Corvairs gain a foothold

[TonyL]

At last. After YEARS of work, I can safely say that Corvairs are catching on. It's always been my stated goal to introduce the Corvair as a viable Pro-touring alternative car. They're cheap, fun, and look awesome fixed up.

Where's the proof you say?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/IMG_3051-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/IMG_3041-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/two-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/16144113730-1.jpg

and this is the kicker. Someone finally took one HERE.
The mods are too many to list. Stellar car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/IMG_2569-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/o1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/q2-1.jpg


Sorry, just had to toot my own horn. I'm stoked that people are starting to think Corvairs aren't just for "weird" people any more.

I was actually approached by a guy last weekend at a Corvair show In Sacramento. He told me he had my PHR article on his garage wall, and that he'd gone out and bought a Corvair because that article made them look so cool. That one guy made every late night, every busted knuckle, and every scraped together dollar all worthwhile.

Now If I could just convince the magazine guys....

[Lowend]

Seth Emerson has been racing some very cool Corvairs since before I was born
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/NewStingerMarina-1.jpg I've always had a soft sport for those goofy little cars ;)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

My dad just got a 68' for a VERY good price. He loved them back in the day, he always talked about how good of traction it got in the snow. Rite now hes doing all the body work for it (sorry TonyL, but we kinda stole your paint scheme, it just looks killer!). I had a chance to drive it before he stripped it down, the thing was quite fun and nimble, if only it had a few more horses than the stock 140..all in due time.

[TonyL]

I would love nothing more than seeing my paint scheme on someone else's car. ;)

Don't get me wrong, Im not trying to take all the credit for Corvairs breaking out. It's one of those right place, right time things. Im seeing them everywhere now.

We've even got widebody ones now. and they look angry.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ys058-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img005-1.jpg

More PT themed vairs.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/IMG_4527-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/KevinClarkPhoto-1.jpg

[78 Type-LT]

That orange one is sexy

[cluxford]

That orange one is sexy

x2 :)

[Mark Antrim]

Tony, my first classic car was a 64 corvair convertible. Loved that car just had too much mud. I do like the orange one also.

[elitecustombody]

I agree. orange one is beautiful. I always like how Corvairs look, unique roof line and c-pillars

[John Wright]

and they look angry.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ys058-1.jpg





No wonder it's angry....somebody stole the motor out from under it's hood!:enguard:

[twosaturns]

I think I'd want one w/ a WRX boxer in it...

[BuddyP]

Back when I first signed up on this forum I was suprised not to see any except yours. I always thought the Corvair had nice lines to it, and was a clean design. My dad has a '66 and '67 (light blue and dark blue) but sold em back in the early 80's.

That orange one is sharp!!!

[TonyL]

Okay, the orange one. So far I have found out it belongs to an interior guy in Utah, he's found a way to get one piece 69 camaro door glass to fit, which is awesome, installed a billet insert into the rear air grille, rounded off the gas filler door, shaved everything, made a new chrome piece for the front, tucked the bumpers, the exhausts, and installed a turbo on a 4 carb 140 motor. Pictures of the engine haven't been posted yet.

Seeing a street rodded Vair made my day. That says to me "main stream". I just wish more people would hop on the bandwagon.


As for the wrx idea, people are working on it. There's an adapter to mate a wrx motor to a vw trans. So that should work. Remember that the corvair drivetrain rotates backward. so either the swapped motor must be modded to run backward, or you have to find a new trans that will work instead.

[Bjkadron]

I want one with the stance and wheels like the first one, A paint scheme like yours except reversed. And a porsche 911 gt3 engine and tranny. That would be awesome!

[Steve Chryssos]

I'm falling for these cars in a big way. We're just finishing one up at Classic Motorsports magazine. It came out beautiful. I dig the early turbo application. And the early cars are really growing on me. I still prefer the later cars though.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/tim_corvair_update-1.jpg

Link to project intro and updates:
http://classicmotorsports.net/project-cars/1963-chevrolet-corvair-monza-spyder/

[2ndgenhunter]

Tony,
You should see the corvairs that gather in Helen, GA (small german theme town next to me). The town is filled with 125-150 Vairs once a year. It is a site to see them all racing through the mtns around here. There was 1 guy had a 63ish wagon with a Stinger engine and old school ARs in 15". That thing would fly. I love going to the Corvair meet. Its 1 event I really enjoy just looking around.

[Josh69]

My first car was a red '63 110, much like the one pictured next to the orange car. Sadly, it was too much work for a green 16yo to handle, and when I got my '66 Imp a few weeks later, the 'vair got sold.

