Al Corporon (Al's V8Vair)

[Xplantdad]

I purchased this car in the late 80's it is a 66 Corvair with a V8 conversion installed in it. The company that made this kit was Crown Manufacturing Company Inc. out of Newport Beach , California. The kit included basicly everything ,all you needed was a solid car , motor , radiator and your time to install the kit. Crown suggested about 40 hours work to do it.


In 1967 they stated that you could install from a 283 to a 427. although the big blocks were just to much in every aspect, but if the power train could have held together it would have been a monster. a L-88 was installed in one car they built. I can only imagine it did not last long. I have included a article from a magazine with a photo of the L-88 in one of the cars.


My car runs basicly a 327 with the corvair transaxle , the differential is upgraded with a 4 spider gear unit from the 2 spider unit. the transaxle sits in the stock location as when the corvair motor was mated to it. the suspension has four Crown V8 springs and Crown front and rear sway bars. For now the car still runs the four wheel drum brakes. a large 4 core radiator from a mid 70's Cadilac is mounted up front.


From the time I bought it in 87 it was my daily driver in the summer. I tried to drive it from March to November that included everyday to work , out on evenings , drive in movies, car shows on the weekends and sometimes to the cottage. not the most practical car to do most of that with , but when you are in your 20's and foolish practical meant nothing.

After about 3 summers of thrashing it around I had beat up the transaxle pretty bad. winter came and I stored it needing repair. in the spring of 1990 a friend was selling his 77 vette and I could not pass it up and I wanted to help him out ! so it became my daily drive and the vair sat in storage. I would drive it once and awhile just to keep things moving. by 1991 I sold the V8 and my wife ( girl friend at the time ) sold her 66 corsa convertible to buy our first house and we got married.


So up untill 1994 we enjoyed the vette but by the middle of that summer I got a call from the guy I sold the V8 to and he was interested in selling it . well I had to help him out so I bought it back. the transaxle had been rebuilt and some other mechanical work was done and I was good to go. about a month after I sold the vette and the corvair occupied my time. I am currently swapping out the 327 with a 350 as well as some minor upgrades.


Three years ago I purchased another corvair for my wife , a 66 monza coupe. simalir to what she had when we met in high school.


The V8 is an absolute blast to drive , I still scare myself in it once and awhile , but it's a good scare !
thanks for letting me share my ride.


Al Corporon.


For a detailed story on Crown here is a link http://www.corvaircorsa.com/crown1a.html from there you can see to fine modern V8 Corvairs
For more V8 Corvairs of all sorts see www.v8vairs.com (http://www.v8vairs.com)


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_CrownV8kit2.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_L-88CrownV8.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_AlscrownV8.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_AlsV8LexingtonKY.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_AlsV8LexingtonKY2.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_CrownV8vettewheels.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_Corv8rear.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_interior.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_LesliesandAlscars.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_May26engineswap.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_motorcomingout.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/als%20v8%20vair/tn_motorout.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

Way cool!!! That has got to be a blast to drive. I have a special fondness for Corvairs. I learned to drive in my parents' 61 Corvair Monza 4 speed. My wife's first car was a 62 Corvair 500....3 speed, no radio, rubber floor mat.

[Belair62]

That has to be a handful to drive !! I also see the aircraft landing lights !! I used to have those in everything I drove. They would fry the guys retinas in front of you !

[mockingbird812]

Cool ride Al. Great history lesson on the V-8 conversion. Bet she goes like the wind. How does she handle with the increased weight in the rear?

Thanks!

[Z-11 396]

+++ Al +++ Fantastic ''Vair "" all that horsepower, and low weight, makes for one fast a$$ ride... ""Now "" that's what I need in my Corvair, a lot more /// GO ///, and less show.. Al, you have one great car, I can't imagine what it would be like to handle that... Thanks for sharing, if I weren't so old, and broke, I would love to do what you have,, Thanks again..Kasey ... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[AlsV8vair]

Hey , thanks guys.

It is a blast to drive. at times it can be a handful,it will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. once or twice I think I actually stopped breathing http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

the car obviously handled better when it was lower with the vette wheels but I wanted a change and I like the look of the 60's muscle cars so I changed the springs and shocks , I had the wheels sitting around , painted them and got the look I was after.
One thing the car does not lack is traction http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif I had considered a set of skinny bias ply's just for cruise nights and also a pair of Thrush side kicks but I am not sure if that would look alright .

Kasey I would like to see some photos of your vair.

thanks

Al

[Xplantdad]

Hey Al...thanks for sharing your cool Corvair! It must be a total blast to drive it around...and you will be the only one at a cruise with one!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

Kasey needs to send pics in to Rob for his 'Vair!

