I always loved the late model Corvair, it was futuristic when it came out and it looks awesome today , I wish that they had at least made them for a couple more years !
May he die a horrible death for killing such a nice car. Plan to convert a 1967 Corvair to electric if I can get a good deal on batteries. I learned to drive a manual shift on a 1960 Corvair in 1967 when I graduated from high school. Must get at least a 200 mile range. Should be able to achieve it with today's technology. Engine is better in an aircraft.
My dad had and I drove his 1962 4 door Powerglide swing axle Corvair. It was a hazard on slick streets or any time the rear end broke loose. It would not drift, it went directly and immediately from full adhesion into a skid that could be broken only with immediate opposite steering wheel lock. In that car rear end adhesion loss could not be moderated into a drift - and many's the time I tried (he also had a 1957 VW Karmann-Ghia - also rear engine/swing axle - that was completely controllable with broken loose rear end and doing so could turn very satisfying/fun square corners). Dad's 1962 Corvair was everything Nader warned about. A driver caught unaware or without necessary driving skills/training readily faced going off the road. I think 1963-4 models added an antiroll bar to the rear suspension but I never drove a Corvair with one so if they behaved differently I had no occasion to find out. The 1965 and later models, aside from being beautiful, replaced previous model swing axles with Corvette-like 4 link rear suspension which was reported in the auto driving enthusiast magazines of the time as being completely controllable in a drift and so completely cured of previous model's rear end sudden/difficult to control breaking loose. I wanted one. Shortly after the 1965 model introduction a Chevy dealer quoted me (but unfortunately didn't have the money to buy) $2560 for a 140 HP normally aspirated (I didn't trust turbos back then) two door Monza. I've always regretting not buying one - but not long after Uncle Sam called and that changed everything.
My Buddy used to have a prototype Vega with an aluminum V8, it sat in the woods and rotted, very sad. He was a weed dealer and used it to hide pounds of weed.
There wasn't. Chevrolet has made several aluminum small block engine blocks over the years. They were all 4.00" or larger bore size. A 283 is a 3.875" bore. The prototype aluminum blocks date back to the Duntov and Grand Sport era.
Outstanding! I had the 283 in two of my Chevrolets - 1957 and 1966 - and the '57 had what Chevrolet called "Power Pack" heads. I'd heard rumors of an aluminum 283 but you've clarified their existence. It would have made a wonderful Vette powerplant and would have been a top notch option for TransAm cars and a lot of street rods. Thanks for sharing your beautiful Corvair.👍
It's hot, it's loud, and and I like it. I could easily cover the engine which would address the hot/loud issues but... True car guys understand. I'd guess you are one of us. Thanks
Spectacular car! Thanks for building and sharing it with us all! My father passed recently, he didn't finish his final project. A Austin Healey 3000 with a Jaguar independent rear with 4 Eagle coil overs, disc brake front and rear, and a Chevy crate 350, Custom Dayton wire wheels, lots of spokes in those wheels. I love these special cars like your Corvair!
Insolent Stickleback Hey Pal, sorry to hear your Dad didn’t get to complete his Healey...but he must have enjoyed building it and dreaming of how she would go! As a young pup I built a Healey 3000 with a 327 corvette engine...no one could catch me. Now I’m working on my ‘67 Sunbeam Tiger and I have thought of putting a jaguar rear suspension in it! Meanwhile my motorcycles satisfy my need for speed! Will you finish your Dads car?
I hope to. It is sitting in the rotisserie he built, motor and tranny and rear end installed. Every other part is brand new and ready to install. It is literally a full scale model kit, down to the paint sitting neatly on a shelf. Thanks for the comment! Best Regards, Insolent.
Insolent Stickleback Go for it! The experience will be a great way to discover and develop new skills as well as connect with your Dad...he will be smiling all throughout the process! Cheers, Bill
Hey, I sold the Crown kit to Paul in the early '70s. Glad to see you still have it after all these years. Paul also introduced me to the woman to whom I've been married for almost 40 years now. Once you find something good, stick with it, right ? ---Steve
Steve is a true car guy and a good guy. He had a Corvair repair shop in Ann Arbor where I used to hang out. He built a Crown conversion as well. I'm glad we have stayed in touch all of these years.
One of my three Corvairs was a mid-engine 327. Super-fast, handled like a dream. But nowhere near as well-done as this outstanding piece of work imo Great car! imo
II don't know about the "genius" part, but I do have an affinity for aluminum engines. Have an aluminum 427 600HP Ford crate engine in a kit Cobra and a 650HP 2016 Z06 Vette.
I can totally respect that, I'm 45 yrs old and still learning life, my dad is 79yr young retired and still play around on his 1980 ford f100 doing body work on it and engine work as well, so keep doing what you do, stay young and stay safe.
Jeff, a long time friend, did the video. I was aircrew on a Navy carrier based plane (AD5-W) in the late 50s and early 60s. A catapult shot got us airborne in about 1 1/2 seconds. (120 mph) An engine cover makes a lot of sense but I just can't bring myself to hide the engine which in my eyes is a thing of beauty. Tanks for your comments.
Genius. I would love to have laughing gas and school all the local moustangs, sheby cobras, some euro sports car trash. I would also intercooled supercharder it. Dang...need to get on the Corvair barn find network..
This is a true enthusiast`s car, certainly not for the average driver. I had one 35 years ago, Crown kit with an L79 engine (327/350 HP). BIG fun, it surprised many muscle cars :-) Well done, Mr. Siano (although I do think that due to it`s rarified status, that engine belongs in a museum).
I agree with everything you said. If I can find a good home for the aluminum 283 block I have a Chevy aluminum 350 short block ready to install. Thanks for your interest.
@@paulsiano6744 Seen photos of a Zora? Late 50s track vette with this exact engine. Body didnt look like a vette of those times, experiemental I guess That is one badazz block, worth a small mint! Rather see it get used than sit in a museum collecting dust Sure makes some nice sounds inside.
Can't say enough! I love everything about this from the wheels to the color and the scoops. It's absolutely astoundingly beautiful!! Great job. Makes the Ferraris and the such of that era look like a road. Absolutely amazing!
So my dinner interrupted this I came back to finish I saw your hat thanks for your service I salute you. And it's a beautiful racket. Some people commented about the fumes the drivers area is faster than the engine compartment so the fumes can never catch you.
@@57paulsianothat was my intent I have built engines for 30+ years I have earned a couple of track records in Florida in my 30+ years of smelling those glorious fumes. it is possible to go fast enough that the fumes no longer are an issue to the driver.
The Kelmark V-8 conversion kit required the ring and pinion run on the back side of the gear teeth. In the Crown conversion kit which I used, the r/p gears operate normally. I added two additional spider gears in the differential to handle the extra torque...same transaxle since new. Thanks for your interest.
Like most situations in life there are pluses and minuses for the Crown conversion and the Kelmark conversion. The Crown has less leg room and the Kelmark required the ring gear to be driven on the back side of the teeth. A big block Chevy is about 3 inches longer than a small block which would be a bit cramped in a Crown conversion. (not to mention the extra torque on the already marginal Corvair ring and pinion) I'm 5' 11'' and the Crown fits me well. Thanks for the kind words.
I'm 75 now and remember the alluminum blocks ... I also remember gm was having trouble with the steel sleeves in those blocks and it was rumored that is why they stopped. Looks like they fixed the problem with this beautiful corvair. Thanks for the video.
I had a corv-8 conversion ,66 Monza Spyder with a 327 rat engine. Corvette radiator 4 core mounted on angle with pins 3 electric fans and I made my air flow thru the hood. Also had mounting issues with trans axle, took original engine mount and made a plate to bolt to the transaxle then bolt mount to 3 inch angle iron welded to frame
How cool is that. My father-in-law had a Corvair and he and I spent more time under it than in it. As a couple of car guys, we loved every minute of it.
Back in those days, they were more concerned with an ashtray than a drink holder. Go out and look at new cars and ask the salesman for ANY type of vehicle where the cigarette lighter is.
I’m now 70, the Crown conversions were a young man’s dream. This one is freakin sweet! Rick Dobbertin now is producing an amazing transaxle setup for mid-engine vehicles that is capable of tolerating very high torque and horsepower engines.
@@57paulsiano I don’t know how to send you a hyperlink but I’m gonna look for the best access to him that I can find. I’m on it. I’m surprised you aren’t aware of the guy. A freakin genius and innovator.
