Glad you are filming this build. The Sleeper Super Beetle was a masterful feat of engineering,.

My initial thought was, this is nuts, it’ll never work. Then he confirmed he’s the sleeper bug builder and now I’m sure it’s nuts but it’ll happen. Subscribed!

I put a Chevy LT1 420 horsepower in a 55 Volvo in the mid- 1970s it took me three years. Used a rock Crusher transmission and as for rear end a 411. Made a tube frame, you can imagine the machine worker took to make it fit. Driveshaft and rear end wise. What a beast. One mistake was I should have used a Powerglide transmission

I have always liked this under appreciated body style. So sleep and swoopy. Mid-engine will be outstanding. The fit of the engine/transmission looks great, leaving plenty of room for the driver. Much better with this layout. Can't wait to see it finished. Best wishes on this project!!!

I love both the VW and the Corvair projects! Your engineering and attention to detail is incredible. I could watch your videos all day. Please keep them coming!

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

I built a Corvair with a longitudinal mounted 350 using a TH350 transmission and Corvette rear suspension back in 1974. I like your take on this.

I loved the VW Bug build. I really am infatuated with the Corvair build. My first car (back in 1969) was a 67 Corvair Monza, 110hp, 4sp. Loved that car!

@johnaverick7468

3 жыл бұрын

An the 67 is a pretty little Chevy too imo.

Awesome. Set up l like it. My neighbor back in the 70s did 65 with 327 and crown kit in the back seat made it look like luggage and sleeper

Instant sub. Great work on the VW and I can’t wait to see this project. Your Channel should be growing huge very soon. Best wishes JOHN.

Its very nice to see and hear what you say and understand how you have it your head and the vision that you are trying to realize.

A transverse mid engine v8 is a nice idea. Always fun to figure out how to package everything and how to make the different systems work. Its not so much hard,, just different . It looks like you pretty much have it figured out and will be fun to watch the progress thru the videos. Thanks for taking us along.

@JamesFaction

3 жыл бұрын

First question that popped into my head when i saw the position of the engine was "traverse, wtf?" What's the advantage of mounting it "sideways"?

@joetterolison1286

2 жыл бұрын

When We were kids in the late 60's & early 70's We race slot cars First the were straight inline Then they mounted the motors and called them Angle Winders Then someone figure out milling the Magnet horizontally and came up with the Armature parallel to the axle Transverse Reason for it? The rotational torque of the Armature ( Like a Crankshaft ) eliminated the torque that worked on the cars forward motion was eliminated Like You see in drag racing when the car lifts up and one wheel is higher because of the rotation of the crankshaft Plus as a mid engine layout really moves the mass of the engine too the Center of the Cars gravity

Really like that you're kinda designing it realtime as you film. Makes it more interesting for the viewer. Can't wait to see it done and flyin down the strip. It gonna be a monster!

I bought and completed a mid- engine v-8, 1966 corvair I the late 70s - early 80s. Had to sell it, due to hard times. I often wonder where it ended up. I had fun with it.

very cool, i enjoyed watching the bug take shape through faceache, very happy to see you here also.

Just found your channel yesterday. I appreciate the level of difficulty and that you are doing things completely off mainstream. I had a 62 Monza back in the day but was too young and inexperienced to pull off any kind of swap.

Truly going where no man has gone before. I own a ‘65 Corsa 140 and have spent a lot of time in and around the area that’s undergoing so much surgery. Kind of knowing that GM designed that unibody around a maximum of 200 or so horsepower and a power train weight of about 400 pounds leads me to the conclusion that you’re going to need to build a power train cage that bolts to a number of yet undefined attachment points. I predict an extremely robust large tube roll cage may produce the strength and attachment points required. Having seen the VW/Subaru I am convinced that not only will the work be done but will be done to an exceptionally high level. Good luck!

Solid planning, going to be a great build.

In the late 60's I saw a Corvair that had a L88 427 Corvette engine sitting in the back seat coupled to a Tornado Turbo 475 transmission to pot the power to the pavement.