[Z-11 396]

[ QUOTE ]
Kasey needs to send pics in to Rob for his 'Vair!

[/ QUOTE ]

++++ BRUCEEE +++ If I had a Vair like Al's with all that get up. and "GO", I would have plenty of pictures to "SHOW"...Kasey... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q101/65z13/nadar.jpg
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!

Great ride Al !!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[Sportwagon400]

Hi great forum I am the new custodian of Als great little Crown Corvair <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif we made the deal about 1 year ago and I have enjoyed the car a lot. ( Thanks Al ) This year I am adding 4 wheel disc brakes and lowering the car to a more sane level ( sorry Al ) as i go I will add pictures but I am happy to be a part of Als fanily as he is a part of mine. The car gets a lot of use ( some very hard ) and i will make sure it continues to live on

Ken

[C1SS396]

I wish i could talk my wife into letting me put a V8 in her 65 corvair.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii128/c1ss396/securedownload_zps99d95a9b.jpg

[Sportwagon400]

Its better to beg forgivness than ask permission hehehe that why i have 11 cars

[Big Block Bill]

Memories: My 1969 Buick Gran Sport GS 400 Stage 1 I had in High School: original owner (GM Exec) Gross Point Farms Michigan, spring of 1972. Dark Blue, Light Blue buckets, A/C TH400, 3:64 to 1 Posi,Factory AM/FM 8 Track, power Locks, Windows, Seats, &amp; Reclining Passenger bucket seat, 1 of the the fastest cars in Lake Pake High School in Medinah Illinois from 1972 - 1973 until I purchased a 1969 Hemi Road Runner 11:57 @ 125 MPH w/3 MPG. You Gotta Love it @ $.45 a Gallon! Sweet!

Bill

[Sportwagon400]

Talk about memories I worked for Safety Kleen back in the 80's when they were based in Elk Grove Village IL.
I was there many times, great little town even went to the roadster shop with my then boss Clyde Phillips

Ken

[AlsV8vair]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sportwagon400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi great forum I am the new custodian of Als great little Crown Corvair <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif we made the deal about 1 year ago and I have enjoyed the car a lot. ( Thanks Al ) This year I am adding 4 wheel disc brakes and lowering the car to a more sane level ( sorry Al ) as i go I will add pictures but I am happy to be a part of Als fanily as he is a part of mine. The car gets a lot of use ( some very hard ) and i will make sure it continues to live on

Ken</div></div>

Hi Ken

How ya doing buddy. Wow the old car looks good. Ya I miss it . but it is at a better home. You are doing all the things I wanted to do to it. for one reason or another just never got to it.
On to my next car, But I do miss the GS as well. just have to finish up the Belair.

It was a pleasure meeting you, true car guy. felt like I new you for years first time we met.

Hey try not to burn those back tires off. it is easy to do, Hehehehe.
just sayin.

[Sportwagon400]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AlsV8vair</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Hi Ken

How ya doing buddy. Wow the old car looks good. Ya I miss it . but it is at a better home. You are doing all the things I wanted to do to it. for one reason or another just never got to it.
On to my next car, But I do miss the GS as well. just have to finish up the Belair.

It was a pleasure meeting you, true car guy. felt like I new you for years first time we met.

Hey try not to burn those back tires off. it is easy to do, Hehehehe.
just sayin. </div></div>

Well Al if you get that Chev to run why not jump in and drive her on the power cruise with us in July to the Seattle goodguys show My wife and I are driving my 69 GS350 and my buddy and his wife are driving my 65 Sportwagon I might even have that 65 Custom Sport I am looking at who knows If I get to go on a course to Ajax again ill make sure to come visit you for sure

Ken

[AlsV8vair]

Hi Ken
It sounds good but not this year. just can not fit it in. plus may car need some good miles on it before it can go a distance.

you better stop by if you make it this way. I will put you to work on something. lol

how is the deal going on the 65 custom sport.

[Sportwagon400]

Well i didnt get the custom sport good thing i really done need any more cars hahahahaha

Ken

and i always have courses in Ajax so you will see me again

[x Baldwin Motion]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C1SS396</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wish i could talk my wife into letting me put a V8 in her 65 corvair.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii128/c1ss396/securedownload_zps99d95a9b.jpg </div></div>


Evening Orchid on that 'Vair?

[Sportwagon400]

WELL I went and added another V8 Vair to my collection this one os the Kelmark conversion 1968 MONZA 327 295HP 4spd 3.55 open diff
After 40 years of looking for one I now own two of them HAHAHA
mind you the Crown I got from AL is the best one by a mile