V8 Corvair Drag Cars

[@fontaineking5158]

Nice cars. My uncle had a 66, 67 corvette and a 69 corvair. I got to ride in the last two quite often. The corvair seemed mighty fast to a 12 year old. We lived back in the country on some curvy roads. My uncle banged those gears and drifted around corners. This guy built two nice cars. 👍👍👍

[@nickf.gigante9587]

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.

[@chrisbaker2903]

I had a 1963 Corvair Spyder Convertable and I got a bit crazy with it sometimes. There's a turn between Ventura, CA and Oak View and it was marked slow to 35 mph. I took it more than once in 3rd gear at 75 mph. Ralph Nader earned a lot of peoples everlasting hatred when he did those stupid crash videos. You can cause almost any car to flip if you get it oscillating back and forth until a rim digs in. I had a friend who had one of the powerglide equipped ones and he went down an off ramp from the freeway going into Ventura and looped it 360 degrees caught it and drove on into town. I hope Ralph Nader gets what's coming to him in the afterlife.

[@allenhall3907]

I have owned every corvair powerd vehicle GM made except the motor home and the station wagon. Great cars and Van's. Love em all. Nader is full of $#@it

[@trickywoo5165]

Nader’s just your typical lying 🤥 con-man, we all know the type 🤥

[@gordocarbo]

Wow nice post, sounds like accurate info, not repeating a story you see so much online these days Id be curious to read the transcripts of the last one...think the judge was "persuaded" by GM or was the plaintiff really out there? Just like guns, cars are plenty safe its the operators that arent.

[@rodgerhutchinson1690]

My older had a 1965 Corvair Corsica it was dark green, he bought it new, it was a kick ass car! I really liked driving it. Your two cars are awesome!

[@corvairjim1]

Maybe a 1965 Corvair Corsa? The "Corsica" wasn't a Corvair - It was basically a 4-door Beretta from 1987-1996,

[@The_DC_Kid]

I've had 3 Corvairs including a panel van but I've seen very few wagons on the street, and never one as clean and just plain BEAUTIFUL as this, V8 or stock. I'd choose that one over the coupe. And I never knew the rear was a hatchback; yet another innovation from Corvair.

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

I love them Corvairs! I’ve always wanted to do that to a corvair, put a full frame under one and a V8 in it, ever since I was a kid! 👍👍

[@phlodel]

When I was in high school, a local auto shop teacher had a Corvair with the drvetrain from an Olds Toranado 455 n the rear.

[@JubileeValence]

One of my favorites! A real eye opener!! Cheers!

[@denisemccormick5707]

Had a 65 monza my first car, I loved it and yours are awesome thanks for sharing them...

[@jamescutler8055]

I must be getting old, I love the wagon.

[@Finn-McCool]

I came up in St Charles, MO. There was an old boy last name of Rogers that had a passion for 'vairs. There was an old blue one astound town painted with "LAR VAIR" on the door. And a huge band aid sticker on a dent.

[@Flying4Film]

Both are beautiful cars.

[@dennisgrubbs1929]

Awesome video loved this show never seen a wagon Corvair bad ass for sure

[@uski59]

Love it,...front engine v8....in a 65 body, just a classy body style.

[@fw1421]

Beautiful cars,love the wagon! I wasn’t aware they actually made a wagon...never seen one before. 😳🙀😁😁👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@trickywoo5165]

This wagons beautiful & very put together, have you not seen Matt’s Off Road Recovery’s yellow 4x4 Corvair wagon 😊

[@Number1ZERO69]

Wow...very beautiful cars! I'm really digging the hell out of the wagon.

[@kenwinston2245]

Only 3300 made. Nader falsely demonized them to propel himself to fame. Our loss, these were fine cars.

[@ArcoZakus]

ken winston, I loved the simplicity of oil/air-cooled engines when I had my '63 Corvair coupe (and the many oil/air-cooled VWs and Porsches that followed it), but even VW and Porsche eventually switched to liquid cooling and mostly from boxer to in-line four or V6 engine layouts, so Mr. Nader was not the only cause of the Corvair's being discontinued. Even the VW Beetle also switched from rear engine rear drive to front engine front drive (for its many advantages), so if GM had continued building cars named "Corvair", only the name would survive, as happened with the "Beetle". And even that is now gone -- nothing (built by humans) lasts forever.

[@trickywoo5165]

@@kenwinston2245 💯%

[@ynot5105]

That Wagon is really a beautiful vehicle!

[@DoubleMrE]

He did a great job on the wagon in particular. That engine looks really sweet . . . I especially like the way he did the valve covers with the Corvair logo.

[@dallisb1047]

I love old wagons. But that is cool!

[@supersport57]

Great looking cars, always like the corvair.

[@corvairjim1]

Hey, I'm all for anything Corvair-related. But still, my thinking is, if you want a front-engined, V8-powered compact Chevy, hotrod a Camaro or a Nova! If you're going to stuff an 8 into a 'Vair, go mid-engine. There are kits available to do this and the result is a car that will not only run with these cars in a straight line but easily outhandle some very serious equipment on a road course! I was pretty amazed that the V8 wagon in this segment was only running 12-seconds in the quarter because I once owned a '66 Monza with a modified 140 (220+ h.p. at the wheels) that ran in the high 12's too. Lighter weight and better aero can only account for so much.

[@copssuck7491]

+corvairjim1 Unless you want a front engine rear wheel drive that looks like a Corvair, then you do this. Corvairs look much better than a Camaro or Nova. Also, Camaros and Novas are not sleepers, no matter what you make them look like. Mid engine is not friendly on the sound and temperature comfort, plus you lose the rear seats.

[@CreekyGuy]

corvairjim1 - Are you kidding? Those rear v8 hacks put the steering wheel in your chest. The engine was similarly practically bracing your seat back. Heaven help you, if you had a larger stomach. However; calling them Corvairs is the same as calling a T-Bucket a Model T Ford. And, the T-bucket would have about as many parts in common with a Model T as these Corv8's have with a Corvair. This gentleman is NOT a Corvair enthusiast, from the video presented. He is a very talented hotrodder and fabricator. God Bless America.

[@brucesteger2699]

@oliverthecat666 Back in 1969, I took a 1965 Corvair found at our local junk yard with a blown engine and a damaged floor pan/trans-axle from going over some large rocks. I removed the engine/trans-axle and put a 3" x 3" steel tube frame mounted to the front floor at the suspension supports and at the rear suspension mounts. I then put a narrow roll bar that would be the engine mount as well. I then moved the rear wheel opening back 10 inches and then installed a narrowed 59 Belair rear axle fabricating the mounts with the pumpkin off centered more to the passenger side. I then installed a Ford 289 four barrel with a 3 speed auto trans with a short tail fabricating the motor/trans mounts so the engine/trans would be offset to the passenger side to line up with differential. Placed a 24 F battery/battery box behind my seat to offset the engine weight change. This allowed only a 15 inch drive shaft. I then installed a very heavy duty anti sway bar and limited the rear axle travel to just 5 inches with rubber bumpers and shock lengths. I then cut a notch under the front bumper up to an inch above the bumper for radiator air. Then a notch cut into the back of the hood going forwards 10 inches for the air to escape. I found a Corvette radiator at the junk yard unknown year/model fabricating cooling fans. I used 2 inch diameter exhaust pipes and long radiator hoses to get coolant to radiator back to the engine. Put a larger crank pulley on to increase water pump flow with the long way for the coolant to go. Mounted a bucket seats with the drivers in normal position but the passengers seat forward with very little leg room as the water pump pulley was just behind the firewall I installed. Used the throttle cable and shifter cable to work the trans & carburetor. It didn't corner like a Corvair, but straight it was fun. I was payed too much money that I sold it for college funds. The guy totaled it soon after dying a short time later from his injuries. Pictures I had were lost in my travels. I did the build at a gas station with repair shop in back in Lomira, Wisconsin. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

[@brucesteger2699]

Back in 1969, I took a 1965 Corvair found at our local junk yard with a blown engine and a damaged floor pan/trans-axle from going over some large rocks. I removed the engine/trans-axle and put a 3" x 3" steel tube frame mounted to the front floor at the suspension supports and at the rear suspension mounts. I then put a narrow roll bar that would be the engine mount as well. I then moved the rear wheel opening back 10 inches and then installed a narrowed 59 Belair rear axle fabricating the mounts with the pumpkin off centered more to the passenger side. I then installed a Ford 289 four barrel with a 3 speed auto trans with a short tail fabricating the motor/trans mounts so the engine/trans would be offset to the passenger side to line up with differential. Placed a 24 F battery/battery box behind my seat to offset the engine weight change. This allowed only a 15 inch drive shaft. I then installed a very heavy duty anti sway bar and limited the rear axle travel to just 5 inches with rubber bumpers and shock lengths. I then cut a notch under the front bumper up to an inch above the bumper for radiator air. Then a notch cut into the back of the hood going forwards 10 inches for the air to escape. I found a Corvette radiator at the junk yard unknown year/model fabricating cooling fans. I used 2 inch diameter exhaust pipes and long radiator hoses to get coolant to radiator back to the engine. Put a larger crank pulley on to increase water pump flow with the long way for the coolant to go. Mounted a bucket seats with the drivers in normal position but the passengers seat forward with very little leg room as the water pump pulley was just behind the firewall I installed. Used the throttle cable and shifter cable to work the trans & carburetor. It didn't corner like a Corvair, but straight it was fun. I was payed too much money that I sold it for college funds. The guy totaled it soon after dying a short time later from his injuries. Pictures I had were lost in my travels. I did the build at a gas station with repair shop in back in Lomira, Wisconsin. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

[@oceanhome2023]

@@brucesteger2699 Love it , you have some serious Gear Head Porno . I have a 914 SBC conversion that works very well , I have the damaged fingers and bad back to prove it Godspeed !

[@davidlackovich946]

Dennis, i love that Corvair wagon..is that the coolest idea for a Corvair or what! Love your shows!

[@Micnify]

Dennis I love your job! Mic'21

[@richard3199-m2k]

It's a shame this guy wasn't on the corvair design team when the built it.perfect combination of lovely styling and power to match it's looks fantastic.great workmanship

[@gordocarbo]

Agree, never woulda guessed a Gbody chassis would fit that body! Sure like to see his body mounts. Better steering brakes, afermarket support and straight axle rear! Cant get much better than this! Bet that wagon running 12s was limited by wheelspin! That is a hell of a lot of work he is dedicated for sure

[@matthewholzinger1042]

Corvair wagons are on the rare side as they were only produced for the 61-62 model years. All the window glass is wagon only as the roof is higher than the coupe and sedan.

[@trickywoo5165]

Can’t make up me mind, Î luv the wagon but the coupe is also beautiful to my eye😍 ill dream of driving both😜

[@sirjammer]

"stupid" some people just don't get it, if you do not like what others have done to THEIR car, you can dislike it. To call it “stupid” though?! BTW...its not about YOU anyway!

[@kellyfarrell7891]

Sir Jammer tut

[@corvairjim1]

As I noted, they're his cars and he can do as he pleases with them. We might not agree with his decision, but that does not give us the right to say he was wrong to do what he did, let alone start calling names.

[@chrisbaker2903]

@@corvairjim1 No, you're right. But that doesn't make him right either. He basically destroyed two classic cars.

[@ellieniemeyer8872]

its still stupid tho

[@robertbeirne9813]

@@chrisbaker2903 in destroying them, probably saved them from the crusher. That’s hot rodding.

[@jeroldredic8465]

I just bought a 1962 Monza for restore I love it.

[@The_DC_Kid]

Every time I come to a Corvair post I get all pumped up to buy another. I had 3 in my youth including a '62 panel van. How's your coming? '62 didn't offer a 140, but is it a 2-door with 4-speed? I had a '63 Monza that I dropped into an after market 164 4-carb 110 engine (10.5 compression and balanced; about 180hp). It had a 4 speed that I broke 4 of (and numerous axle u-joints), and I put a load of Eico parts on it and alloy wheels with Goodrich steel radials. Spun out only once but it was raining and I was "testing" those new BFGs; got a front sway bar and rear traction bars after that (so stiff that when I jacked up one corner the opposite corner also came off the ground). Most fun car I ever owned. Later I had a '67 Turbo Corsa. I could write paragraphs. (sigh)

[@gordocarbo]

@@The_DC_Kid Always wanted a turbo corsa .Only driven 1 at a shop I worked at as a teen. I was super surprised how that little car ran it actually had some nuts to it and a fantastic engine sound inside Dash, handling really changed my opinion of these I Had no idea.

[@funfreq9282]

That's a nice Camaro! Right Right.... Right!

[@corvairjim1]

You said it! The Camaro was seen by Chevrolet Division as the Corvair's replacement, and when I see a frone-engine V-8 conversion in a Corvair, I think Camaro, too.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Dennis has my dream job !

[@MyClassicCarTV]

I agree!

[@richcoleman469]

Wish I still had my 65 Corsa turbo

[@Khurram1968]

Beautiful beast 5.7.....wow

[@dickwelts8817]

A chrome headlight mesh screen would look cool over that open head light for the intake

[@ArcoZakus]

Dick Welts, "... look cool ..." AND keep birds, rabbits, and rodents from getting in there. Definitely worthwhile for that.

[@dickwelts8817]

@@ArcoZakus That's for sure, they have some chrome ones with 1/2" mesh that bolt right on

[@kayejaye261]

Beautiful cars. Love both. Paint is awesome. Thanks

[@eulogiotijuana]

Beautiful cars thanks guys

[@johnaverick7468]

Guys were putting small block ford V 8s because they were silently smaller than bowties in 914 Porsches in the 80s , But they kept them mid engine cars. Much cooler idea than a front engine imo. And you still have a true sportscar that has closer to 50/50

[@gordocarbo]

Remember seeing lots of V8 912s in the 70s as a kid. Thought that was beyond cool...cant imagine how that chassis handled it. Were guys using the stock trans on those? Friend bought a V8 conversion that was super quick....he flipped it then bought a real clean one with a 3.8? Buick V6

[@Declare57]

Love that wagon!

