Bob Shuman wrote:
>
> The Chevy Vega (which I believe was first introduced in the 1970 or 1971
> model year) was actually (just a bit too far) ahead of its time. The
> aluminum alloy engine block was nice and light, but the cylinder walls
> unfortunately did not hold up well over time and the under-designed cooling
> system caused problems due to the differing coefficients of thermal
> expansion with the steel head resulting in head gasket sealing problems,
> coolant loss, overheating and warpage.

Don't forget the incredibly heavy cast iron cylinder head.
The Vega "aluminum" engine actually weighed more than the
cast iron "Pinto" engine. As I recall, the real reason for
the cast aluminum block was cost, not to save weight. GM
built a cool plant to precision die cast the open deck
block. The theroy was less machining was required. Too bad
they screwed it up.

Ed