Is the interior Hot?  

 The car is not hot with a proper engine cover in place.

  Is it Fast? 

Yes, how fast are you?

Is the interior noisy

With the engine cover in place the interior is not any louder than any high performance car depending on the insulation and design.

What kind of differential is it? 

Most of the V8 conversions use the late model 1966 and up Corvair differential and four speed transmission. The differentials are usually reinforced and use a four spider gear. It is still a weak spot.

Where can I find the parts to do a conversion?

There are not many places to purchase parts. Clarks Corvair Parts has a few of the original parts but most will have to be sourced from individuals or buy a completed V8. Check out our VENDORS list and our FOR SALE page.  

What is the difference between the Crown Conversion and the Kelmark Conversion?                    

The Crown Conversion retains the transaxle in the stock location, opens up the forward end of the transmission, and adapts the V8 bellhousing and clutch to it. This works because the stock Corvair engine rotates in the opposite direction of a Chevy V8.  The Kelmark Conversion turns the transaxle around 180 degrees and uses a special bellhousing and input shaft to bolt the V8 where the stock engine would normally be connected. This makes the rotation of the differential backwards.

What is the main advantage of the Crown Conversion?    

The Crown Conversion has a near perfect engine placement in terms of weight distribution. The Crown  setup has a 40/60 to a 50/50 distribution ratio which is ideal.

What is the main disadvantage of the Crown  Conversion? 

The cockpit space is limited. The driver sets very close to the wheel  and for those who are tall it can be very uncomfortable.

What is  the main advantage of the Kelmark Conversion?        

The engine is mounted 11 inches further back in the car allowing for more room for the driver and the use of the stock seats.

What is the main disadvantage of the Kelmark Conversion?    

The Kelmark requires the turning of the trans-axle 180 degrees flat to the rear end and connecting it to the engine with a bell housing adapter. A stronger shaft is needed to withstand the torque of a V8. Also, since the ring gear turns backwards it requires a correction for the oiling function or a reverse cut ring and pinion gear set. 

Is there a forum where I can ask specific questions?

The Corvair Society sponsors  a V8 Vair List.

General information about the mailing list is at:  http://www.vv.corvair.org/mailman/listinfo/v8vairs

What is a Crown four spider diff?

In the early days Crown created a modified Volkswagen differential carrier by adding two extra pinion gears to the existing two gears which in effect lessened the load and made the differentials last longer. It was called a Beef-a-diff. When the Crown Corv-8 was created the differential again being a weak spot was modified by adding two more pinion gears. This created a cross legged look whence the "spider" nickname was derived. Yeah, I know it only has four legs while an arachnid has eight. Clarks Corvair Parts sells the parts to do this modification.

What is a CIDCO diff?

CIDCO, which stands for Corvair Improvement Distributing Company is owned by Bob Anderson. At one time he developed Corvair transaxles with many improvements, not only for Corvairs but the kit car industry as well. Bob improved the longevity of the differentials thru many modifications, re-manufacture and re-engineering, along with careful assembly. This included having reverse cut ring and pinion gears made for the Kelmark transaxle setup which ran in reverse. His setup was in great demand from the mid engine Corv-8 people. One of the trade marks of the CIDCO diff is the shoulder bolted steel plate cover on top of the differential in place of the tin cover. At this time CIDCO modified differentials are not available.

What do I look for in an abused differential in a V-8 Conversion?

The Corvair differential was not designed to handle more than 250 horse power. When you put the power and torque of even a mild V8 to the stock differential, it tries to split the case from the pinion gear being forced against the ring gear. Without added support this is what you get. This differential is from Rick Norris's Corv-8. It had no modifications except a Crown four spider gear set which was trashed. All of the black lines are cracks all the way through the cast iron. Note the one above the left side bearing boss. It extends through the gasket area where the tin cover goes. It went bye-bye in a dumpster.