I had the aluminum 283 block for 25 plus years thinking it was a GM experimental piece. Turns out it was likely ordered by Zora Duntov for the CERV-1. For car guys, the scrap yards around Detroit were more interesting than most anywhere else.
This is the result of the vision of Ted Trevor of Crown Engineering in the mid 1960s. Imagine the possibilities if GM had taken an interest in developing something like it. I used only parts that were available at that time. Thanks for the kind words
Until today I never knew these cars existed , this is the second video I have seen. Very nice car, the other car I seen had a partition behind the seats and he was doing the video while driving and it was very quiet. AGAIN VERY NICE CAR ! PUT THE PARTITION IN YOU WON'T REGRET IT ! WELL DONE SIR !
100% a symphony! I might consider a plexiglass divider between the seats and the engine half of this fantastic Corvair ( I have always loved these! ). This would fill out my Cobra role quite nicely, thank you very much !
I love your project..and I love that you have stuck to your guns.. by doing what YOU want...THIS is what hot rodding is all about individuality.Thank you for sharing.
What a REAL BEAUTIFUL CAR. After seeing this one, it's a toss up on whether or not I would want it or the Corvair Stinger. Actually, the Yenko Stinger.
An amazing car. Well done. Especially love the Moon manifold and the IDAs. Reminds me of a car I saw in Reno at Hot August Nights; a mid-engine Corsair with an Olds aluminum V8. It might have been stroked from 215 ci to 260 ci.
I have owned the car since new in 1966, converted it to a mid V8 in 1970 using a Crown kit. The engine in the video is the third V-8 engine it has had. I kept improving it over the years. I'm a car guy but not really master mechanic. Thanks for the kind words!
My grandfather, Frank J. Winchell, was GM’s expert witness in the defense of the Corvair. In total there were 294 cases brought against GM, totaling claims of over 100 million dollars. Of these, 10 were tried to jury convictions. Of these, 8 verdicts were in favor of GM. Of the 2 loses; "Chart v GM," where 2 of the 5 occupants testified in court that the driver had a quarrel with his girlfriend and that after a 2 1/2 hour stop at Bronco’s Beer Bar, where the driver was chug-a-luging his beer, and later they warned the him that he was driving recklessly and at an excessive speed, that he failed to make a right hand turn, locked up his brakes and struck a telephone pole. In what is know as a comparative negligence verdict, the jury found the driver 75% responsible, the girlfriend 3%, the state highway 5%, the county highway 5% and GM 12%. The other lose was "Canthos v GM," where the jury found in favor of the plaintiff, however, the judge set the jury’s verdict aside stating “There is not a scintilla of quotient evidence to support the claims against the handling characteristics of the 1960-63 Corvair.(paraphrasing)” He went on to describe the testimony of the plaintiff’s expert witness as “perhaps the most incomprehensible gibberish that this court has ever heard.” A Untied Sates Senate Committee spent 2 1/2 year investigating the safety of the Corvair, the DOT as well as many other institutions, even Nader’s own NHTSA came to the same conclusions as everyone else, that the Corvair was not defectively designed nor a defective product. In fact, it performed as good, or better than all cars on american roads at that time.
Nick F. Gigante Right!!! The early Porsche 911s had a virtually identical rear suspension. Ralph Nader did and does hate America. Indeed even he admitted later that his attack of GM was over the top.
Great car, but a sacrificial lamb used to further safety of cars in general. Did it deserve it's reputation? Absolutely not... It was just different and that was it's crime.
I met a guy that had a Corvair he put a V12 in from a jag. I say him filling the gas tank in the rear, and asked him what was with that, so he showed it to me. He used two buick V6 injection systems to run it. It looked bone stock, even original style rims and tires, a total sleeper. V12 in the trunk ( front) Not to take away from this red V8 Corvair. which is super cool. My friends did no believe me about this V12 conversion u til one day we all saw it at a car show! Your red Corvair is a work or art, engineering art
@@57paulsiano Yes, Rochester. And used to cruise Woodward in the early to mid-1960's most every Friday-Saturday nights every summer. (Ted's drive-in) To say nothing of a few races on nearby I-75. Great memories.
Nice work, Paul. First class. That said, you need to consider this, and I speak from experience. I was driving in one similarly configured when the upper hose broke. Thankfully we were not at operating temperature (although the thermostat had just started to open) so we weren't scalded. Just soaked and slightly scorched. Generally ruined our day. My suggestion is to reconsider covering the engine.
OMG! that is without a doubt the sweetest sounding 283 in the universe! if ever a sound could raise testosterone levels, it's your vair...now please don't delay- make another video w/ more engine sounds~
Hi, I'm currently building a DZ302 clone to install in my 1974 Manta Mirage Kit Car, ( a 283 Crankshaft in a 327 Block). I am looking for the "Just Right" Camshaft Profile for High RPM for the Manta, and I think that you have found it. Would you mind sharing the specifications of the CAMSHAFT that you are using in your V8 Corvair? I would also like to know what GEAR RATIO you are using in your Corvair Transaxle. Thanks for your help! Kind regards, Michael Vannozzi.
Unfortunately I don't have the cam specifications at my finger tips. I'm leaving tomorrow on a trip and will get back next Sunday and can try to get the cam info. I used the 3:55 ratio which is reported to be the strongest of the options. (For what it's worth, I have a new aluminum 350 assembled short block that could be for sale.)
@@dhart8451 I'm not really sure what it stands for other than they are a twin venturi down draft carburetor without a choke. DCOE webers are side drafts and IDFs are similar to IDAs but are designed to be more street friendly. IDA webers were designed specifically for racing use. They flow amazing, even by today's standards.
In 1974 I visited a gentleman in Wisconsin who had done a mid-engine Corvair. As I recall his engine was placed further back and he had a van-type doghouse over the engine. He was still working on a heating problem. His car was pretty civil, but lacked a certain practicality. It was fun, though.
@@57paulsiano Dont cover it up that is so cool, view of the inside. Besides the plastic would just get oil vapor, smear etc and unless everything was sealed up I bet its not much quieter This car will make every millenial hiding behind mommys skirt!
There's another Corvair project that held a 383 (not a 283) built over 40 years ago in Niagara Falls. It's named Nader's Nightmare and it still prowls today. When put on a dyno it can power a small city
A fellow named Jim Garvin made them. I bought mine around 1970 and went to his house to get one. He lived in a suburb of Detroit at the time. They may still be available from Clark's Corvair.
The late Corvair front end and the rear quarter panels look similar to the early Camaros. Both still look pretty good 45 years later. I wonder if anybody has done a mid-engine Camaro conversion.
Wonder what the rear tailight panel would look like if the lights were recessed such as a C3. Had GM really developed this car it would have killed off the corvette. How much does it weight? Old post I know but...
"Nasal, rorty, and piston thunder," I like those words. Maybe we could think of the engine as a machine that converts gasoline into music. Thanks for the kind words.
If I had a higher IQ, I'd probably have a firewall and an engine cover. I have been driving it as is for almost 50 years and no problems yet. (I'm probably overdue for something.) I try to make sure it's maintained to almost aircraft standards.
OH MY GOD HE'S DRIVING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT!!!! You better make sure your coolant lines are always on tight! Scary concept! But she's quite the show machine; that's for sure.
If the thought of hot antifreeze is scary, consider where the engine would go in a head-on collision. Years ago, my brother was carrying a Chrysler 8-3/4" chunk (the rear axle differential) weighing about 70 lbs in the back of his Toyota hatch back when someone pulled out in front of him at highway speed. Fortunately, he sat it in on the passenger side, rather than the driver's side. On impact, it went through the back of the front passenger seat and embedded in the dash. Now, imagine what damage the roughly 550lb engine and tranny in that Corvair could do in a bad crash. Hopefully, the drivetrain is solidly mounted. Anyhow, that's one awesome car and quite a feat of engineering.
@@johncheves4740 Engines don't typically fly out in a collision. It won't shoot forward and crush the driver. If the engine could pop loose that easy, it would come lose from the forces of regular acceleration.
Not just coolant. I'm pretty sure that Paul pretty much gave much thought to the coolant and carbon monoxide dangers. Probably why the all the windows were down. Wouldn't have to worry about rain or cold weather because if it were mine, it would never be driven unless it's sunny and nice outside.
