Identify this transaxel

**BillE** · 10-24-05, 02:10 AM

I ran across this pitcher doing research for a Mclaren M6 project can you Identify this transaxel?

TimOz40 · 10-24-05, 02:21 AM

That black plate seems to have some lettering cast in. Call in CSI to work the photo over and make an ID. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Rick Muck- Mark IV · 10-24-05, 08:59 AM

Corvair!!!!

Rick [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Richard O'Clery · 10-24-05, 10:13 AM

Are you sure, Rick? That's just scary!

BillE, is that pic of a Marauder or something?

Rick Muck- Mark IV · 10-24-05, 01:12 PM

Back in the 60's the Corvair 4 speed transaxle was very popular for homebrew mid-engine cars. It is based on a Muncie 4 speed (much as a T44 was TopLoader based) and can take a small block (bowtie smallblock, that is) level of torque. The Crown V8 Corvair used the box as did several other kit cars.

Plus you have the option of using an automatic! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

IO don't really know how strong they are in real world use, but remember the samll Hewland (FG200?) uses a VW beetle case as its base.

Rick [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Doc Watson · 10-24-05, 01:41 PM

CSI here.....

ran the photo through a genetic algorithm for 1,000,000 generations and came up with this......

Hope this helps.....

Doc Watson · 10-24-05, 01:42 PM

.....and this......

Rick Muck- Mark IV · 10-24-05, 04:06 PM

Looks like Doc has a "Clark's Covair Parts" catalog! Be sure to order some original MK II/ MK IV tail light lenese! (remember they ARE Corvair parts)
Rick [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Dave Decker · 10-24-05, 04:14 PM

This is a '61-'65 Corvair transaxle. I believe a Kelmark adapter which required running the transaxle backwards. In addition, I believe a reverse rotation cam was needed for the engine. The black diff cover was for cooling, appearance and to keep the top of the case from flexing open under load which was a problem for R+P life expectancy. Most V8 Corvairs, Crown or otherwise used the '66-'69 unit which used a stronger tranny based on the Saginaw used in "lower HP" Camaro,Nova cars.If you follow the set up instruction for this transaxle it will handle a small block of around 350 HP ( my experience) Parts are getting hard to find and with better choices now available they aren't that desireable. I'm currently building one using some tricks I've learned, but would ultimately like to go with an Audi. Lighter weight, more gears and more legroom! There is a great article on Rick Norris' Crown Corv8 build with a google search. Cheers, Dave

**BillE** · 10-26-05, 02:05 AM

Sounds right to me> at lest it was not out of a lawn tracter

woodz428 · 12-11-05, 12:39 PM

They were actually pretty strong. There were 2 styles of adapters, the one in the picture and then one that attached at the trans end, after installing a regular 4-speed input shaft. While the latter adapter was longer in overall length, it overcame the major weakness. The input shaft runs inside of the output/pinion shaft in reverse direction. It is long and spindly, making it frail,and probably the only real weak point in the otherwise nice transaxle.