@richheckelmann

3 жыл бұрын

Several tornado based corvairs have been done.

@slickraft

3 жыл бұрын

@@richheckelmann Several hundred were done back in the 80's. Probably less than 30 still being driven today. kzread.info/dash/bejne/jIRlsZaSpZqfqs4.html

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

V8 conversions, front, mid and rear have been done hundreds of times over the last 5 decades. Fist thing is decide which variant you want as they all have attributes and liabilities. Front engine is great because a standard engine, trans and rear end can be used. Many were made by putting a Corvair body on a front engine chassis car. But it doesn't handle as well as mid engine and eats up a lot of room where the bell housing goes. Rear engine is nice because it occupies the same real-estate the OG engine uses, but it's a wheelie king, or at least with 700 hp. Conventional mid engine handles the best but is hot and noisy in the interior plus the valve covers are inches away from your shoulder. Transverse mid engine is probably the best layout but involves the most fabrication. But that's what I'm good at.

@jumpercable20

3 жыл бұрын

I knew of a fellow back in 1969 had a Corvair with a big block in the front. Sadly it was totaled when he killed himself hitting a telephone pole at wide open throttle.

Oh boy that’s gonna be quite a tight fit getting that engine in! Good luck 👍

Neat project I am gonna stick around to see how it goes.

You sir are next level. Subscribed for sure looking forward to more. Need a shop tour video to please.

I wish I found your channel sooner! What a great project! I am a big Corvair enthusiast! I have owned a dozen or more. I actually ordered the Crown V-8 conversion Manual back in the early 80's to swap into my 66 Corsa but wasn't happy with the final results on the ones I had seen done. I also looked into (and purchased a 455 Tornado) swapping the FWD power train but didn't really want a wheelie machine. Since I entered the LS swap world, this makes SO much more sense! Can't wait to see this project up and running! Subbed!

@billywilliams6853

2 жыл бұрын

Do you have Tornado parts for sale???

@KEIFabrication

2 жыл бұрын

@@billywilliams6853 Sorry, I sold the car to someone who needed a 455 a long while back.

great idea! i was thinking about the same project but trying to keep the engine in the engine bay area. i will follow your build to see how this is going.

This is awesome!! I’m doing a similar swap in my 69 Monza. I was literally talking my dad today about LS swapping a ramp side just like you are. I’m excited to see how it turns out!

That’s an awesome ride you got there

Your engineering on the VW was outstanding, looking forward to this car's progression. I've always liked the idea of a roll out subframe. Undo 4 or whatever bolts, unhook the motor's lines, and roll it out on its tires. Maybe run the body's cage all the way back to the rear valence, then have the subframe attach to it from underneath? Have you looked at corvette C4 rear suspension? Lots of offset on the wheels, so you could get the axle length you're looking for. Simple linkage, and cheap buy in too. Have you looked at the Fiero V8 stuff yet? They might have some ideas too. Crazy engineering on some of those conversions.

Trailing arms are a great idea and also acts like a traction bar too. I had them on early to mid 60's Chevy trucks I have owned.

So excited for this build

The Super Spider wheel stranded will be a mean ride... fabulous work and engineering!

Your Work is Genius 👍😉💯

Dude.. Your skills are truly OFF THE METER!!! For what it's worth the GEN5 Camaro Rear Ends look like just the kind of thing you'd use on your projects but I'm probably preaching to the choir. I look forward to seeing more of your work 🌍👍😎👍🌍#worldclass

Cool build!! I took a 67 to my senior prom with a radical bored 283 chevy motor mid engine in it. Could burn the tires in all four gears.

John, I a had corvair 500 not so wild. '65 with a '85 4.3 V6. Mildly built sitting where the back seat went. Mated to a powerglide out of a Nova set up to be shifted manually. Radiator was in front. The transmission was cooled by b&m cooler mounted near the back window. It used a Camaro muffler. Two into one and two out. The original set up was a 4 carbureted six cylinder with a 4-speed.