Very impressive. I'm a car guy also and this is an awesome build but I'm totally blown away hearing an aluminum block 283. I have never heard about these,how many did they make? The block alone has got to be worth a fortune. I hope you have a race track close by so you can really turn that thing loose.
This is a reply that I got after asking for info: Ted Trevor, the creator of the Crown kits, told me he ordered 15,000 full size Saginaw output shafts from GM in 1967 to modify for CorV8 kits. Yes that is not a typo, fifteen thousand. I was stunned when he told me too. GM sent a team (8-10 as I recall the story) of engineers to Crown Mfg. because they thought there was a defect. When Ted showed them what he was up to they all had a good laugh and went back to GM reporting no issues. Ted said he estimated 5 thousand conversions went for Corvairs, 5 thousand for kit cars (Mantas, Lazer 917s and such) and 5 thousand for buggies and off road cars.
beautiful car,absolutely beautiful.mini light wheels are timeless and perfect for this car,the injection is pure eye candy and absolutely stunning.i love it,you should be proud
Is it a 4 speed or PG? Where did you get the brakes? I never liked the idea of using the half shafts as upper control arms on the rear, any changes to the rear suspension? What's it weigh in at? My Corsa came in at about 2450 and like you I didn't have a back seat. I would wish for a lighter trans axle with a 5 speed box.
@@57paulsiano one of the best sounding mouse motors. And I have heard and built plenty of them. My brother and I built a radical 327. Six two barrels 30 30 cam. Fender well headers.12 to 1 pistons. Sounded similar. I would love to hear it in person. Your engine is just excellent! Thanks.
I saw a V8 Corvair at a local car show a couple of weeks ago. No one was around to ask any questions but it looked like they had fitted the body to a modified Nova frame maybe. It was extra sharp and very well done. It looked a lot like a 3/4 size 67 Chevelle. With the front engine and rear wheel drive I sure did like it. It had power and air and automatic and was a medium blue.
Beautiful car especially for 1966. I had a 1965 Corvair same red color as that one, minus the V8. Added oversized radial tires, heavy shocks and fast action steering arm. Went around corners like it was on rails. My original Covair with the original aluminum horizontally apposed engine. It wasn't extra fast, but fast enough and economical. The 62% of weight on rear wheels was never a problem if you maintained correct tire pressures. Far advanced for it's time independant suspension design. Could get on the power part way thru corners and power right out earlier than other cars. Never got stuck in the snow.
Sorry for the tardy reply...was out of town for a week. Since making the video I've learned that the engine block was likely ordered by Zora Duntov for the CERV-1 and is probably worth more than the rest of the car. Is it for sale?...never thought much about it but who knows? It never hurts to talk. I appreciate your interest in the car and wish GM had produced them.
To install an engine requires removal of the passenger seat and a cherry picker...it's really pretty easy to get at everything. Thanks for your interest.
That's without a doubt the best car I have seen in a number of years. The thoroughly thought out details and sorted out mechanicals are really amazing. The other thing is that it all seems so obvious. If you were going to have a Chevy motor in a Corvair, of course you'd go with a 283. And if there was an aluminum block version of it, of course you'd pick that. And what would you feed it with? Well... honestly those 4 Weber two barrels seem like the obvious choice. Except I never thought of it. Wow. And then there's the brake ventilation. I'd rank this next to that hot rod Duesenberg on Model A rails.
@@57paulsiano Paul, Dont know if you are still answering comments, but here goes. Very nicely done. My dad got us a project Crown around 1976? Paid 200 bucks for the car with the Crown Kit , a 283 block and whatever else I cant remember. He was Draftsmen/engineer by trade and came up with some interesting solutions on the project. Some worked some didn't. We tied a hydraulic drive for the radiator fan. (didnt work, likely wrong pump on the engine.). He made the headers by welding with a acetylene torch! (lot of issues). After I broke the tranny case by running it too hard he ditched the crown Differential mounting brackets and made a mount that used the stock Corvair tranny mounts to support the rear of the transaxle... So a couple of questions?? What does your car have to support the transaxle? what are using for the shift linkage? The Crown u bar was not very good. Ive saw a Corv8 once , very nicely done by a race guy used Universal joints like those for a wrench to make the transitions around the pan. Way more precise. Nice rig! I surprised a lot folks with a stock 283, cant imagine what they think when they meet you!
@@bryanturner683 The Corvair transaxle is supported in the rear by three bars at the 2, 5, and 7 o'clock positions. Seems to work just fine. I use the Crown "U" tube with a shift kit. Feels very solid to me. I didn't get everything correct in the beginning but I kept improving it over the years. I honestly don't know how to make it any better.
@@57paulsiano I cant believe you have not cracked the tranny case?? The added benefit of using the Corvair Rubber mounts is less vibration transferred to the car from the transaxle. Just know I broke one with a stock 283, then didnt break the case once the rubber mounts were added??? As to there u tube shifter. Try and find somebody with a good u joint shifter, It is noticeably better. You dont have to fight the offset weight of the tube. Looks like a couple of future mods. Very nice car! Mine was fun to drive when I was 18 and invincible! Surprised a whole bunch of Trans ams and the like!
@@doglips1958 You have to be a complete, exceptionally untalented fool to make a Corvair (early series) fold a wheel under and roll it over. I read the DOT report, and in their testing, it was damn near impossible to roll one over, even with their expert drivers. During testing, they discovered that the Corvair was one of few rare cars that actually can straighten themselves out of a skid. I managed to accomplish that feat coming out of a curve at a way too-fast speed. It would have been interesting to see how the Corvair would have evolved if Nader hadn't been a dick and Ford-colluder. Who knows? Chevrolet might've had their own GT-3.
Dad and I had 65 different corvairs 1961 and up vans pickups and the best was the Convertible turbo charged way back 1965 love them had a lot of fun miss them keep on
Since the video the brakes were improved with a Wilwood system, shifting was improved with a quick shifter kit, the ignition was upgraded to a pulse unit, the side glass and radio were removed to save weight...now close to 2400 pounds and an aluminum 350 cu. in. engine is coming. After that I think I'll call it done. Thanks for the compliment!
+hetiseennacht I was traveling when this comment was made and didn't respond promptly...don't know how serious you might be about buying it. Everything has a price. Glad you like the car. (Jeff did the video, the car is owned by Paul.)
Pretty Cool car. I had a 1961 Corvair. Drove it all over the place for a 120,000 miles. The car got me to from point A to B but the damned shifter would pop out of its' socket and leave me stranded! After this damned thing did this to me 3 times I had a welder build a cup around the little ball knob on the bottom of the shifter so the thing wouldn't pop out of the socket in the pipe linkage going back to the transmission! And this car had a full length body pan underneath it with about 70 frigging screws you had to take off to pop the shifter back into the socket! It drove me crazy until I had it fixed!
This thing is chock full of GM rarity, starting with the body in such great shape, then going to the SUPER RARE 1959 aluminum block with a forged crank. You can't just go to the Chevy dealer and order this stuff. This is vintage GM high performance, and was rare even in it's day. This guy had a gold mine of period performance parts.
I tried hard to keep it a "period correct" car. I owned the block for 35 years before I learned that it was ordered by Zora Duntov for the CERV-1 project. Thanks for your kind words.
Paul Siano, So it sounds like you never took that engine out to get it put into a museum. If so, I,m kinda' glad it still gets to push a car around for a while longer rather than just sit on display. Maybe when you are done using it you could get some collector to buy the whole car to keep it that way. (Jay Leno comes to mind.)
Paul Siano, On further thought, the car as you have modified it may deserve to be preserved just as much as that engine does, and especially with that engine IN it. UNIQUE, even if hot, loud, and impractical. (I hope you are getting paid by youtube, and more with higher number of likes, views, and comments.)
@@ArcoZakus For me the car is about automotive art. I fully understand a firewall, engine cover, and air filters make perfect sense...maybe someday but not yet. The number of views of the video began to spike a couple of weeks ago. The video was taken in about five minutes with no planning. I plan to do one more video with some planning beforehand. I doubt I'll ever hear from TH-cam.
I bought a new '64 Sypder convert (wish I had never sold it) and the "66 Corsa was a turbo 180 which is the car in the video. The Crown conversion was begun in 1970...never thought I'd keep it all of these years. Thanks for your interest!
