Author |
Message |
F4u5T Aircooled Idiot
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 533 Location: Bristol,VA
|
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 7:19 pm Post subject: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
I just learned that a buddy o mine has a father in law who has a barn full of Corvair engines.
I need a engine for my Ghia roadster, see as it has already been bastardized - I figure why not.
Ive seen pics of it done, looks like I just need to trim the engine compartment to fit the thing in.
Anyone done it before, Any particular block to look for apparently he has serveral!?
Thanks guys |
|
Back to top |
|
|
spectre6000 Samba Member
Joined: April 19, 2009 Posts: 2014 Location: Broomfield, CO
|
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I have a book that's a collection of old Ghia articles. One of them is about a guy that put a Corvair engine in his Ghia back in the 60s as I recall. _________________ Jason Hopper
-'58 German Market Deluxe Beetle (in progress)
-'84 M1009 CUCV
-'81 K10
"Buy the best, cry once." -Gene Berg
"A cheap man will always buy the cheapest thing available, and then buys another one hoping for a better result, and then spends the rest of his life in misery complaining about it. A thrifty man will buy a good part once and never think about it again." -RockCrusher
"Don't feed the Shitty Parts Monster!" -Me |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bruce Amacker Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2007 Posts: 1785 Location: Cleveland, Ohio
|
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
F4u5T wrote: |
Ive seen pics of it done, looks like I just need to trim the engine compartment to fit the thing in. |
I think this is quite an understatement.
I've done the Corvair motor in a sandrail and it turned out terrific- reverse cam with a turbo, and it was quite a ride!
Putting one in a Ghia is going to take excellent skills in re-engineering, access to torches, plasma cutter, mig welder, and above average skill level using all of those tools. Even the best of fabrication guys would be challenged to complete this task without it looking like a hack job. The amount of time invested will be huge, with little payback. Once you get it done, it is likely to be worth considerably less than you have invested in it, and considerably less than if it had a Dub motor in it. Being in VA you're going to want heat, and that's on top of everything else.
It's likely to be cheaper to put a Dub motor in it, even if you have to pay retail.
Good Luck!
PS I thought about it for my car, too, and I'm currently building a 2180 with all new parts. _________________ '66 Deluxe Bus
'65 Standard Bus
Build threads:
'66- http://www.leakoil.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2888&sid=54d8dedfb3822f99c7f2ea430cb4e856
'65- http://leakoil.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=4263 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
thefabulousnip Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2006 Posts: 302 Location: Mobile, AL
|
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If the car has already been taken pretty far from stock and you have the skills to make it work, I say go for it. I've always liked the Corvair engines, my dad used to have a Corvair van and that thing was one of the most reliable vehicles he ever had. Google Clark's Corvair. You should be able to find some more information and parts to make it happen. [/code] |
|
Back to top |
|
|
scottz Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2008 Posts: 477 Location: Bellingham, WA
|
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 11:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
This guy built 2 Ghias with corvair engines. Both came out very good!! These are sweet cars!!
Do a search for 'Wolf1' in the Ghia gallery there's a link to his build thread. The cars were built with/for his sons. Lucky kids!!
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
John Moxon Samba Moderator
Joined: March 07, 2004 Posts: 13935 Location: Southampton U.K.
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
F4u5T Aircooled Idiot
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 533 Location: Bristol,VA
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 5:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for all the input!
I may pursue it depending on what engines are available, looks pretty killer.
I dont care about heat, I wouldnt have much heat anyway with a dub engine, especially without a roof and I don't consider myself a expert fabricator but I think I can manage, if not Ill learn. The whole point is to get off my butt, and do something
here is a few pics of our last project, and yeah - that where my engine is
[/img] |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Geardo Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2008 Posts: 116 Location: Lafayette,LA
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 5:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
Cool bike, not much of a seat you have. _________________ 71 KG Coupe
65 Corvair Corsa Convertible
2000 Suzuki Bandit 1200 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
F4u5T Aircooled Idiot
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 533 Location: Bristol,VA
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 5:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
who needs a cushy seat when there is no suspension |
|
Back to top |
|
|
nikita Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2007 Posts: 531 Location: California
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 7:10 am Post subject: Re: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
F4u5T wrote: |
I just learned that a buddy o mine has a father in law who has a barn full of Corvair engines.
