(no longer selling V8 Vega/H-Body kits)
Trip economy on the freeways is 30 mpg. On the other hand, the stock 4-cyl and V6 pumps aren't going to work well with a V8 (then again, see the notes from Robert Herndon.). . I had people calling constantly for the availability of just such a piece. First off the driveshaft has to be shortened and the rear fitted with new shocks and traction controls. Kits were created to make swapping a V8 into a Vega, and all of the downstream components were soon engineered to make use of all that . Next, using the measurements provided here, use a rubber or wooden mallet and lightly tap the area of the oilpan to be modified. Beyond that, the ghost Vega was utterly reliable and worked as it should have. Front Suspension Type: Straight Axle . The new pad-printed, Firestone-branded, soft, vinyl slicks are slightly wide for scale but vastly superior to what came before. Wash hands after handling. 30+ days ago. Use a quality oil filter to protect your engine from contaminants and while you're installing the kit why not add an oil cooler as well. Now, since the main swap had already been done, I had the joy of discovering the weakness of Vega bodies. V8 Monzas also used a special water pump pulley that was over 2 smaller in diameter than the crankshaft pulley to speed up coolant flow and cooling fan rpm. I have old v-8 kits from catalog and wondering arent safe and strong? Of course the wooden shape would be removed once the reshaping was complete. PPG Jegs Yellow!
1932-34 Ford 4-Bar Tube Axle Kit for Chevy Spindles, Chrome. "Basic V-8 conversion is LT-1 (350) with a single 725-cfm Holley mounted on a factory aluminum manifold. Box 875
Holley and Hooker have partnered together to offer the most versatile and complete LS swap kits on the market so you can install the GM LS engine into your favorite chassis! Unlike virtually all of its brethren, this Vega also managed to survive the new millennia almost perfectly intact, a function of being Ziebart rust-proofed when new, driven only 35,000 miles, and finally put into a dry barn to doze for another 25 years. "Most of the conversions to date have involved the use of modified Turbo-Hydro units for bang-shift operation, fitted with Hurst Auto Stick controls. A custom firewall was also installed. "Introduced in 1971, the Vega was hustled as a sub-compact promising less weight and better gas mileage. If you've used any other aftermarket V8 Vega/Monza pan on a 400/383 successfully e-mail me. Although not required to mount a V8, remote mounted oil filter kits are a plus in any car with limited access and the H-Body is no exception. It was already bored .030, the crank was turned .010/.010, and I just freshened it up with new rings and bearings. 11 and 11A). I doctored a Rochester Quadrajet as shown in a Chevy Hi-Performance magazine, put in a new clutch, machined the flywheel, and squeezed it back into the Vega.
I havent found one yet that wasnt half eaten with cancer. Notice the notch starts from the front, is 9 1/2" long and 3 7/8" from the top. The cycle repeats, and wheel hop is the result. Below are links to some printable instructions on our web site. ", Motor Trend March 1975 "The $850 V-8 Vega"This could be the car GM should have built in the first placeHerb Adams said, "By 1970, after foreign manufacturers had won back all the customers Detroit had gained with cars like the original Falcon, Valiant and Corvair, the need was once again recognized to react to buyer demands. This time, the item was a Vega fitted with an all-aluminum 302 V-8 and a Turbo 350 transmission. No. Actually it didnt get that bad. prices variable by condition, availability In the engine bay, welds were ground and seams smoothed. Below is a scan of how Moroso constructs their V8 Vega/Monza pan (P/N 20230). Once all the critical fabrication was complete by Dane Heninger, the car was painted in-house by Woody's Hot Rodz and the steady hand of master painter Jamie Reedy. Also, it has a big-block style oil dipstick mount on the driver's side of the oilpan where the dipstick would enter through the side of the oilpan. The V8 Vega Building a V8 Vega About a year after I had built and sold my V8 Pinto Wagon, I found it again driving around in Salmon Arm, BC.