Hi Jeff; GM probably found out that the antifreeze they had at that time would not prevent corrosion in the smaller coolant passages. This caused the engine to over heat and blow the head gasket. Sometimes it would also crack the block. I had a 1971 Buick with their aluminum block V8 in it. That's exactly what happened to it (I was 1500 miles from home with very little money.). Since then antifreeze producers have developed coolant that will prevent the aluminum from corroding. Thus you could build the very car I wanted to build back then and not worry too much about blowing the engine. Nice car.
It's a bit confusing but Jeff did the video about my car..my name is Paul. I guess I was lucky because the engine, the coolant pipes, and the radiator are all aluminum and there have been no problems ever with the coolant that's in it. I rebuilt it several times and apparently the last time I used an antifreeze that is compatible with aluminum.
@@57paulsiano With modern coolants you shouldn't have any problems. Oh, I forgot to thank you guys for the video. Seeing this car for real instead of just in my head was really great.
Thanks for your positive comments. We are having fun with the whole thing and plan to do one more video that will include a couple of maxed out 0 to 130 mph runs and some shots taken from the rear overlooking the engine and through the windshield while accelerating as hard as it will go. The youtube video will be uploaded before the article about it in the December issue of "Automobile" magazine hits the stands. Again thanks, Paul
Had the pleasure to drive one of these Corsa 180 horsepower 4-speed cars back in 65. It was really a fun little car. GM should have kept developing it for sure
I love this car. I remember when the Corvair Spyder was a new car when I was a young guy in the 1960's. What a great project. I just hope it didn't get ruined with an automatic.
I haven’t been in one for many years...the last one my dad had was a 63 Spider. I always thought they rode well. Having a V8 in one is just radical. I drove a Fiero with a v6...that was fun. They sure have a unique look and really sharp when they are painted up well.🤩
Very Nice Work!! Just got a 1966 Monza Convertible Crown Conversion. 283 in mine also. Needs some minor work but it sure is fun to drive. Got some front end work Bushings are worn and gas tank is out and new one and fuel sending unit ordered. This nice weather has me motivated. Again well done!
V-8 Corvair conversions are great car projects...more power and better engine location. What makes it interesting to me is the different answers builders have for the same issues we all have. The V-8 Vair site is really well done and shows lots of different approaches...as you know, no two conversions are the same. Thanks for the kind words.
Admittedly the Corvair is loud, crude, and impractical. My daily driver (2011 BMW 335i) is quiet, refined, and useful. I like them both...maybe I'm a bi-polar car guy. Sorry you were disappointed. P.S. Growing up I was taught, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I guess not everyone was.
I just looks like a big ball of FUN !!!!!! I just bought a 140 Monza just redoing the engine should be on the road very soon..love the lines on these cars
The Corvair styling never seems to get old. I liked them back in the day and I like them now. Ralph Nader be damned!
I grew up in the 50s and a 50 year old car would have looked very different then. This car is 55 years old and has aged well, IMHO.
I always loved the late model Corvair, it was futuristic when it came out and it looks awesome today , I wish that they had at least made them for a couple more years !
May he die a horrible death for killing such a nice car.
Plan to convert a 1967 Corvair to electric if I can get a good deal on batteries.
I learned to drive a manual shift on a 1960 Corvair in 1967 when I graduated from high school.
Must get at least a 200 mile range.
Should be able to achieve it with today's technology.
Engine is better in an aircraft.
Had a 63 monza, loved it.
My dad had and I drove his 1962 4 door Powerglide swing axle Corvair. It was a hazard on slick streets or any time the rear end broke loose. It would not drift, it went directly and immediately from full adhesion into a skid that could be broken only with immediate opposite steering wheel lock. In that car rear end adhesion loss could not be moderated into a drift - and many's the time I tried (he also had a 1957 VW Karmann-Ghia - also rear engine/swing axle - that was completely controllable with broken loose rear end and doing so could turn very satisfying/fun square corners). Dad's 1962 Corvair was everything Nader warned about. A driver caught unaware or without necessary driving skills/training readily faced going off the road. I think 1963-4 models added an antiroll bar to the rear suspension but I never drove a Corvair with one so if they behaved differently I had no occasion to find out.
The 1965 and later models, aside from being beautiful, replaced previous model swing axles with Corvette-like 4 link rear suspension which was reported in the auto driving enthusiast magazines of the time as being completely controllable in a drift and so completely cured of previous model's rear end sudden/difficult to control breaking loose. I wanted one.
Shortly after the 1965 model introduction a Chevy dealer quoted me (but unfortunately didn't have the money to buy) $2560 for a 140 HP normally aspirated (I didn't trust turbos back then) two door Monza. I've always regretting not buying one - but not long after Uncle Sam called and that changed everything.
Very cool! I never knew there was such a thing as a factory aluminum 283 block.
My Buddy used to have a prototype Vega with an aluminum V8, it sat in the woods and rotted, very sad. He was a weed dealer and used it to hide pounds of weed.
There wasn't.
Chevrolet has made several aluminum small block engine blocks over the years. They were all 4.00" or larger bore size. A 283 is a 3.875" bore. The prototype aluminum blocks date back to the Duntov and Grand Sport era.
@@AlanRoehrich9651 ,
Now that's "Old School", Zora Duntov would be proud to know he's still remembered.
Outstanding! I had the 283 in two of my Chevrolets - 1957 and 1966 - and the '57 had what Chevrolet called "Power Pack" heads. I'd heard rumors of an aluminum 283 but you've clarified their existence. It would have made a wonderful Vette powerplant and would have been a top notch option for TransAm cars and a lot of street rods. Thanks for sharing your beautiful Corvair.👍
And you sir know how to make an old man happy...I love what you've done.
Isn't that cool as hell ! Love the 283 also. High revving little power house if a guy set them up right. Much less Aluminum !
@@johnaverick7468 It's not a car for everybody but some of us like it. Glad you're one of them!
@@johnaverick7468 Thanks for the kind words!
Just saw this! Love the car and the history on the engine..can't be many of those around! Glad everyone is still around!! Take Care!
@@buff6637 Thanks for the kind words!
It's hot, it's loud, and and I like it. I could easily cover the engine which would address the hot/loud issues but...
True car guys understand. I'd guess you are one of us.
Thanks
I had a 1950.Ford p/u back in 1965 with a Jaguar engine and never built a doghouse to cover the engine. The old truck sounded great.
I understand perfectly 😊 and I'm in LOVE!
Yep. you will need ear plugs ! LOL
Oh yes I can see a Clear shield between the Motor and Driver one day - For the Noise Level . ACRYLIC ????
@@donaldremington3737 I often use ear protection.
Spectacular car! Thanks for building and sharing it with us all! My father passed recently, he didn't finish his final project. A Austin Healey 3000 with a Jaguar independent rear with 4 Eagle coil overs, disc brake front and rear, and a Chevy crate 350, Custom Dayton wire wheels, lots of spokes in those wheels. I love these special cars like your Corvair!
Insolent Stickleback Hey Pal, sorry to hear your Dad didn’t get to complete his Healey...but he must have enjoyed building it and dreaming of how she would go! As a young pup I built a Healey 3000 with a 327 corvette engine...no one could catch me. Now I’m working on my ‘67 Sunbeam Tiger and I have thought of putting a jaguar rear suspension in it! Meanwhile my motorcycles satisfy my need for speed! Will you finish your Dads car?
I hope to. It is sitting in the rotisserie he built, motor and tranny and rear end installed. Every other part is brand new and ready to install. It is literally a full scale model kit, down to the paint sitting neatly on a shelf. Thanks for the comment! Best Regards, Insolent.
Insolent Stickleback Go for it! The experience will be a great way to discover and develop new skills as well as connect with your Dad...he will be smiling all throughout the process! Cheers, Bill
Thanks for you kind words. If you decide to finish your dad's project, please let me know when it's complete. He would be proud.
Hey, I sold the Crown kit to Paul in the early '70s. Glad to see you still have it after all these years. Paul also introduced me to the woman to whom I've been married for almost 40 years now. Once you find something good, stick with it, right ? ---Steve
Steve is a true car guy and a good guy. He had a Corvair repair shop in Ann Arbor where I used to hang out. He built a Crown conversion as well. I'm glad we have stayed in touch all of these years.
Congratulations on your 40 plus years.
Wow that is smoken man sweet great job thanks for showing us!!
sjulius1,
Win-win. (At least I hope so.)
