<VV> Turbo conversion

[Craig Nicol]

Grant asked:
I received a call yesterday from a newer Corvair owner ('65 coupe) who is
doing a complete engine rebuild and wants to purchase the necessary parts to
put a turbo conversion his 95 HP engine. He has the ability to do head work
and I am checking to see what I should tell him should be done to make the
conversion workable and dependable? Does he need turbo heads?
Thanks,
Grant

Craig replies:
No he doesn't have to change the heads, in fact many turbo owners are
seeking 95hp heads since they have a more favorable combustion chamber and
the same compression ratio as a turbo.  

That being said, the heads will last longer with proper turbo guides and
valves, they'll need an oil return for the turbo, and the left head will
need an adapter or modification to accept the thermistor.  The 95 hp temp
sender in the right head is set to trip at a lower temp and the correct
sender has fine threads so if he wants to be thorough there's that to
change. 180s had a harmonic balancer, longer timing tab, better crankshaft,
and a 12-plate cooler with matching shrouds.  After that, there's all the
top stuff.  Much smarter and cheaper to find a core turbo engine and rebuild
that.

Craig Nicol