They more of your videos I watch the more I realize you are a freeking genius!

I'm really enjoying your channel! I love Corvairs but you drew me in initially with that wizardry on the VW sleeper. That LS had a lot of short trip miles, carbon is a normal enemy made worse with that. The rings had to be checked especially with a valve job. For alternator location, I've seen tons of different unorthodox ideas to run those. You could even mount it to be driven off the front axle, closer to where the battery should be located to save wire length. Great engineering work!

@jlucasound

3 жыл бұрын

You know it, gm!! He HAS to be new here.

Great video

I always liked Corvairs ,great body, this is gonna be cool!

I'm sure you must know about the kits Crown offered for doing a mid engine Corvair with a small block Chevy. My brother in-law built one using a 365 hp Corvette motor mated to the original but beefed and reversed Corvair trans axle. It was awesome and handling was superb. Your car was in wonderfully solid shape but you have removed some major structural strength in the chassis with all the cutting necessary to install the LS cross wise. I can only assume you are doing this for the challenge it presents. Hope this works out for you. Thumbs up and thanks for sharing.

Can’t wait to see the next video.

I love the vision

I just had to sub. You know way too much. You HAVE to have just started your channel with only 3.53K. That is crazy. Just remember, the numbers go up when the roller coaster goes down...real fast! I am assuming you just started your channel. If not, keep doing what you are doing. The VW/Subaru and this project nailed me.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I had no idea the first video I posted a couple weeks ago would take off like it did. Now, encouraged, there are other videos coming down the pipeline. This YT thing is addictive.

I can't wait until this car is done, John knows his shit. Can you imagine telling John you can't do something, ggg.

Love this project

If you move the alternator to the location near the exhaust, you could use a turbo blanket to insulate it

Integrating the roll cage and using struts or pushrods is a great idea to replace those frame rails. Building a mini frame cradling the power train would allow you to build like the engine is a stressed member

@robroyce6845

3 жыл бұрын

indeed..or a custom built tube frame

I cant believe this was my old corvair!!!! Love to see the progress. I havnt seen any of these before right now I have no idea why! (Probably sad I had I sold the car in the forst place) haha keep it up john!!

@JohnReynolds661

Жыл бұрын

I can't believe the guy I bought the car from found my videos. How did you know it was yours?

@the_honda_stang

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnReynolds661 completely random!! Was scrolling Instagram on break and I saw your beetle! Recognized you right away and went looking in the comments for your account info but got redirected here through the comments.

@the_honda_stang

Жыл бұрын

And I would recognize that corvair any day with the 8hoe license plate 🤣

Holy smoke!! Im hooked!!

you definitely have a challenging project. Maybe build a subframe that bolts to existing with rear suspension attached. Drop the entire section wheels n all for working on it. I believe I'll watch your adventure.

Hi John, it would take too long to type all the great comments I could you offer you on the Corvair project so let me say, AWESOME...

i did something like this years ago. a little advice before you ever drive it put a full cage in it. because the roll cage is going to become most of your support. you will twist that sexy little car up. and i didn't cut any of my frame. i love what your doing

@mark-1234

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely good advice, as I seriously twisted a stock 70 Firebird and all I did was up the hp on the engine. (Couldn't open the doors after the first pass.)

@MadsWorld34

3 жыл бұрын

@@mark-1234 i did it to a vega also it twisted so bad that when stopped on level ground the right rear tire didn't touch the ground. i put a stock SB 400 in it.

Excellent work!!! I’ve always wanted to do a Corsair...What will be front to back weight distribution? Will she be extra light in the front?

I know on the 5.3 truck motors, the alternator is on the drivers side, mounted high like your passenger side is. In the passenger car versions, the alternator is mounted low on the drivers side. It's just a matter of taking a look thru your salvage yards for brackets.

