If using a Corvair engine (standard rotation or reverse rotation) adapted to a VW transaxle using a Crown adapter (or equivalent), do you need to install a bushing in the end of the Corvair crank to support the transaxle shaft? 

Yes, there is a brass pilot bushing that slip-fits into the flywheel. Clarks Corvair has them, but you have to call them as it doesn't have a catalog number.

There is a picture of one at the bottom of this page:
http://www.corvair.com/user-cgi/catalog.cgi?function=goto&catalog=SPECIALTY&section=OTTO&page=OTTO-38

Thanks Rob! 

Did you actually find a bushing? I believe the one in the catalog is for the end of the starter shaft. I miked my shaft and crank hole and came up with about .005". I would be very interested if there is really a bushing there.

  Thanks!

David, You got me questioning my memory cells, (it has been several years since I did my NOS Crown conversion), so I looked in the 'Corvair To Volkswagen Installation Instructions', which was part of my original Crown kit. Page 5 says the following:

"Remove the original pilot bushing, if there is one, and replace it with a new one (supplied). Leave it sticking out ¼" from the crankshaft for more bearing on the trans mainshaft. To remove the old bushing, pack the hole with grease and insert a shaft which just fits inside the old bushing and hit it with a hammer. If this doesn't work, use a chisel and cut it out. Be careful not to damage the new bushing when installing, as this can be a source of clutch problems later."

Rob

Thanks for the info! I will take a closer look the next time I pull the engine. Probably this winter to paint.