Although the notch is a must to clear the H-Body steering drag-link, the dipstick option is really for use of the factory exhaust manifolds and is not required for any aftermarket kit that I know of. JEGSTER 940005K1: Chassis Kit for Vega, Monza, Starfire, Skyhawk, Sunbird, Astre RWD - JEGS High Performance Chassis Kit Free Shipping over $199* Same Day Shipping before 7pm* Price Match Guarantee Free Shipping over $199* Same Day Shipping before 7pm* Price Match Guarantee Help Center 1-800-345-4545 Gift Cards Track OrderTrack Order WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. It has a four, dude. For these reasons we want to show you Paul Lawsons stepped-on 1972 Vega he bought in 1988, at the height of its honor, and just never got rid of the thing." Hooker V8 Vega mount kit and headers. Since these are front engine mounts, they will fit virtually all header designs. What started out as an econobox for the masses, morphed into a massive enthusiast following, and for good reason. It's mated to the corresponding LTG six speed manual transmission, and is followed by upgrades such as a Mustang GT500 aluminum driveshaft, and a V8 Monza rear end made sweeter by Moser Axles. Hes been editor of Car Craft, Hot Rod, and Chevy High Performance. Ever since wed started swapping the 350 engines, the Rat motor requests had been outrageous.
That's how Gateway Classic cars in Detroit describes this 1976 Chevrolet Vega, which is hiding a 350 cubic-inch V8 under its hood. In short, many enthusiasts overlook these simple, proven techniques successfully employed by GM Engineers in the construction of the V8 Monza. Car & Truck Safety & Security Accessories, TSD4686 Trans Dapt 4686 V8 Vega Mount Kit, Trans-Dapt 4686 Chevy Vega SBC Small Block 350 V8 Engine Swap Mounts Only, 2 Cerwin Vega 8" V-8, VS-80 2 Speaker Foam Surround Repair Kit - 2CV8-08, Cerwin Vega REW8, V8, VS80, W84, XL8S Single Speaker Foam Repair Kit - 1CV8, For 1961 Facel Vega HK500 Crankshaft Seal Kit Rear Felpro 73919KR 6.3L V8, Lot of 5 Vintage Passenger Car Rear View Peep Mirror Bracket nu Ford Chevy Look, For 1962 Facel Vega Excellence Automatic Transmission Filter Kit 21623DZ 6.3L V8, For 1962 Facel Vega Excellence Automatic Transmission Filter Kit 58522ZK 6.3L V8, NOS 1956 Mercury 12V Kant-Ker-Rode Accessory Battery Hold-Down FD3 NEW Free Ship, Original 1960's Ford Motor Company Truck Hubcap 10-3/4", Vintage airstream travel trailer tool stabilizer wrench socket lug nut, 1941-1954 Chevrolet ACCESSORY GM Spotlight CROWN 1942 1946 1947 1948 1949 1952, ACDelco PF454 Oil Filter Kit Set of 10 for Buick Cadillac Chevy GMC Olds Pontiac, Kant-Ker-Rode 1958 FD7 NOS Battery Hold Down Ford Lincoln Mercury power pack, MOOG Front Stabilizer Sway Bar End Link Pair Set of 2 for Buick Chevy GMC Olds, NOS Vintage Namsco Accessory Car Truck Chrome Hubcap Wheel Center Cap Pair, NOS Mercury 1961 12V Kant-Ker-Rode Battery Hold-Down FD10 NASH RAMBLER COMET, 1930s 1940s 1950s 60s 5 CLOTH ELECTRICAL WIRE TAPE CHEVROLET FORD DODGE GM, Street Rodder July 1977 Vtg Magazine Wheel Buyers - V8 Vega Kits NoML VG, ACDelco PF454 Oil Filter Kit Set of 6 for Buick Cadillac Chevy GMC Olds Pontiac, Vintage airstream travel trailer jack part, MOOG K700532 Sway Bar Link Kit Front LH or RH for Apollo Century Deville Impala, Original 1930's 1940's Car Truck Under Dash Heater Vent Deflector Assembly Part, Original Vintage Desoto Coupe Sedan Convertible Interior Dash Radio Delete OEM, Original 1950's Car Truck Under-Hood & Trunk Trouble Light Assembly w/ Switch. MPC produced stock Vega hatchback kits and promotional models for all years, '71 through '77. Estimated Ship Date: Feb 13, 2023 if ordered today. Under the hood is a LSX 454, equipped with F.A.S.T. He tried his best but the thicker radiator core created for the swap and the Flex-O-Lite fanoriginally for an air-conditioned applicationwere not really enough. With the big-block lard hanging over the front wheels, what do you think the spread was with an additional 400 pounds up front (Vega aluminum four-cylinder: 285 pounds; all-iron big-block: 685 pounds)? So many V8 Vegas I see suffer from overheating problems and in almost every case, a 3 or 4 row radiator is used with a very dense (14-16 fins per inch) fin count. The factory oilpan has a notched place just in front of the rear sump for clearance of the steering drag-link. For engines over 300 hp, or with a manual transmission, a narrowed 12-bolt differential is required, replacing the stock Vega unit. Of course the wooden shape would be removed once the reshaping was complete.
Engine: This is an ultra-basic 0.030 over 350 with a 1970-vintage steel crank, 11.1:1 compression, GM pink rods, and Brodix Track 1 heads. You are now signed up to receive JEGS Deals with text alerts! K6112 Upper control arm bushing kit (OEM-style) (need 2) K6155 Upper control arm bushing kit (offset) (need 2) K6113 Lower control arm bushing kit (need 2) . The chromoly rollcage is another work as stylish as it is safe, and is finished off in gloss black. A custom roll cage adds necessary protection and some extra rigidity to the vintage Chevy wagon, while a B&M Pro Stick shifter, MSD digital delay box, and a Dakota Digital electronic dashboard complete the race-ready cabin. At the time of this test the King Kong Vega was one of a kind, though Mr. Motion said he was sure that there were three of them and perhaps a fourth cobalt bomb, as well. V8 Oil System
If looks aren't important and you want to save time and hassle, it may be possible to modify the oilpan without welding, but it will require care on your behalf to prevent damage to the engine or the oilpan. Sondles elaborates: "You have to build an internal cage that will be removed in order to keep the car square while you're working on it. The original V8 had been installed using V8 Monza mounts, manifolds and oil pan a lesson I learned in doing V8 Pintos (use factory parts!). Its hormonally overendowed engine and chassis notwithstanding, Jeffs notchback Vega seen here is an oddball for a couple of reasons. Folks have reported they had to cut re-drill and reweld these backets just to get them to work. Works with "short" style water pump. Use a quality oil filter to protect your engine from contaminants and while you're installing the kit why not add an oil cooler as well. The rebirth of this shining star took 2 years, two donor cars, and plenty of help from Dennys father; some pals; and his best friend, Ted Wright."
The back of the module was supported by the same tubular transmission mount in the standard 350 Super Vega conversion, but it was located an inch farther to the rear. Chevy Vega Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. The consternation was the exhaust. A handmade velocity stack, with over 25 hours of metalwork, covers a 750-cfm Holley Dominator carb. All Rights Reserved. SORRY, WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE ORDERS OR PERSONAL CHECKS. Later, Rosen admitted that the best transmission for the car would have been a Turbo 400. Vega styling has stood test of time. The original stock Vega body shell, crudely hacked for slicks, gives way to a newly tooled '72 body with properly stretched rear wheel arches.
But installing a V8 in a Vega was clearly on GM's designer's minds because a small-block V8 will slide in with a minimum of hassle. 1973 Chevrolet vega v8 in Valley Springs, CA 1973 Chevy vega with a small block Chevy 350ci. Bolting the pan to the engine will prevent the oilpan from warping while you shape it. Always consult the head manufacturer before purchasing headers for use on AFTERMARKET or NON-STOCK heads, or contact the Hedman Tech Department at 562.921.0404 (8-4:30pm PST M-F). Designed to be used with the stock floor and coil spring rear suspension. Black and gold paint with the right stance helps too. But long before ringmaster Joel Rosen gave it the big-block swap, hed converted many Vegas with a 350.
The V8 replaces the vehicle's stock four-cylinder engine and.
Aftermarket Oilpans
Original Left Hand Drive Manufactured The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was hailed as "Britain's First Supercar" for its 170 mph (270 km/h) top speed when introduced. I didnt like it as much as I liked the Pintos. Part Number: TRD-4684. Considering the dubious weight balance and manual steering, I was hesitant to slam the Vega into a corner for fear of monstrous understeer. Slight modification to oil pan and car's floor pan will be needed. Since I was on the cheap, I kept those. The only modification required when using these parts is the construction of a pair of drop brackets to lower the stock vega radiator mounting points 3 overall. This in effect raised the back end under power.