I need a engine for my Ghia roadster, see as it has already been bastardized - I figure why not.
Ive seen pics of it done, looks like I just need to trim the engine compartment to fit the thing in.
Anyone done it before, Any particular block to look for apparently he has serveral!?
Thanks guys |
You want a 1965-1969 block as a starting point. I'll look up the codes and post them here later. The best heads are non-turbo without smog control.
Instead of making it reverse rotation, can you flip the ring gear in your transaxle? The tranny should be rebuilt to handle the extra torque anyway.
The engine is a lot heavier than a VW, but there is a way to make it a little lighter and more powerful at the same time, use 94mm VW pistons and cylinders. You go from 2700cc stock to 3100cc and due to the thinner iron, save weight. Converting the rods is the hardest part. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Teeroy Samba Member
Joined: April 20, 2003 Posts: 3680 Location: Eastern WA
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 9:40 am Post subject: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
I have several corvair to vw adapters if you are interested. _________________ Pres. Rivercity VW Club www.rcvwclub.org
Founder Derr Wheat Panzers (DWP)
ARR #3
www.autosportsnorthwest.org |
|
Back to top |
|
|
F4u5T Aircooled Idiot
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 533 Location: Bristol,VA
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 9:47 am Post subject: Re: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
Teeroy wrote: |
I have several corvair to vw adapters if you are interested. |
yeah, sure!
How much? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
John Moxon Samba Moderator
Joined: March 07, 2004 Posts: 13935 Location: Southampton U.K.
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
58lolight Samba Member
Joined: October 25, 2006 Posts: 781 Location: Ct
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 1:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Here is a pic of a Corvair motor mocked up in one of my 56 Ghia's....Car on the left... Try to stay swing and flip the ring gear rather than the crank especially with a good running motor.
I have since changed my mind and sold the motor. Car may be gone in a couple of weeks as well. Fit very well but you have to cut off the oil filter mount and use a remote filter to clear the engine lid.
Good luck and please post pics..
Rich |
|
Back to top |
|
|
crazee Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2009 Posts: 160
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject: Re: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
F4u5T wrote: |
I just learned that a buddy o mine has a father in law who has a barn full of Corvair engines.
I need a engine for my Ghia roadster, see as it has already been bastardized - I figure why not.
Ive seen pics of it done, looks like I just need to trim the engine compartment to fit the thing in.
Anyone done it before, Any particular block to look for apparently he has serveral!?
Thanks guys |
I actually put a Corvair engine in my 65 Bug back in the mid-70's.
Nice............EXCEPT-------> Corvair engines LEAK OIL LIKE HELL!.......it's a design flaw.
I took mine out because you could never "permanently" stop the bitch from leaking.
That said..............best Corvair engine would be the Spyder 2+2 version.
I think a built VW engine or Porsche engine would be a better choice though.
IMHO
But if it's free.......or cheap & ya wanna play. I had fun with it.
_________________ Bradley GT2 & 1972 Super Beetle
MAKE LOVE - NOT WAR |
|
Back to top |
|
|
F4u5T Aircooled Idiot
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 533 Location: Bristol,VA
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 7:15 pm Post subject: Re: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
crazee wrote: |
I think a built VW engine or Porsche engine would be a better choice though.
|
yeah, I guess your right
Now, Who was that guy that wanted to give me a Porsche engine?
Im just playin, Thanks for the tip on the oil leak.
Ill keep that in mind |
|
Back to top |
|
|
slafa Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2008 Posts: 944 Location: Where getting a real beer is like winning the lotto
|
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 8:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
58lolight wrote: |
Here is a pic of a Corvair motor mocked up in one of my 56 Ghia's....Car on the left... Try to stay swing and flip the ring gear rather than the crank especially with a good running motor.
I have since changed my mind and sold the motor. Car may be gone in a couple of weeks as well. Fit very well but you have to cut off the oil filter mount and use a remote filter to clear the engine lid.
Good luck and please post pics..
Rich |
It looks like you don't touch a Ghia unless it's a lowlight, is that the case? _________________ '63 KG Roadster proj.
