Some cars from the 1970s don’t immediately spring to mind when contemplating a potential project candidate. However, this 1979 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 Hatchback deserves consideration because it is undeniably cheap. The photos suggest it is rock-solid, and while its mechanical specifications won’t set pulses racing, transforming it into a muscular sleeper could be a viable option for an enthusiast who thinks laterally. The Monza is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Chaska, Minnesota. It could be yours for $3,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Lothar… of the Hill People for spotting this classic.
Chevrolet introduced the Monza as a subcompact in 1975, basing the new model on the Vega’s underpinnings. Buyers could choose from Coupe, Wagon, or 2+2 Hatchback variants, with the latter having a distinctly European appearance. This 2+2 is an original survivor that was ordered in Bright Blue Metallic. The paint has seen better days, and the panels have a few repairable bumps and bruises. However, the car appears to lack significant rust. This is a considerable victory because it was one of the known weaknesses of the Vega. There may be a couple of developing spots in the rear quarter panels, but it seems the new owner won’t have to deal with steel with the appearance of Swiss cheese. The grille is damaged, but the remaining chrome and trim are generally acceptable for a driver-grade build. I can’t spot any problems with the tinted glass, and the overall impression is that the cosmetic needs of this Monza should be easy to address.
The Monza’s interior is a mixed bag, with the carpet and headliner well beyond repair. Replacements for both are readily available, but the only other obvious item that needs to go on the new owner’s shopping list is a center cap for the wheel. Deep cleaning of the interior should produce positive results because there are no apparent upholstery tears, the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to age or UV rays, and there is no broken plastic. It appears the original owner faced a tight budget when ordering this classic because the only factory option is an AM radio.
It is disappointing that the seller supplies no engine photos, although the car’s mechanical specifications doesn’t promise lightning performance. The engine bay houses the 151ci “Iron Duke” four that sends 90hp and 128 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is all you might expect from such a modest package, with the ¼-mile journey taking 20.4 seconds. The seller states that this Monza runs and drives, although it is unclear whether it is roadworthy. Most readers will be underwhelmed by this classic’s performance potential, but there are options worth considering that could transform this Chev. The company offered a 305ci V8 option in 1979, and slotting in that motor would make a difference. Alternatively, leaving the exterior appearance stock and performing an LS transplant would transform the car into a genuine sleeper. That option won’t appeal to everyone, but it is one that some may consider.
I acknowledge we will have readers who immediately dismiss the project potential provided by this 1979 Chevrolet Monza, and I understand that sentiment. It isn’t the most desirable vehicle on the planet, and its mechanical specifications don’t promise startling performance. However, it is undeniably affordable, and there are options that could transform it into a genuine tarmac terror. That path probably doesn’t make financial sense, although that sometimes isn’t a consideration. For some, creating the car of their dreams can be a passion that isn’t driven by logic but a desire that dwells deep in the heart. Slotting a V8 under this Monza’s hood should be straightforward, but is it an option you would consider?
I don’t know what an LS engine sells for in your neck of the woods Adam. But even a junkyard 4.8 and automatic transmission will easily double the price of this car. A better choice would be an L31, factory hydraulic rollover camshaft and one piece rear main seal. Easy 300 horsepower with an aftermarket camshaft.
Thank you so much for the feedback, Pat L. I always appreciate comments from readers and enjoy different viewpoints on subjects like this. I floated the LS as an idea that might typically be suggested, but many alternatives would lift the performance of this Monza enormously. It wouldn’t even need to be a V8 because a turbocharged V6 or four could be entertaining. This car could be ideal for someone who already has something hidden in a dark corner of their workshop. That would make this a dirt-cheap project, which is always welcome in the current financial climate. I hope you continue to enjoy our articles.
H body owners have been installing Chevrolet V8s in these cars for years. All the factory models were low horsepower. As someone who owned Vegas and Monzas, I know they are prone to rust, and I owned them in California. Too much horsepower easily twists an H body. You will probably crack the windshield first. Many people in the “Vegabonds” car club did wild mods in the 1970s, and frame reinforcement was always a must. The better V8 swap is probably the Rover (former Buick) unit. The weight is about the same as an Iron Duke. Mileage on the original 3.5L is in the high 20s with stock gearing, and horsepower is easily doubled.
I would agree that deep pockets are required to install an LS engine into this car. Roller small block seems much more reasonable.
4.3L V6 would be my choice here. The problem with V8’s in these cars is they simply don’t weigh enough to keep the tires planted. Spinning tires are fun and loud, but they don’t you down the road. Traction control was never a possibility like today.
Still love the Kammback wagons.
I’m with Vegaman on the weight issue. I pulled a 3800 Series II V6 out of my old Firebird that would slot in nicely (aluminum intake… none of that leaky plastic) to make this economical beauty a reliable daily driver. That naturally aspirated motor puts out about 200HP, the attached 4L60-E auto already is set up for RWD, and — having been born and raised under the hood of an F-body — it is well-designed to be crammed into a small space.
