Corvair Engine Mods

[Ron Clevenger]

Testing to see if pictures come through. If so, this is a picture of a Corvair block that I raced in Sand Racing. This was 1980 and the motor was about 181 CI turbocharged and was producing just in excess of 600hp. Corvairs have a goofy oil system, they feed the cam before the crank and with serious power the bearings don't like that. So I modified the oiling system to feed the crank direct, sorts like the Ford side oiling system. Anyway, hope the picture comes through. There is more I'll try and get posted.

Blessings.........Ron

OK, that's not the oiling system but it is what the heads looked like. Note the angled 1 1/2" tube exhaust. The corvair head has a real choke at the exhaust. Takes a major rework to get it to breath.
Also note the additional material at the top of the head. The stock head does not have enough mass to be stable for lot's of power. You have to DC tig weld the heads to keep the heat down. The valves and seats are VW. This was all done in about 1980. I'll try and get the other pictures on.


corvair oiling system.jpg (71KB, 640 x 480)

[vairefast]

Hope you figure out how to post some pictures I would love to see what you did to the motor.

[Ron Clevenger]

I'm trying. Got the pictures on to my lap top. But can't seem to get them in a program that will move over to the web. They don't show up when it ask's for file link. I even loaded them into my email program thinking that might work but it didn't help. It's a Olympus (spelling?) program and camera. Computers are not my thing....unless it's the data recorder on the race car...go figure!

Blessings........Ron

[Trip]

When you are posting here (unless using the "quick reply" button) if you scroll down you should see a blue box with some a "tab" that says "upload attachment". Click on that then click the "browse" button. Locate the file on your computer there and then click the "add the file" button.

Click "Submit" and the picture should be posted.

Hope you get it to work!

[Ron Clevenger]

Got one picture to come through on the first post. I'll work on the others as I can. Busy so it may take awhile.

blessings..........Ron

[RonN9FA]

Ron,

Would really like to see the side oiling system. I know this post is really old but your application notes and photos would be greatly appreciated.

[bbodie52]

Ron Clevenger (Age 77) was last active: Mon Oct 29, 2012 11:14 pm.
Interests:Involved in Ministry work, mission construction. Active in NHRA drag racing
Occupation:Professionally retired. Engineering background energy related

Using ZABASEARCH, I found 14 results for Ron Clevenger in California, with two listings with the correct age and the same phone number in Visalia, CA, which matches his Corvair Forum ID info.

Ron S Clevenger, Age 77
900 N Burke St, Visalia, CA 93292 (Industrial area)
(559) 732-9085

Ron S Clevenger, Age 77
3005 W Evergreen Ave, Visalia, CA 93277 (Residential area)
(559) 732-9085

You could try the phone number, or try sending him a PM (Private Message) or email using Viewing profile - Ron Clevenger
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1703

I believe I also found his Facebook page...

I've had this 1966 Corvair Corsa since about 1972. In 1984 I started to rebuild the engine and got about 30 minutes into it, and then got side tracked. Been working on the engine last few years but I upgraded my idea on engine rebuild. The motor is a "Clevenger" motor Now. I've modified the heads to be individual port runner. The valves have been converted to after market VW. And I've converted the cylinder/piston assembly also to after market VW. The original engine displacement was 164 ci,..it will now displace 190 ci. I also have an aftermarket turbocharger going on it. It will either have EFI or a modified blow thru carb. Haven't decided on that yet. On pump gas it should be around 350 hp, on race gas 400-450hp should be within easy reach. Some of the parts I had in a Sand Dragster racer back in the 80's. That motor with the same heads I'm using made 600 hp in race form. Held the National Record in its class. Should be a fun and cool street ride

My 1966 corvair corsa. Still have it in the shop. Back in 1984 I started to rebuild the motor. Just got back to working on it again last year. I'm using some of my old sand racing parts to pump the power up a bit. The motor will be 190 CI turbocharged blow thru carb with individual port heads. Very fun car to drive.


Ron Clevenger
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ron.clevenger.9

[bbodie52]

Also see Corvair Engine Mod Pictures

viewtopic.php?f=55&t=2398&p=16037#p16037

[joelsplace]

Good job! Brad the skip tracer.

[thewolfe]

Do you have a dyno sheet? 600+ hp corvair motor I find pretty unbelievable. Not saying it isn't possible but I've never heard of one making that much power. How do you keep the case from grenading? I can't imagine being able to use that much power for more than very short bursts without overheating. What was your transaxle setup?