Very cool

I LOVE that you've shared some of your thought process as you begin the project. I grew up driving Corvairs (a 1968 Monza, a 1966 Spyder, and a 1963 Greenbrier Van). I remember my dad insisting that I learn how to change the fan belt (always a spare laying in the back floorboard) before I learn how to parallel park. P. S. I think you're the first automotive engineer I've ever seen that doesn't cuss and fart. What gives? 😉

@yenko-km1og

3 жыл бұрын

No such thing as a 66 Spyder. Spyders were only 62-64 and turbocharged. Second generation Corvair 65-69 Turbos were Corsa’s built in 65-66. Proper fan belt tension you should never have to change a belt. Been driving them 40 years

@migbham1

3 жыл бұрын

@@yenko-km1og So it must've been a Corsa. Been so long that I would not bet either way.

This is nuts.

Wow I wanna see more

Remember the "Harry Hurst Olds"? You could make one of those. Would anyone want a family sedan with two big v8s in it? Of course they would! :-0

Very curious to see the geometry and frame you come up with for this transverse configuration. You really have hacked up the body. But the work on the VW you did looked first rate. So hoping for the best. Many fairly simple mid v8 small blocks have been done. With all the fabrication you seem to be looking at I think you should consider dropping in something in from fwd drivetrain. Tornado corvairs have been done. You will need to replace the worm gear steering. Clark’s corvair is the place for parts.

Love it!

Just an idea for the alternator and power steering (if applicable) you could use a transfer pully system and move it to the rear of the engine. The guys at Bad Obsession motorsports in England used one to remote mount their alternator away from the normal position of the engine on their Mini Cooper build when they swapped a v6 Toyota AWD chassis under it. Not sure what episode of the "Binky" build but it was a cool way to move accessories to an area with more room.

@dotlaj

3 жыл бұрын

It's not a v6 only i4 from a celica.

@rupe53

3 жыл бұрын

michael ... my thoughts on the alternator is to do away with the PS pump and relocate it there because Corvair never had PS in the first place. If PS was really on the charts here it could be done using an electric pump mounted elsewhere.

John, I've only just recently subscribed to your channel. I was fascinated by your absolute genius and build quality of the V Dub. Your shoe horning of an LS4 into a Corvair is going to be equally fascinating. I have a somewhat personal question for you though. Have you ever been checked out by a gastroenterologist for a condition called GERD? GERD is actually reflux and can be a potentially serious condition. Most folks don't recognize the symptoms or discount them. Yours is this little somewhat innocuous gentle clearing of your throat. I am not a gastroenterologist, but have studied this disorder to some degree. I sincerely apologize if I am wrong, but it doesn't hurt to have it checked out.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I know it's annoying. I've had it all my life.

You Sir are a BAD MAN 💯🤪👍

I had a valkyrie with a 327 mounted amidships.The corvair brakes are inadequate.Stopping from over 160 mph takes almost a mile.You will need a parachute.The vw was a neat project but my vw would go aerodynamically unstable at just over105 mph and blew sideways in crosswinds.

Nice project. I have a '65 Corsa. Bought it from a guy that started on a Crown kit but couldn't round up the parts. I gutted the back half and cannibalized a Fiero for the strut towers and inner structure and subframe. Mocked it up with a 350 and Getrag 5-speed. Building a long rod 302 for it now. I can share pictures if you are interested. I'm using a Camaro floor pan, '69 Camaro buckets and a '68 Camaro console.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

Are you in the V8 Registry?

@freedomtodefend

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnReynolds661 No, I'm not. I have several projects. Another is an MG with a 13B rotary with a 5-speed. I have a "finished" '55 Chevy 210 gasser that I built for my wife. Sits high with independent front suspension I designed and built (drives great). Very steerable 327 with a tunnel ram (divided plenums, runs strong idle - 5,000) I like different builds that stand out. I have another Corvair body that I would like to make a gasser out of. My dotcom is musclecarcpr if you're interested.

Did you ever think of trying a DeDion design on the rear suspension? Not a true independent suspension but it might be easier to construct. Love your projects!

Make the wheelbase Longer, by moving the rear wheel arches & rear wheel wells. Then put the rear seat into its factory position. Also look at the 1966 Ford G. T. - 40 rear suspension, for inspiration.

@edgunde704

3 жыл бұрын

Great idea.

John...in my book you entirely represent the definition of pure genius... Therefore you register as a valuable archival human ! Therefore please get a specialist to have a look into your throat congestion.. My brother had that nagging clutter going on..& damn, but it became cancer of the throat...18 months later..boom ! My best to you !

There are quite a few of those in Fieros. Are installing wheelie bars? :)

That’s actually a unibody or integrated frame-chassis. What you’re going to be doing is making a “subframe”. And one heck of a good one I hope. Cut a little, stop sit and ponder over a cup of coffee...repeat.

I know of a guy in Tacoma Washington who put a 427 corvette engine in a 65 corvair and used the original corvair transmission .

I think I would have moved the wheel wells backwards instead of cutting the whole rear seat area out of the car., but it’s so cool to see how you’re doing it to make it fit

Count me in!

the rear suspension you propose is the same for a 2005 Subaru STI,

Great work! Have you considered putting these videos into a playlist so they're easier to watch in the future?

@JohnReynolds661

2 жыл бұрын

I think I organized it a little better after your comment, thanks!

If you haven't gotten the accessory drive yet a Vette LS3 setup with a low right mount alternator bracket would really help. It's the shortest projection and tightly packaged with nothing exceeding the heads (not valve covers) height wise.

Check the Fiero conversion sites for moving the alternator to the bottom.

In regard to rear suspension, the multilink setup with trailing arms you described is essentially what the 3rd and 4th gen Subaru Legacy has. That's 2000-2009 with 05-09 spec b models having aluminum components. For that subaru suspension the hub assembly/axles are really lame, but nissan 350z has wheel bearing assemblies with the same pilot diameter, so those could be easily retrofitted in there for a setup that could work with only minor machine work.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

Because all newer cars are 6-8 inches wider than the Corvair, it's going to be easier to start from scratch. The half shafts will be based on Northstar Cadillac 33 spline axles and CVs which is big stuff.

@Levibetz

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnReynolds661 well you're certainly not going to use the subframe or anything so you can make the track width whatever you need. But yeah probably true. I'm planning to run the 350z bearings with explorer axle flanges in my amc eagle that's getting subaru irs and an 8.8, so that'll be 32 spline axles.

Get the truck alternator bracket. It puts it on the opposite side.

Have you considered cutting out the sub-frame tubing, use heavier box tube framing to make a frame that goes across the back, over the wheel wells, and across the front of the engine which is mounted front to back. Run the front trans shaft to an offset Dana 30 4-Link w/disc brakes, combination shock absorber with short spring and inflatable bag both sides. Create an access panel to reach front of motor. Mount fuel cell in trunk (pass. side) + battery on driver side. Just a thought...

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

That's another way to do it but it looks like I'm going another rout.

Great!

Wowza!

Ralph Nader would have something to say about this. LOL

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

I'm just trying to make it safer.

@davidgrason161

3 жыл бұрын

yes, but we wouldn't listen to him.

@jumpercable20

3 жыл бұрын

He still lives with his mother and always uses public transportation.

Okay you now just got an instant sub I'll be following this as I definitely want an update when this is complete and how it runs and handles I always thought those cars were cool as s*** when I was a kid however growing up a little later on in life I found out what a nightmare they were how unsafe and ridiculously hard to drive at speed can't wait to see what this one does even in a straight line it's going to have to be a blast. 🤯😷

Do a molded lexan/plastic engine cover so we can see that puppy from the tinted back glass....🤤😉

Does the 4t80e bolt right up to the ls4 🤷🤷 got a 08 caddy dts it would be pretty cool with a ls4

It would be so cool if you could figure out a way to get a differential in the transaxle fabricated that would spin the axles in the opposite direction, so you could flip that whole drivetrain around and move the engine under the rear hood where the OE engine used to be. You could then reclaim all the interior space.

