idea ironwoode. I was thinking about a rover/buick 215, but figured it might not be too easy to find.

I've got one of the 4.3L V6's in the shed.. I'm debating to use that or not. good because lots of parts are interchangeable with a 350, and it is lighter, bad because less power and... well its not a V8

You would be sorry... a 6cyl wouldn't put your head in the seat like an 8

Ever sit behind the wheel of GN?

Forget the chevy V6, as the only V6 offered in those chassis was the buick 3.8 L. You could get the rare 4.1L version and do it up. Hot Rod mag did a serious V6 build up in a 1985 Regal. Naturally aspirated and heavily modded for Super Stock, their project was the fastest one built for that class and did low 11's. Unfortuantely they redlighted in the actual competion and failed to get the record. I have the article around here somewhere.


Edit: there is a ton more speed equipment out there for the Buick V6 than the Chevy.

 

[Colt45]

well I'll have to decide I guess. I'll see what I can find for a reasonable price. (uncle's run a wreckingyard.. so i'd like to start there).

but.. looks like i wont be working on it until next year.. it's at the farm, im in he city.. school 5 days a week, and probably snow on the ground in a month... spring i guess :-/

too many cars here, so there's no room for it. two golfs, two audi 5000s, and one passat.

 

[amdskip]

I have an uncle who has a couple vega wagons and another uncle used to have one before his wife made him sell it It was awesome at pulling the wheels on the track. He had a big block in it.

 

[Colt45]

Originally posted by: amdskip
I have an uncle who has a couple vega wagons and another uncle used to have one before his wife made him sell it It was awesome at pulling the wheels on the track. He had a big block in it.

well about the selling part.

 

[Oger]

Back in the days of my Vega, I shoe-horned a 4.3 V6 in mine, a little easier and lighter swap than the mouse motor.

If you do decide to swap engines, make sure you replace the stock rear end with at least a 10 bolt.

 

[Colt45]

Originally posted by: synchronizer
Back in the days of my Vega, I shoe-horned a 4.3 V6 in mine, a little easier and lighter swap than the mouse motor.

If you do decide to swap engines, make sure you replace the stock rear end with at least a 10 bolt.

I've got a ford 9" that my dad already narrowed down, years and years ago.. but one axle seems to have dissappeared. lol.

I have a few chevy 12bolts too, but they'd need narrowing...



Well. im going to need to do a lot of welding first. the inner fenders are screwed. most of the rest of the car isn't that bad, as far as rust.. rear quarters have a little bit of a hole, but nothing huge..