The Cosworth Vega was "loosely" based on the Vega aluminum block, but there were some differences. It was also 2.0 lr. as opposed to 2.3. Sweet runner! MUCH tougher than the 2.3 counterpart. And while similar, the Quad-4 head doesn't have the open side. Quad-4 is a GREAT engine, with some "quirks".
In the early '90s, we built a fair number of the 2.7 lr. version of the 2.5 SD for "midget" racers. In one case, we dynoed one with 314 RWHP, gasoline, Hilborn injected. Those used the aluminum "cross-flow" SD head. GORGEOUS head!
The same 2.5 SDs dominated the "Goody's Dash" series for a number of years. In NASCAR "Mini-Stock", all "aftermarket" parts were banned. They still allowed lighter pistons and better rods, but ONLY "production" heads, blocks and cranks. They gave the 2.3 Ford a tremendous advantage by allowing the roller rockers, "turbo" head, etc. Still, we managed a few wins with the ol' Duke.
Today, we're in "parts collection" mode for an '86 Fiero we want to put a 3.4 Twin-cam in. That's another very well executed DOHC GM offering.
FWIW
Jim
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