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1966 Corsa Front Engine Conversion
Keith's V8 Corvair is a bit different than most.
First off, it is not a body on frame as most of the front V8's are. It
was a refugee from a field where Keith bought it for $125 and converted
it to a Crown style mid-engine V8, but he didn't like the heat and noise
or the lack of leg room.
The interior uses a set of 1987 Sunbird front seats with a stock back seat. A telewheel, along with the Corsa dash remain. The door panels and headliner are stock. The engine is a small block 350 with headers and a
brace of four barrel carbs on an aluminum intake. A set of custom
aluminum valve covers and some chrome pieces accent the engine.
The transmission is a TH375 Turbo Hydramatic. The interesting part of this drive train is the fact that the drive shaft from a 1973 Impala runs above the Corvair floor through the passenger compartment. Keith has fabricated and welded an enclosure which has the added benefit of helping to stiffen the body. The tunnel interfered with the brake pedal which was moved to the left and the gas pedal which was changed to a hanging unit from the same Impala as the drive shaft. Suspension up front is Corvair but with a set of
shortened springs from a Saab to handle the extra weight. The front
cross member was notched to clear the oil pan and gussets were added to
maintain the strength.
The rear axle is a narrowed 1970 Camaro unit hung on leaf springs from a 1955 Chevy pickup mounted to a custom tubular cross piece with bronze bushings. A set of traction bars prevents spring wind up. The differential carries a final drive ratio of 3.08:1. The rear tires are large 295-50R-15 and they fit in the rear wheel wells without being tubbed. The rear brakes are finned aluminum drums from a Monte Carlo. The cooling system uses a four row radiator
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