Expert: Dan Liddy - 10/23/2007

Question
i have a question on engine swaps. you say your a highly skilled mechanic and from what i see a pretty reputable one at that. Ill start off by saying i do track racing on the weekends with my 1961 corvair. it has the smaller, air cooled, and duel carb flat 6 motor and for the most part is gutless. I have Been thinking of a fuel injected motor swap possibility. Nothing to radicle, perhaps a 4.3l v6. but my question is, how difficult is it to do something like that with a rear engine rear wheel drive car? would i also have to change the transmission set up as well, because now it has the 2 speed auto? I want to also keep in mind i want to keep this engine in the rear of the car. I hope you can help me with this or At least point me in the right direction, i appreciate the help.

Answer
OK  Engine swaps are a LOT more work than they appear to be, and there is some pretty complicated welding and  fabrication involved.  

First I would lose the idea of using a GM V-6- - -in preference to any Japanese V-6 - - -the 3 liter motors would have plenty of added torque .

Once in a while somebody gets the idea that if they put a 427 Hemi in their Honda Civic it's going to be fast.   It's not, it's going to be an abortion if it ever does go together which is highly unlikely.  All motor but no place for the people,  And all wheelspin but no room for tires to hold it all back.

I'd say that you would have to change the transmission as your two speed Power Glide is 40 years old and was a poor excuse for a tranny when it was new. For racing I still say that a four or five speed manual is best.

And as to pointing you in the right direction, I think it's a very bad idea. One that will cost you a LOT of money and provide very disappointing results IF you ever get it done.

Buy a Honda Civic with a 5 speed, or a rear wheel drive Toyota or Nissan, go racing with that - - -you'll have fun, learn a few things, and spend a lot less. Oh yeah, STAY IN SCHOOL !!

Good luck
Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida