Chevrolet Vega

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2011-03-13.

Chevrolet Vega

1971 - 1977

Country:

Engine:

4L

Capacity:

2294 cc

Power:

84bhp at 4400 rpm

Transmission:

4/5 spd. man 3 spd. auto

Top Speed:

96 mph

Number Built:

n/a

Collectability:

The Chevrolet Vega, which was first introduced in 1971, marked a new direction for Chevrolet towards a sub-compact market previously dominated by European imports, and which also included such other American products as the Ford Pinto and the American Motors Pacer.

The Vega was very conservatively styled by American standards, being of roughly the same overall size as the Ford Capri. The engine too was much smaller than the more traditional American offerings, the standard engine for the range being a single overhead camshaft straight four of 2.3 litres.

A sporting version of the car using a twin overhead camshaft engine developed by British racing engine specialists was marketed as the Cosworth-Vega. This version was, unfortunately, discontinued in 1976, leaving the 2.3-litre as the only option.

The engine was offered in three different body styles, the Notchback, the sporting Hatchback Coupe and a Station Wagon. The Hatchback offered a choice of finishes, with bold Vega GT stripes as one option. A range of transmissions was also offered, with four and five speed manual gearboxes and a three-speed automatic available.

The four-speed manual unit was fitted as standard as was a limited-slip differential. Suspension at the front was by wishbones, coil serings, dampers and an anti-roll bar while the rear was mounted on coil springs and torque arms, again with an anti-roll bar for stability.

Although the engine power varied slightly depending on the local regulations to which the engine conformed, typical performance figures were a maximum speed of around 96 mph, and a fuel consumption of 30 mpg.

With the demise of the much modified and very rapid Cosworth-engined version of the car, the range was definitely lacking a genuine performance variant of the original theme, but with all America’s motoring restrictions and regulations there was still a place in the market for this attractive compact.

Quick Specifications - Chev Vega:

• Engine: Front-mounted, water- cooled, straight four. 88.8 mm (3.50in bore x 91.9mm) (3.62 in) stroke 2294 cc (140cuin). Light-alloy cylinder block and cast-iron cylinder head. Compression ratio 8 :1. 5 main bearings. 2 valves per cylinder, operated by belt-driven overhead camshaft. 1 Holley twin -choke carburettor.
• Maximum power: (DIN) 84bhp at 4400 rpm; maximum torque H 3 Ib ft at 3200 rpm.
• Transmission: Single-dry-plate clutch and four-speed manual gearbox. Ratios 1 st 3.11, 2nd 2.20, 3rd 1.47, 4th 1.00, reverse 3.11 : 1 . Or optional five-speed manual gearbox, ratios 1 st 3.40, 2nd 2.08, 3rd 1 .39, 4th 1 .00, 5th 0.80, reverse 3.36 :1. Or optional three-speed automatic with torque converter, ratios 1 st 2.52, 2nd 1.52, 3rd 1.0, reverse 1.94 :1. Hypoid- bevel final drive, ratio 2.92, 3.42,3.73 (depending on trans- mission, and legislative area).
• Suspension:
  • Front: independent with unequal length wish- bones, coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar
  • Rear: non-independent by rigid axle, trailing arms, oblique upper torque arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar.
• Steering: Recirculating ball. Turns from lock to lock 4.40.
• Brakes: Front discs, rear drums. Optional power assistance.
• Wheels: 5 in x 13 in steel, 6 in x 13 in optional. Tyres A78-13B, BR78-13B optional. Body/chassis Saloon, Coupe or Estate car. 2-door, 4 seats. Integral.
• Dimensions and weight: Wheelbase 97.0 in; track, front 54.8 in, rear 53.6 in; length 176.4 in; width 65.4 in; height 50.0 in (Hatchback) or 51.8 in (Notchback and Estate); ground clearance 4.8 in; kerb weight 25331b (Notchback), 25961b (Hatchback), 26361b (Estate); turning circle between walls 38.4 ft: fuel tank 13.4 gals.
• Performance: Maximum speed (approx) 96mph; fuel consumption (approx) 31 mpg.