Always wanted a later model with a V8 conversion.

[rednecknate]

My Brother in Law had a sweet 66 like 20 yrs ago i remeber riding in it when i was like 12 or 13 i thought it was so cool It had 295 and was way jacked up in the rear It blew up on the way to ALABAMA WHEN he was going into the Airforce.. I have alway shad a soft spot he had pictures of one In alabama that had a 440 dodge motor Mid engine in it always thought that make a sweet ride.. Love em all A buddy in Az has one i could probrobly have i think its a 63 or 64 ...Havn't looked at it in 2 or 3 years .. Is the orange one Bagged up front??Been eying yours tony for a few years or so ... I kinda sit in the dark here .. Oggling..

[novaderrik]

why no love for the Corvair vans?
imagine this one (http://image.truckinweb.com/f/editorials/corvair-van/12195156+cr1+re0+ar1/chevy-corvair-van.jpg) with a full on PT treatment..

or how about the Corvair pickup (http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Corvair/1961CorvairRampsidePickup.jpg)?

[Off Duty]

My dad had a Corvair back when I was around 12 or so. I learned to drove on that thing and we kept it until the transmission died. Like everything else in life..."if I'd only known"

Sold the car to a guy who took the aircooled 140hp engine and ran it in an airboat for several years, dropped a small block in the back seat and went racing:)

Wouldn't mind an LSx based pro-touring Corvair.....would be as sweet ride:)

[formula]

you people are all CRAZY WEIRDOS.

jus' kiddin! I personally think you're the best kind of weirdos, and I'm very jealous of you, Tony. Your car's cost-to-badass ratio is THROUGH THE ROOF!

Just out of curiosity--I know the unsafe at any speed thing was grossly misrepresented--but I also would assume there is SOME underlying truth to the old story about some flaw in the original rear suspension's design leading to virtual swingarm travel that can cause trip-rollovers (the original beetle suffered a similar design flaw)--is there now a fix or alternative aftermarket suspension configuration that addresses the issue? Or is it truely a nonissue, maybe something that was addressed after a certain model year?

I hope I'm not stepping on sore toes--I don't mean to, and I'm sure asking a corvair fan if their car is going to flip is at least as bad as asking a poncho guy why gm stopped making pontiac engines, if not much worse, so feel free to just e-slap me if that would be the most appropriate response. I am just nuts about the idea of a rear-engined american pony car, and am thus considering building a stripped-out little trackrat 'vair someday. So now I am at the stage where I'm starting to research and find out what's out there--and of course when looked at from a PT angle, the inherent platform limitations that will need to be addressed become priority 1.

[TonyL]

Good question, of course, my car and others like it "late models" as they are called, fixed the issue, and in the process developed one of the best handling cars of the day. It is indeed a four link independent rear after all.

The cars that earned the notorius rep were the 60-63 models.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


There are many "fixes" one being lowering, of course. There were aftermarket systems available in the mid sixties from OTTO and other distributors that changed the geometry as well. But really, all that was needed was an anti-roll bar. That's it. That's the beef. Wasn't an option back then to save cost. If there had been a rear bar, that reputation would certainly never have been born.

look at this Look at the red car with the black stripe at 2:10

qRvjzF5LY2Q

That's what a properly set up early is capable of.

[TonyL]

oh and this page

http://autoxer.skiblack.com/index.html

is the first real source of info I ever got when I became interested in these cars. flat out the best entry level resource there is for corvair mods. It answers a load of tech questions, and gives you a real idea of how "shade tree" you can be and still have fun.

[Twentyover]

you people are all CRAZY WEIRDOS.

......
Just out of curiosity--I know the unsafe at any speed thing was grossly misrepresented--but I also would assume there is SOME underlying truth to the old story about some flaw in the original rear suspension's design leading to virtual swingarm travel that can cause trip-rollovers (the original beetle suffered a similar design flaw)--is there now a fix or alternative aftermarket suspension configuration that addresses the issue? Or is it truely a nonissue, maybe something that was addressed after a certain model year?

................


Same rear suspension deficiency was shared by VW Beetle until 1968 or 69, and Triumph Spitfire until about 1970

[TonyL]

:yum::yum::yum::yum::yum:I have always been a fan of the sweet 59 corvair myself, It doesnt get much better than that. :

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

There's no such thing as a 59 vair.