@@mikesexton2601 Mike, you know how to make an old man happy!
One of my three Corvairs was a mid-engine 327.
Super-fast, handled like a dream.
But nowhere near as well-done as this outstanding piece of work
imo
Great car!
imo
You are a car guy and you get it. Thanks for the kind words.
I had a 350 hp in mine , in Tulsa.
@@rich9890 Any problems with the ring and pinion?
@@57paulsiano None, I only drove it, never raced it but it was a great car, just HOT AS HELL INSIDE.
I was able to reduce the inside heat by having insulation installed behind the front seats. Hell of a car, though!
I THINK THAT THIS IS A WORK OF A TRUE MOTOR MADMAN GENIUS. FINE FUN PIECE OF ACCOMPLISHED WORK.
II don't know about the "genius" part, but I do have an affinity for aluminum engines. Have an aluminum 427 600HP Ford crate engine in a kit Cobra and a 650HP 2016 Z06 Vette.
I can totally respect that, I'm 45 yrs old and still learning life, my dad is 79yr young retired and still play around on his 1980 ford f100 doing body work on it and engine work as well, so keep doing what you do, stay young and stay safe.
Jeff, a long time friend, did the video.
I was aircrew on a Navy carrier based plane (AD5-W) in the late 50s and early 60s. A catapult shot got us airborne in about 1 1/2 seconds.
(120 mph)
An engine cover makes a lot of sense but I just can't bring myself to hide the engine which in my eyes is a thing of beauty.
Tanks for your comments.
Dont hide it..........id even put clear valve covers so i could look in the rearview and see those rockers at work!!!!
Dont do it. Just record it and sell the WAV TRACK💥😜✅
Genius. I would love to have laughing gas and school all the local moustangs, sheby cobras, some euro sports car trash. I would also intercooled supercharder it. Dang...need to get on the Corvair barn find network..
This is a true enthusiast`s car, certainly not for the average driver. I had one 35 years ago, Crown kit with an L79 engine (327/350 HP). BIG fun, it surprised many muscle cars :-)
Well done, Mr. Siano (although I do think that due to it`s rarified status, that engine belongs in a museum).
I agree with everything you said. If I can find a good home for the aluminum 283 block I have a Chevy aluminum 350 short block ready to install.
Thanks for your interest.
if only that engine would have made it in to production, they could have been everywhere and cheep :)
@@paulsiano6744 Seen photos of a Zora? Late 50s track vette with this exact engine.
Body didnt look like a vette of those times, experiemental I guess
That is one badazz block, worth a small mint! Rather see it get used than sit in a museum collecting dust
Sure makes some nice sounds inside.
Can't say enough! I love everything about this from the wheels to the color and the scoops. It's absolutely astoundingly beautiful!! Great job. Makes the Ferraris and the such of that era look like a road. Absolutely amazing!
It's not for everybody, but I'm glad you like it! I'm betting you are a true car guy.
So my dinner interrupted this I came back to finish I saw your hat thanks for your service I salute you. And it's a beautiful racket. Some people commented about the fumes the drivers area is faster than the engine compartment so the fumes can never catch you.
Now there's an original comment! You fudged on physics a bit but I like your intent. Thanks!
@@57paulsianothat was my intent I have built engines for 30+ years I have earned a couple of track records in Florida in my 30+ years of smelling those glorious fumes. it is possible to go fast enough that the fumes no longer are an issue to the driver.
I love what you done with it. I imagine the handling rocks!
Thanks! It was put together in the early 70s...maybe a bit ahead of its time?
The Kelmark V-8 conversion kit required the ring and pinion run on the back side of the gear teeth. In the Crown conversion kit which I used, the r/p gears operate normally. I added two additional spider gears in the differential to handle the extra torque...same transaxle since new.
Thanks for your interest.
Like most situations in life there are pluses and minuses for the Crown conversion and the Kelmark conversion. The Crown has less leg room and the Kelmark required the ring gear to be driven on the back side of the teeth. A big block Chevy is about 3 inches longer than a small block which would be a bit cramped in a Crown conversion. (not to mention the extra torque on the already marginal Corvair ring and pinion)
I'm 5' 11'' and the Crown fits me well.
Thanks for the kind words.
I enjoy when a car owner is close to his engine.
I’ve always loved the sound of a small block Chevy! 😁
I'm 75 now and remember the alluminum blocks ... I also remember gm was having trouble with the steel sleeves in those blocks and it was rumored that is why they stopped. Looks like they fixed the problem with this beautiful corvair. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for your kind words. (I'll be 84 in a few weeks.)
This is a beautiful look at what could had been and I'm glad someone did it because i was thinking this should had been done
Clearly it's not a car for everybody. I'm planning to do another video describing all of the changes since this video was made. Glad you like it!
@@paulsiano6744 You should do another one, and show more of what it can do in the road!! Thanks for Keeping your Dream Alive!
I had a corv-8 conversion ,66 Monza Spyder with a 327 rat engine. Corvette radiator 4 core mounted on angle with pins 3 electric fans and I made my air flow thru the hood. Also had mounting issues with trans axle, took original engine mount and made a plate to bolt to the transaxle then bolt mount to 3 inch angle iron welded to frame
I owned one of these, and they drove very nicely with the front air dam and radial tires
How cool is that. My father-in-law had a Corvair and he and I spent more time under it than in it. As a couple of car guys, we loved every minute of it.
Nice comment!
and in the back seat it has 8 cup holders
Very witty!
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Back in those days, they were more concerned with an ashtray than a drink holder. Go out and look at new cars and ask the salesman for ANY type of vehicle where the cigarette lighter is.
Just don't forget to remove before 'flight'!
And stylish , made in Italy !
This is an awesome hot rod! Power AND HANDLING, unlike most American rods. Kudos, Paul!
Just a beautiful car inside and out. I've always loved these cars and this one really is something else!
Thanks for the kind words...you made my day!
Thanks for the kind words!
I’m now 70, the Crown conversions were a young man’s dream. This one is freakin sweet! Rick Dobbertin now is producing an amazing transaxle setup for mid-engine vehicles that is capable of tolerating very high torque and horsepower engines.
I"d be interested in knowing more about Rick's transaxle.
@@57paulsiano I don’t know how to send you a hyperlink but I’m gonna look for the best access to him that I can find. I’m on it. I’m surprised you aren’t aware of the guy. A freakin genius and innovator.
i luv it when some one goes completely mental like this,, its just amazing.
You are a car guy and you "get it." Thanks!
i have a 283 in a 260z, i never eva heard of that engine you got thr, amazing! just when you think you know it awl.
i was looking at the M114 armored fighting vehicle, the camaro of tanks.
i could see a Weiand 177 Powercharger - Short Nose and duct the intake air through the back, with a aluminum cowl over it all.
I had the aluminum 283 block for 25 plus years thinking it was a GM experimental piece. Turns out it was likely ordered by Zora Duntov for the CERV-1. For car guys, the scrap yards around Detroit were more interesting than most anywhere else.
Super nice Corvair Jeff, thanks for the ride.
Glad you liked it!
This is the result of the vision of Ted Trevor of Crown Engineering in the mid 1960s. Imagine the possibilities if GM had taken an interest in developing something like it. I used only parts that were available at that time.
Thanks for the kind words
Until today I never knew these cars existed , this is the second video I have seen. Very nice car, the other car I seen had a partition behind the seats and he was doing the video while driving and it was very quiet. AGAIN VERY NICE CAR ! PUT THE PARTITION IN YOU WON'T REGRET IT ! WELL DONE SIR !
Thanks for the kind words.
The 283 aluminum block is one of several cast for GM's CERV-1 project and was ordered by Zora Duntov and/or Ed Cole.
Paul Siano that’s crazy
Nuthin but a great piece of history still put to good use....wonder how much power it makes with the late style heads?
@@blackbirdxx928 Don Sherman, an automotive magazine writer tested it at Chrysler Proving Ground and estimated it had about 300 hp.
@@57paulsiano Probably the same guy who estimated a dz 302 @290
100% a symphony! I might consider a plexiglass divider between the seats and the engine half of this fantastic Corvair ( I have always loved these! ). This would fill out my Cobra role quite nicely, thank you very much !
Thanks for the kind words! I also have a 600 hp aluminum 427 kit Cobra.
@@57paulsiano Nice!! got any vids of it? Bucket list car that Ill have to be happy just wanting.
