Subaru SVX powered Corvair??

I've got a '67 'Vair convertible, and have gone through every configuration option in my head.

I've also got an SVX roller shell with a good motor.

Part of me like the Boxer motor instead of a typical V-8 Vair because it is a fabulous motor with just as much power, plus it retains the 6 cylinders. Of course, the GM block in the GM car is a nicer marriage.

I like the classic lines and look, with the modern drivetrain.

But Subys fit in VW's, and Vair motors fit in VW's, so I'm thinking the adapters may be readily available.

I've got a friend who used the Boxer mid-ship, like a typical V-8 Vair (flipped the rear end).

But other options also exist...

The Vair and the SVX share nearly identical dimensions, so there is the possibility of swapping the classic body onto the entire pan of the SVX, leaving an AWD front engine Vair with the suspension of an SVX. Hmmm...

That sounds like a stretch!

But perhaps rear engine version with the engine in the original engine bay would be possible, considering the VW options. This would keep the entire look of the Vair, including the back seat, and keep the 6 cylinders in the back. Kinda cool (though the weight distribution might not be too good), and very simple.

Thoughts? What does GRM say?

I think you're crazy.

I think that you should do it.

I think we're both crazy.

Do what? There were 3 completely different options there!

Corvair with the eg33

At one point GM owned a stake in Subaru, so in a sense the swap is still in the family.

I'd vote for the Suby installed in the original 'vair engine compartment.

Taiden wrote: Corvair with the eg33

You're a PITA.

SVreX wrote:

Taiden wrote: Corvair with the eg33

You're a PITA.

Shove it in the trunk!

Like I said, PITA.

Subie Corvair! Why didn't I think of that?!

It makes sense.

What would be the easiest way to solve the reverse rotation issue?

Put the Subie engine in the back seat and turn the trunk into a rumble seat! Problems solved.

How would you solve the cooling problem, seeing as the original H-6 was air cooled and the Subaru H-6 is water cooled?

I would like to see the Subaru H-6 in the original position in the 'Vair.

Is there a substantial difference in size and weight of the two engines?

Who's the GRM'er with the crazy LS Corvair, (plus a few others)? I think he used a Porsche transaxle for his rear-mounted V8 swap. That sounds expensive, though...

RexSeven wrote: How would you solve the cooling problem, seeing as the original H-6 was air cooled and the Subaru H-6 is water cooled?

Umm... radiator.

No problem.

Osterkraut wrote: What would be the easiest way to solve the reverse rotation issue?

Not sure. How is it generally addressed in Vair powered VW's?

SVreX wrote:

Osterkraut wrote: What would be the easiest way to solve the reverse rotation issue?

Not sure. How is it generally addressed in Vair powered VW's?

I'm not sure on the technical details, but I think the VW solution isn't possible in a Corvair, for some reason involving a trailing arm or something.

SVreX wrote:

Osterkraut wrote: What would be the easiest way to solve the reverse rotation issue?

Not sure. How is it generally addressed in Vair powered VW's?

I'd probably try bolting the SVX motor to a Porsche transaxle instead of keeping the stock Corvair one - there's adapters for this one and it solves the reverse rotation issue.

VW transaxles can flip the ring gear side to side to be made reverse rotation. Not sure you can do that with a Corvair transaxle.

There was a '64 Corvair at an autocross last Sun. It had a V-8 buried well back in the front. Whole new fabricated dog house. I didn't find out to much about the drive train etc. He said he had to do something about the Corvair slow steering. Nice thing, it still had that '64 patina and road licensed.

I imagine that the SVX motor's quite a bit heavier than the air-cooled. It's still a fine idea though, and I hope that you do it.

Why not just use the Subie tranny? There is a plate available to make it a 2WD tranny

Because then he'd have 5 reverse gears and one forward.

jstein77 wrote: Because then he'd have 5 reverse gears and one forward.

Exactly. Reversing the rotation of the Subie box is possible, costs about $4000

I would think a porsche 5spd and a call to Kennedy Engineering would do the trick pretty painlessly.

just turn the drivers seat around and use this method for steering

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsxRiI5jAC8

In reply to SVreX:

EG33 mid-ship with subie FWD trans behind it. shifter will be the most complicated part.

or

EG33 in stock corvair location, IDK what to do about the adaptation or the reverse-rotation though.