Turbo---180 hp vs. 150 hp

[jmikulec]

I have a 1964 corvair 164 cubic inch motor for the 150 hp turbo set up. Do you know if I can put a 180 hp turbo set up on there.


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[66vairguy]

Actually the 64 Turbo was more than 150HP due to the larger engine size. In 65 other changes were made to bring it up to 180HP, including a revised turbo. One issue to note is the head gasket area was increased on the 65 and up engines.

HP figures are misleading as they don't equate to driveability and turbo lag, etc.

The Corvair Turbo system was very simple and reliable and that created some drawbacks , one is quite a bit of turbo lag. When you start changing things you can end up with a strong running engine - until it blows up.

A lot of Vair turbo folks swap parts from the EM and LM turbo to optimize power and response. Remember the main component to limit boost (and ensure reliability) was the original carburetor on the Corvair turbo engine. Keep that in mind when folks suggest going to a bigger carburetor.

Here is a recent conversation as a reference - http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.php?1,909497

[notched]

There are a bunch of things that are different on a 1964 turbo engine vs a 65-66 turbo engine
camshaft is the 891 as used on 110 and manual trans 140's vs the 304 cam used on a the 65-66 turbo
distributor
turbocharger (64 still used B flow compressor and turbine) 65-66 used the larger F flow compressor and turbine)
the carburetor venturi is larger on the 65-66
all of the exhaust pipes are different and must be used based on what year the engine is being installed into.

[jmikulec]

So the 64 engine was very close to a 65 engine


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[jmikulec]

So if I have a 63 turbo could I stick it on a 64 engine


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[notched]

So the 64 engine was very close to a 65 engine


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Close but not exact. Cylinder spigot diameter is smaller and this makes the head gaskets thinner. Not ideal for hard use or high boost.

[notched]

So if I have a 63 turbo could I stick it on a 64 engine


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Yes. Compressor and turbine wheels are identical. The main difference between the 62-63 turbo and the 64 turbo are the turbine housings.
The 62-63 used a flat gasket that was compressed between a flat flange on the outlet pipe. The flange on the turbine housing was also flat.
The 64 turbine housing (like the 65-66 housings) has a bevel cut into it for a donut gasket. The outlet pipe has the piece on it as well for the donut gasket.
Some people will cut the 62-63 housing for use with the donut gasket.

[miniman82]

You can convert the turbo to a 180 cold side and use a 65-66 carb, it'll be a 180 at that point for all intents and purposes aside from the fact that it will spool a lot better because of the smaller turbine. PM me if you need turbo work done.