CHEVY V8 into 1955-59 CHEVY Pickup, Motor Mount Kit with Rubber Pads Learn More. The Vega's power plant isn't the typical LS swaprather, a new Chevrolet Performance LTG 2.0 Turbo crate motor is nestled comfortably under the hood. One of the last engines was bored out to 302 cu in (4.9 L) for the Vega application. TRA4686.
That changes if you grab the V8 conversion kit from Kugel Komponents. 2023 JEGS High Performance. Check out their Phase III Vega in the April '99 issue of Super Chevy magazine, or go to the Motion Performance homepage at
The factory V8 Monza radiator is a 3 core unit that is 16.5" tall (3 inches higher than a 4 cylinder Vega single core unit) and it has an irregular tank that makes it 25.25" wide at the bottom and 26.25" wide at the top. If looks aren't important and you want to save time and hassle, it may be possible to modify the oilpan without welding, but it will require care on your behalf to prevent damage to the engine or the oilpan.
LSx, Vega, Monza oil pan modification kit. Jeff was lucky enough to obtain the mint Vega from an acquaintance, Ryan Gideon, for $1,500.
Still, the formula of small, RWD car with a V8 is tough to beat. . I thought I would also mention that many people overlook the success of the V8 Monza when trying to address their own cooling system problems. Sort. So you may rightfully ask, how in the hell did the proverbial (and literal) wheels fall off the wagon? I think it may be time to freshen it up. The .030-over 350 makes about 480 horsepower, and features GM camel-hump heads, a World Products Motown intake, a Holley Double-Pumper Carburetor, and even more go-fast goodies. We have available a factory left hand drive Land Rover Defender 110 station wagon with a factory 3.5 V8 engine.
If I were to attempt this, I would fabricate a wooden shape that would fit inside the oilpan and still allow the pan to be bolted to the engine. V8 Radiator
Gone is the Vega's stock 140ci aluminum inline four-cylinder, and in its place resides a 5.3L LM4 Gen III from a '04 Buick Rainier SUV cribbed from the salvage yard for a mere $800. A special radiator is also needed and Motion fabricates an aluminum crossflow job similar to ones used in hot Corvettes." The Vega never came with a V8 engine from the factory (all Vegas had 2.3- or 2.0-liter straight-fours), though the closely-related 1975-1980 Chevrolet Monza / Buick Skyhawk / Oldsmobile. The deluxe ensemble included those pieces as well as hoses, belts, pulleys, and front springs with the same free height as stock but with thicker wire diameter. Reproduction Steel Parts Used Parts (Everything available!) Add to Cart. Most have already returned to the earth from whence they came. When looking in the factory parts manuals for these, you'll only find them in Group 1.219 of the Chevrolet Parts Catalog Models thru 1975 (Chevrolet Parts Publication, Book No.
Home Fabricated Oilpans
Hes a wealth of old-school knowledge and his stories from back in the day are epic. That engine is over 10 years old, and its been in 16 different cars, Denny said. The power glide transmission has a 3500 rpm stall converter as well as a shift kit and a B&M Quick Click shifter. The Vega and I sailed straight through more than one big red stop sign. 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega #404 in Lutz, FL "GM sold the aluminum 215 engine tooling to Rover." http://www.baldwinmotion.com. Estimated to ship direct from manufacturer on LSX-R Port Fuel Injection, 46-pound. The back end became quite soft, and started pointing in different directions. When looking in the factory parts manuals for these, you'll only find them in Group 1.219 of the Chevrolet Parts Catalog Models thru 1975 (Chevrolet Parts Publication, Book No. We wondered why GM couldn't just build a nice, small lightweight V-8 that would give the Vega the smoothness and power that Americans were accustomed to. $18,000. The TransDapt kit is very similar to the Adaptec and Hooker SBC kit. Installing a larger radiator will also require a larger fan. Let me know if there are any other aftermarket oilpans or if any of these are no longer available. Although the notch is a must to clear the H-Body steering drag-link, the dipstick option is really for use of the factory exhaust manifolds and is not required for any aftermarket kit that I know of. Instead of running out and buying a fourth Pinto (gasp! Custom/Fabricated
It does have an overflow tank that is always at the proper level. Home Fabricated Oilpans
The rear suspension was so much better, that the force of acceleration was transmitted to the rest of the body. Even the shifter case is a custom piece. The body has loads of upgrades, and the exterior sheetmetal was massaged to perfection.