[@whenim6462]

Amazing. The best corvair. Video ever.

[@slimjim119]

they r some sweet rides

[@daniellatimer1876]

Don Yenko would be jealous!

[@corvairjim1]

OK, the owner of these cars did what he wanted to to them. I get it. Me, I would have left their air-cooled flat-6 engines in place, especially in the '62 Monza wagon, a very rare car to begin with. I can see doing a mid-engine V-8 conversion to the coupe, since that makes for a very well balanced mid-engine sports car. But Chevy made a front-engined, V-8 powered Corvair in house, starting in 1967... They called it the CAMARO! I've just never seen the attraction of a front engine V-8 conversion in a Corvair. Just about every muscle car out there has a V-8 between the front wheels. A big part of the attraction of the Corvair, to me anyhow, is the basic fact that it is DIFFERENT! It has no trouble putting power to the ground due to the engine being over the rear drive wheels, it handles great if the tires are inflated properly, and it can stop shorter than almost every other car of it's era. (An issue of Motor Trend from mid-1965 had a chart showing that, of all the current road cars that they'd tested, only the 4-wheel disc-equipped Corvette and E-Type Jaguar stopped shorter from 60 mph) It's not just another off-the-shelf Musta-cuda-maro. This gentleman did what he wanted to to his own cars, and that's fine for him as far as that goes. The workmanship looks great. I can see that he has a lot of fun with his used-to-be Corvairs. Just don't call them Corvairs anymore. They're Corvair shells with Camaro guts now.

[@wal]

Great show! Would love to see some classic rides with period correct upgraded stereo systems also

[@brianfalls5894]

Those ain't your daddy's Corvair's there! All I can say is WOW!!!!!! I'd sure love to own that wagon. It's a mighty fine looking old wagon for sure.

[@meademorgan6614]

AWESOME!!!

[@brucesteger2699]

Back in 1969, I took a 1965 Corvair found at our local junk yard with a blown engine and a damaged floor pan/trans-axle from going over some large rocks. I removed the engine/trans-axle and put a 3" x 3" steel tube frame mounted to the front floor at the suspension supports and at the rear suspension mounts. I then put a narrow roll bar that would be the engine mount as well. I then moved the rear wheel opening back 10 inches and then installed a narrowed 59 Belair rear axle fabricating the mounts with the pumpkin off centered more to the passenger side. I then installed a Ford 289 four barrel with a 3 speed auto trans with a short tail fabricating the motor/trans mounts so the engine/trans would be offset to the passenger side to line up with differential. Placed a 24 F battery/battery box behind my seat to offset the engine weight change. This allowed only a 15 inch drive shaft. I then installed a very heavy duty anti sway bar and limited the rear axle travel to just 5 inches with rubber bumpers and shock lengths. I then cut a notch under the front bumper up to an inch above the bumper for radiator air. Then a notch cut into the back of the hood going forwards 10 inches for the air to escape. I found a Corvette radiator at the junk yard unknown year/model fabricating cooling fans. I used 2 inch diameter exhaust pipes and long radiator hoses to get coolant to radiator back to the engine. Put a larger crank pulley on to increase water pump flow with the long way for the coolant to go. Mounted a bucket seats with the drivers in normal position but the passengers seat forward with very little leg room as the water pump pulley was just behind the firewall I installed. Used the throttle cable and shifter cable to work the trans & carburetor. It didn't corner like a Corvair, but straight it was fun. I was payed too much money that I sold it for college funds. The guy totaled it soon after dying a short time later from his injuries. Pictures I had were lost in my travels. I did the build at a gas station with repair shop in back in Lomira, Wisconsin. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

[@tertessa]

2 cool cars 👍

[@barrypfost2963]

Nice!

[@tom7601]

Too cool!

[@chakrazoo]

great Blue

[@rhandro]

Awesome.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Safe at any speed, Nader.

[@animalcorvair]

nice job me i like them stock my 62 700 has a whole 80 hp still fun to drive i have seat belts in all 6 corvairs i have

[@bazzhm1447]

Thats not original bruhhh , they use dummy fuel pump. The original not using electric pump hidden under

[@dave5833]

I owned one like the Coup, painted her to look like a Yanko. I drilled holes in the trunk filled it with ice and beer. People would stop and tell me m,y radiator was leaking. LMAO

[@gordocarbo]

Smugglers box on my 67 "el same thing. Made a great ice chest for camping

[@aarontrotter5188]

So cool.

[@boataxe4605]

Ralph Nader's Nightmare! LOL.

[@1957eberhart]

tea fuck nader republican ass hole

[@dennisschell5543]

j Eber.....He's not republican you idiot. If you don't know what you're talking about.....STFU!!!