[Norm Peterson]

Just out of curiosity--I know the unsafe at any speed thing was grossly misrepresented--but I also would assume there is SOME underlying truth to the old story about some flaw in the original rear suspension's design leading to virtual swingarm travel that can cause trip-rollovers (the original beetle suffered a similar design flaw)--is there now a fix or alternative aftermarket suspension configuration that addresses the issue? Or is it truely a nonissue, maybe something that was addressed after a certain model year?
Driver error, as in not understanding that the early cars had to be driven a bit differently, is also to blame. The average driver brakes when he gets nervous (or at least lifts). Wrong answer when you're driving a relatively softly sprung swing axle car through a corner . . .

My uncle had one of the early models, I think probably a '62. Fun little car to drive with a little enthusiasm.


About that Subie swap - why not just drop the entire WRX powertrain in as a different sort of mid-engine swap?


Norm

[John Wright]

Driver error, as in not understanding that the early cars had to be driven a bit differently, is also to blame. The average driver brakes when he gets nervous (or at least lifts). Wrong answer when you're driving a relatively softly sprung swing axle car through a corner . . .

There were times when you had to lift...like when you were pushing the front tires, but you're right about not lifting when you get the rear hanging out in a corner.

[trapin]

Go ahead and toot that horn Tony, I have always loved the body lines on the Corvair. I would love to see one done with one of the modern GM V6 engines and a turbo-charger. ....or has that been done already?

[ho428]

Video clip from inside a V8 Corvair at The Mitty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2jk3js8SGw

[93Polo]

Speaking of mid engine swaps and V8s, there was someone building a V8 Corvair using a Ls1 with 4L60E and a C5 diff as 1 unit eliminating the tq tube on here or lateral-g prolly a couple years back.

Does anyone know what happened to the swap? It was a fun looking project.

The V8 car at the Mitty was cool.

[Bjkadron]

AWD Porsche drivetrain? could be cool...

Aw man!!! I need to quit!!! I already have enough projects!!! I don't need a corvair too!!!

[lamancha82]

my brother cut mine up and gave it to the metal guy cause it was sitting at my parents house to long, he became a total aZz-O that day. plans were a mid engine ls based pro tourer.

[lamancha82]

imma buy another.

[Ron L]

I've always wanted one after seeing (and hearing!) one drive by the local speedshop about 15 years ago. I knew what they were at the time but when I actually saw and heard a modified one in person I was hooked. When Tony's car started to appear in these forums and I did even more research on them I finally made up my mind and sold the fastback. Spending big bucks in big motor mods and over-engineered drivetrain mods just to push around a big front-engine sedan didn't appeal to me anymore. I know, how un-American of me.


I sure wish they made a 4 door hard top so i could take the whole family out to Sonic on friday nights.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/tn_full_Picture_027_Largejpg_Thumbnail1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img_5076-1.jpg

I might have one soon, myself. Gonna check it out tomorrow.

[TonyL]

AWD Porsche drivetrain? could be cool...

Aw man!!! I need to quit!!! I already have enough projects!!! I don't need a corvair too!!!


AWD corvair has been done. This car was built a few years back, never "finished" (no rims and tires were ever chosen) and the car was sold to someone in the east.

There was a small article on it in a now defunct and deleted website. Took me all day to find these images.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ALCorvfrt-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ALCorvrr-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ALCorveng-1.jpg

For posterity, I'll let the original author of the article tell it like it was

We finally got ourselves up Oakland to check out Alan Louwerse's new digs. A great spot right on the water with a truly inspirational amount of funkitude all around the area. Alan has several interesting projects in the works, the Corvair being the closest to hitting the road. The '46 Ford is already there, having been at the Santa Cruz Woodie show the day before we ran up. The Corvair is an wild project: Alan being a Porsche man, it has a 993 engine and trans fit to a 964 front end. The two are connected with a lengthened driveshaft, as the wheelbase is a full 18" longer than the Porsche's! The Corvair was gutted and Porsche front and rear clips were welded inside the openings in the Corvair and tied into the subframes. The stock Porsche climate control system is up forward, and the chin spoiler produces a slight negative pressure to help pull air from the front-mounted horizontal heat exchanger for the A/C. The interior has the Porsche dash and seat fitted, and the wheels (which I think really look great on the car) are Porsche spare wheels from a couple different models.


The business end. The 3.6L is stuffed in there admirably. The car retains its aircooled six-cylinder heritage, but gains more than double the power and an extra set of drive wheels! Alan says the handling so far seems great, but it hasn't been out of the immediate area so there will likely be some shake-down tales to come. We were suitably impressed by the level of weirdness which perhaps exceeds our own.

[Bjkadron]

Sweet.