1973 Mercury Montego MX Brougham
1977 Dodge Tradesman 200 "shorty" Van
1983 Ford 350 Econoline Ambulance
1997 Mercedes S500 W140
1976 BMW 75/6 bike
various Honda, GMC daily drivers |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bruce Amacker Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2007 Posts: 1785 Location: Cleveland, Ohio
|
Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 6:50 am Post subject: Re: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
crazee wrote: |
Nice............EXCEPT-------> Corvair engines LEAK OIL LIKE HELL!.......it's a design flaw.
I took mine out because you could never "permanently" stop the bitch from leaking. |
I don't agree with that at all. There's no design flaw in a Vair engine, actually, they're designed better than VW's as far as oil leaks go. The case halves do not seal against each other like a 'Dub does, rather there is a pan or cover on all four sides of the case junction (top- fan bearing cover, rear cover, front cover, oil pan) and the pushrod tube seals are easy to change. I've never seen a cracked case in a Vair, and they seem to hold up to higher HP and turbocharging better. I've had both, and ran them hard with no leaks.
What "design flaw" do you see in a Vair? How many have you overhauled?
I actually like the Vair better than the Dub, as far as engineering goes. I'm not fond of the fan belt design, but as far as base engine goes, they are well built. At least Chevy put an oil filter and rear seal on them, and didn't underpower them like the Dub is.
PS I suggest against flipping the ring gear. It runs the tranny backwards and breaks a thrust clip because it's not built to run that way. I suggest a reverse camshaft which works out very nicely.
Good Luck! _________________ '66 Deluxe Bus
'65 Standard Bus
Build threads:
'66- http://www.leakoil.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2888&sid=54d8dedfb3822f99c7f2ea430cb4e856
'65- http://leakoil.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=4263 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
NOVA Airhead Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2005 Posts: 5221 Location: Richmond, VA
|
Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 8:13 am Post subject: Re: Corvair engine in a Ghia? |
|
|
crazee wrote: |
F4u5T wrote: |
I just learned that a buddy o mine has a father in law who has a barn full of Corvair engines.
I need a engine for my Ghia roadster, see as it has already been bastardized - I figure why not.
Ive seen pics of it done, looks like I just need to trim the engine compartment to fit the thing in.
Anyone done it before, Any particular block to look for apparently he has serveral!?
Thanks guys |
I actually put a Corvair engine in my 65 Bug back in the mid-70's.
Nice............EXCEPT-------> Corvair engines LEAK OIL LIKE HELL!.......it's a design flaw.
I took mine out because you could never "permanently" stop the bitch from leaking.
That said..............best Corvair engine would be the Spyder 2+2 version.
I think a built VW engine or Porsche engine would be a better choice though.
IMHO
But if it's free.......or cheap & ya wanna play. I had fun with it.
|
Your information is dated with respect to Corvair engines leaking oil. While it may have been true 30+ years ago, it is no longer the case. Corvair engines did have a design flaw in that the gaskets and o rings used were not adequate. This was the cause for most leaks experienced by Corvair owners. As a result, the cars gained a reputation for oil leaks.
In any event you can obtain products today that correct the problem such as this:
http://www.corvairunderground.com/shop/b_section/gasket_kits/oring.htm
Corvair engines and Corvair cars were well engineered. Remember, the Corvair engine was the first 6 cylinder AC engine installed in a car from the factory.
I personally do not see the purpose in trying to retrofit a Corvair engine in a Ghia. If you want Corvair performance why not just buy a Corvair? They are one of the few vintage cars that can still be purchased at a reasonable price. But if that is what you want, then go for it... _________________ Ghia Owner Emeritus |
|
Back to top |
|
|
F4u5T Aircooled Idiot
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 533 Location: Bristol,VA
|
Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
Just exploring ideas...
just found a "running" 1600 w/ autostick trans + rear half of a bug
for $150. apparently some girl ran it into a brick wall and her dad just cut off the rear end and scraped the rest - he is tired of looking at it
Sooo, dont think I can pass it up
heck I can even make a love chair for my wife with the bug rear-end
Thanks everyone for the input, If anyone has a use for a Corvair engine let me know seems there are 3 completes left |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|