When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The LS Powered Chevy Vega WITH RX7 Suspension: with pics and Video Update weekly
I have this project posted on another forum BUT since photobucket decided to make the switch the photos are now useless. I really wanted to keep the update on this so I decided that a new one would be better since it will have working pics.
Since this is now for sure an LS swap I figured LS1tech is the best place to make this.
GOAL:
1. I’m aiming for weekly update BUT this could mean small tiny things I do to the car or BIG updates. Just depends on time and money available. Just want to make sure I’m making constant progress instead of being shoved to the side(like it did for the past 6 months+)
2. Video update. Pictures are great but since this is a learning experience I also want to document how my thought process is and how I go about it. Plus I’m hoping to get some constructive feedback and learn how I can improve or maybe get suggestion on better methods.
So Expect a pic and youtube video when I do an Update.
Feedback are always appreciated.
The 1971 Chevy Vega
With FD rx7 full suspension and rotary engine swap.
Background: Loooong story SHORT
I picked up this car on August of 2016 as a fully drivable car (well sort of, the seals are toast and overheat on stop and go traffic) Because it needed an Engine rebuild I was able to pick it up for a fairly cheap price.
Fast forward to when it came to rebuild:
As I started to tear into the car to refresh and clean up, I started to find a lot of work that was really poor quality. (I’m no professional but some of the stuff could have been easily fixed with a little bit of effort. Just made me question the whole build al together) It is most definitely my fault for not being as thorough during my initial inspection but I really liked the car so a lot went over my head during my inspection lol.
Still pretty good purchase considering that I made majority of it back when I sold off the engine/trans/standalone. (So in the end it was like buying a Vega shell with rx7 suspension.)
Well things turned out great :th:
Everything fell in place. Really started to see some progress on my welding, Which is pretty good considering I only get to practice TIG when I work on this car
Looked them over and brought back memories of just how cheaply the Vega was made in the first place.
What are the specifics on the LS engine you are installing?
Something I was a little hazy on when going over your posts is what do you expect to end up with.
Sleeper Vega?
Canyon Carver?
Pro Street?
With the RX7 rear suspension I cannot see it being a pro street Vega.
Not sure exactly what else Vega's were made into back when it was popular to drop Chevy V8 drivetrains into them other than 1/4 mile drag racers with lights.
A guy living a few blocks from me in the late 70's had an absolute monster Vega station wagon that he did the full roll cage and tub job on with huge Mickey Thompson's on the back. Dual quad small block with a high stall automatic. Something I always lusted after even if it was just a race car with tags.
The Engine is standard LQ4 to start, just to get everything going. An engine swap will happen once everything is finished.
Future plan does include a rear mount turbo with ford 8.8 swap that retains rx7 suspension.
My expectation is having a daily that I can take to the canyons at anytime.
I wanted something relatively fast.
Basically an all around car. Light, handles well, comfy getting stuck in traffic(ac/auto) and v8 torque.
best of all, pre 1975(its cali and this car does not require smog)
I know it exceed my expectation in the handling department. This thing felt like a go cart. It may look like an old american car but definitely handles like a sports car.
Originally Posted by B Gordon
Thanks for sharing your project.
Looked them over and brought back memories of just how cheaply the Vega was made in the first place.
What are the specifics on the LS engine you are installing?
Something I was a little hazy on when going over your posts is what do you expect to end up with.
Sleeper Vega?
Canyon Carver?
Pro Street?
With the RX7 rear suspension I cannot see it being a pro street Vega.
Not sure exactly what else Vega's were made into back when it was popular to drop Chevy V8 drivetrains into them other than 1/4 mile drag racers with lights.
A guy living a few blocks from me in the late 70's had an absolute monster Vega station wagon that he did the full roll cage and tub job on with huge Mickey Thompson's on the back. Dual quad small block with a high stall automatic. Something I always lusted after even if it was just a race car with tags.
Hi Guys. I apologize for the long delay, I had to take a few months break to make sure I graduate
Now that I'm back to only working I finally have some free time.
This update is all about making the exhaust. I decided to tackle the crossover from the driver side.
09-19-2017, 02:44 AM
The LS Powered Chevy Vega WITH RX7 Suspension: with pics and Video Update weekly 
Thank You for the support. 