[showa]

I say a pretty '65 convertible with 19's from a BMW the other day.... Made me think "Corvairs are way cool" again.... So many dreams, so little time....

[rednecknate]

Saw this at breakfast this morning.. sorry only had my phone.. It said 66 turbo on the plate needs a little finishing but had nicely done tan leather interior and nice paint looks like a fresh restore ..

Just realized it was the first time my 8 year old son who's a car nut had seen one.. Because he's like who makes that?? I said Chevy and he didn't believe me He say's "It don't look nuttin like a Camaro it's Wierd looking" I about spit up Laughing...

[vanwyk4257]

I just posted in the projects section, but I'm going to do a resto-mod pro-touring build on a 1961 corvair 95 panel van. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I can envision the finished product and it will certainly be one of a kind.
Tony, your car definitely got me interested in 'vairs, although I never intended to buy a van. This one fell in my lap, it was local and a no-rust CA vehicle. It was too good to pass up.

[showa]

When I was a kid (loooong ago) a friends dad used a mid- V8 powered Corvan to tow his Drag Race "Pie Wagon".... ('57 Chev panel wagon)... That thing was crazy....

[Jarcaines]

I have always loved the lines of the 2nd gen Corvairs. Thanks for posting these pics!

[rednecknate]

Okay So i saw so sweet vairs at goodguys this weekend i took a few picks i think i counted like 10-11 of them crazy...

But the main one had a Huge horsepower v8 behind the seats.... ohh and a Carbon fiber dog house cover.. totally awesome,,, the paint looked sweet and it was done in 1978 over all just badapplesauce

A few pics for your vair porn pleasure

[twosaturns]

just wanted to share a picture of a 'vair on my street, it's my neighbors daily driver! it stays outside (his hogs are in the little garage).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/4754012724_e9dd0ce671-1.jpg

[TonyL]

Sweet. Im still on the fence about painting mine black with a flat black stripe.

That's a lot of bodywork that I'd have to do though. :scared:

[Bjkadron]

Sweet. Im still on the fence about painting mine black with a flat black stripe.

That's a lot of bodywork that I'd have to do though. :scared:

Don't do it! It looks better the way it is!

[Ron L]

I'd do this if mine wasn't a 4-door since I already have a gallon of black and a quart of satin:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/challengerblacktop02vi-1.jpg

I don't blame you though. I'm OK with bodywork but it's so time-consuming. I'd rather drive.

[DanP454]

I'm helping my buddy fix up a '63 convertible and after getting it running and flogging it...it is FUN!!!!! I'm wasting my time seaching graiglook for a 65 and up to build up. Suck it Ralph Nader...fun at any speed!:seizure:

[67cougnut]

i know honda motors are a reverse rotation if thats the case for all of their motors i bet an s2000 motor would be a great motor to run. just a question transmission.

[brrymnvette]

What happened to the guy stuffing an LS1/C5 drivetrain in his? Jimsh or something like that.

[shortrack]

the mayor of Oshawa Ontario (the city where the 2010 Camaro is built) has a Corvair and has the local Corvair Chapter over at his house for club meetings....so there!

[Kenova]

the mayor of Oshawa Ontario (the city where the 2010 Camaro is built) has a Corvair and has the local Corvair Chapter over at his house for club meetings....so there!
Corvairs were also built in Oshawa. That was a little before my time though.

Ken

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i want more... more i want.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/moar-1.jpg

[g356gear]

But the main one had a Huge horsepower v8 behind the seats.... ohh and a Carbon fiber dog house cover.. totally awesome,,, the paint looked sweet and it was done in 1978 over all just badapplesauce


Talk about heat in the driver compartment. Windows down ALL the time in that one.

[Twentyover]

i know honda motors are a reverse rotation if thats the case for all of their motors i bet an s2000 motor would be a great motor to run. just a question transmission.

Believe you'll find the S2000 is the only Honda that's NOT reverse rotation...

[67cougnut]

Believe you'll find the S2000 is the only Honda that's NOT reverse rotation...
figures!LOL

[brrymnvette]

This thread sucks. You guys are really making regret getting rid of my 455 vair project. :(

[XLexusTech]

only cuase you're looking...it like after you buy a new car... all of a sudden they are everywhere

[showa]

OK all you closet Vair junkies...... This site says it allows you to put a Subaru engine AND it's 5 speed in the REAR......

http://www.subarugears.com/

[Norm Peterson]

Wonder if they're working with the 6 speed yet.


Norm

[brrymnvette]

OK all you closet Vair junkies...... This site says it allows you to put a Subaru engine AND it's 5 speed in the REAR......

http://www.subarugears.com/


For the cost it'd be the same price for the Porsche stuff almost. $1500 for a set of gears? crazy.

