If You’re Considering a Corvair, Why Not Consider a V8 Up Front?

Some cars just cry out for an engine swap, the lure of more power and performance creates an irresistible urge too hard to resist, but some owners take the idea a step further and put the transplant in a new location, like in this 1965 Corvair where the old flat six out back was replaced with a 305 Chevy V8 installed up front. Nice!

Of course, the old swing arm rear suspension was tossed and replaced with the rear end from a Chevy S-10 pickup and there are some long tube headers on the engine, a transmission cooler, dual electric fans to help with cooling, however, missing in the seller’s description is just how the swap was accomplished. There are also no detail photos of any chassis modifications or anything else designed to handle the extra power and weight. That’s important to know in a build like this.

You don’t see these very often though, like almost everything automotive, there are more than a few out there and an active group of owners with how-to information for anyone interested. Years ago, I believe some kits were available to put a V8 in the rear seat, there may have been kits to put an engine up front, too, not sure, but many guys just do it all themselves. A serious buyer would probably want to see some under body photos and get a few more details from the seller about this one, but from the photos it looks pretty nice. It’s for sale on eBay. Just don’t tell Ralph Nader.