Good Easy Engine Swap for Lm Corvair
Corvair Center Forum : Corvair Center Phorum - presented by CORSA 
Corvair Center
Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 24, 2015 10:53PM
So lately I've been seeing more and more people putting in a V8 engine, and as cool as that is, i haven't seen anything else in the engine swapping side of the Corvairs. So I was wondering if some of you more Engine Savvy Guys could flex some creative muscles and come up with some cool ideas for different kind of engines that we could fit in a Corvair. Who knows maybe we could come up with something interesting!
for an example my dad always wanted to convert our Corvair into an electric car
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 24, 2015 11:09PM
[v8registry.com]
Subaru's Toyota diesels, 4 cylinder Hondas Air cooled VW , Porsche complete AWD drivetrain...
You name it...
Your turn to think of something..... a few Electrics done by owners and 2 by GM
MODERATOR
Sea Mountain, between Charleston Harbor and Coos Bay! SW Oregon Coast
Click HERE for My Website...Click HERE for My TechPages!
...............110-PG.................................................Webered-Turbo
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 24, 2015 11:23PM
well I don't know much about how well this would work. But the idea behind Rotary engines always entertained me
so i would have to go with a Mazda RX-7 Turbo in an already turbo charged Corvair (hopefully it would make the swap easier).
even though Rotary engines have a bad wrap around with it being high maintenance and low torque i still would think it would be a crazy idea to pull off
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 24, 2015 11:26PM
Well- There are several basic approaches -
Front engine, rear drive
Mid engine (longitudinal in back seat) rear drive
Rear engine (alternate motor in Corvair's engine location)
Transverse mid (usually a front wheel drive powertrain Fiero style, like my car.
Then, what are the goals?
massive torque, don't care about cornering? big relaxed motor
Road race hero? Crown style mid engine. (maybe with later/better transaxle)
trade off weight distribution, maybe still pretty good handling? Light rear engine, maybe aluminum V8
interior space, trunk space, other tradeoffs depending on engine location, radiator location, etc.
Some swaps involve more structural trauma than others - EM with transverse is probably the worst choice in terms of cutting/making room. (ask me how I know)
ok, there are some basics.
Now, how fast do you want to go? Drag racing, top speed, or road racing?
Do you want a full interior?
How much money do you want to spend?
How much sweat equity can you invest?
Ok, now let the discussions begin!
cheers
Jay
Jay Maechtlen
El Monte, Ca
Yes, it started out in life as a 61 2door.
It has a custom fiberglass skin, and a transverse 3.8 Buick.
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 24, 2015 11:42PM
well to be honest this was more of a "If I could do anything" to come up with some interesting ideas besides just going with the V8 approach. i think it would be cool to fit a little 4 cylinder box engine for some economy, or maybe relocate the engine. lately I've been into seeing some crazy things people have done with cars. so I wanted to ask some people here to come up with some interesting ideas on how to put a new spin on the corvair.
like I said before I'm not super Car Savvy and have a very basic knowledge of cars. so after seeing cars being turning into rally cars or drag racers to even just being more everyday friendly; everyone seems to have some cool unique idea that would put a twist on a car.
so I wanted to hear what kinda twists you guys or gals have thought up in the past and thought "wouldn't it be cool if..."
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 24, 2015 11:52PM
How about a 4.2L aluminum V8 modified for reverse rotation? Same weight as a Corvair engine but twice the horsepower.
Also, there's a really cool Mid-engine using a Subaru flat six. The engine view through the rear window is breathtaking.
Craig N. Coeur d'Alene ID.
66 Black Monza 4dr, 4.2L V8 49k
61 Seamist Jade Rampside 140 PG
65 Canadian Monza 4dr 110/PG 40k
66 Sprint Corsa convt - First car! Re-purchased 43 years later
2+2 gnatsuM 5691
+17 Tons of parts
Attachments: 
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Posted by: OMC-SLUGBUG ()
Date: August 25, 2015 05:11AM
I know if I had a dream option I would put the new v12 (700hp and 30mpg hwy) from AUDI/VW motor group and complete AWD system into a wagon and have fun!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
names Nick! OMC stands for Old Man Clan, (gaming clan on Playstation)
'68 VW Squareback getting a 110 hp Corvair engine (reverse spun), in Waldorf, MD
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 25, 2015 07:08AM
Just some food for thought.
