Lets just agree that GM used cutting edge space age technology on the Vega Engine and while there were some teething issues it advanced the industry so I all it a big win.
I believe GM was the first to use the Nikasil coating on any large scale production vehicle.
Im sure it worked well in testing, however i wonder how many engines went bad from lugging the engine. Id like to see engine failure numbers in manual transmission Vegas versus powerglide equiped Vegas
Nope, Nikasil was invented by Mahle in 1967, and has been used on various German and other cars. BMW had a big problem in the US with Nikasil because the high-sulfur gas wore it away, resulting in engine failure. They replaced some engines and switched to Alusil technology (invented in 1927). The Vega’s engine alloy was a product of GM and Reynolds, I don’t know that it’s been used by anyone else, or by GM on any other engines.
A dead end technology, it seems.
Nope, still used today!
Who uses the Reynolds A-390 alloy? In what engines?
Plenty…
Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Volvo, VW, Jaguar, Yamaha and Honda. Manufacturers of power sport vehicles, outboard motors and compressors also use hypereutectic cylinders.
Mercedes has linerless engines. Many vehicles have hypereutectic pistons nowadays.
These are either using the Nikasil or Alusil technology, both of which have nothing to do with GM. GM gets no credit for them.
The Vega 2300 engine used Nikasel coating. GM gets credit for being the first automaker to go all in and use this revelutionary technology. Were talking millions of cars, not small numbers like Bmw or Mercedes back in the late 60s.
GM really put it to the test, others learned ftom it as well as GM. Your not going to launch a rocket to the moon without dumping a few in the ocean first you know.
I didn’t. It used a different technology developed with Reynolds. Do some research. And GM abandoned their technology. If it was good, they would have used it in other GM engines.
Alusil was developed and patented by Lancia in 1927, pre-dating GM by decades. And Alusil, along with Nikasil (invented by Mahle) are what is still in use.
I did do research. GM used Nikasil on 2300 Vega Engine
This is also false. GM Did use ut on other engines woth success
Link, please. This information about the Vega 23000 engine directly contradicts your claim:
Chevrolet 2300 engine - Wikipedia
" GM Research Labs had been working on a sleeveless aluminum block since the late '50s. The incentive was cost. Engineering out the four-cylinder’s block liners would save $8 per unit — a substantial amount of money at the time. Reynolds Metal Co. developed a hypereutectic aluminum alloy called A-390, composed of 77 percent aluminum, 17 percent silicon, 4 percent copper, 1 percent iron, and traces of phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and titanium. The A-390 alloy was suitable for faster production diecasting which made the Vega block less expensive to manufacture than other aluminum engines. Sealed Power Corp. developed special chrome-plated piston rings for the engine that were blunted to prevent scuffing."
Name them.
The LT5 used in ZR1 Corvette
You know its gotten to the point I don’t care if the Vegas cylinders were lined with spray paint, if it was 1971 and I needed a commuter car im buying a Vega. I will see the USA in my Chevrolet. I will ride in style in my mini Camaro.
And another thing, breakin on these engines was critical. If people would have done the initial 500 mile oil change as dictated by the owners manual things probably would have ended up differently for their Vega.
Im sure somewhere there was a meticulous owner who got 150k or 200k out of thier Vega on the original engine without burning oil. I refuse to believe the engine was that bad. I will believe that the 2300 Vega engine was not tolerant to abuse and neglect like some other engines were like the VW beetle engine.
Nope. From what I can find, that engine (designed by Lotus, built at the Mercury Marine factory) used the Nikasil technology, not the Reynolds A-390 alloy.
Memories must be faulty . There is no point in trying to use facts when dealing with Where’s Rick .
The fact is it was a car that used newer technologies like an electric fuel pump, and linerless bores. Some people had good luck with them and some didn’t
One should not have to rely on “luck” when acquiring a car.
+1
Luck is not quantifiable, but the incidence of repairs IS quantifiable.