Greenbrier Engine & Transaxle

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Harris
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2017 4:26 pm
Location: Reno, NV

Greenbrier Engine & Transaxle

Post by Harris »

Recently bought an empty shell '62 Greenbrier Sports Wagon, and we are looking for good advice on certain parts. Our plan is to turn it into a camper van, so we aren't looking for speed but more so for durability. Our main problem so far is finding information on engines and transaxles that match up and are preferably manual. Since it's and empty shell we are starting from scratch and are open to any advice on this. Thanks! Image
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1962 Greenbrier Sports Wagon
1962 Greenbrier Sports Wagon
66vairguy
Posts: 4528
Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2010 3:44 pm

Re: Greenbrier Engine & Transaxle

Post by 66vairguy »

Please specify what you plan to install. A camper van could be anything from fold down seats and an ice chest to onboard fridge, water supply, heater, A/C, pop up roof, etc.

If you really want a lot of equipment I'd suggest saving money by just getting a newer vehicle. If you want to sleep in it with an ice chest and a camping stove to use outside (and there is nothing wrong with that) the Corvair is fine. Remember the more you add on the MORE the vehicle weights!!

The FC 95 (vans and pickup) had an engine case with an oil filler for access outside the vehicle. Without the proper case you have to lift the inside engine lid to add/check oil (and many do).

IMHO - the best overall drivetrain is the 110HP engine with the later (higher pressure) PowerGlide (PG) automatic. You WILL have to us premium gasoline, but the increase in power and mileage vs. the low compression engine will offset the fuel cost. The 110HP engine has a longer stroke for more low RPM grunt and works well with the PG. Acceleration will be leisurely, but it will run at 70MPH down the highway all day long without issue. I prefer a manual transmission in a Corvair car, but the PG in a van is really much nicer to live with. The Corvair PG is very durable, perhaps better than the manual transmission.

Be aware that PG vans required an exterior transmission oil cooler (it can be added to the car PG). Yours may have it if it was a PG vehicle.

It would help a lot if you knew what suspension parts, engine support, manual or automatic linkage, etc. are in the van now.

Post your location and maybe someone will suggest a place to help. Your project is best done by someone with Corvair experience.
User avatar
Harris
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2017 4:26 pm
Location: Reno, NV

Greenbrier Engine & Transaxle

Post by Harris »

66vairguy wrote:Please specify what you plan to install. A camper van could be anything from fold down seats and an ice chest to onboard fridge, water supply, heater, A/C, pop up roof, etc.

If you really want a lot of equipment I'd suggest saving money by just getting a newer vehicle. If you want to sleep in it with an ice chest and a camping stove to use outside (and there is nothing wrong with that) the Corvair is fine. Remember the more you add on the MORE the vehicle weights!!

The FC 95 (vans and pickup) had an engine case with an oil filler for access outside the vehicle. Without the proper case you have to lift the inside engine lid to add/check oil (and many do).

IMHO - the best overall drivetrain is the 110HP engine with the later (higher pressure) PowerGlide (PG) automatic. You WILL have to us premium gasoline, but the increase in power and mileage vs. the low compression engine will offset the fuel cost. The 110HP engine has a longer stroke for more low RPM grunt and works well with the PG. Acceleration will be leisurely, but it will run at 70MPH down the highway all day long without issue. I prefer a manual transmission in a Corvair car, but the PG in a van is really much nicer to live with. The Corvair PG is very durable, perhaps better than the manual transmission.

Be aware that PG vans required an exterior transmission oil cooler (it can be added to the car PG). Yours may have it if it was a PG vehicle.

It would help a lot if you knew what suspension parts, engine support, manual or automatic linkage, etc. are in the van now.

Post your location and maybe someone will suggest a place to help. Your project is best done by someone with Corvair experience.


Thanks for advice the van is 1962 stock all around. We live in Reno Nevada. It came with a manual trans but as of now is an empty shell.
We have to make new engine mounts so any engine/transaxle combo that will fit in the bay we can build mounts for it. When it comes to the camper stuff all of that will be done post getting it running and driving. For right now we just want the van to move under its own power.

Sent from my iPhone using Corvair Forum mobile app
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