https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjUThrS8vLY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjUThrS8vLY

posted last year I was buying a 65 Corvair Crown conversion. Son made a video. Did not push car as I still have some issues to sort out. 275 hp 327 with 250hp wetshot of nox, car weighs 2700 pounds. Corners like its on rails

Gord

 

I've always loved the 65 and up Corvair styling, more than a little intrigued by the mid-engine conversions.
A few questions I've always wondered about:
What sort of differential/ or transaxle did you use?
Since the Corvair is a unibody construction, do you notice much body-flex after cutting away so much of the floor pan? What sort of bracing was needed to compensate?
I'm assuming you are going to eventually enclose the engine bay to separate it from the interior, but are you going to fabricate inner fenders for the rear wheels?
How are you cooling the radiator? Most conversions I've seen, usually wind up cutting vents above the front bumper. I couldn't tell from your video, but it looked as though you may have had a grill between the spoiler and the bumper. Was that enough, or are you using electric cooling fans as well?
Is there anyway to add AC if so desired?
Sorry for all the questions, but like I said, I've always found this mod interesting.

There is a gentlemen who lives close to me who has a beautiful yellow Corvair roadster. It looks stock except for a fabulous custom interior. He took a totalled Honda Civic SI , (I think) and installed the complete drivetrain. It now has Front wheel drive. The next time I see him at a cruise in, I'll try to get some photos. Of course it's nothing like a mid-engine conversion, but was still quite a mod, that's for sure.
Thanks for posting the video.

 

Have had a few but friend Warren in Indiana is the real expert. Did it start out as a Corsa ? 500+ hp is a lot to put through a stock gearbox which is really a Saginaw 4 speed but is more a factor of how you shift than anything, is quite a bit of flex in the shifter linkage. Clutch is critical since stock tends to hang at high revs, I like a CenterForce.


275/327 would have started as a double hump 4 bbl and probably the best iron engine Chevvy made, '68 block got the bigger bearings & is probably the best to start with. Crown conversion is one of the best (and oldest). As mentioned the radiator (and AC condenser) usually must go in front. Can breathe from the bottom but usually need a duct in the lid to let the air out.


Last 'vair I had was a Lemonwood 'vert with a black interior, really pretty car.


Would not be surprised that people with Crossfires would also have Corvairs and Fieros.

 

Car is a factory optioned Corsa with a/c, however the a/c willnot work with a waterpumper. The rads upfront, draws air from between the spoiler and bumper. This winter I'll have to build an aluminum doghouse around engine, planning ram cold scoops in corner of rear windows. A proper engine cover will cut out most noise and heat ( yea, it gets warm in the cabin). Car is a hoot to drive. There are frame rails welded in where the floor was cut out. Uses the corvair trans from 66 and stock axle, so long as you don't dump the clutch it holds up well. Car was built in 79 and has been on the road continously since with no breakage and has been run hard. I will autocross it when it's finished.
Gord

 

Nothing like crazy conversions. I delivered to a farm up near where Valk lives not long ago and saw an ole' MG small block chevy conversion.... I bet it was a handful. Narrowed 12 bolt rear end...almost no drive shaft...

 

Be interesting to see how it does in an autox against a well driven stink^Hger. I used to have a Corsa with 3.89 posi and a quadrajet that would give Corvettes fits (but then I also had an E-type that would do the same - have always liked a good six and a 'vair on trombones has the sweetest sound imaginable.


ps the nicest conversion into brit cars was the 215 Buick particualarly with the turbo.

 

I started and ran the V-8 Registry for Corvairs for 17 years. There is a forum, v8vairs. Look it up. I have had 4 V-8 Corvairs. My last one was a 65 CORSA convertible with a 350hp 350 hooked to a big car powerglide. I had 3 Crown's and one Kelmark.

 

Thanks Gord.

 

Hi Russ,

I saw a pic of your Crossfire at the Rising Sun Car Show. Check it out: