Corvair engined buggy - Rear suspension issues......

GPM

Guys,

A few here I know running them, as am I.

My suspension is completely stock swing axle on the rear. Cofap shocks, std ride height. With the Corvair engine in, the suspension stops sit about an inch above the bump stops. This doesn't give me a huge amount of suspension travel and it bottoms out quite easily now, especially over speed bumps etc.

Anyone else had this problem and how did you get round it? Or is it that my suspension/torsion beams are worn/weak?

Cheers

LeeVW · Samba Member Joined: June 14, 2006 Posts: 1016

I don't have a Corvair engine in my buggy, but I add enough weight in the form of camping gear, gas, and water to pretty much equate to one. Or mebbe more. I experimented with reindexing the torsion bars, but eventually went with larger diameter torsion bars (24mm instead of the stock 22mm ones). You can try cranking your torsions up a bit and see if it works for you. Be advised that you will likely want to install new spring plate bushings while you're at it, especially if they are the originals.

Lee

jsturtlebuggy · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 4:43 pm Post subject:

Like what Lee says, you really need to install larger diameter torsion bars.
Which length torsion bars do you have now? Do the spring plates stick out of the cover or is the cover flat across the outside?
If the cover has no hole for spring plate to come through you have the 21 3/4in length torsion bar.
If end of spring plate sticks out of cover approx. 4in, it a 24 11/16in long.
If it sticks out approx. 6in is 26 9/16in long torsion bar.

Paul Hadley use to make a kit to bolt up complete early Corvair trans and engine. This was before aftermarket torsion bar were being made. Paul also made and sold adapter to use early Bus torsion bars (29MM) in a Bug torsion housing. These use the 24 11/16in spring plates.

With the swing axle trans you usually install a larger diameter torsion bar then what you would use with a IRS suspension.
SwayAway recommends with the short 21 3/4in bar between 24-27mm diameter.
_________________
Joseph
Fair Oaks/Orangevale, CA
Elrod Motorsports
Motion Tire Motorsports
Having fun with Dune Buggies since 1970
Into Volkswagens since 1960

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:33 am Post subject:

^ good advice up there..

Ill add.
If you like the current height... and if you dont plan on doing any major off roading.. chop 25mm off the top of bump stops..

It worked fine for mine.. Wink

.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited

GPM · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 4:14 pm Post subject:

Ride height wise, I'm happy.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

It's getting taller tyres on the rear but ride height wise, it's about riright.

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into that

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 5:24 am Post subject:

^ That Green is killer..
Mine was about that color gel coat..... but it was too far gone to save..
Flipped a coin on Green.. or Copper.. went with copper... maybe next time.. Wink

_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited

doubravsky · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 8:29 am Post subject:

Beautiful looking green - the sidepods look great!

Question- do the sind wind screens make a big difference? And do they help for the front seat passengers/ rear seat, or both?

GPM · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 1:17 pm Post subject:

Ken/Doubravsky,

Thanks for the comments. It's called Lime Green. It's only the second shell the main buggy shell manufacturer in the UK has made in this colour. I've no idea why as I think it's a fabulous colour. For me, the side pods finish a buggy, hence why I have them I know they are a very yes/no thing, but I love them.

As for the wind wings, the jury is out. I've not driven it without them so difficult to tell. I think they do make some difference to front seat passengers. I don't ever have anyone in the back but you get that much turbulence from the air coming over the top of the screen, I'd doubt you'd notice much!! They are the proper B&K ones though so for me, a proper buggy add on!!!

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 8:24 am Post subject:

Singerdude · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:09 pm Post subject:

vanderjw · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2015 5:05 am Post subject:

Are cofap shocks coilovers? My corvair powered manx clone has coilover shocks on the rear. I havent driven it much but they are probably part of the original 1970ish build.

manxdavid · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2015 9:34 am Post subject:

Cofap are just regular oil damped shocks.

GPM · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 2:49 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys.

I have a pair of coilover shocks to try.

What I don't really want to do is affect the ride height or the firmness of the suspension. I accept one might have to give.

I'll give some thought to the torsion bars. That might be the way to go. One for next winter I think.


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