If I remember the story correctly, the Vega was slated to get the rotary
engine GM was developing under license, as Mazda did. But, when Mazda
experienced all the problems with seals, disconnected air pumps and
subsequent engine failures, GM scrapped its rotary program. (As did Curtiss
Wright, which was developing a rotary aircraft engine.)
But the Vega was already headed for the production line, and a lot had been
invested. So, the base Vega got a 4-cylinder, but I believe there were a
limited number made with small V8s. Since the car had not been engineered
for a V8 engine, there were problems -- like the inaccessible rear spark
plugs on some Corvette models. The Cosworth was an attempt to provide the
marque with a high-performance engine. The V8 was heavier than the
4-cylinder was, or the rotary would have been, so the V8-engined cars had
too much front weight bias to handle very well. So, the car died after a
relatively short production run -- three years?
Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gordon Maness" <gordon.e.maness@hotmail.com>
To: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 4:24 PM
Subject: Re: [Roadsters] Datsun-roadsters Digest, Vol 5, Issue 124
>I understand that the Vega was a very good canadate for the Buick 215 V8
> swap.
> Good engine, nice body style and with the aluminum V8 good performance and
> reliable.
>
> g
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