<VV> Air cooled 10 cyl.

[James P. Rice]

All:  There was a 4 page article about the 10 cyl air cooled engine in the
April 1995 Communique.  Jim Messer also mentioned the project at CPF's
session at Detroit in '07.  His presentation was printed in the Feb 2008
Communique.

The 10 cylinder was part of Chevy R&D's initial work on FWD cars.  They
built 2, 4, 6 and 10 cyl engines.  They were modular engines.  The 6 cyl was
intended for the LM Corvair, if they could get other GM divisions to use the
5 liter 10 cyl in various big cars.  The 2 & 4 cyl engines died when Ford
decided to not make a smaller than a Falcon FWD car in the States.  They
made it in Germany instead.  The tooling cost for a stand alone modular 6
cyl was to much for the LM.  The 10 cyl was never intended for the Corvair.
It would have extended the rear over hang by about 10 inches and increased
the rear weight by about 200 lbs, making the car undrivable by mere mortals.

For those who like to point to the VW and Porsche rear engine designs,
please note their weight distribution was much better that the Corvair.  The
Corvair engine came in quite a bit heavier than intended, which did affect
the ultimate handling.  Porsche never went over 40/60 with the 911 family
until tire technology and customer acceptance was such they could put
different size tires front and rear.  Car enthusiast would accept that,
where mom and pop would not.  Remember the Corvair was originally designed
as a family car.  Karl Ludvigsen has written about the VW/Porsche weight
distribution in one of the Hemmings magazine.  He has also addressed the
question of the Corvairs weight distribution in another article.  Check the
internet.

Historically Yours,
                   James Rice
                   CORSA member since mid-70's
                   Former Chairman of the Competition Committee
                   Member of original CPF Advisorary Committee
                   CORSA/CPF BoD member and CPF Liaison 1999-01
                   Occasional contributor to the Communique