Cosworth Vega

The Cosworth Vega was ahead of its time and had it appeared five years later it may well have had better sales. Chevrolet brought out the compact sedan/coupe in 1970 to battle with imports. It came with a top engine option of the 110bhp (82kW), 140ci (2.3-liter) four-cylinder, which was criticized as being Coarse. In 1973 Chevy had Cosworth develop the fastest Vega yet to enhance its sporty-yet-economical nature, vital in the fuel conscious mid-1970s. Cosworth used I lie alloy block but with a shorter stroke for 122ci (2-liter), then added an alloy I win-cam 16v head. Special pistons and electronic fuel injection saw output at I 30bhp (97kW) initially, though production versions actually only managed 110bhp (82kW), due to lower compression. Uprated suspension, quicker steering and low axle gears of 3.73:1 in 1975 helped acceleration; 6xl3-inch (152x330mm) alloys aided handling.

Cosworth Vega Specifications