Corvair Forum

Hello first post...new guy...really trying to learn about Corvairs.

A bit of backstory, I landed on Corvairs through Ford Falcons, specifically Falcons raced at Monte Carlo...I know, I know....

I really like the concept of an early-60's economy car that handles well, provides a good driver experience (read:3 pedals) and is relatively simple, inconspicuous and easy to maintain. Needless to say, after looking at all the compacts of the generation, I realized that a Corvair was likely my best bet.

Anyway, after reading all the differences between generations, I have decided that the styling of the EM appeals to me so greatly, that I am willing to sacrifice the improved driving experience that the LM possess.

Having said that, I decided that a '64 was the answer to my prayers....however, limiting myself to a single year obviously limits available cars...especially given my budget and demand for a 4 speed.

So, question is: is there really a significant difference in the performance between pre-'64 EM and '64s? How about factoring in the heavy duty suspension package available in '62/'63?

I may be making too big of deal given the limitations of the car in general...the idea is not for a full-out race car, but it is to drive spiritedly through the twisties.....

Thanks!

You're kind of contradicted yourself. First - if driven carefully the early Corvairs handle as well as any 60's compact, which of course isn't saying much. Compared to modern cars these early cars had marginal handling and stopping power. If you got the early compacts (all of them) out of sorts by abrupt maneuvers they were very unforgiving. If driven in a "normal" manner they are fine. Of course Falcons and Corvairs were modified for racing and indeed did well when driven by PROFESSIONAL drivers.

Second - If you want a car you can drive in a sporting manner then the 64 is the best, better suspension, bigger engine. Contrary to some posts the 64 rear suspension was NOT a camber compensator (sold as an option by the aftermarket folks for earlier cars) it was designed to cancel both excessive camber AND lower the rear roll point to prevent swing axle jacking. It worked well and is a tribute to the engineers at GM. Sad it came late, but remember the Corvair evolved from a compact family car to a sporting car.

Third - I've seen a lot of Corvair enthusiasm (or any old car enthusiasm) killed by a tight budget. So do some planning and wait until you have the money to get what you want.

Welcome to the Corvair Forum!

Your initial post indicates that you are in California. Perhaps the best approach in deciding what model year Corvair is acceptable to you, or determining what range of model years would be acceptable would be to join a local Corvair owners club (CORSA). There are numerous CORSA clubs throughout California. If you would state your location we could perhaps direct you to the nearest well-established CORSA chapter. Joining such a club would allow you to view and perhaps even test drive early model (EM) Corvairs so that you can feel the difference in power and handling. Discussing this with CORSA members could help you to decide what features are important to you and which ones are insignificant. I would tend to view the 1960 Corvair as something of a prototype that was released before many design features were finalized. It is the only model year with a 140 CI engine, and many other components in the 1960 powertrain were unique to that model year. In 1961 the engine displacement was increased to 145 cubic inches (by increasing the piston bore). That engine displacement remained through the 1963 model year. In 1964 the crankshaft stroke was increased to bring the displacement up to 164 cubic inches, which remained the engine displacement until the end of production in 1969. This increased the horsepower rating of the two carburetor engine to 110 hp.

The turbocharged Spyder was introduced in 1962 and was rated at 150 hp. This horsepower rating remain through 1964, in spite of the increased engine displacement. The horsepower limitation was primarily restricted by the size of the turbocharger and did not increase to 180 hp until the turbocharger design was modified in 1965. All Corvair Spyders were fitted with a front anti-sway bar, which also could be ordered with an optional heavy duty suspension on other Corvairs through 1963. In 1964 the anti-sway bar became standard on all models. Also in 1964, a rear transverse leaf spring and modified coil spring rates were fitted in an effort to improve handling with better control of the rear swing axle suspension. This modification only appeared in the 1964 model year, since in 1965 the entire rear suspension was redesigned using a design very similar to the rear suspension design found in the Corvette sports car in that time. The size of the drum brakes remained the same through the 1964 model year, but was increased to a larger size in 1965. A magnesium cooling fan was introduced in 1964. This lightweight fan greatly reduced stress on the engine fan belt and improved fan belt reliability. In 1965 the generator was eliminated and replaced by an alternator. Both of these changes can be fitted to earlier Corvairs and are often seen in the EM Corvairs.

