'660 Vega?

[Canyonero]

Ah, guess I just hoped they made the strongest. :P

I've looked for Vegas on craigslist before, pretty rare to find one that hasn't been messed with already. There is a '74 GT on Portland CL with an olds V8 now for $1200.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/1267907231.html

I'd be willing to sell off my I-Mark for a Vega. Be nice to have something with a little more potential.

Well, my I-Mark absolutely has 60degV6 swap potential (GM T-car platform), but no way could I pull the little diesel out of there...

[IsaacHayes]

4speed fiero was muncie IIRC.

[Scott_68B]

You may be able to use a Toyota W58 or R154 with an adaptor. They are supposed to be stronger than a T5 and smoother shifting too. Check this thread out...great information.

http://www.jeeps-offroad.com/f41/engine-swap-bellhousings-4740/

Scott

[Superdave]

the one i found turned out to be a '77.. i'm gonna pass for now and keep looking for a 71-73.

[faster7]

s10 might be your best option, i can't think of anything beefier that used leaf springs

I'd pick a ranger 7.5 over a S10 7.5/7.625.... and a ranger/explorer 8.8 would really be bomb proof under something as light as a Vega.

If you can get a deal on the T56, that would be a killer setup. I've considered several different SBC patterned trans (NV3500, saginaw 4 speed or 3 speed od, M21+gearvendors OD) for my swap because of the availability of the Speedway SBC to 60deg adapter that you could use on the T56.

[Superdave]

What do you guys think about using a '70 Opel GT instead of the Vega?

The GT's are a lot lighter and i've seen quite a few SBC's swapped in, so you know the '660 will fit.

[faster7]

What do you guys think about using a '70 Opel GT instead of the Vega?

The GT's are a lot lighter and i've seen quite a few SBC's swapped in, so you know the '660 will fit.

If the price is right... go for it! They're cool looking little cars.

I'd still like a Saab Sonnet but the 2 I know of that have been sitting for... 12+ years now, but the owner of each still think they'll go for $4k+. Still sitting...

[Superdave]

I need to go check this one out, it's been sitting in a barn since the 70's. I know it's orange and i'm pretty sure he said that it's a 4 speed manual.

[chris3100]

I'm assuming it's got a leaf rear. I was thinking a 10 bolt from a S10 with a decent set of gears.

a 700R-4 would almost be a bit nicer so i could use a trans brake but that's 10% more power loss than a manual trans.

Vegas have coils with a torque arm set-up similar 2nd gen camaros. it is a 10 bolt but will not take any abuse and are all 4-lug. HAD a monza back in the 80's it's same chassis as vega. Lots of room for mounts , could even use a motor plate on front of block. only problem might be the pan.Used to be a company called DOBI performance had monza /vega stuff. Was also pontiac sunfire and olds starfire. A lot came with 151-4 pontiac and 231 buick v-6. A60v6 would be FANF**KINGTASTIC swap . The v-8 was front heavy and handled like shit. WOW, I haven't dug that crap out of my brain in years.! Am I showing my age?

[chris3100]

vegas have coils with a torque arm set-up similar 2nd gen camaros. It is a 10 bolt but will not take any abuse and are all 4-lug. Had a monza back in the 80's it's same chassis as vega. Lots of room for mounts , could even use a motor plate on front of block. Only problem might be the pan.used to be a company called dobi performance had monza /vega stuff. Was also pontiac sunfire and olds starfire. A lot came with 151-4 pontiac and 231 buick v-6. A60v6 would be fanf**kingtastic swap . The v-8 was front heavy and handled like shit. Wow, i haven't dug that crap out of my brain in years.! Am i showing my age?

sorry i meant to say 3rd gen camaros/firebirds

[jdmrh07]

Haha nice to see you're finally crossing over to the dark side--- Rear Wheel Drive--- Small Car--- Big Horsepower -----

If you remember about 5 years ago, at v6z24.com I had about 8 grand to put into my Z24--- instead I put that money (and an additional 15 grand) into a 75 Chevy Monza.

The question is--- how long will it take the rest of those guys on their to realize Rear Wheel Drive is the only way to go, when making real power?

Good luck with your searching--- I think an Opel GT would be badass for your engine.

[IsaacHayes]

So Dave, looks like you found a car with some traction for your motor... Looks nice, but not as light weight as the cars in this thread... Still the 3rd gens must be fairly light, what do they weigh with a v6? 4th gens are around 3400 and up... I wonder if it's the lightest generation?

[Superdave]

i'm guessing around 3000-3100, i won't know till i get everything done.

the 3500 is lighter than the 2.8 and i'll be installing a tubular front crossmember which will shave more.. and the hood it's got is very light.



If i can get it to 3000 lbs it should be right on par with the Z24. The faster shifting auto trans and added traction should equal 12's.



I did some research on Opels, pretty much junk unless i swap in an entire better driveline. similar thing for a Vega. Might as well start off with something that has aftermarket support and decent parts stock.

[IsaacHayes]

I hear ya. You'll have that thing up and running in less time. Are you going to gut the inside like in the cav?

[1988GTU]

Couple guys I went to college with did a 3100 into a Hatch Vega. Dont know what ever came about it. It did get completed and I think they used FAST to run it with a 4l80e.