I am thinking about putting a Subaru engine in my Manx style buggie. I weigh the possibility of adapting the engine to a Corvair powerglide transmission instead of a VW transmission. 

Some folks years ago would run the Corvair engine and tranny in their bug.  As I remember the kits at the time allowed the powerglide/4 speed to be bolted to the VW frame and had adapters for the VW swing axles to work. No rotation issues and a stronger tranny.

The thought being that to handle Subaru power I would need a beefed up VW tranny.  My 40 horse swing axle probably will not stay together very long.  The second thought being with the automatic the linkage would be simpler, no clutch issues, and no carrying a spare clutch cable.  The third thought no chance of a missed shift during the quarter mile or shifting issues in rough country.

Any comments:
engine verse tranny rotation
kits available
anybody done it before

I think your toughest job will be finding a suitable Subaru to Corvair adapter set-up!  Subaru-VW-Corvair maybe???
Otherwise, keep a lookout for the old Transvair adapter kit, find one, buy it, and start building.

If I were interested in an auto trans conversion - I'd probably be looking towards a T3 auto trans (maybe a Porsche auto trans???) vs. Corvair.

Anything is possible!  Just need the will-power (and $$$) to follow it through!

Jeff

I agree with Jeff. A direct adapter will be impossible to find, so you'd need to have one machined. Unfortunately the only automatic that would probably work would be the 'Vair: a VW auto has a very limited torque/horsepower curve in which it can operate without detonating!

Did the VW Bus ever come in an auto option?  That might be a possibility?

I remember reading about an off-road auto trans in an old Hot VWs magazine (likely late 70's?) about one of the prominent trans builders at the time setting up a VW auto for off road.  Maybe there is (or most likely was...) potential for the auto trans to handle more power?  Now days, probably not a viable option.

Jeff

Kennedy could probably build the adapter you need just using the info they have on file.

Don't recall that. It may have something to do with a different torque convertor. A stock convertor is the limiting factor, not necessarily the engine. If one could find or modify the tc...then anything is possible!

try the chassis shop, i think they have everything, or can make it.

As mentioned, engine direction is going to be a major hurdle.  The 'glide will require the engine to run counterclockwise.

There was an auto tranny in the late bay window buses and on into the Vanagons.  This is probably the best and cheapest option.  And more than likely K.E.P. makes a kit for it already.