There are several things that can be done with the Corvair in its natural form and still have a new spin on the Corvair. There are many performance options, cams, oversize jugs, EFI (user friendly adds economy and reliabilty), mordern turbo setups, ported heads, angled exhuast ports and some of the killer head work American Pi is doing. It's cool to see these ideas being utilized. The more people continuing to help the Corvair engine evolve and the more people support these ideas, then the more availability for the rest of us. Engine swaps are cool if that is your thing but if you are wanting to be unique and different you have already started by just owing a Corvair. The Corvair engine is not a shortcoming it is an asset. Swaps are not for the beginners and what you may end up with is more time and money than you expected and a car that can never be changed back. Corvairs with Corvair engines have been road racers, autocrossers, rally cars etc. and been very successful in these areas with their original hearts. Just ask Seth Emerson, James Reeves, the Leveques, Bob Coffin, David Clemens. Check out some of the things they have done or can do with a Corvair. Don't forget what Don Yenko did with them. Anyway, I'm not a stock purist at all and I respect the guys that can do incredible swaps. I also am very impressed with what a Corvair can do when massaged properly.
Tony Ellison Kicking butt at an Autocross.
[m.youtube.com]
James Reeves in a Yenko Stinger
[m.youtube.com]
Brown EFI
[m.youtube.com]
David Clemmens
[m.youtube.com]
Noel Felty
Brevard, NC
1966 Corsa 140 Before
1966 Corsa After
1972 Ford f100
Corsa SC
NC Mountain Corvairs
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 25, 2015 07:14AM
If you wanted somewhat of an easy 300hp, mid engine , 4 cam , manual trans setup that requires no adapter...
Audi 4.2V8 (which is actually cheap) will bolt directly to a Boxster trans with 0 adapters needed.
a skilled builder could do it for 2500. 6 speeds, 4 cam v8 that revs to 7000
even though I am building a V8, Still like my 6 better 
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 25, 2015 07:30AM
I am a big fan of the Corvair motor,my 140 is a pleasure to drive. But being a hot rodder i have to have atleast one V8. But I wouldnt cut up my 68. Theres nothing like a good 140 cruising with a nice exhaust tone. Mike
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 25, 2015 07:41AM
Lots of interesting possibilities.
For a LM, a transverse 4 w/turbo or blower+turbo could be a blast.
Something like a built Evo with 400+ HP, light weight, undisturbed interior.
(that one comes to mind because I know of a twincharged Evo that makes over 800 hp with very substantial low end torque.)
As far as Corvair motors - from what I hear, if you do a triport slant exhaust big bore/stroke Corvair motor, and make very nice power. Or you can turbo it, and make very nice power. Turbo + triport and slant exhaust would probably roar, but how do you cool it?
How much HP can any of the vertical fan setups handle on gas? (I understand you make lots of power on alcohol) Can the right water injection setup provide reliability for big HP Corvair motors?
With a swap, 400HP is pretty easy, 600 HP isn't too hard with a V8.
(ok, with a twin turbo V8 you can push 1000+ HP - obviously need very good transaxle)
But 250-350 HP should make a Vair plenty of fun to drive - and a nice light package would maintain or improve the weight distribution/handling.
So a 4 or 6 in that power range, with modern 5+ speed trans (or even a 6+ speed automatic) could be a real neat combo.
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 25, 2015 09:28AM
I had a nothstar fiero.
trust me, you don't want it... now swapping in a cammed 3500.. will make the same RWHP as the N*
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Posted by: chanceparker ()
Date: August 25, 2015 02:25PM
I'm obviously a fan of the rear-mounted LS conversion that Jonathan pioneered. A bit more weight but offset by the cooling system up front for a the same weight balance as OEM.
I'm also in the middle of starting a transverse Ecotec Turbo conversion so hopefully I'll have some real life news on that front in the next year or so.
Jonathan's Audi idea would be nice but I'm doing my best to stay in the GM family
Chance Parker
Golden, Colorado
Auminum LS-powered 1965 Corsa Convertible
More Pictures
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Posted by: Frank DuVal ()
Date: August 25, 2015 02:52PM
Starting with a turbo Corvair body would not do you any good, and it will be more expensive to buy than a regular aspirated body.
Have fun!
Frank DuVal
Fredericksburg, VA
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Posted by: Johnniespeed ()
Date: August 25, 2015 03:26PM
Dandy Andy
You mentioned an interest in a Rotary swap, I have done two into military Jeeps, the first was a R13b four port converted to TBI injection with a 3n71b trans into a M151 Ford Jeep, the second was a R13b 6port with 4n71b trans into a M422 AM General Jeep AKA mighty mite.
