Corvair Forum

Hello everyone,
I just bought my first corvair - a 65 monza 110. Im really excited to drive it all original, but I have been thinking about motor swaps. I'll be getting a free Saab 9000 aero motor+tranny soon and i was wondering if it would at all be possible to swap it into the 'vair. Any comments, thoughts, and ideas are all appreciated!

Good question. never heard of anyone doing that odd combination, but, most anything is possible enough time and money oh yeah and more money.

If you are going to do that why not buy a shell and sell the complete car to someone else?

I've always like the Saab cars, but good grief there are other powertrains with far more support you could use. Better yet, go electric if you want to change the Corvair powertrain.

I like that idea! Heck, if someone successfully installed a Honda motor in a vair, why not a Saab drivetrain? I'm assuming it's a 5-speed stick?

I've had six Vairs with engine swaps. All were bought as partially completed projects from someone else. That may give you an idea of how often these swaps actually get completed. If you have a good running Corvair, think carefully before you start down a path that few people finish. Getting the engine and tranny for free should not be a reason in itself.

I had a Saab 900 turbo for a year. Loved the look of the car but it was a PITA and a rolling disaster. Every simple adjustment was difficult. Parts were expensive and hard to get, even in Los Angeles. I put up with it for 2 years. Borg-Warner automatic tranny started glitching, knew I could fix it... But the dealer sold no tranny parts, only factory rebuilt trannies for $4000. The only car I ever donated to charity.

I would avoid that swap you suggest at all costs.