Tranny Swap

[kneesamo]

Hello there, new to the forum, and pretty new in the world of Corvair modification.

I have a 1963 Spyder, with a 4-speed and was curious if it is possible to swap over to the later gen. tranny.

While i'm at it, heard of anyone converting the swing-axle to IRS?

Thanks,
Ben
Here is a pic of the car.

[flat6_musik]

Hi Ben.....and welcome to the forums. Hey, nice car! I like that color and I noticed the bumper mod too! I have seen one EM converted over to IRS......I think Scott, our moderator can direct you to who he is....I forgot his name, but I sure remember his car! That was an amazingly beautiful EM IRS "hardtop"......and "one of none" too!

[martyscarr]

Welcome Ben

The EM with IRS was talked about here: viewtopic.php?f=176&t=349
It has some other nice mods as well.

Yes, you can change the trans in your car to a 64/65, it will bolt right up to your diff; you will need to pull the engine to install the larger input shaft. The later 66-69 trans will require quite a bit of cutting to fit, and you really won't gain much IMO.

Is there something wrong with your trans? They're easy to rebuild.

Marty Scarr

[cad-kid]

Welcome Ben :)

[kneesamo]

Thank you all for the responses!

The transmission is fine, I was just wondering what my options are.

Also got confused for a second there, didn't realize that the lower-inner suspensions points hung off the differential.

So I guess my real question should have been,
Is the later trans-axle swappable?

[martyscarr]

So I guess my real question should have been, Is the later trans-axle swappable?

Any of the different combinations can be made to fit, 65 and earlier are much less work than the 66-69 units.

You can mix and match an early trans to a late diff, and vice versa, it is not real hard to do, most people don't do it as it's usually easier to just find the correct combo.

If you're looking for IRS, the 65 transaxle is the one you want, IMO. It will have the holes to attach the lower control arm brackets, and will bolt right up to your existing trans or you can use a 64-65 trans. You'll also need the trailing arms (with axles) off a 65-69 car and you will have to fabricate some custom brackets for the front of the trailing arms.

You'll also have to address the lug pattern on your wheels...

Marty

[cvair4life]

Howdy Ben and welcome... looks like you've generated some member interest already :)

[kneesamo]

Thanks very much for the info!

Now I don't know if I will ever get to the point of fabricating an IRS set-up for the car, but I have been day dreaming on the subject for quiet some time now.

I would definetely want to keep the the original 4-lug pattern, which is shared with many Imports, leaving me with a broad assortment of wheels to choose from(13" mags are cool but just not cuttin' it), these being my top choice.


It would also give me many options on the hubs that I could use, many options, all of which would come with disc brakes(not that I think they are totally needed but not shunned upon), and an also very broad assortment of suspension pick-up points to choose from.

On the brake side it would take some detective work to figure out which piston size would give me the proper engagement and pedal feel, which would narrow down the selection. The suspension pick-up points is a whole other world of geekery, into which I have hardly delved. The driveshafts would be custom. The control arms, lateral-links, toe-links, would also be custom, using spherical bearings when possible, poly-graphite for bushings, and heim rods for ease of adjustment.

All in all if I do ever start this project, there will be a build thread to go hand and hand with it, sharing my revelations, and blunders, for others to learn upon. Maybe i'll just start on for the car itself.

Ben

[flat6_musik]

I love those wheels.....I wanted them for an old Toyota I own. They sell those on Ebay fairly cheap and 16 X 7 too!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ROTA-RB- ... 2023wt_958

[UNSAFE]

If you want to keep the 4 lug wheels you will have to have the rear axle flanges redrilled . This involves removing the flanges.

There are already many different disc brake setups that are tried and true. Remember that you will need a rear parking brake and that will limit your options on calipers .

If it was me ------------------


------------- I'd just get a late model

[Scott H]

The EM with LM rear suspension belongs to Ted Osbourne (osbornslo). He travels allot and is a bit hard to get ahold of. I hear from him once in awhile. He takes the vair when they travel so it still gets driven. He recently finished all the electric windows and buttoned up that last of the interior so it's pretty much done now. I think he is still working on an electronic power steering assist. There was an extensive article in the Corsa Communique on the car as well.

Welcome to the site Nice Spyder!