Corvair 4.3 V6 conversion

[SfcColts]

Im just fishing for ideas here.

If I ever finish my Mustang project Im wanting to build a Corvair 4.3 V6 conversion that ive had in my head. I currently have a 65 Corvair but this would NOT be the donor car. Im thinking I would use a EM for the conversion for a couple of reasons:
1-Ive read in this forum the EM's have thicker sheet metal, this may help the rigidity of the body
2-Ive seen many LM V8 conversions but few EM's
3-I could be wrong but I think I could get into an EM cheaper than a LM

Ive seen Crown conversions and other V8 conversions but im thinking a 4.3 V6 will give me the power I need. Im thinking the V6 would not take up all the engine compartment. I dont think it would take to many body modifications, too many being the key word there :). Also there may be enough room to even run the radiator in the rear thus not changing the integrity of the front end.

Im curious as to how the engine mates up to the tranny? I know the back end of a 4.3 V6 is the same as a 350 so is there an adaptor plate for the tranny or do they go together like peas and carrots?

Has anyone ever tried putting a 4.3 V6 with a reverse cam in a corvair?

I have a coworker who has a complete wrecked car with a 3.8 v6 with tranny and all the computer stuff. He wants me to use this but I think that would be a bigger undertaking.

Like I said, im just fishing for thoughts and comments.

[notched]

There are several guys on the other Corvair message board who have reverse rotated V6's in the back of their Corvairs.

[Phil Dally]

Ditch the V6 idea...man up and build a mid engine V8 car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jaymaechtlen]

Well, the EM has a swing axle suspension. The rear subframe and suspension is completely different from the LM, so it would be a serious job to convert to LM suspension.
Of course, anything is possible - If you're willing to do some fabrication.
I gather your friend's 3.8 is a transverse setup?
If so, it is a job to fit it into the EM as a transverse. Just about all the structure behind the rear seat is in the way.
You even have to make clearance in the driver side frame to clear the trans side cover.
The 3.8 is a great motor, but won't be ultra fast without a turbo or a supercharger.
I don't know what it takes to run one of those reverse rotation.
Considering the 4.3 will have almost twice the torque of the Corvair motor, it should scoot pretty well.

[SfcColts]

Ive scratched the 3.8 with tranvers set up all together.

I sounds like a LM would be a better fit for this project.

[Bobby65]

if you just want to bolt up a 4.3 to a corvair trans, an em would be just as easy as a LM

[Ragtop Man]

Here's another swap you might consider in this video - entire 3.8 SC front wheel in a LM coupe . He has a follow up video showing it installed and doing a burnout ! The pics are not that clear but it gives you an idea. I'd like to do this on my 4 door LM and perhaps put an entire Regal GS into the Vair . By this I mean take the whole wiring harness, instrument cluster , antilock brakes etc and install in the Vair . This seems like it's a great swap without completely losing the back seat area .
Anyone got experience with this type of swap ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMzXTU5v6c4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The follow up vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r29N-xI-Vd0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jaymaechtlen]

The Regal GS swap is very similar to what I have now.
From the pics I've seen, the LM has much more room than EM for a transverse setup.

Now: The Regal has a wider track than a 'Vair. AND, look at the wheel mounting faces - they are within an inch of the outside edge of the wheel. That means - either go to narrower track somehow (shorter axles, control arms, etc.) or flared fenders.
The struts limit your wheel/tire clearance too.

If you do the motor in the rear, the wiring looms won't work easily. The Regal's motor is right in front of the dash, not 6 feet behind it. So, lots of possibilities, but not a simple build.

Cheers
Jay

[jaymaechtlen]

One other thing - The antilock brakes need wheel speed sensors on all four corners. That would mean more than an ordinary disk brake swap up front - you'd need something with the sensors front and back.
I didn't look at the video before my other post - the guy used the 'Vair control arms? or anyway, he didn't use the Regal suspension at all. That takes care of a couple of my warnings above.
But, when my 3800 supercharged goes in, I am seriously considering the instruments out of a Regal GS for it. Right now, other stuff first.
Cheers
Jay