1975 vega project sb 400 need help thank you

[mikethegoat88]

i got a smallblock 400 i wanna put into a 75' vega wagon i got the hugger headers and the motor mounts.. what else to i need. and will the stock tranny bult up to the new motor i was told it will but i have my worries. thank u

[MrPbody]

The stock transmission may bolt up. Is it the Saginaw 4-speed? Or is it the Opel? Or is it an automatic. If it's the Saginaw, it will bolt up to a small block bellhousing. The Vega bellhousing will NOT bolt up to the small block. If it's the Opel (or Izusu) or an auto, it will NOT bolt up. If the 400 is VERY mild, the Saginaw will live for a while. If it's got any serious power, the Saginaw won't last long.

What else do you need? Roll cage (including frame "connectors"), MUCH better brakes, stronger rear axle, bigger wheels and tires, radiator suitable for the level of engine, etc. This may seem like a simple "swap", but if it's to be considered safe and durable, most everything in the drivetrain needs to be upgraded. Safety first, performance second!

A lot of the small stuff that will make it a bit easier comes from the V8 Monza (another H-body), but that car came with 262, a wimpy little small block. A 400 is a MONSTER (it's all relative...) in comparison.

Jim

[firefighter47]

your stock tranny will not bolt up to the 400 if it is not a turbo 350/400 or a 700r4 i just droped a 327 into a 76 vega and was verry surprised to find that it didnt bolt up.