Date:         Mon, 1 Apr 2002 20:03:27 EST
Reply-To:     FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Using American engines for Vanagon swap - why the heck not?
Comments: To: Jay.L.Snyder@usa.dupont.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 4/1/02 1:01:06 PM, Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM writes:

<< Look for a 95 hp engine.  The 110, 140 and 180 turbos won't run that well
on today's premium gas.  The 95s had lower compression and produced as much
grunt down low.  I have the 140hp (4x1 carbs) in a '65 Corsa convertible.
Super car to cruise in.  Needs premium gas.  Transaxles are pretty
bullet-proof. Some ran V-8 conversions using the later '66 to '69
drivetrain.  Look for a '66-69 95hp.  The 110hp powerglides also had the
low-rpm torque cam.  If I had an air-cooled bus, it would be Corvair
powered! >>
Jay,

Great memories. BTDT. I set up a 110 HP Corvair first with the turboglide
then with 4 speed manual. Used the Transvair kit. Real kit. Literally
complete. Great service and value.

Put it in my '72 Safare hightop camper. Redid the heads with hardened valve
seats for the unleaded problem. CC'd the heads. Went to the aftermarket 4
barrel kit with IECO manifold and central Rochester 4 BBl carb. Dyno runs
gave about 152 HP at the flywheel when all was done. Automatic was very nice
to drive but sucked gas. Around 15 mpg. The 4 speed manual was great on the
road (brushed the underside of 20 mpg on the road), but 1st was too tall -
chewed up a few clutches during its lifetime. The whole thing was so fast it
was dangerous. Easily outrun the capability of the brakes and I was running
sintered metallics! New concept for steering - tack for the entry to the
corner! Ran up Mt. Palomar in 3rd and 4th. Fast. Then one day SWMBO threw a
belt and smoked the engine. Still in storage!

Frank Grunthaner