Autocrossing a Corvair?

Man, I love this thread. I have a feeling I'm going to be back with some more questions before the end of the summer.

Ask and ye shall receive! http://youtu.be/dqErGBbVaNs

Actually, that looks like one of the best handling stock pickup trucks i've ever seen. Stiffen up the front end and bolt on more traction and it could be pretty great!

Honestly, can you think of a production pickup truck with a better weight distribution that a Rampy? I sure can't.

Here is an example of a Corvair AutoX run that gets a wee bit out of hand. This car is not stock, is on AutoX tires, and has a quick box and quick arms (stock wheel of course). You might be able to get an idea of how much the throttle is used for directional control (less throttle = less grip, more = more):

http://youtu.be/jOhVwKFxais?t=3m1s

One of the interesting thing about the cars is that there are a lot of unique aspects to them and not necessarily absolute answers to many things, so there is room for creativity / engineering.

Note though, relative to the value / price of the cars, engine rebuilds are pretty expensive. They are no 350's, but they are also not 911's. A good performance motor will likely push $3000-4000.

Some very cool iron in that video. I especially liked the Dodge.

2cents- like swingarm vw's, the early cars can use what is basically a leaf spring that connects the hubs and trans axle together to largely prevent jacking. I have never driven this setup, but a buddy swears by it. I always wanted to try this setup , be it on a 'vair, Ghia, bug spit-whatever

Man that looks like fun. I think my answer is a pretty resounding "yes."

Does anyone know of any Corvair stuff going on around Ohio this summer? I'd love to meet some of these guys and see some cars in person. Seems like a cool community.

SCCA requires straps or some sort of travel limits on swing arm suspension.

I've done a lot of hooning in an early Corvair, in dirt or gravel they are the bomb, on pavement however they can be a wicked mistress. Once you commit to a turn you cannot lift or it will spin out and you can't slide them through crowns or rollers very easily (usually ends in looping out)(jacking?).

In reply to bentwrench:

I honestly am not that interested in EM, swing axle 'vairs just because the Late Models are so much better looking. The earlies are just a car, the LM coupe is one of the best looking American cars of the decade.

I've autocrossed both early and late cars. Though the late cars are a major improvement, the early cars can be a lot of fun as well. The early Spyders haven't taken off in price yet like the late Corsa cars have. Years ago, I useda "Z" bar on the rear of my Spyder like the FVees used to use.

ShadowSix wrote: Man that looks like fun. I think my answer is a pretty resounding "yes." Does anyone know of any Corvair stuff going on around Ohio this summer? I'd love to meet some of these guys and see some cars in person. Seems like a cool community.

Just go join the Corvair Center forum and drop a thread, the guys there are pretty cool.

There's got to be a club in either Cincinnati or Columbus. Do a google search, usually they post events if they have a site. At least that's what CCE does.

yeah, pretty much everything's been covered. stock brakes in good working order can lock up R-compound tires so no need to go bigger. quick steering arms take stock 5.5 turns down to about 4 turns, combine with a quick box and you're down around 2.5 iirc. carb vents and fan belt tossing must be addressed. beyond that, a better driver's seat is a nice add.

Sounds like a pretty good formula, now to register on the Corvair Center and see if there is anything going on in my area!