The engines were extremely reliable, pretty much maintenance free, small in size and easy to fit in the engine bays, the four port engine with TBI ended up the better in terms of torque and overall power.
I have put a Nissan SD22 diesel into another M422 Mighty Mite and I currently have a GM 4.3 in my Rampside, had I known at the time about the Subaru reversed gears, I would have done the Subie H6 instead.
You can pretty much put most any engine anywhere if you are willing to invest your time into the engineering and machine work needed to complete the project. Reversing the rotation on the 4.3 was new to me, so that part of the swap was the most fun for me.
I know you are just "thinking out loud " at this point, but that is how these projects begin, good luck with your quest into creating a unique swap.
Mel already has the 409 swap perfected.
If you choose to begin a swap, please post your progress.
John
1962 Rampside, 4.3 Vortec powered.
The thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.
Sparta Michigan.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/25/2015 03:28PM by Johnniespeed.
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 25, 2015 04:41PM
Thanks johniespeed
I'd love to look into it but right now my baby look likes a jaw breaker so i'm gonna try and fully restore her first before i start a new project such as that!
Your words definitely give me a new wond of intrest and yes i will post my progress if i attempt such feats!
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 25, 2015 11:39PM
What were the main drawbacks of the Northstar Fiero?
(curiosity only)
I guess the 3.5 would fit a bit easier? (a lot easier?)
How was the balance - tail heavy?
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 26, 2015 03:17AM
Noel Felty Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just some food for thought.
> There are several things that can be done with the
> Corvair in its natural form and still have a new
> spin on the Corvair. There are many performance
> options, cams, oversize jugs, EFI (user friendly
> adds economy and reliabilty), mordern turbo
> setups, ported heads, angled exhuast ports and
> some of the killer head work American Pi is doing.
> It's cool to see these ideas being utilized. The
> more people continuing to help the Corvair engine
> evolve and the more people support these ideas,
> then the more availability for the rest of us.
> Engine swaps are cool if that is your thing but if
> you are wanting to be unique and different you
> have already started by just owing a Corvair. The
> Corvair engine is not a shortcoming it is an
> asset. Swaps are not for the beginners and what
> you may end up with is more time and money than
> you expected and a car that can never be changed
> back. Corvairs with Corvair engines have been road
> racers, autocrossers, rally cars etc. and been
> very successful in these areas with their original
> hearts. Just ask Seth Emerson, James Reeves, the
> Leveques, Bob Coffin, David Clemens. Check out
> some of the things they have done or can do with a
> Corvair. Don't forget what Don Yenko did with
> them. Anyway, I'm not a stock purist at all and I
> respect the guys that can do incredible swaps. I
> also am very impressed with what a Corvair can do
> when massaged properly.
>
> Tony Ellison Kicking butt at an Autocross.
> [m.youtube.com]
>
> James Reeves in a Yenko Stinger
> [m.youtube.com]
>
> Brown EFI
>
> [m.youtube.com]
>
> David Clemmens
> [m.youtube.com]
HI, What sort of power are we talking about? I searched this forum and other corvair forums and all seemed to say that making 200bhp from a corvair engine was almost impossible (NA setup) . Maybe this has changed these days.
Starying with a base 140hp engine from a corsa what modifications could be done to increase horsepower? I mean ready to buy bolt on modifications that require a bit of tuning and fettling.
Re: Corvair Engine Swaps
Date: August 26, 2015 06:25AM
Jonathan McCreery Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Audi 4.2V8 (which is actually cheap) will bolt
> directly to a Boxster trans with 0 adapters
> needed.
Yeah....go visit the Audi forums about that engine...here's why it's cheap...egawd!!:
Nick
_______________________________________________________________________
1964 Monza Spyder Convertible #435 - Rotisserie restored - SOLD ON BRING A TRAILER 4/30/2019 - Check out my restoration thread here: [corvaircenter.com]
Thanks to all the awesome CCF, CF, COG, and CORSA members who helped me with the restoration!
Other fun stuff - 2020 Porsche GT4 - 1997 Spec Boxster Race Car #94 - Other daily drivers
Northern Colorado, USA
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
keislerdortmationat.blogspot.com
Source: http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.php?1,814201
0 Response to "Good Easy Engine Swap for Lm Corvair"
Post a Comment