[@ArcoZakus]

Boat Axe, Nah. No swing axles anymore.

[@dougsmaintenanceshop5868]

Right... ...right... ...right... Neat cars. Right

[@calvincrews3885]

This is what a front engine corvair should have been as a option if you want a front engine in a Corvair as a concept or parts he should have made a front grille for the two corvair models

[@mxtradershelby]

OMG CARS, I BEAUTIFUL

[@brettdaugherty7006]

The engine in the blue wagon was NOT out of a '99 Camaro. It is out of my old '00 Trans Am. I sold the engine to my dad, who then sold it to Mike to put it in the wagonbwhen he was building it. The engine and trans are both out of it. It also has a Yank SS3600 stall on it too, that I installed not long before my car got t-boned.

[@gordocarbo]

They are pretty much the same car no?

[@Merylstreep1949]

I want both 🚗🚗🚗🌝🤘

[@estpst]

I like the white one

[@cpscps2679]

When you front-engine a Corvair, it isn't a Corvair. It's "Corvair-ish."

[@marshameyers7753]

thanks

[@joebro391]

Does anyone know why someone would move the engine to the front? I imagine that in a drag car that it keeps the nose down, but also, probably because there's not enough room in the rear for a large engine without coming into the rear of the cab. Is that right?

[@gordocarbo]

Yes rear V8 limits your seating/leg room. That wagon is perfect for me!! Can stretch my legs out

[@agmarton]

I'm interested what was the donor car for the frame of the '69 coupe...any ideas?

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

He said the one was a Buick regal so he said they were both G-Body frames

[@oilfieldtrucker4868]

I'm wondering the same thing

[@mr.redneck2715]

Tell us more about the build of the white one.

[@hipcat13]

I would have done the mid-engine mod instead.

[@ROTAXD]

I was going to say the same thing. If you're going to do that much fabrication, why bother just moving the weight up front where it will be that much harder to both launch the car and to keep the rear end planted in the corners ? Mid engined will handle, as well as low et's at the strip.

[@hipcat13]

Plus there were kits made back in the day to make a mid-engine 'vair.

[@camgnilpe9300]

well maybe you do just that if you have the car . but my guess is you are just talking shit. so SHUT THE FUCK UP DUMB FUCK!

[@brucesteger2699]

@@camgnilpe9300 Back in 1969, I took a 1965 Corvair found at our local junk yard with a blown engine and a damaged floor pan/trans-axle from going over some large rocks. I removed the engine/trans-axle and put a 3" x 3" steel tube frame mounted to the front floor at the suspension supports and at the rear suspension mounts. I then put a narrow roll bar that would be the engine mount as well. I then moved the rear wheel opening back 10 inches and then installed a narrowed 59 Belair rear axle fabricating the mounts with the pumpkin off centered more to the passenger side. I then installed a Ford 289 four barrel with a 3 speed auto trans with a short tail fabricating the motor/trans mounts so the engine/trans would be offset to the passenger side to line up with differential. Placed a 24 F battery/battery box behind my seat to offset the engine weight change. This allowed only a 15 inch drive shaft. I then installed a very heavy duty anti sway bar and limited the rear axle travel to just 5 inches with rubber bumpers and shock lengths. I then cut a notch under the front bumper up to an inch above the bumper for radiator air. Then a notch cut into the back of the hood going forwards 10 inches for the air to escape. I found a Corvette radiator at the junk yard unknown year/model fabricating cooling fans. I used 2 inch diameter exhaust pipes and long radiator hoses to get coolant to radiator back to the engine. Put a larger crank pulley on to increase water pump flow with the long way for the coolant to go. Mounted a bucket seats with the drivers in normal position but the passengers seat forward with very little leg room as the water pump pulley was just behind the firewall I installed. Used the throttle cable and shifter cable to work the trans & carburetor. It didn't corner like a Corvair, but straight it was fun. I was payed too much money that I sold it for college funds. The guy totaled it soon after dying a short time later from his injuries. Pictures I had were lost in my travels. I did the build at a gas station with repair shop in back in Lomira, Wisconsin. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

[@brucesteger2699]

