Ironwill's V8 Vega

[ironwillsv8vega]

Hello, I'd like to document the resurrection of my '73 Vega here.

My intro here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34940

Great forum with lots of great projects going on!

My car: 1973 Vega hatchback. Former drag car that has been sitting 6-8 years, maybe more. Set up for SBC, with rear frame done, 8 pt. cage, tubbed Ford 9" rear. Framed for rear fuel cell, and battery.

My plans: Return to a street-able condition, with an occasional visit to the track.

Here's the beast:

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It currently has a 350 engine with a 350 turbo tranny with shift kit. At least this was info from the previous owner. Said the engine needed to be "freshened up". It's a '73 truck engine, possibly 4 bolt main. Low HP, low compression, smogger type engine, that will be pulled ASAP!!

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[Wizeguyrc]

I look forward to seeing your progress.

[ironwillsv8vega]

I look forward to seeing your progress.

Hey thanks!! Going to be neat to breathe some new life into her.....

[ironwillsv8vega]

Interior has headliner, door panels, dash, and one racing seat with harness.

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Picture of interior rear. Tubs and cage.

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[ironwillsv8vega]

On VAC this week, so not on here much, and not getting these photos loaded very fast. Dial-up connection doesn't help either. Pic in the back of the car.

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Ford 9" rear. The PO thinks it has 4.56 gears, but he wasn't sure. I'll be swapping in some more street-able gears, once I decide tire size and such. I call it a ladder bar suspension, or maybe a 3 point!!

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[48 Fiat]

Looks like a great project, keep up the pics. I love those early Vegas. Dave.

[waybad]

cool

[ironwillsv8vega]

Looks like a great project, keep up the pics. I love those early Vegas. Dave.

Thanks. More pics coming, for sure. Watching your project close, also. Giving my some great ideas...... !!

cool

Thanks, poor old girl needs some Love.

[ironwillsv8vega]

Here's a pic of the tranny mount. Told it was a 350 Turbo with shift kit. Tranny mount bolts just come up through the floor pan, and have a thick plate on the top side. Thinking that may need to be modified and bolted to something stronger.

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These headers came with the car. Only markings I can find are the numbers 630 on the mounting flange. Surface rust will need to be removed then coated with something. Wondering if wrapping them is a good idea to help keep under hood heat down.

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[Wizeguyrc]

I can't say for sure if coated headers will rust out when wrapped, but I do know that painted headers will rust out over time when wrapped. I have tried to weld on several sets in the past and they seem to rust from the inside out. I would think from condensation.

[rocketride]

Headers look like Hooker 2129's or Hedman 68340's. What size are the primaries? Hooker's are 1 3/4" and Hedman are 1 5/8".

Jon

[ironwillsv8vega]

I can't say for sure if coated headers will rust out when wrapped, but I do know that painted headers will rust out over time when wrapped. I have tried to weld on several sets in the past and they seem to rust from the inside out. I would think from condensation.

Good information there. I've noticed alot of people on here coat them (can't think off the top of my head, what they used ) but I can see how wrapping may cause moisture ending in rust.

Correction on the header number. It's actually 68330 which according to the FAQ's page http://www.v8monza.com/faq-exhaust.htm they are Hedman. The holes is already drilled in the fender-well for the fourth tube to go through.

[ironwillsv8vega]

Headers look like Hooker 2129's or Hedman 68340's. What size are the primaries? Hooker's are 1 3/4" and Hedman are 1 5/8".

Jon

Hey Jon, I didn't get the whole number the first time, but it's 68330. I believe your correct they are Hedman!! I'm not sure they are the best as far as fit, but I'm glad they are actually for the H-body, and not something thrown in to seal the deal, if you know what I mean.

[ironwillsv8vega]

This oil pan came with the car. Hope it's the right one!!

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Oil pump with M55 stamped on it. Research say's it's a Melling.

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[megavega]

Thats a hardy trans crossmember, they are fine to use. If you want to beef it up some, just take a small peice of steel plate like 3"x3" and weld to the topside of the floorpan, then put the bolts thru the plate,floorpan and into the crossmember, plenty strong then.

thats the right oilpan too, looks like your on the way to a v8 vega!

cant believe the previous owners didnt have a rear floor in it behind the firewall, man that would make a air trap moving down the track, likely pull in all the exh. fumes/dust as well.