Then while I hammered I could be sure that the wooden shape would prevent me from causing the oilpan to interfere with the reciprocating assembly. The prototype had a stock Turbo Hydramatic, stock Vega rear differential and street tires. It can be found perched on top of a trailer in Helena, Montana, and available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500.
Note the dipstick location when you pick your oilpan being sure to select one that will meet your specific needs. P.O. The primary kit contained the motor mounts and the headers. A picture gallery is included along with full price list. The Vega sports a 12-bolt Posi traction rear end with 4.56 gears, as well as a fully built performance suspension and rare '74 Cragar Mach 8 wheels. Includes motor mount brackets, bushings, plates and rear crossmember, Uncoated, full length mandrel bent headers, Designed for use with TH-350 automatic trans. SORRY, WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE ORDERS. 1973: the odd-even day oil embargo did its best to consternate everyone, but hot rodders are always gonna hot rod and one of the most progressive conversion houses was Motion Performance hard by Sunrise Highway in Baldwin, Long Island. Floors, door panels, and dash are all handmade from aluminum. It was a faded, rusty orange, and looked almost as sad as it was. Works with "short" style water pump. "Dan La Grou, who did most of the engineering on the conversion, let us test his personal Vega aluminum V-8. The factory V8 Monza radiator is a 3 core unit that is 16.5" tall (3 inches higher than a 4 cylinder Vega single core unit) and it has an irregular tank that makes it 25.25" wide at the bottom and 26.25" wide at the top. However, check out Daves Vega Village in Anmore, BC. Call 800.979.0122, 7am-10pm, everyday. Contact the company by e-mailing Showcars@idirect.com (click link) or telephone (905) 857-6345. Bolting the pan to the engine will prevent the oilpan from warping while you shape it. Extant for nearly four years, there was a sea of chain-whipped H-bodies with their panting, leaking four-bangers hanging out like an overheated dogs tongue. Wheel hop isnt the same is losing traction, and If you dont break traction, youll break something else..
), I found a 75 Pontiac Astre (Chevy Vega Clone) for sale in the Buy & Sell. Note the dipstick location when you pick your oilpan being sure to select one that will meet your specific needs. Once upon a time, Hot Rod scored an exclusive tech story straight from the Chevy product planners teaser book. Motion built the initial tubular exhaust headers but if the project rocketed, he said hed already made arrangements with a major source to handle that chore. You can also use GM P/N 3031734 for Monza (8 Cyl.) Also, it has a big-block style oil dipstick mount on the driver's side of the oilpan where the dipstick would enter through the side of the oilpan. This is the ultimate performance, durability and safety setup. With a bit of exasperation in his voice, Rosen said, I hate to think about that car now.. Please call or Email any needs.
Folks have reported they had to cut re-drill and reweld these backets just to get them to work. First take your existing oilpan and bolt it to your engine (no gaskets required). Jenkins' 1974 Vega, Grumpy's Toy XI, was the first full-bodied Pro Stock drag racer with a full tube chassis, as well as the first with MacPherson strut suspension and dry sump oiling. Thats what we call star power. The conversion starts with a Herbert and Meek kit which includes front motor mounts, rear transmission mount and a set of special exhaust headers."
Back to Building the V8 H-Body
** Home Products Engine Swap Kits Engine Swap Kits Chevy SB Engine Swap Kits LS Engine Swap Kits Ford Engine Swap Kits After a rough start, the Fusion Bomb is now hitting the show circuit and racking up points wherever it goes. Road & Track even called the Vega "the best-handling car ever sold in America. These swap kits have been engineered by Holley for a easy bolt-in . I've been told that only the Milodon oilpan P/N 31070 will fit the Chevy 400/383 small-block engine and only if the factory connecting rods are used. Their design starts off as a mini Camaro up front.. they are a lightweight platform that accepts a V8, as shown in an article from February 1972. Re: Vega Oil Pan Clearance over Centerlink (Tips & Tricks) Below is a scan of how Moroso constructs their V8 Vega/Monza pan (P/N 20230). I've been told that only the Milodon oilpan P/N 31070 will fit the Chevy 400/383 small-block engine and only if the factory connecting rods are used.