@KGRoberts

3 жыл бұрын

That was my first thought. So I went looking for someone else that had commented. I didn't want to be redundant. I think optimal weight distribution may have been the goal.

I have a 67 Corvair Monza and I'm kinda interested and doing the same engine swap is there somewhere could I could learn more about where you got the parts metal to do this swap

If you don’t know a late 80s G.M f body cars Cuttles, Regal , Monte Carlo frame will fit under the Corsair same wheel base and it is a perimeter style frame so maybe that would help with bringing back some of the lost strength.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

That's one way to do it and has been successful for many. I would like to do it without adding a bunch of weight.

How about a de dion rear end? Seems like it would solve a lot of probs.

Crown conversions back in the day were similar.

The goal of my concept was to have a 66 convertible with a back seat and two trunks (biggest possible), that's why I thought a transverse V6 would be good because of its compactness (more compact with dry-sump and low clearance intake)?

Great idea to go this route instead of conventional Crown kit swaps that have the engine right behind the front seats.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

True, and using a transverse V8 is much less common. I thought about a front engine car for a while. But then you have basically a Camaro when you're done.

Very cool project. Although the slush box is a fly in the mid-engined ointment.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

The wife doesn't drive a manual.

@matthiasmartin1975

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnReynolds661 I understand. An honorable thing for you to put your wife's enjoyment over automotive dogma.

My dad had a auto repair shop (retired in '86). He ended up with a corvair that a customer had a lot of work done, then never came back for it. It was the same color as yours in cherry condition. I thought it was a cool looking car, despite the bad publicity on it.

i'm looking but i think its "motion" that makes a bottom mount for this engine now. if i can find it i will come back and give you the addy for it.

You added a cam but isn't that what the turbo is for ?

Regarding the alternator @ 5:49 ... get rid of the power steering pump and mount it there. Go with the Chevy Cobalt electric power steering if you have to have it. The front end weight can’t be that much and it should be able to handle it at low speeds. If you have to drop the engine for repair it’ll be one less fluid to drain. Just a thought!

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

@Whoda Hellru Thanks for the comment. I was seriously considering it but here's the problem: The Ls4 P/S pump is on top and is thin enough to stay out of the way of the intake manifold. Replacing it with a alternator would completely invade the intake space. I could substitute the a/c pump with the alternator but I really want a/c on this project. My original thought was to use the a power rack but I did like your idea about not having to deal with two more lines when removing the engine. I don't mind changing the accessory drive around but it has to be worth it. I need to stay with the LS4 accessory drive because it is very compact width wise. Keep the comments coming as I like your thought process.

@lesbratton

3 жыл бұрын

What did you access the transaxle from?

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

Mid '90s Cadillac Deville

@whodahellru8124

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnReynolds661 maybe mount the alternator @ 180° so that it wouldn’t interfere with the intake?

I assumed you were going to start with the front clip from an impala, kinda like the Twin Pala from hot rod garage

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

That's certainly the easy way to do it. But it's 8" too wide.

That power steering pump won’t be needed, unless you have a plan for it. Maybe you can get the alternator in that area. I know you’re gonna have to do some drive belt reconfiguration. Will you have air-conditioning in the car?

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

Since the wife is also driving it, the car gets a/c, auto trans and p/s.

What did you do about a starter? You didn’t mention that. The 4T80 is definitely a tough transmission but so is the 4T65HD. I think it would be especially tough in a lightweight car like this. I don’t think that I would’ve bothered with the 4T80 swap for this particular application. I think it’s overkill, especially when you consider all of the other problems that are created by using it. This thing is going to be a blast to drive.

@JohnReynolds661

3 жыл бұрын

I decided to not mess with the 4T65 and move straight to the 4T80. The car gets a turbo and will be over 700 whp.