Corvair adapter kits are still available for the VW trans.  Since the Vair motor runs the opposite direction from the VW motor, you will need to flip the ring gear inside of your transmission.  This is your easiest and cheapest route to Corvair power.

I have wondered why one couldn't run the Corvair transaxle under a buggy... especially since it's a Saganaw. Assuming you wouldn't need to hack the body, you would need to fit the trailing arms somehow to the frame.... Unless there was a way to utilize the stock VW spring plates to locate the axle tube.

That would be an interesting project if you ask me.

Jay

Oh, there's a way, Jay. It's called a TransVair conversion, usually used in the Bus. Essentially, you use the entire rear suspension clip from the Corvair and mate it to the VW pan, cutting off the frame horns. Mucho work and welding!

I wasn't aware that THAT is what a trans vair kit was. I've heard of the kit 1000 times, guess I always thought that was mating a vair engine to a VW tranny.

Thanks for the description of the kit!

Jay

If you're after more power I would suggest a bored VW motor. A 1914cc motor with good heads, cam and carbs will get you about 110-120 horse putting you in the range of a Corvair motor. It will bolt right in and best of all be WAAAAYYYY lighter than a 6 banger Corvair. Kennedy Engineering makes all kinds of adapters for the VW transmission. I could see using a Chevy motor years ago when there was precious little for true performance parts for VW's but now there's a ton of stuff. If you want to go nuts check out CB performances engine builders kits $4100 for a 2332cc and another $1000 for carbs and you'll have 200hp, not cheap but their stuff is worth every penny.

brad

I'd have to agree that the VW power can be made to match and exceed the Vair's, but the sound of a six and how smooth it feels is just a little different. 

Figure a couple of hundred for the flywheel and adapter to mount the Vair to VW tranny, with a few starter options depending on ratation chosen.

and the Samba has a transvair listed on it, just search Corvair.  This add to the difficult factor if adapting, but whatever.

The dressed Corvair will be about 75 lbs heavier than the typical buggy VW.

For that matter,, stick a Porsche six, now that is heavy, , but cool and expensive.

A VW engine can be built to match or exceed a "stock" Corvair engine.  Granted Corvair parts are getting harder to find (especially performance parts) they can still be found and if built properly can exceed 350 hp (most likely cost prohibitive and definitely overkill).  Finding a good 140hp Corvair engine and doing a stock rebuild will be about the same as an equivalent VW engine (well built engine to well built engine, not including beefing up the transaxle, conversion items, etc...). 

I have many times thought about doing a Corvair conversion but i have always strayed away from it because in my opinion it does not look good hanging out the back of a buggy (too long).  However, I have since come across a 911 style porsche cooling conversion that looks awesome.  In addition, it should reduce the weight by several pounds.

Where's the drooling icon? Spatz...looks killer! I shoulda kept up with my 'Vair engine, but just didn't have the funds. Even had the Weber triple throats...let those go for cheap.....where did you find the shroud for the engine?

OMG THAT IS TOOOOOO COOOL.

brad

Starr Cooke is a Corvair engine builder in California and he designed and manufactures the kit (shroud, fan, and alternator).  The kit is not cheap ($1500), but looks top shelf.

Here is a different version.

Oh yeah, I've talked with Starr years ago. Very cool stuff!

This is what Starr says about his system

"The Porsche fan takes 12 hp at 6,000rpm whereas the stock Corvair fan uses 26hp at 6,000rpm and you cannot keep a belt on it if it revs quickly.  You will not throw a belt with a Porsche fan.  The Porsche fan conversion which I manufacture I sell for $1,500."

I wonder what Jake Raby would have to say about that fan shroud?  8)

You do not know what you are talking about.  I did all the development for Paul Hadley who did the TRANSVAIR  and it uses a cage around the rear of the engine  and will not fit in a bus.  Thanks  Starr Cooke 619 4476788 San Diego, Ca. 