"The 4-speed conversions usually get shortened coil-spring 12-Bolt rears fitted with 4.88 Posi gears, Summers Bros. axles and Lakewood Velvetouch brakes. Motor Mount Insert Pads, Rubber, Replacement Mount Pads For V8 Vega Swap, Kit. Don Hardy instructions page 1
The only fabric in the interior is on the seats. It was a popular swap in the 70s and 80s. If you intend to use factory V8 Monza exhaust manifolds then the dipstick location may be a problem. JEGS will validate the price match before the items are shipped. Notice the notch starts from the front, is 9 1/2" long and 3 7/8" from the top. It rolls on Billet Specialties' Comp 5 wheels and Hoosier rubber. Fuel economy is where the V-8 Vega really shines. I personally prefer the dual remote kit, twice the filtering area and cleaner oil. pn# 10508 : pn# 10555 1 3/4" tubes : pn# 10510: .
Due to its front engine-rear drive design, light weight and low cost, the Chevrolet Vega is often modified. Towne Cpe.). Car and Driver's SS/Sedan Challenge 1973 Vega GT, Vegavairbob/1973 Vega GT Video - CarDomain/Castrol EDGE Contest Winner, Vegavairbob/40 Year Old Survivor-1971 Chevy Vega, Vegavairbob/1973 Vega GT in Motor Trend Classic - Fall 2010, Vegavairbob/Chevy Vega sweeps 2010 New England Concours D' Elegance presented by Hemmings Motor News t, Vegavairbob/Mad Men land the Chevy Account - will promote the XP-887 (Chevy Vega). The motor was plumbed through the original catalytic convertor, and single exhaust. Custom/Fabricated
Still available at ListedBuy! It sports a power bulge hood lettered with LSX 454, a low, black chin spoiler, and blacked out grille. The V8 Vega movement took the idea of a small car and a big engine to various levels of extreme. The article notes that it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to imagine a factory V8 swap kit.
To ensure the conversion, it needed surgery and chassis upgrades that posed giant warranty problems and legal liabilities, so none of Rosens usual dealership contacts wanted anything to do with it. Installing a larger radiator will also require a larger fan. We think the primary reason is the Camaro-ishness of the front end. http://www.v8monza.com. dave verhague. To the right is a scan of how Hooker suggests you modify the pan. Trans-Dapt 4686 Vega V8 Swap Mounts Only. "My original thought was to do something low-buck," Jeff says. Reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out.
Thanks. The left-side lower control arm ripped itself free from the frame after a hot-rodding session out to the Burger King in New Westminster. Popular Hot Rodding on the Hot Rod Network June 19, 2013 "1971 Chevy Vega - The Jega"Woodys Hot Rodz builds a trend-busting 71 Vega for an industry icon"Historically, the Vega's compact dimensions and light weight made it a staple of race cars and street machines through the '70s and '80s.
It would have been better served with vents to mitigate heat. (Click image for larger view)
This 1976 Vega GT looks to be rust-free (a Vega rarity) and largely complete. Headers. I modeled the suspension1 out of cardboard, and I was able to clearly see how the suspension was reacting.
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This 1972 Chevrolet Vega is an unusual choice for a restomod with an equally interesting drivetrain swap, a 3.8 liter V6 and 5-speed sourced from an '02 Camaro. I didnt want to repair the damage only to have it happen again, so I modeled a new rear suspension that changed its geometry. It has excellent handling, styling, and package size but for some reason the Vega's engine design did not match the rest of the car's excellence. All brackets, even the hood hinges, are custom-made from scratch! Those engineers were always busy boys, concocting and producing succulent what-if combos that were guaranteed to make enthusiast press wanks drool and stutter. Trans-Dapt 4686 Vega V8 Swap Mounts Only (5) Attachment Style: Bolt-on. Talk to the experts. Here are a few of the options available. When the wheel spins, the axle is unloaded, and drops down.
For one, its notchback greenhouse is taller than the more common hatchback style most people remember..along with an increase in chassis rigidity that comes from having a rear seat bulkhead. Intimate with the brutality of torque,. The solution is to block the thermostat bypass opening on the water pump and add (2) 1/8 vent holes in the Robertshaw 330-160 (160) thermostat. Traction was greatly increased, and the car really hooked up and went! After countless hours of hand sanding and blocking, they laid out a splendid Synergy Green finish over the wagons dead-straight exterior.