Corvair question >....which engine models, year models, versions, or serial numbers are most >desirable. Which heads, or other features does one look for? What is OK and what >should I avoid? For example, I've seen advertised 140 HP and 180 HP engines. >Orma AKA AviationMech +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Orma, The info is available on the net. Go to Mark Langford's site or the KRnet site. Also, a copy of William Winn's book would be a must buy if you go that route. Basiclly, look for a 1965 - 1969 110hp model. The info is out there to help you determine what you are looking at. Stay away from the 140 -180 hp models as they have head problems, valve guides too close or something, I think. The early models were 140 ci and the later ones (the ones you're looking for) are 164ci. I had a Corvair on an airboat 30+ years ago and it was one smooth running little engine. I paid $100 for it at a local salvage yard. It turned out to have a stuck valve. I had little if any engine experience but all I needed to modify it was a hacksaw, a few wrenchs, and a few sockets. I pulled the head, had the valve redone ( for $1), reinstalled the head with new pushrod and tube, (no torque wrench) rebuilt the two single barrel carbs, and it ran like a champ! The setup used a Ford flywheel and a VW starter. My setup had an ignition switch and a throttle, that's it, no guages so I have no idea what oil pressure or temp were (or if I even had oil pressure). It started on one or two blades every time and never once failed me or left me stranded. The engine was still running fine several years later when I sold it to be reinstalled in an auto. One thing I've noticed from the three engines I have in my hangar is that they had an appetite for shop rags. It seems like each engine had one or two under the fan and covering a cylinder. If they were still running in the condition I bought them I'm not sure how you would kill one in an airplane when properly maintained. Your results may vary !! Larry Flesner