Heard guys my size cant fit in them anyways
Corvairs look great with the air dam and splitter on the front.
I love your project..and I love that you have stuck to your guns.. by doing what YOU want...THIS is what hot rodding is all about individuality.Thank you for sharing.
SWEET! Excellent job! Love the car! Thanks for sharing!
You sir are a car guy and you get it!
I had a 68 140 Corsa, Man I loved that car and always wanted to turn it into a Variy 8. Thank you for sharing your wonderful machine .
Thanks for the kind words!
An engineering MASTER PIECE I must say"
Good JOB"
It was a labor of love...thanks for the compliment!
What a REAL BEAUTIFUL CAR. After seeing this one, it's a toss up on whether or not I would want it or the Corvair Stinger. Actually, the Yenko Stinger.
An amazing car. Well done. Especially love the Moon manifold and the IDAs.
Reminds me of a car I saw in Reno at Hot August Nights; a mid-engine Corsair with an Olds aluminum V8. It might have been stroked from 215 ci to 260 ci.
Thanks for your interest and kind words.
Wow, you did a great job. I'm drooling.
Driving that beauty must be such a viscerally wonderful experience!
You are obviously a car guy and you "get it." Thanks!
Wow. Great job on this classic car. It's a beauty.
I appreciate your kind words...glad you like it.
Wow! This is absolutely impressive car and build!! Thumbs up to.whoever built this . they are a true automotive master mechanic!
I have owned the car since new in 1966, converted it to a mid V8 in 1970 using a Crown kit. The engine in the video is the third V-8 engine it has had. I kept improving it over the years. I'm a car guy but not really master mechanic. Thanks for the kind words!
My grandfather, Frank J. Winchell, was GM’s expert witness in the defense of the Corvair. In total there were 294 cases brought against GM, totaling claims of over 100 million dollars. Of these, 10 were tried to jury convictions. Of these, 8 verdicts were in favor of GM. Of the 2 loses; "Chart v GM," where 2 of the 5 occupants testified in court that the driver had a quarrel with his girlfriend and that after a 2 1/2 hour stop at Bronco’s Beer Bar, where the driver was chug-a-luging his beer, and later they warned the him that he was driving recklessly and at an excessive speed, that he failed to make a right hand turn, locked up his brakes and struck a telephone pole. In what is know as a comparative negligence verdict, the jury found the driver 75% responsible, the girlfriend 3%, the state highway 5%, the county highway 5% and GM 12%. The other lose was "Canthos v GM," where the jury found in favor of the plaintiff, however, the judge set the jury’s verdict aside stating “There is not a scintilla of quotient evidence to support the claims against the handling characteristics of the 1960-63 Corvair.(paraphrasing)” He went on to describe the testimony of the plaintiff’s expert witness as “perhaps the most incomprehensible gibberish that this court has ever heard.” A Untied Sates Senate Committee spent 2 1/2 year investigating the safety of the Corvair, the DOT as well as many other institutions, even Nader’s own NHTSA came to the same conclusions as everyone else, that the Corvair was not defectively designed nor a defective product. In fact, it performed as good, or better than all cars on american roads at that time.
Wow! You have the facts. OK to share this with other Corvair owners?
Thanks very much.
Paul Siano spread the word brother
Will do, thanks.
Nick F. Gigante Right!!! The early Porsche 911s had a virtually identical rear suspension. Ralph Nader did and does hate America. Indeed even he admitted later that his attack of GM was over the top.
Great car, but a sacrificial lamb used to further safety of cars in general. Did it deserve it's reputation? Absolutely not... It was just different and that was it's crime.
I always wanted to build a Corv-8 with my 65 convertible and never got around to it. Beautiful car and nicely done! 👍
now that is one mean Corvair setup ! great machine.
Thanks!
I met a guy that had a Corvair he put a V12 in from a jag. I say him filling the gas tank in the rear, and asked him what was with that, so he showed it to me. He used two buick V6 injection systems to run it. It looked bone stock, even original style rims and tires, a total sleeper. V12 in the trunk ( front)
Not to take away from this red V8 Corvair. which is super cool. My friends did no believe me about this V12 conversion u til one day we all saw it at a car show!
Your red Corvair is a work or art, engineering art
I have seen pics of the Corvair with the V-12 Jag...I was very impressed. Thanks for the compliment!
Wow, absolutely beautiful
Paul, this is absolutely sensational. Job very well done.
Bill
I'm betting you are a true car guy...and you get it. Thanks for the kind words!
@@57paulsiano I wish I would've had this Corvair on our Woodward Avenue back in the day. Can you imagine????
@@williamwhiting6285 Are you fro Michigan?
@@57paulsiano Yes, Rochester. And used to cruise Woodward in the early to mid-1960's most every Friday-Saturday nights every summer. (Ted's drive-in) To say nothing of a few races on nearby I-75. Great memories.
@@williamwhiting6285 I spent most of my life in Ann Arbor so Woodward was a bit distant for us. Ate at Ted's a few times...good memories indeed!
Nice work, Paul. First class. That said, you need to consider this, and I speak from experience. I was driving in one similarly configured when the upper hose broke. Thankfully we were not at operating temperature (although the thermostat had just started to open) so we weren't scalded. Just soaked and slightly scorched. Generally ruined our day. My suggestion is to reconsider covering the engine.
Met this man at a car show. I sat in it as he drove from one spot to another. Cool.
My leaks memory needs refreshing...when and where?
OMG! that is without a doubt the sweetest sounding 283 in the universe! if ever a sound could raise testosterone levels, it's your vair...now please don't delay- make another video w/ more engine sounds~
You aren't kidding.
Hi, I'm currently building a DZ302 clone to install in my 1974 Manta Mirage Kit Car, ( a 283 Crankshaft in a 327 Block). I am looking for the "Just Right" Camshaft Profile for High RPM for the Manta, and I think that you have found it. Would you mind sharing the specifications of the CAMSHAFT that you are using in your V8 Corvair? I would also like to know what GEAR RATIO you are using in your Corvair Transaxle. Thanks for your help! Kind regards, Michael Vannozzi.
Unfortunately I don't have the cam specifications at my finger tips. I'm leaving tomorrow on a trip and will get back next Sunday and can try to get the cam info. I used the 3:55 ratio which is reported to be the strongest of the options. (For what it's worth, I have a new aluminum 350 assembled short block that could be for sale.)
The Weber IDAs are what set it off. Looks amazing and the IDA sound is unique
I agree. I tried to keep the car "period correct" and Webers were around then.
What does IDA stand for ??
@@dhart8451 I'm not really sure what it stands for other than they are a twin venturi down draft carburetor without a choke. DCOE webers are side drafts and IDFs are similar to IDAs but are designed to be more street friendly. IDA webers were designed specifically for racing use. They flow amazing, even by today's standards.
@@benruether8294 OK Thanks. Have looked everywhere and no explanation for what IDA stands for.
In 1974 I visited a gentleman in Wisconsin who had done a mid-engine Corvair. As I recall his engine was placed further back and he had a van-type doghouse over the engine. He was still working on a heating problem. His car was pretty civil, but lacked a certain practicality. It was fun, though.
I cannot bring myself to cover the engine and improve practicality...I suffer for my art.
@@57paulsiano Dont cover it up that is so cool, view of the inside.
Besides the plastic would just get oil vapor, smear etc and unless everything was sealed up I bet its not much quieter
This car will make every millenial hiding behind mommys skirt!
There's another Corvair project that held a 383 (not a 283) built over 40 years ago in Niagara Falls. It's named Nader's Nightmare and it still prowls today. When put on a dyno it can power a small city
Stock transaxle?
@@57paulsiano Probably not...
www.autos.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Naders-Nightmare-PB-01.jpg
A fellow named Jim Garvin made them. I bought mine around 1970 and went to his house to get one. He lived in a suburb of Detroit at the time. They may still be available from Clark's Corvair.
The late Corvair front end and the rear quarter panels look similar to the early Camaros. Both still look pretty good 45 years later. I wonder if anybody has done a mid-engine Camaro conversion.
Wonder what the rear tailight panel would look like if the lights were recessed such as a C3.
Had GM really developed this car it would have killed off the corvette.
How much does it weight? Old post I know but...
ENGINE COVER??? A SACRILEGE, SIR!!! This is a work of art as is!!!
You are a car guy and you get it!
