I was just wondering if anyone has tried to put the colbalt ss motor into a rwd application. I have a 1975 cosworth vega that I think would be awesome with the 260hp ss motor and a 5 speed, does any one make a stand alone computer for this application? This car is complete but the motor is pretty weak compared to todays standard, would a 5 speed from a s-10 bolt up.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Hang in there, Iam sure the experts here will give you an answer soon. This one is over my head.

 

I have never heard of anyone doing so. I guess anything is possible if you have the money, machines, and time. It would certainly take a lot of fabrication because that engine is designed to be a FWD.

 

The engine will go into anything you fabricate engine mounts for. Its the tranny thats gonna be the kicker. I don't know what will bolt up to the cobalt motor, but if you find something, I don't see why it wouldn't work.
It would be a HELL of a lot of work though. Making motor\tranny mounts, custom driveshaft, making sure angles are correct on the driveshaft, custom coolant hoses, wiring, ECM, etc etc etc

 

Hey, Welcome to the forum, lleebo.

The memory's a little dim here, but I could swear a buddy of mine had a mid-70s Vega with a 305 in it, it was tight, but it fit. (Or was that Maverick with a 302?){cue the gales of laughter in the background} And I know for a fact the Monza came with a small-block V8.

So to extrapolate a little further, why not just a 4.8L or 5.3L Vortec with a real short driveshaft? They're already RWD, and around the horsepower you're looking for stock.
There's even 410 and 456 rears available. Machining this stuff to fit would be herds easier than the retrofit you have in mind.