'660 Vega?

[Superdave]

Has anyone seen or swapped a '660 into a '72 ish Vega hatchback?


this is a swap i'm considering.. any info is appreciated.

Yes, i am a member on H-Body.org and have searched, no good info though.

[CNCguy]

I looked around for a solid Vega (hard to find in Ohio) but ended up buying a Chevette. A 60V6 swap should be pretty easy since there have been many small blocks swapped before. IIRC, Motion Performance even made a BBC swap kit for the Vegas. The 60V6 is narrow and shouldn't be any taller than the Cosworth engine. I haven't seen an empty Vega engine bay in years but would think that engine mounts, oil pan clearance and headers would be the big issues. Those won't be a problem for a guy with your abilities.

With it's light weight and fairly low profile, it should be a decent performer with good mileage. I know a guy with a LX9 powered MGB who just returned from his second trip out west in it. The engine is stock with shorty headers, 65mm TB and running on OBD-I. He reported 35~37 MPG between fill ups during the 4800 mile trip.

Should be a cool swap.... got a car picked out yet?

[Superdave]

Still looking for a hatchback, i found a solid coupe for $750 but IMO they're a little on the ugly side...

[IsaacHayes]

This would be an awesome build. I always wanted one and paint it black with a nice V8 in it. But a powerful 60* would suffice too. Maybe turbo?

[Superdave]

the info i've found says that the Vega hatchback weighs in at around 2200 lbs in full trim. That's light enough to put me deep into the 12's with the current engine and a decent tranny.

If guys can fit BBC's in them, i'm sure i could squeeze in a pair of turbos.. but i still prefer N/A so i've been looking into switching fuels to something with some extra kick.. :P

[IsaacHayes]

Ah, gonna transplant the engine eh? If you don't you should do a turbo 60* or maybe a built up LS2 with LS3 parts and cam etc

[ForcedFirebird]

Just turbo your current motor

[Superdave]

Looking back into this yet again, possibly found a good rolling chassis for $400. I'm waiting on pics and more info as it was brought up after a few beers and a growler.. my memory is sketchy of the rest of the conversation.


I know the T5 sucks, and an adapter would be needed to use the T56. I'd rather not switch to an auto but if i had to then it would be a 700R-4 since it's not too heavy and would be good for the highway.

What do you guys think?

Ideas for an easy 5 bolt rear swap?



I'm just tired of crossing my fingers every time i launch my Z24 at the track, i want something that'll take some abuse.

[robertisaar]

the fuel economy with a 660 and a t56 will be goddamn ridiculous... .5 sixth gears make for like idle at 55MPH with LS1s...

as far as 5 bolt rears, what kind of rear suspensions did vegas use? a 10bolt should hold up to 12 second passes with no problem. i know the stock rear end on the 83 Elky holds up to some quick passes(w/LSD). i think in the 13s with the Elky would hold up fine with a vega...

[Superdave]

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.

[Canyonero]

Friend of my brothers a long time ago had a '75 Vega GT
hatchback. But he was an idiot and messed it up. I'd still take that car in a heartbeat, and I think a 60-degree would be a great engine for one.

Isuzu made a RWD 5-speed that can be found in the 2wd Rodeos and Pickups with the 3.1L.

[robertisaar]

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.

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

[Superdave]

Isuzu made a RWD 5-speed that can be found in the 2wd Rodeos and Pickups with the 3.1L.

How strong is it?

[Canyonero]

I don't know what the specs are, but it's a truck tranny that was used up through the 250hp-ish Isuzu V6s pulling a 2ton+ SUV and also bolted to Caddy V8s swapped into the Isuzus. Same internals as all the Isuzu truck 5-speeds, but most have integrated transfer cases.

Didn't Isuzu make the stronger of the Fiero transaxles too?

[robertisaar]

Didn't Isuzu make the stronger of the Fiero transaxles too?

the isuzu 5 speed was used with the 4 cylinder fieros

the 282/muncie/getrag was used with the v6 fieros...

i don't know who made the 4 speed manual though...