new to the site... with a question or 2

[75kammbackGT]

Hello to all. Im new to the site so I figured I would give everyone a little info on my ride, and get a little info also. It is a 75 Vega gt wagon automatic. 80000 miles and a bad engine. I got it when I was 11 from my grandpa who towed the car after the original owners son got caught stealing stereo equipment in it. He gave my grandpa the car to cover the bill, and he gave the car 2 . Ill post pics asap. Anyways a couple years ago it spun 2 crank bearings and chewed one into nothing, so its been sittin since, but I am finally goin 2 be able 2 start the rebuild very soon. I was just wondering what engines would bolt 2 the stock tranny? I am planning on possibly doin a v8 swap (I already have a good 305/350turbo) but im also thinking of keeping it a 4banger. If I go that route which would be better, cheaper, replace or rebuild? Thanks for any info or insight. Really a great site with lots of info.

[spencerforhire]

Unfortunately, the only thing that will bolt to a Vega transmission is.... a Vega motor. The 350/TH350 swap has been done thousands of times; hang around this board long enough and you'll get all the information you need to do one yourself.
If you do decide to keep the car 4-cyl., I'm sure someone here will sell you a good one that's been removed to do a V8 swap.

[cjbiagi]

What trans did a Vega come with? I know early ones had 2 speed Powerglides, I assumed later ones had T350"s?

[stage169]

Welcome to the board! I've posted the entire 1975 Chevy options report and according to it the only automatic for the Vega was the TH350. I know some of them were just air cooled too no lines to the rad.

Makes for some dry reading but if you want you can check out the report here viewtopic.php?f=16&t=38704

[75kammbackGT]

Well... Damn. The only reason I was thinking of keeping it 4 cylinder is so I wouldn't have 2 mess with the rest of the driveline, as the engine is the only thing wrong with the entire car. Oh well, anyone swapped the engine and tranny from an S10? Either 4 or 6 cylinder. Is it as involved as a V8 swap? I'm just not sure I'm ready 2 cut the car up yet for a big motor. Also thought about rebuilding the original.... Suggestions? Thanks for the help.

[spencerforhire]

There's no cutting involved for a V8 swap; it can be done with OEM V8 Monza mounts or a couple of different aftermarket setups. Using a drivetrain from a 4-cyl or V6 S-10 will require some fabrication. if the donor truck is fuel injected, then there's going to be more work in both plumbing & electrical departments.

[75kammbackGT]

So I guess its down 2 the stock one being rebuild or replaced, or the V8. Mostly talkin bout the tranny mount, and the driveshaft. Trouble is I'm Havin trouble finding a rebuild kit and Vega motors aren't really plentiful round here, I know where a couple of complete cars are and a astre wagon, but they won't part with them.... Probably go ahead with the V8, unless I find another engine or find a complete rebuild kit. Anybody possibly point me in the direction of either one of these? Thanks for all the help, once again great site.

[hammerdown7]

How was it running when it spun the bearings, burning or using any oil? You may only have to replace the bearings, depending on how the crank faired. Gaskets should still be available, water pumps are, cam belts and other parts are as well. Depending on what you do to the V8, the rearend should be the small 6 1/2 which may not do well if you have a heavy right foot.

Dick

[75kammbackGT]

It was running great, used less than a quart between oil changes. Have found a basic gasket kit but can't seem to find a master kit, the kind that comes with crank bearings, rings and such, figured if I was going 2 salvage the stock motor I might as well put all new stuff in it. The V8 I have is a stock 305 from a 79 truck. If I go this route I was planning on beefing up everything else as I drive it. Am a little concerned about the rear not holding up also. anyone know of a company that has a complete master rebuild kit?

[hammerdown7]

I don't think I have ever seen an all-in-one kit for a Vega. You should get a good look at the crank journals before buying the bearings, the crank may need to be turned if two bearings were spun. If that is the case you will need new bearings at least for the ones that need to be turned.

Dick

[NVEGAR8D]

Hi,
I've got a 75 140 2bbl complete with trans, but i don't know how i could get it to you from Ontario, Canada.
nick75vega

[75kammbackGT]

Right, well its the thought that counts. Think i've bout talked myself into the V8, gonna take a good look at the crank and rest of the motor tomorrow and see if its worth saving. When we originally pulled the engine we stopped after we saw the spun bearings. Not really sure what kind of shape the rest of it is in. keep ya posted