Back in 1969, I took a 1965 Corvair found at our local junk yard with a blown engine and a damaged floor pan/trans-axle from going over some large rocks. I removed the engine/trans-axle and put a 3" x 3" steel tube frame mounted to the front floor at the suspension supports and at the rear suspension mounts. I then put a narrow roll bar that would be the engine mount as well. I then moved the rear wheel opening back 10 inches and then installed a narrowed 59 Belair rear axle fabricating the mounts with the pumpkin off centered more to the passenger side. I then installed a Ford 289 four barrel with a 3 speed auto trans with a short tail fabricating the motor/trans mounts so the engine/trans would be offset to the passenger side to line up with differential. Placed a 24 F battery/battery box behind my seat to offset the engine weight change. This allowed only a 15 inch drive shaft. I then installed a very heavy duty anti sway bar and limited the rear axle travel to just 5 inches with rubber bumpers and shock lengths. I then cut a notch under the front bumper up to an inch above the bumper for radiator air. Then a notch cut into the back of the hood going forwards 10 inches for the air to escape. I found a Corvette radiator at the junk yard unknown year/model fabricating cooling fans. I used 2 inch diameter exhaust pipes and long radiator hoses to get coolant to radiator back to the engine. Put a larger crank pulley on to increase water pump flow with the long way for the coolant to go. Mounted a bucket seats with the drivers in normal position but the passengers seat forward with very little leg room as the water pump pulley was just behind the firewall I installed. Used the throttle cable and shifter cable to work the trans & carburetor. It didn't corner like a Corvair, but straight it was fun. I was payed too much money that I sold it for college funds. The guy totaled it soon after dying a short time later from his injuries. Pictures I had were lost in my travels. I did the build at a gas station with repair shop in back in Lomira, Wisconsin. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

[@stevenvicino8687]

My 1st car was a '65 4 dr. Next one up another '65 Monza 2dr. Now I drive a Mazda MX5. I see a natural progression here. I'd love to marry my Monza with my MX-5. That would be street porn.

[@gordocarbo]

Or a turbo rotary from hell that would be the perfect car for that swap!

[@hipcat13]

Should have made them with the mid engine set up. Would've been much better from a handling standpoint.

[@brucesteger2699]

Back in 1969, I took a 1965 Corvair found at our local junk yard with a blown engine and a damaged floor pan/trans-axle from going over some large rocks. I removed the engine/trans-axle and put a 3" x 3" steel tube frame mounted to the front floor at the suspension supports and at the rear suspension mounts. I then put a narrow roll bar that would be the engine mount as well. I then moved the rear wheel opening back 10 inches and then installed a narrowed 59 Belair rear axle fabricating the mounts with the pumpkin off centered more to the passenger side. I then installed a Ford 289 four barrel with a 3 speed auto trans with a short tail fabricating the motor/trans mounts so the engine/trans would be offset to the passenger side to line up with differential. Placed a 24 F battery/battery box behind my seat to offset the engine weight change. This allowed only a 15 inch drive shaft. I then installed a very heavy duty anti sway bar and limited the rear axle travel to just 5 inches with rubber bumpers and shock lengths. I then cut a notch under the front bumper up to an inch above the bumper for radiator air. Then a notch cut into the back of the hood going forwards 10 inches for the air to escape. I found a Corvette radiator at the junk yard unknown year/model fabricating cooling fans. I used 2 inch diameter exhaust pipes and long radiator hoses to get coolant to radiator back to the engine. Put a larger crank pulley on to increase water pump flow with the long way for the coolant to go. Mounted a bucket seats with the drivers in normal position but the passengers seat forward with very little leg room as the water pump pulley was just behind the firewall I installed. Used the throttle cable and shifter cable to work the trans & carburetor. It didn't corner like a Corvair, but straight it was fun. I was payed too much money that I sold it for college funds. The guy totaled it soon after dying a short time later from his injuries. Pictures I had were lost in my travels. I did the build at a gas station with repair shop in back in Lomira, Wisconsin. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

How do I get hold of the guy that build the wagon please unbelievable

[@terryhahn9859]

you want a wagon?

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

@@terryhahn9859 yes do you have one??

[@cliffordharley4322]

I wonder if it’s on a Buick Regal frame. Does the wagon have power steering and the coupe doesn’t because he didn’t want the extra weight in front? Very nicely done regardless!

[@marshameyers7753]

yes the wagon has power steering, and the coupe doesn't, thanks for your interest

[@gordocarbo]

@@marshameyers7753 Are these your cars? QUestion or two if they are. In love with that wagon my god...ultimate oddball cool car. Havent seen one of those almost 40 yrs .(man Im getting old!)

[@farmboycarl]

The beauty of the Corvair was that it was different. It looked different, drove different, and sounded different. We tell our kids to be themselves. How are these cars any different than any other muscle car from the 60's? I'd actually rather have a Camaro with an air-cooled engine in the back. These cars are Mary Anne pretending to be Ginger.

[@ROTAXD]

These are not the way I'd mod a corvair (I'd do a mid engined conversion), but these arent the travesty you're making them out to be. As for a rear engined camaro...why ? Granted, camaros are like assholes (everybody either has, or had one) but at least they werent a joke like the corvair in oe form.

[@davidsmall1128]

How are you able to talk the owner into letting you drive them?....!😎

[@MyClassicCarTV]

It never ceases to amaze me too!