So basically the 1964 Corvair benefited from a slight increase in horsepower and torque and from a somewhat improved and more stable suspension configuration. You will have to decide how important these features are to you, and whether or not you are willing to restrict your search to the 1964 model year based on these enhancements. As I said earlier, discussing these changes with current owners and perhaps test driving the different EM models would be the best way to make that determination. Contacting a local CORSA club chapter may be the best approach for you in making this determination.

You also have many options in the EM Corvairs with regard to body style. You can choose a coupe, convertible, four-door sedan, truck, station wagon, or van.

I bought a new 1962 Monza 4 speed & at 18 years of age I drove the crap out of it. I got married at 21 & bought a new 65 4 door sedan with a 3 speed & I was still young & drove the crap out of it. I didn't think they handled any different, I also ran the 62 with 28 lbs. of air in the front, more than recommended which suited my driving style better. Playing tag with a buddy & taking right & left turns at 30 mph & more, I could catch his full size Olds but he couldn't catch me. The 64 I have doesn't seem any different.
Gook luck & have fun.

Great info. and thanks for the input. I am located in the Bay Area. East bay to be exact. Seems like there are lots of active Corvair enthusiasts in the area.

I understand all the differences in model years - really interested in if the pre-'64s handle much differently the improved '64s, given the constraints of the car.

Driven to the extreme, I am sure minor adjustments become far more important. Sure, I desire to shift gears and feel the steering, but I am not racing or trying to...just looking for something more engaging than my vanilla Passat (although with the TDI...it moves pretty well). The gauge panel of the Spyders is so beautiful, it almost makes me look past the potential pitfalls. But for now, I am thinking that a '64 Monza, 4 speed, 110hp might be just what the doctor ordered.

Forgive me, but I kinda associate Corvairs with Miatas....maligned by many, appreciated by those in the know and delivering a unique driving experience all their own....for the record I love Miatas....

The 64 handles ALOT better than the earlier cars when driven spiritedly. I have owned and driven both.

One thing I forgot about the "improvements" to the EM suspension was the front sway bar. A LOT of history is now available, but to summarize the early Corvair turned out to be expensive to make vs. what Ford did with the Falcon. This resulted in Chevrolet "penny pinching" the first Corvairs. One item eliminated was the front sway bar (a serious error on a rear heavy car that the engineers warned about) and "someone" came up with a solution to reduce the front tire pressure vs. the rear to promote understeer. As history proved - that did NOT work well and gave rise to lawsuits and helped Ralph Nader rise to fame.

Eventually Chevy did install the front sway bar. First incorporated with ONLY the Spyder option, and eventually all the EM cars got the front sway bar. Sadly you can't just install only a sway bar on a Corvair that was not equipped due to the fact the other front suspension pieces were revised for the sway bar. One thing a fellow tried was using the LM front suspension (bolts right in to an EM) that has a sway bar LARGER than any of the EM cars. To keep the four lug hubs (and track) he put the EM spindles in the LM suspension. This was on a rear heavy wagon and he reported the cars handling improved considerably and of course lean in corners was reduced for a more pleasant driving experience.

Spyder instruments! You can modify the wiring of any EM Corvair to accept the Spyder instrument cluster. A very popular modification. Beware the Spyder speedometer and tachometer may need repair.

So good luck and as I've discovered - it only takes time and lots of money to build whatever you want.

I have a 62 monza convertible 4 speed it came with a 102hp now has a 150hp that I modified. I also modified the suspension by cutting the springs lowering the car 1" in the rear and 2 1/2" in the front and that made a huge difference, cutting your springs cost nothing but time and can be reversed very easily. Also after market sway bars kits can be purchased from Clarks Crovair parts. Your options are there if you have the time and patience, Good Luck and Enjoy the Corvair Experience.

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Hello! When I was young I had TO 63s set UP with helwig suspension '14 " four lug rims. 57 Chevy shocks all around headers four barrel Carb ran van nuys Blvd late 60s looking for 289 mustangs TO GO through the canyons. Best cars I ever owned except for MY rampside get a late model. Joe

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