Finally, well worth noting that the curb weight on the Monza is about 2700 lbs, compared to the Firebird’s curb weight of 3600 lbs. This combo motivated the ‘Bird quite well with no modifications beyond a CAI (the OEM air intake system is heavy and restrictive), and it would be more than enough to make this lil buggy zip around.
Crap… now I’m thinking about it…
Or, even better would be a 240hp supercharged 3800 from a Bonneville or Buick GS
LS’s are nice, but a traditional small block can be much more economical. A prudent shopper can put together mild, reliable small block Chevy by combining new and used components. LS based engines sell for a premium, then you’ve got the added cost of figuring out which drive accessories fit your chassis, oil pan, frame/motor mounts, ECU and intake manifold (especially if hood clearance is an issue), that all adds up.
There isn’t really an upside to an LS, unless it’s for bragging right, even then it’s limited, since most people really won’t care, especially when they they lay eyes on the engine itself since they are typically visually challenged.
Steve R
Best thing to do is give it a mild refreshening and let it be. It’s an iron duke Monza with a slushbox. They disintegrated in any level of salt, humidity, and UV rays. Most were off the roads already by 1985, and as such are rare curiosities today. They had a flimsy chassis and weak drivelines. Better off souping up an 80s S-10 or Cutlass Supreme.
Seems like this car was featured here earlier, the “golden glow” of memory has dimmed, so I can’t be sure, but it sure looks familiar!! GLWTS!! :-)
Hmm. Thought all Chevy Monzas of this design came with rectangular headlamps. A quick google image search proves otherwise. This one has more of a Vega look about it, at least when viewed from the front end. TIL.
Find a wrecked 1986-1987 Grand National and transplant it’s turbo V6/4 speed automatic into this Monza. And then hang on for dear life.
This would be a fun car as is. You clean it up, get a new carpet, put in a radio, and not worry about the engine.
My plan would be to transplant an aluminum Olds 215 V8.
Weight on this compact ale approx 350 lb engine will keep the weight balanced and double the HP.
Parts are readily available sine they were used by GM in 61,62 and 63 the the tooling was sold to Rover. Larger versions of this engine were used in. rovers so it’s not uncommon to find a 4.0 liter version the would need a 4bbl intake toreplace the fuel injection.John
The 215 Buick/Olds/Rover is THE perfect engine in any H-body car, Vegas included. The engines only weighed about 30 lbs more than a Vega aluminum block and probably less than an Iron Duke 2.5. This will eliminate any understeer issues and give you plenty of go…
I owned two Monzas, one with the Vega 4 banger, one with the V8. Pretty sorry vehicles.
or a GM crate 383 no fit issues like an LS
Just the same fit issues that the 262, 305 and 350 had directly from GM, LOL! I hope you drill the holes in the fender wells to get at the back spark plugs!
I ride in one back in 1995 that had well built 350 stuffed into it. It was comically powerful. Burnouts for days and donuts too, sometimes unplanned donuts.
Wow are you guys in DREAM LAND those old Monza Vega Era cars are Death Traps..the Sheet metal is so thin it should have been illegal.
Iron Duke 4cyl omg what a JOKE of an engine- back in the day my GF had a Monza Coupe w/iron Duke even with meticulous maintenance it literally came apart the Valve keepers went bad & engine crunched itself.
CRUSHER is only place that abomination belongs
Or Swap it for the Drag strip ..don’t drive it on the street a modern car SUV etc will plow right over that ol Monza
To be fair, all the small cars of that era were deathtraps. Check out my screen name. Ever seen how flimsy the metal was on Mazda’s and Datsuns of that era?
Would you have an opinion for cryin out loud?
I must say though … you’re not wrong.
I see tremendous potential for it to serve a specific purpose. Make it road worthy and keep it under a tarp only to be taken out as punishment for your teenage driver(s). Bad grades? You have to drive the Monza till they improve. Missed curfew? Have to take the Monza on your next date. Etc…
The biggest problem for these when new was engine access when you selected the V8, particularly when changing the rear spark plugs. The V8 was a Band-Aid fix when GM cancelled the Wankel engine these were supposed to get. With ’70’s era emission controls and carburetion, power was non-existent, but a modern alloy V6 with electronic engine controls will fix that in short order, while keeping the front to rear weight bias within reasonable limits. IIRC, the notchback came about a year after the introduction of the hatchback, to compete with the Ghia edition of Ford’s Mustang II, and eventually, the notchback outsold the hatchback.
For those who are interested, Schwartz Performance is building a widened Chevy Monza hatchback fitted with a full frame and a twin-turbo LS V8. The solid rear axle is gone, replaced with a full IRS setup. Here’s a link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFK5-JKHLKg
Is there any car that is not a candidate for an LS swap? I’ll bet GM wishes they made another 5,000,000 of them.
Maybe not five million more, but they are doing a brisk business selling all that they can make, LOL!