[@joshuafuller9898]

@@MyClassicCarTV It's the hypnotic power of the mustache. People bend to it's will.

[@gordocarbo]

@@joshuafuller9898 Amen to Ramen! The "stache should be feared!

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

I'll take 2 .

[@a9323hj]

Beautiful cars, but pipe down that dang music. Want to hear engine sounds only. Otherwise a good video. Just sayin'.

[@kcav5374]

Absolutely, I want to here Engine Music!

[@PrivateEyeYiYi]

There was 60-something magazine article that featured a Corvair with an aluminum mid engine Buick V6 that did mid 13 second quarters. I alwys wanted a Corvair like that. This is quicker, but it's not very Corvair-like.

[@brucesteger2699]

Back in 1969, I took a 1965 Corvair found at our local junk yard with a blown engine and a damaged floor pan/trans-axle from going over some large rocks. I removed the engine/trans-axle and put a 3" x 3" steel tube frame mounted to the front floor at the suspension supports and at the rear suspension mounts. I then put a narrow roll bar that would be the engine mount as well. I then moved the rear wheel opening back 10 inches and then installed a narrowed 59 Belair rear axle fabricating the mounts with the pumpkin off centered more to the passenger side. I then installed a Ford 289 four barrel with a 3 speed auto trans with a short tail fabricating the motor/trans mounts so the engine/trans would be offset to the passenger side to line up with differential. Placed a 24 F battery/battery box behind my seat to offset the engine weight change. This allowed only a 15 inch drive shaft. I then installed a very heavy duty anti sway bar and limited the rear axle travel to just 5 inches with rubber bumpers and shock lengths. I then cut a notch under the front bumper up to an inch above the bumper for radiator air. Then a notch cut into the back of the hood going forwards 10 inches for the air to escape. I found a Corvette radiator at the junk yard unknown year/model fabricating cooling fans. I used 2 inch diameter exhaust pipes and long radiator hoses to get coolant to radiator back to the engine. Put a larger crank pulley on to increase water pump flow with the long way for the coolant to go. Mounted a bucket seats with the drivers in normal position but the passengers seat forward with very little leg room as the water pump pulley was just behind the firewall I installed. Used the throttle cable and shifter cable to work the trans & carburetor. It didn't corner like a Corvair, but straight it was fun. I was payed too much money that I sold it for college funds. The guy totaled it soon after dying a short time later from his injuries. Pictures I had were lost in my travels. I did the build at a gas station with repair shop in back in Lomira, Wisconsin. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

[@keiths.1016]

'69? If it's a '69, where's the side marker lights?

[@copssuck7491]

+Keith S. The rear grill is a 65. 69 had one long vent, no divider in the middle.

[@keiths.1016]

+Cops Suck I never mentioned any grills!!

[@copssuck7491]

Keith S. OK!!! But I did.

[@MichiganQuadTrailsTales]

nice!what frame in the white car on?

[@michaelmeyers3009]

both cars are on 78 to 88 gm g body frames the white car is on a 85 monte carlo ss

[@kenbowser9561]

My wife has a 65 convertible. Ran like crap. I did the best I can do at 2 so called guys look at it bought a bunch of parts didn't really run any better. After seeing your car I decided to take everything Corvair motor drivetrain the heck out. Now sitting 84 Cutlass 68 Firebird 455 up front it's still a work in progress. I just hope I don't give up.

[@flybyairplane3528]

I had NEVERsaw any of the ACORVAIRconvertables, nor that 4dr wagon, Saw a 4dr car ONCE all others were 2 door, except the ‘GREENBRIAR’ wagons, some were made as campers.

[@gordocarbo]

@@michaelmeyers3009 Thanks! How did you mount the body? Do those use a 4 link setup like the Abodys or coils on the straightaxle. AMazing builds Im blown away V8 conversion is one thing but a separate chassis that is badass

[@gordocarbo]

@@kenbowser9561 Any updates, pls tell us you stuck with it. Easy to get burned out..set it aside pick at it 1 pc at a time Believe me the 1st time you drive it all the time labor and $ will be forgotten immediately!!!! Been there

[@glennspreeman1634]

iron 6.0 in a Corvair???

[@gordocarbo]

What is with the troll comments? So much cool to appreciate but cause its not YOUR way you trash this guys work? Nobody wants to hear that negative crap

[@daniellatimer1876]

Does Ralph Nader know about these cars?

[@gordocarbo]

Cant help but wonder if Porsche, Ford or? May have backed Nader some Youd have to be insane to carry on to that level trashing any mfrs car they can bankrupt anyone or worse! Poor guy got screwed and harassed by Ford for his intermittent wiper patent. Took many many yrs he never gave up He lost everything over it too..

