The Performance GM H-Body Center!

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Preface

   The General Motors (GM) H-Body models are listed below:
- Chevrolet Vega and Cosworth Vega,
- Chevrolet Monza Coupe (a.k.a. notchback), Monza 2+2, Monza Spyder and Monza Mirage,
- Oldsmobile Starfire and Firenza,
- Buick Skyhawk, Roadhawk, and Nighthawk,
- Pontiac Astre, Sunbird and Formula.

   The 1971-80 GM H-Bodies were all based on a similar unibody design with subtle differences and though their front suspensions are mostly the same the early rear suspensions were 4-link and the later were 3-link (torque arm) suspensions. All 1971-80 H-Bodies have a lot in common and can share a lot of the V8 Monza and aftermarket V8 Vega parts. This site's focus is V8 equipped H-Bodies and performance modifications to the drivetrain.

   To convert any H-Body to a V8 you can use factory V8 Monza parts or aftermarket V8 Vega kits. I have personnaly used many aftermarket V8 Vega products and have had both exciting and disappointing experiences. For those of you on a budget, some modifications listed here will be prohibitive. Most readily available factory parts are sufficent and cost less than aftermarket parts. It does require some modification of the factory parts and some ingenuity, but the money you save allows more money to be spent where it's needed most.

   These FAQs are compilations of my experiences as well as those of other's with the V8 H-Bodies and Vega. New information comes in daily and keeping up with it is a full time job. If you don't see what you're looking for check back regularly or e-mail me.

WARNINGS

   Many of the modifications described here take into consideration that you have a sophisticated knowledge of automotive mechanics and safety practices. If you don't, seek out a competent mechanic that will perform these modifications for you. Before you use any tool or part, inspect it for serviceability. Equipment failure can result in costly repair, damage to property, and serious injury or death. If I have your attention, good, too many people are seriously hurt or die every year because they didn't exercise caution. As with any V8 swap in a non-V8 car you want to be sure your vehicle can handle the extra weight. Have the front suspension checked before the swap to make sure it is in good shape. The extra weight of a V8 engine can worsen any pre-existing suspension problems and can lead to suspension failure. After the swap have it inspected periodically. Also, read this information the same as any information you find on the internet and make your own decisions about what you read. If you find errors, have any suggestions, personal experiences, or information you think would be useful here, please e-mail me. I make no attempts to mislead you, I only know what worked for me and I won't be liable for any damage to equipment, injury to persons, errors in judgement, or depletion of your finances. Hey, I have to protect myself.


All information and graphics on this site copyright Bob Gumm's "Building the V8 H-Body", 1997.

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