I'm 4 years late, but I just gotta say, that;s one of the best I've seen! Well thought out, simple yet effective! Too bad there wasn't a factory option like that, even though Hot Rod tested a prototype Vega fitted with an all-aluminum V8, the last of several 283 cu in. (4.6 L) units used in the CERV I research and development vehicle. Bored out to 302 cu in (4.9 L), it had high-compression pistons, a solid lifter camshaft, cast-iron four-barrel intake manifold, and a Quadrajet carburetor. With stock Turbo Hydramatic, stock Vega rear end and street tires, the car ran a sub-14-second quarter mile.
You're killing me with that car. I've wanted one ever since I was a teenager in the mid 70's. Yours is perfect, even down to the gear drive whine! Thanks for posting.
It’s nice that you can still see all the factory spot welds without rust being there nice job on the restoration You definitely took some liberties made it a lot nicer than it ever was originally I love the straight cut gears
I bought a 1973 Vega in 1973. This is ABSOLUTELY NOT a 1973 Vega. The 1973 Vega had 5 MPH impact front and rear bumpers that extended out further than these do. Nice car, but not a 1973.
The Vega suffered from a lot of things that should have been designed into it. For one it needed a good engine. The aluminum block was not ready for prime time. It needed front wheel drive. The vents on the trunk were just rust collectors. Power steering was optional. It should have been standard.
Vega suffered from folks like myself that didn't see that many of its flaws could be remedied. Vegas should have been more common with the car hobby today. I'd prefer a Honda K20 swap to another V8. I see restorable examples now and then, but many are abandoned race car projects.
