I have a Cosworth vega engine and I know those engines can get to 200hp with very little work and 280hp is easy and keep it streetable and these are wheel numbers. But I have a 78 monza S(77 vega) and I have done full suspension but the body has severe rust as most do but it is repairable. I have thought of building the engine and putting it in the camaro but how much does a camaro weigh with out the 305 and with the T5. If the car is still over 2500 I most likely keep the engine for my monza but it is tempting to put a 280hp engine with a 9k rev limit and the engine will weigh at most 250lbs. Would it be worth it considering the 3$+ a gallon and the price keeps going up?

 

I would have to say that 4 banger isnt much lighter then the 6. so I would have to say unless you have a base model it will weight mor then that

 

Sounds like a lot of work for only 280 HP.

 

My '91 formula.... 3,420 with driver when I got it. It's on a diet now, but still over 3,000. My '89 rs.... 2,880 Stripped to only the essientials. I think the engine run about 380-400 lbs. Much heavier than the monza. Besides, how often do you see a monza anymore? I have only seen 2 or 3 in the last year.

 

I say do it (anybody who knows me just rolled their eyes and said, "here we go again...) since you have all of the parts. Monzas, and every other H body from that vintage, are getting rare to find. Your Vega engine should have a chevy rwd bolt pattern so the trans won't be a problem.

Worst case scenario, it sucks, then you pull it out and put it in a Chevette or an early 80's S10. Best case, you get a unique ride with decent mileage. Either way, you still win.

Good luck.

 

It seems like a lot to go through for that amount of HP...However if ya wanna do it I say GO FOR IT...Ya never know what it may become...