"Nasal, rorty, and piston thunder," I like those words. Maybe we could think of the engine as a machine that converts gasoline into music.
Thanks for the kind words.
Dude, that is the coolest Corvair ever... nice work
You sir, know how to make an old man happy!
Wonderful, love the crown conversions. I must say I'd have to have a firewall between me and the engine.
If I had a higher IQ, I'd probably have a firewall and an engine cover. I have been driving it as is for almost 50 years and no problems yet. (I'm probably overdue for something.) I try to make sure it's maintained to almost aircraft standards.
then build one yourself and put the firewall in your asshole adams ! now please SHUT THE FUCK UP AND MIND YOUR OWN BUISNESS!
Kudos for getting on such a rare engine as hard as you do.
OH MY GOD HE'S DRIVING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT!!!!
You better make sure your coolant lines are always on tight! Scary concept! But she's quite the show machine; that's for sure.
If the thought of hot antifreeze is scary, consider where the engine would go in a head-on collision.
Years ago, my brother was carrying a Chrysler 8-3/4" chunk (the rear axle differential) weighing about 70 lbs in the back of his Toyota hatch back when someone pulled out in front of him at highway speed. Fortunately, he sat it in on the passenger side, rather than the driver's side. On impact, it went through the back of the front passenger seat and embedded in the dash.
Now, imagine what damage the roughly 550lb engine and tranny in that Corvair could do in a bad crash. Hopefully, the drivetrain is solidly mounted.
Anyhow, that's one awesome car and quite a feat of engineering.
I'm a pretty conservative driver...no accidents in 61 years of driving. Maybe that means I'm due for one.
Thanks for your interest.
@@johncheves4740 Engines don't typically fly out in a collision. It won't shoot forward and crush the driver. If the engine could pop loose that easy, it would come lose from the forces of regular acceleration.
@@jasonfoux6740 I agree.
Not just coolant. I'm pretty sure that Paul pretty much gave much thought to the coolant and carbon monoxide dangers. Probably why the all the windows were down. Wouldn't have to worry about rain or cold weather because if it were mine, it would never be driven unless it's sunny and nice outside.
What a nice nice car. I love Corvairs. When I heard you say aluminum block 40 over I went oh yeah!
I also seem to have a weakness for aluminum engines. Thanks for your interest.
Very impressive. I'm a car guy also and this is an awesome build but I'm totally blown away hearing an aluminum block 283. I have never heard about these,how many did they make? The block alone has got to be worth a fortune. I hope you have a race track close by so you can really turn that thing loose.
This is a reply that I got after asking for info: Ted Trevor, the creator of the Crown kits, told me he ordered 15,000 full size Saginaw output shafts from GM in 1967 to modify for CorV8 kits. Yes that is not a typo, fifteen thousand. I was stunned when he told me too. GM sent a team (8-10 as I recall the story) of engineers to Crown Mfg. because they thought there was a defect. When Ted showed them what he was up to they all had a good laugh and went back to GM reporting no issues. Ted said he estimated 5 thousand conversions went for Corvairs, 5 thousand for kit cars (Mantas, Lazer 917s and such) and 5 thousand for buggies and off road cars.
beautiful car,absolutely beautiful.mini light wheels are timeless and perfect for this car,the injection is pure eye candy and absolutely stunning.i love it,you should be proud
No injection but Weber 48 IDA carburetors. Thank you so much for your kind words!
That is freakin' sweet!!!! Who needs conversation??!?! Just hit the accelerator and enjoy the symphony!
Talk is over rated !! A machine such as this one words can not come close to the feelings of true joy in a man's heart!!
@@scottyjones27 my feeling exactly
Nice meeting you last week Paul at the Boomtown days in Dunnellon, Fl. Very unique car.
Thank you again for your service to our country.
I love the growl of the v-8!!!!
Me too!
Is it a 4 speed or PG? Where did you get the brakes? I never liked the idea of using the half shafts as upper control arms on the rear, any changes to the rear suspension? What's it weigh in at? My Corsa came in at about 2450 and like you I didn't have a back seat. I would wish for a lighter trans axle with a 5 speed box.
It uses the original 4 speed which has been modified. Brakes are Wilwood. Weighs about 2400 lbs. Thanks for your interest!
Sounds like a full on race car. I like how he goes over the white line.
Thanks for your interest, it's been a great project over the years. Planning another video in the next few months,
@@57paulsiano i am an engine builder. What cam?
@@chrismontreuil2206 Duntov 30-30 I think
@@57paulsiano one of the best sounding mouse motors. And I have heard and built plenty of them. My brother and I built a radical 327. Six two barrels 30 30 cam. Fender well headers.12 to 1 pistons. Sounded similar. I would love to hear it in person. Your engine is just excellent! Thanks.
I saw a V8 Corvair at a local car show a couple of weeks ago. No one was around to ask any questions but it looked like they had fitted the body to a modified Nova frame maybe. It was extra sharp and very well done. It looked a lot like a 3/4 size 67 Chevelle. With the front engine and rear wheel drive I sure did like it. It had power and air and automatic and was a medium blue.
The finest I have ever seen.
You say the kindest words. Thanks!
Beautiful car especially for 1966. I had a 1965 Corvair same red color as that one, minus the V8. Added oversized radial tires, heavy shocks and fast action steering arm. Went around corners like it was on rails. My original Covair with the original aluminum horizontally apposed engine. It wasn't extra fast, but fast enough and economical. The 62% of weight on rear wheels was never a problem if you maintained correct tire pressures. Far advanced for it's time independant suspension design. Could get on the power part way thru corners and power right out earlier than other cars.
Never got stuck in the snow.
Sorry for the tardy reply...was out of town for a week.
Since making the video I've learned that the engine block was likely ordered by Zora Duntov for the CERV-1 and is probably worth more than the rest of the car. Is it for sale?...never thought much about it but who knows? It never hurts to talk.
I appreciate your interest in the car and wish GM had produced them.
Thanks for sharing, always had a soft spot for Crown Engineering and Corvairs . GM pooped in their nest when they didn’t follow through with this car.
Agreed. 50+ years before the C-8, wow!
Must have been fun getting the engine mounted in there. Be interesting seeing parts of the build.
To install an engine requires removal of the passenger seat and a cherry picker...it's really pretty easy to get at everything. Thanks for your interest.
simply impressive, thanks for sharing it here on youtube
While it's not for everybody, I've enjoyed it for many years. Thanks for your supportive words.
Now that's a proper back seat...
...and I like your choice of motorcycles.
LKNANML,
There wasn't really room for any normal sized person in the original back seat, anyway. Might as well put it to good use.
There's just enough room in there for the maximum number of people I'd ever want in a car with me.
That's without a doubt the best car I have seen in a number of years. The thoroughly thought out details and sorted out mechanicals are really amazing. The other thing is that it all seems so obvious. If you were going to have a Chevy motor in a Corvair, of course you'd go with a 283. And if there was an aluminum block version of it, of course you'd pick that. And what would you feed it with? Well... honestly those 4 Weber two barrels seem like the obvious choice.
Except I never thought of it. Wow. And then there's the brake ventilation.
I'd rank this next to that hot rod Duesenberg on Model A rails.
I view it as automotive art not a practical "grocery getter." Thank you for the kind words.
@@57paulsiano Paul, Dont know if you are still answering comments, but here goes. Very nicely done. My dad got us a project Crown around 1976? Paid 200 bucks for the car with the Crown Kit , a 283 block and whatever else I cant remember. He was Draftsmen/engineer by trade and came up with some interesting solutions on the project. Some worked some didn't. We tied a hydraulic drive for the radiator fan. (didnt work, likely wrong pump on the engine.). He made the headers by welding with a acetylene torch! (lot of issues). After I broke the tranny case by running it too hard he ditched the crown Differential mounting brackets and made a mount that used the stock Corvair tranny mounts to support the rear of the transaxle... So a couple of questions?? What does your car have to support the transaxle? what are using for the shift linkage? The Crown u bar was not very good. Ive saw a Corv8 once , very nicely done by a race guy used Universal joints like those for a wrench to make the transitions around the pan. Way more precise. Nice rig! I surprised a lot folks with a stock 283, cant imagine what they think when they meet you!
@@bryanturner683 The Corvair transaxle is supported in the rear by three bars at the 2, 5, and 7 o'clock positions. Seems to work just fine. I use the Crown "U" tube with a shift kit. Feels very solid to me. I didn't get everything correct in the beginning but I kept improving it over the years. I honestly don't know how to make it any better.
