LS1/C5 transaxle swap?

[vanwyk4257]

I'm contemplating making my corvair 95 van a long-term project and doing it the way I want it.
I am thinking about installing an LS motor mated directly to an automatic C5 transaxle, i.e., no torque tube. From my research the overall drivetrain is about 54 inches long. I would also probably do some fabrication to install the full rear C5 suspension cradle/suspension.

Has anyone done a mid-engine conversion on a corvair with this engine/gearbox combo yet? I'd be interested to see how it was done. I'm pretty sure mine would be the only van so equipped...

[terribleted]

A guy here in Atlanta (Ken Arnold) has done something like this. He used a corvette trans with no driveshaft and a 327. Worked out awesome. Mounting was relatively easy, he fabbed a few brackets. His is one sweet Ramp.

Here is a link to photos of the build:

http://www.corvaircorsa.com/arnold01.html

[vanwyk4257]

Thanks for the link, that's very similar to what I'm thinking of, but mine would be a full-on pro touring build.

[Vanman]

Big question wold be what is the width outside of disc mounting surface (where the wheels mount up) of the vette rear end, compared to the vans.

A braced/boxed frame would also go a long way.

[vanwyk4257]

A C5 is around 62". It's a bit wider, but with deep offset wheels it would probably fit. I do know that c6's have a narrower rear track, but I don't think anyone makes a standalone controller for the c6's trans. I want to use the c5 to be able to run the transaxle. With the ls1 bolted to it directly sans torque tube it's supposedly only 54" overall for engine and transaxle.
I would definitely be doing a custom rear chassis to have more room for rear tires, I'd like to be able to fit up to a 335/30R18 out back. I would probably also box in the entire central frame rail w/ 2x3 steel.