My first attempt to build a 1965 corvair V8

[Manny's corvair]

I started this project two months ago and here is where I'm at. I used other people's examples to start.

Making small progress

It has full roll cage
Aluminum panels


Adapter plate by KEP
For Porsche 986 5 speed with flywheel

Any good idea or example would help thank you everyone.

I am new to the corvair world.

[toytron]

Nice work

Ed Stevenson

[Manny's corvair]

Thank you!

[azdave]

Seems like you are off to a great start!

[Manny's corvair]

I did a bit more work last night.

[Trip]

Beautiful work, I look forward to seeing the finished product. Awesome that you are using that Porsche transaxle.

[Manny's corvair]

Thank you Ray. I was looking for a transaxle that would keep the engine as far back as possible. I did not want the engine beside me. I looked into lambo Gallardo 6 speed transaxle to Mendiola and Corvette. But the Porsche was the cheapest route for me and it would keep the engine pretty far back. For now I will be using the Porsche 5 speed 986 to finish the project and later get the 986 6 speed which I hear is good for 600hp stock. The five speed is good for 300hp.

[Manny's corvair]

My next tackle will be the CV joints and lower struts. I can't use the original CV joint because they are to long. So I was thinking about the Jeep Wrangler mid shaft which is extendable, but I don't know if this will work. I don't know how to measure the new CV joint (drive line). I was thinking this type of step would eliminate some of the guess work of measurements. I would remove the item in the red box

Any ideas would help.

Thanks!

[azdave]

Many people have done as you plan using a telescoping half shaft but you of course need to fab the supports for the suspension and set the length of the half shaft so it does not over-compress or over-extend anywhere within the normal range of motion in the suspension. Lots of brain power needed to redesign the stock setup where the half shaft is at a fixed length and part of the suspension function and strength.

[Manny's corvair]

Okay got it thank you

[Manny's corvair]

My first attempt to get this right!

[Manny's corvair]

This is where I'm at

Do you think it will work?

[azdave]

Looks like you've got the right idea for the bottom links. What are your plans for the uppers? That's when it gets fun.

[thewolfe]

You need upper links as well. The lengths of upper and lower links will determine what kind of camber curve the suspension will have during travel. Best thing to do is set things up at static ride height without the springs installed and start experimenting.

[Manny's corvair]

Thanks Dave and Nate for the info. I ordered some parts to start the rear suspension. I have a good idea on how I am going to do it.

On the mean time so I'm not waiting around I decided to work on the wire harness. Who ever had the car before me played doctor without a degree....lol. After reading the wiring diagram for the engine bay I find it all wrong. So I think I am just going to order a new one.

The wire loom going from the engine to the front of the car looks in good shape, but the wire loom with the fuse box is shit. I looked for it on various websites and found some for $300 and some change...not bad I guess for a 65.

I already figured out most of the wire harness and where they plug in. So my question is should I go with the original fuse box harness or a after market one. I found the engine harness fairly cheap, but remember i am putting a V8.

What are your thoughts ?

[Manny's corvair]

I also picked up a few items I found at a swap meet

40$ buck for the new turn signal

8$ bucks for both Corsa badge

50$ bucks for the front badge