1979 Chevrolet Monza Spyder 305 chevy 8 cylinder. 2.8 liter

Summary:

It is the coolest car to drive

Faults:

My Chevy Monza Spyder has had only a few problems that still need to be fixed. The carb. needs to be rebuilt so I can get better performance and it has a very stiff clutch.

General Comments:

I have really enjoyed owning this car. I'd say it has been the funnest to drive around town and it's acceleration in amazing. I'm trying to restore it right now. If I could own another Chevy Monza Spyder I'd gladly take it. I received this Monza from my great Uncle and until he gave it to me it had sat outside for about five years not doing anything. Someday I hope to drop a 427 Chevy engine into it, but until I get the money all I've got is my good old 305 V8.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2003

4th Aug 2007, 14:08

I've always thought that the Chevrolet Monza would be the perfect low-budget platform for installing a high-performance small-block V8. The car is small and light enough that you'd only need about 360 horsepower at the flywheel to turn it into a real street screamer!

Sure, go the big-block route if it's what floats your boat, but it would seem that you'd need a heavier-duty suspension to be able to handle the extra torque.

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1976 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 2.3 4 cylinder

Summary:

The post-74 Vega (and it's derivatives) ain't so bad after all

Faults:

Front brake pads wear out about every 12-15,000 miles.

General Comments:

Engine is hydraulic lifter post-74 Vega 2.3 with staged OEM Holley 5210 2 bbl.

Indestructible, unlike it's predecessors. 1-2 up-shift @ 3400 RPM; 2-3 @ 4400 RPM - go figure...

Coolant temperature never went past 190 F.

A/C always blew ice cubes.

Trans/drivetrain was never an issue.

Thankfully not much body roll, even with the base suspension as there is not much suspension travel - surprising smooth road cornering prowess (rear end nicely planted; front end not a tread grinder) eroded quickly when the road got bumpy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th August, 2003

1979 Chevrolet Monza

Summary:

A one person car that needs improvements

Faults:

I had to replace the gasoline tank because of a leak. While it was not too costly, it was inconvenient.

General Comments:

I was aware of the car being well maintained, despite the highway miles.

The car sat too low to the ground and with the car having bucket seats, it made it hard for those trying to exit the car.

The cabin was very small. Since the shift was on the floor between the seats, there was little leg room for the driver or the passenger in the front seat.

Even if the front seat was moved forward, the passenger in the rear seat was limited in their movement.

The trunk space was approximately 10" high, so groceries had to laid on their side or placed in the back seat.

The steering column had a locking system for the ignition key, and if you did not press the button, you could not release the key.

This is a car only made for one person, not a couple or a family. There are better cars than this.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th July, 2003

24th Mar 2006, 13:35

Um, how is "The steering column had a locking system for the ignition key, and if you did not press the button, you could not release the key." a problem or flaw? That's how steering columns without selector levers were in the 1970s! Look at the old Toyotas and Hondas from that era.

1980 Chevrolet Monza Spyder Buick 3.8L 231 V6

Summary:

Absolutely the best car on the road!

Faults:

Nothing yet, but it is a collector car so I don't expect anything, since it doesn't get driven much.

I have had 3 Monza's previously (all 1980 Sport Hatchback's or Spyder's)

The only problem encountered was the low oil pressure that this engine was infamous for. Thicker viscosity oil is a quick fix for this problem.

General Comments:

I love the Monza, absolutely love it. I'm restoring an '80 Spyder at the moment and this one I have listed is a mint condition factory original unmodified gem.

My previous Monza's were a Coupe and a Sport Hatchback, both performed admirably and were reliable and had good performance for the time.

Can't wait to drop a small block V8 into the Spyder!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2003

23rd Feb 2007, 19:49

Oops! I thought these reviews were about REAL Monza Spyders, not the newer Winged Pissants!

9th Aug 2007, 12:52

I had a 1976 Monza hatch-back. That was my dream car in the price range that we could afford. Had it for several years as it became an SCCA autocross car and then into a 350 V-8.

(All the while with the B/W 5 speed). It was great with the 2.3 engine and Webbers- in autocross, but became too expensive for me to make "right" with a V-8...Had to sell.

Looked really cool with the 50s on the rear (offset wheels).

Ah, the 70s I miss so much.

Eric, Roswell, Ga.