I set the national record in the sand drags in the 150 cu. in class against the VW naturally assperated @ 3.56 in a hundred yards so a hair dryer 6 cylender corvair can out produce a VW naturally asperated.  Pauter makes a 3,000cc motor that makes as much HP as you want or can afford with a tutbo-injected but only has 1 stock VW part --- the brass distributor drive gear. Thanks for looking.  Starr Cooke 619 4476788 San Diego, Ca. 

Hey Starr,

Glad to see you here!  Can you give some additional details about your conversion shroud?  I think it is a slick setup that would look great behind a buggy!  I have also posted some pictures on thesamba of your conversion shroud (hope you don't mind).  I would love to own one of your engines someday.

Hi I have gone the corvair reverse rotation route - Just slightly modded heads and mild cams produce nice easy power - a lot more than a VW unit - I also think that a corvair unit looks good hanging out the back, its different and a bit old school. If you are having a engine built - for the price of new cams it is not worth not doing !!!
In terms of buggies I like the 60's look. 170 HP in a lightweight buggy is value for money !!!

BUT - and there is always a big hairy BUT - The handelling is 'interesting / challenging'  !!!! especially if you have tires that are slightly larger than the norm as well.

Martin
corvairdunebuggy.com

BUT - and there is always a big hairy BUT - The handelling is 'interesting / challenging'  !!!! especially if you have tires that are slightly larger than the norm as well.

That's the part that I don't like. these things are skitterish enough without hanging another 75lbs behind the back tires. I'll stick with my 175hp VW engine.

I thought about the $1300 Porsche shroud conversion for it, but it take almost twice the HP to drive it and it delivers almost 3 tiimes the CFM of air, which is good if you're in the desert but for me I don't think my engine would ever get up to optimum operating temperture.

brad

I can remember as a 15 year old riding around with Ted Trevor in his corvair manx.  Ted popped a wheelie with us two kids hanging on the fake roll bar and blew the transaxle.  Pissed Ted off soo much he went back to the drawing board and reversed the corvair engine so it wouldn't tear up the gear.  Was a cool wheelie though.  Was impressed how he could reverse the rotation of the engine...
glenn.

The Saginaw and corvair rear end is so much longer than the VW set up that it is a major job to make it fit.  Thanks for listening.  Starr  619 4476788

First of all you have to reverse the rotation of the motor as the porsche fan has to run opposite the corvair rotation as it is an air-foil design.  By reversing the rotation you run on the inside of the VW ring gear and do not break trannies.  Thanks for listening Starr Cooke  619 4476788 San Diego, Ca.

I raced a Myers Manx against  Ted @ Orange County and Dodger stadium and finished fist once and second to ted and he was a better driver than me. I  once  saw ted spin the car backward  accross the finish line and then do it the second pass to beat me.  Thanks for looking.  Starr Cooke 

Starr, let me just say, I'm glad to see you here. You and I spoke on the phone in late September/ early October 2009 about a Corvair engine I just bought from a man who had bought the engine from you to put in his airboat.

I'm thankful you came to the DBA to share your wisdom!

Jay Hart

My name is Starr Cooke San Diego, Ca.  619 4476788 and I build the 911 fan conmversions.  You have to reverse the rotation as the porsche fan is directional.  Saved 15 HP @ 6,000 rpm and never loose a fan belt.  Thanks Starr

Thanks and hello--Starr

The Saginaw is much longer than a VW tranny so the axels will not be in the right place if you use the VW spring plates.  Starr Cooke 619 4476788 San Diego. Ca.

The saginaw is longer than a VW tranny so the axels will not be @ the right angle if you use the VW torsion plates.  The Saginaw is way strong up to 500 HP but is way to heavy.  Great for a street machine but not a buggy or light race car.  Gear ratios are bad on a Sag.  Good luck Starr Cooke San Diego, Ca.   619 4476788

Pal Hadly did the Transvair and I did the majority of the field testing for him.  Starr Cooke San Diego, Ca.  619 4476788

Hi Starr

I remember you racing out at Holtville in your CSR!

you have a website? i'm really interested