[@Merylstreep1949]

I think either one would beat a hellcat like a drum lol

[@tomnekuda3818]

If Chevy would have built these they could have sold a zillion...........wonder if Zora would have given it his stamp of approval?

[@MyLonewolf25]

Come on... I normally don't complain much about cars but seriously Front engine?? You might as well not even call it a corvair then

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

its still a corvair,looks like a corvair,sounds like a corvette goes like a muthafucka

[@timeless6964]

Can I Drive......WTF??.............Looks And Sounds Great!!!...........Enough to Give an Old Man a Hard......a Heart Attack!!

[@patmang1338]

put the headlight in

[@shanereid8245]

pat mang cant thats where the intake sucks air from

[@wildnwheeling3042]

That will ruin it 😡 lol

[@csj9619]

Being that an '87 Regal is also a unibody car, I assume you mean the "subframe" was used? *not being a smart@$$, just curious.

[@marshameyers7753]

78 to 88 G body cars monte carlo regal ect were not unibody! they were full frame

[@racecar157]

what track is this

[@MyClassicCarTV]

Chandler Dragstrip

[@johnbecay6887]

so where's the e.t. and mph?

[@marshameyers7753]

the white car ran a best of 10.19 at 133mph and the wagon has been 12.20 117mph

[@johnbecay6887]

@@marshameyers7753 thank you. those mphs indicate there are lower ets in both cars

[@Lhenry-pf5zn]

Not really a Corvair anymore, more of a Chevy 2.

[@ericsemaza6986]

Show uncle Burny

[@kenwinston2245]

When is a corvair not a corvair

[@ArcoZakus]

ken winston, When it no longer looks like one?

[@hussguy1990]

Awesome corvairs but both auto...

[@UmmYeahOk]

They're on a drag strip, so... ...bracket racers

[@WLDORPFELD]

WHY?

[@ArcoZakus]

Wayne Dorpfeld, To go fast in a car that looks like one that was not fast in its original form = "Sleeper". Its a "car guy" thing.

[@WLDORPFELD]

@@ArcoZakus As the ultimate car guy, Jay Leno says, the Corvair is the only true sports car ever made in the USA. Very much unappreciated vehicle!

[@ArcoZakus]

Wayne Dorpfeld, And I am fairly certain that Mr. Leno was referring to "the Corvair" in its original form, with a flat, air-cooled six cylinder engine mounted behind the rear axle and driving the rear wheels, as GM designed it. Both of the vehicles in this video are many things, probably for many reasons, but only have a slight resemblance to "a Corvair" IMO. In no particular order (I don't have time right now to organize these thoughts, so this is a raw brain dump/fart that anyone else should feel free to massage): Art, Drag Race car, Unique, Sleeper, Labor of love, Exciting, Scary, Odd (in a good, or bad, way -- beauty in the eye, etc.), Stimulating, Love, Hate, ... Since I find myself leaning toward more practical vehicles as I get older and have started becoming more concerned about crash survivability than acceleration rates or lap times (getting old is "a drag"), I would never consider owning either of these cars myself. At the same time, I respect and admire the ambitious, artistic people who put their creativity, blood, sweat, tears, energy, lives into building them (and others like them), and sharing them through these videos. It preserves their history, even as parts donors to some end result that has only a surface resemblance to their original selves. Kinda' like a '41 Willys coupe "gasser", but less severe/single purpose, more flexible. It also allows me and others like me, who are too busy/lazy/sick/tired/stingy/broke/stupid/smart to build something like these cars for ourselves to see and make what we will of them. "Thank you" to the artists.

[@patmang1338]

izarite

[@oceanhome2023]

Don’t like the White !

[@hypnotised-clover]

The corvair was a failure, awful "safety", its probably the start of the american automobile downfall, where things like the amc gremlin and mustang 2 go to die.

[@johnderekmitchell1510]

Nader was a publicity hound. He "wrote the book" because HIS NHTSB couldn't find fault. Same as the Pinto. The truth is no where near the legend however in the Pinto's case it was Corparate greed that makes it so infamous. They simply put a $ figure on lives and got caught.

[@joshuafuller9898]

Failure? They sold the crap out of those things. As far as safety, the concern was the rear wheel folding under in an extreme turn. This was corrected in the '65-up cars. Those were a ball to drive. The biggest REAL issue is that the flat six leaked like a colander.

[@FACEBOOKS-WBDS]

I WOULD LOVE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BUILDER, I AM LOOKING TO DO THE SAME FULL FRAME CONVERTION?

[@FACEBOOKS-WBDS]

PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME HOW TO GET AHOLD OF THIS GUY....THE BUILDER NOT THE HOST

[@bazzhm1447]

W h aa a a a a attt !? n ,🏚,z ,i gollums' NEVER invented any v8 or any machines. And thats not an original convair engine《 TRUTH《 , they change fuel pump to electric pump 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