Yenko 1972 V8 Vega Stinger Die Cast

[hotrodchev]

Hey Brian,

I was just curious, because I spotted a faded Wasp Blue '72 Vega parked next to a pole building outside Deadwood/Lead, South Dakota when I was out there for the "Cool Deadwood Nights" show last fall. I probably should've stopped and investigated it, but the wife was along and I didn't feel like hitch-hiking all the way back home.

Tim
"Hotrodchev"

[Chevy454]

Might be worth a look! Check it out, and let us know what ya find!!

[camarojoe]

I believe the colors were factory, Yenko may have "renamed" them, as he did in 81 on the Turbo Z's, but I don't think the Vegas has any special "Yenko-only" paint colors... I could be wrong though... I still find it amazing so little info is available about these cars... No, they aren't 427's but I still think they are neat, and would love to know more about them!

[bauer]

Colors were regular production colors renamed.
Majority of units were C.O.P.O ordered with engines equipped with forged pistons. Original plan was to turbo on an as ordered basis. Vegas have a non-sleeved silicone impregnated aluminum block. Regular production have cast pistons.
Not all Vega Stingers were form these special orders. Nor were all Yenko turbo Vegas Stingers.
E.P.A. Regulations became prohibitive. Yenko Sports Cars was unable to recieve an exemption for a turbo conversion. Plans were formulated to run a 50,000 mile durability test for the turbo-charged car. However further analysis and interpetation of the rules (example: If a spark plug failed and had to be replaced you were required to start over.)proved this not to be cost effective.
Vega Stingers were sold without turbos. Once sold, the owner could then purchase a turbo kit and install it himself or contract to have it installed thru Yenko Sportscars. At no time could it be officially done by Yenko Chevrolet Inc., $10,000.00 fine per infraction.
Test Mule turbo was a white GT.
I had an orange base price and freight notchback for a while (lightest weight)putting out nine lbs. of boost.

[JoeC]

Bauer, Do you remember the Yenko Vega race car? I believe it was a light blue with a large Yenko crest painted on it.

[Chevy454]

bauer:

Ever have that thing on the track? I've always thought a Y-Vega with a quiet little 4-cylinder and a huffer would surprise some folks on the street...

[bkhpah]

Bill told me at a cruise a few summers ago, that the Vega with the turbo would pull a Hemi car for a while. I would think thats moving out. But he said they were a bit like a hand grenade with the turbo...BKH

[sYc]

Racing Vega.

[bwag]

In March 1973 I installed an over the counter YENKO turbo on my 73 Vega panel delivery wagon. With a 4 speed and 3.36 posi rear,Ansen traction bars the car would run consistent 14.90s at 92 mph. It would pull hard in 3rd and 4th gears and surprised a few unsuspecting stoplight racers

[sYc]

Hey Bill.