[Chadly B]

those are some cool vairs, but, I must say, the very first day I joined this forum, I poured over Tony's build thread, I should have told you sooner, but, I think your 'vair is absolutely one of my top 5 fave's on this board.....I love it, and it made me start looking around.....still probably doing a G-body, but this has planted a seed....

[Ron L]

Well I'm getting there. These things are slow as molasses, my 89 Mazda 323 is more fun to drive. Fun car to tinker with though, it's basically a gadget from the 60s. Lots of linkages and levers and ducts and flaps to fiddle with.

When I bought it (2 carb automatic):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/DSC00463JPG-1.jpg

4 months, 4 carbs, 4 wheels, and 4 speeds later:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/casio20002-1.jpg

In retrospect I should've kept it an automatic. So much for a "sporty" 4 speed car with ~6 turn lock to lock steering. It's my daily driver which is a whole lot more than I can say for my Mustang. Everything is new/rebuilt so it's easy to jump into and drive. 4-doors so the kids like it. Not bad for under $6K so far.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

damn... they look great on those bbs

[Larry Callahan]

I should post up some pictures. My neighbor and his brother both bought mid 60's Corvairs within 3 weeks of each other. Both are black and one has a turbo. I'm working on convincing them to venture to the dark side.

[Ron L]

damn... they look great on those bbsToo bad all 140 bolts are rusted. I have to disassemble the wheels and chuck the bolts in a drill to polish them. One, at, a, time. At least I can leave the tire inflated on the hoop. I might paint the bolts and centers black since the car is in the process of becoming black anyway.

[dadto2jays]

my good friend just bought a corvair rampside from texas it is getting picked up by the transporter monday. i will post picts of it as soon as it gets here to south florida, corvairs are definetly getting more popular...

[vintageracer]

Took the plunge and joined the Corvair world today!

A friend of mine (so far still a friend for selling me a Corvair) has had this car forever. He's a Corvair guy among his other many interests. He had this car apart for a quick repaint and it never got back together. Sound familiar?

For reasons I still don't understand I always like this particular car because it's 4 Speed 66 4 Door Hardtop, Factory A/C, Factory Fold Down Rear Seat, Factory Tinted Glass, Radio, 110HP and is a pretty solid car to boot. He had the engine tuned and carbs rebuilt so it ran fine however I am sure some of that work will need to be done again after sitting. Original Beige the car got painted Green and my friend was going to do the car Silver.

ALL the parts that were removed from the car are still with the car and most any other part I will need will be available as he has a BOATLOAD of spares and parts cars.

All for the princely sum of $500.00!!!

I think he might have got the better end of the deal????

[vintageracer]

Mo Squares

[nimblemotorsports]

OK, just wanted to add my new 67 Corvair project to the thread. Mid-Engine Audi V8 with Porsche 944 suspension. Project a bit on hold, but will be back on it soon.
These are very nice lightweight cars, nice lines, the late models are not so easy to find.

https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=139882&stc=1&d=1493762068

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/125014-67-Corvair-quot-Audacious-quot

I'll say it is an an old-school R8...less the 4wd.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/Audi_R8__Flickr__Alexandre_PrC3A9vot_281-1.jpg

[JustJohn]

IMHO they've always been an option. It was almost my first car back in 1986 but the seller burned up the engine.

The 3 one barrel Monza Spider could certainly be uprated to surprise a few people.

[BMR Sales]

They missed on this one!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/120copy_zpsddfwymaa-1.jpg (http://s1259.photobucket.com/user/TCammera/media/Posted/1stPT/1%20copy_zpsddfwymaa.jpg.html)

[JustJohn]

I just remembered this one from back when I played with V-12's:
http://www.corvaircorsa.com/V-12-01.html

[nimblemotorsports]

Wow! What a huge project and technical challenge to do something really different.
No LS swap here!!


I just remembered this one from back when I played with V-12's:
http://www.corvaircorsa.com/V-12-01.html

[JustJohn]

Wow! What a huge project and technical challenge to do something really different.
No LS swap here!!

I just went back and reread the article. I think you'd be hard pressed not to include the car under the pro touring umbrella.

[USAZR1]

My cousin in Bakersfield,CA has a pretty nice 65 Monza for sale. Here's the craigslist ad. Steve said the price was very negotiable.

https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/6158221462.html

[ishigakisensei]

Norway Corvair:

[stab6902]

Very nicely done. Love the stance and colors.