@@57paulsiano I cant believe you have not cracked the tranny case?? The added benefit of using the Corvair Rubber mounts is less vibration transferred to the car from the transaxle. Just know I broke one with a stock 283, then didnt break the case once the rubber mounts were added???
As to there u tube shifter. Try and find somebody with a good u joint shifter, It is noticeably better. You dont have to fight the offset weight of the tube.
Looks like a couple of future mods. Very nice car! Mine was fun to drive when I was 18 and invincible! Surprised a whole bunch of Trans ams and the like!
I'm a car guy, and it makes a lot of racket! I've had two Corvairs, that's plenty for one lifetime!
LOL!!!
Allegronaut I love corvairs my first car . You hated it so much you bought another one 😆
It's the wheels folding over!!!!!
@@doglips1958 You have to be a complete, exceptionally untalented fool to make a Corvair (early series) fold a wheel under and roll it over. I read the DOT report, and in their testing, it was damn near impossible to roll one over, even with their expert drivers. During testing, they discovered that the Corvair was one of few rare cars that actually can straighten themselves out of a skid. I managed to accomplish that feat coming out of a curve at a way too-fast speed.
It would have been interesting to see how the Corvair would have evolved if Nader hadn't been a dick and Ford-colluder. Who knows? Chevrolet might've had their own GT-3.
@@guysmalley A 63 Monza was my first car, and it kept my two best friends and myself out of trouble all the way throughout high school fixing it.
Dad and I had 65 different corvairs 1961 and up vans pickups and the best was the Convertible turbo charged way back 1965 love them had a lot of fun miss them keep on
Corvairs are not as unsafe as some people believe.
very very nice corvair
Since the video the brakes were improved with a Wilwood system, shifting was improved with a quick shifter kit, the ignition was upgraded to a pulse unit, the side glass and radio were removed to save weight...now close to 2400 pounds and an aluminum 350 cu. in. engine is coming. After that I think I'll call it done.
Thanks for the compliment!
+Jeff Banet very impressive! Would love to buy it if iot is ever for sale!
+hetiseennacht
I was traveling when this comment was made and didn't respond promptly...don't know how serious you might be about buying it. Everything has a price. Glad you like the car.
(Jeff did the video, the car is owned by Paul.)
... update vid
???
unbelievable execution. ..
Pretty Cool car. I had a 1961 Corvair. Drove it all over the place for a 120,000 miles. The car got me to from point A to B but the damned shifter would pop out of its' socket and leave me stranded! After this damned thing did this to me 3 times I had a welder build a cup around the little ball knob on the bottom of the shifter so the thing wouldn't pop out of the socket in the pipe linkage going back to the transmission! And this car had a full length body pan underneath it with about 70 frigging screws you had to take off to pop the shifter back into the socket! It drove me crazy until I had it fixed!
Your perseverance fixed the problem...usually does.
This thing is chock full of GM rarity, starting with the body in such great shape, then going to the SUPER RARE 1959 aluminum block with a forged crank.
You can't just go to the Chevy dealer and order this stuff. This is vintage GM high performance, and was rare even in it's day. This guy had a gold mine of
period performance parts.
I tried hard to keep it a "period correct" car. I owned the block for 35 years before I learned that it was ordered by Zora Duntov for the CERV-1 project. Thanks for your kind words.
Paul Siano,
So it sounds like you never took that engine out to get it put into a museum. If so, I,m kinda' glad it still gets to push a car around for a while longer rather than just sit on display. Maybe when you are done using it you could get some collector to buy the whole car to keep it that way. (Jay Leno comes to mind.)
@@ArcoZakus Hmmm...now there's a thought.
Paul Siano,
On further thought, the car as you have modified it may deserve to be preserved just as much as that engine does, and especially with that engine IN it. UNIQUE, even if hot, loud, and impractical. (I hope you are getting paid by youtube, and more with higher number of likes, views, and comments.)
@@ArcoZakus For me the car is about automotive art. I fully understand a firewall, engine cover, and air filters make perfect sense...maybe someday but not yet. The number of views of the video began to spike a couple of weeks ago. The video was taken in about five minutes with no planning. I plan to do one more video with some planning beforehand. I doubt I'll ever hear from TH-cam.
I love it! I wanted to build on in the 70's. Closest I got was a 63 Spyder Convertable.
I bought a new '64 Sypder convert (wish I had never sold it) and the "66 Corsa was a turbo 180 which is the car in the video. The Crown conversion was begun in 1970...never thought I'd keep it all of these years. Thanks for your interest!
Had a '64 Spyder...wish I still had it. Thanks for the kind words!
This is Paul Siano's corvair as seen in the December 2010 issue of Automobile magazine. An updated video is about to be uploaded.
Hi Jeff;
GM probably found out that the antifreeze they had at that time would not prevent corrosion in the smaller coolant passages. This caused the engine to over heat and blow the head gasket. Sometimes it would also crack the block. I had a 1971 Buick with their aluminum block V8 in it. That's exactly what happened to it (I was 1500 miles from home with very little money.). Since then antifreeze producers have developed coolant that will prevent the aluminum from corroding. Thus you could build the very car I wanted to build back then and not worry too much about blowing the engine. Nice car.
It's a bit confusing but Jeff did the video about my car..my name is Paul. I guess I was lucky because the engine, the coolant pipes, and the radiator are all aluminum and there have been no problems ever with the coolant that's in it. I rebuilt it several times and apparently the last time I used an antifreeze that is compatible with aluminum.
@@57paulsiano With modern coolants you shouldn't have any problems. Oh, I forgot to thank you guys for the video. Seeing this car for real instead of just in my head was really great.
Thanks for your positive comments. We are having fun with the whole thing and plan to do one more video that will include a couple of maxed out 0 to 130 mph runs and some shots taken from the rear overlooking the engine and through the windshield while accelerating as hard as it will go. The youtube video will be uploaded before the article about it in the December issue of "Automobile" magazine hits the stands.
Again thanks,
Paul
Had the pleasure to drive one of these Corsa 180 horsepower 4-speed cars back in 65. It was really a fun little car. GM should have kept developing it for sure
I purchased the car in the video new in 1966 and it was a turbo 180.
THAT IS AWESOME!!!. when you said "stainless exhaust from the headers back" I was thinking "all 7 inches of it huh?" lol
Awesome comment...thanks!
I love this car.
I remember when the Corvair Spyder was a new car when I was a young guy in the 1960's.
What a great project.
I just hope it didn't get ruined with an automatic.
I bought the car new in 1966. The conversion uses the original 4 speed...no plans to change it. Thanks for the compliment!
Also - Minilites are my top choice for Corvairs.😊
Thanks...me too.
I haven’t been in one for many years...the last one my dad had was a 63 Spider. I always thought they rode well. Having a V8 in one is just radical. I drove a Fiero with a v6...that was fun. They sure have a unique look and really sharp when they are painted up well.🤩
For a 50+ year old car it still looks pretty good. Thanks for your interest!
That's got to be fun!
Daymeon Gartrell,
Maybe even "Too Much Fun!"
("... What's that mean?" -- Curtis Wright, sung by Daryle Singletary)
Very Nice Work!! Just got a 1966 Monza Convertible Crown Conversion. 283 in mine also. Needs some minor work but it sure is fun to drive. Got some front end work Bushings are worn and gas tank is out and new one and fuel sending unit ordered. This nice weather has me motivated. Again well done!
V-8 Corvair conversions are great car projects...more power and better engine location. What makes it interesting to me is the different answers builders have for the same issues we all have. The V-8 Vair site is really well done and shows lots of different approaches...as you know, no two conversions are the same.
Thanks for the kind words.
Admittedly the Corvair is loud, crude, and impractical. My daily driver (2011 BMW 335i) is quiet, refined, and useful. I like them both...maybe I'm a bi-polar car guy.
Sorry you were disappointed.
P.S. Growing up I was taught, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I guess not everyone was.
Screw BMW ! IM NOT NICE. 666 OUT
I just looks like a big ball of FUN !!!!!! I just bought a 140 Monza just redoing the engine should be on the road very soon..love the lines on these cars
Sorry for the tardy reply...had major computer problems. It's not a practical car but it's kept my attention for more than 50 years. Glad you like it.