Ecomodding my 1966 Corvair

[Gibsonvair]

I've sucessfully revived a 1966 Corvair coupe. I drive it daily 124 miles per day and 4 days per week and have been doing so since April, about 6 months. Gas mileage is about 25mpg. 26 or 27mpg would tickle me to death!
I'm thinking mostly aeromods to begin with, something easy. #1 will be some kind of front end treatment to add stabilty in gusty winds.
Steve Gibson

[gone-ot]

...which: automatic or manual transmission?

...consider: (1) front-end air-dam/spoiler and (2) trunklid lip spoiler.

...also, a "simple" reliable vacuum-gauge will help too.

[Schelter]

I thought the Corvairs did have a chin spoiler starting in 65. If you dont have one I hear the 69 Camaro one fits nicely. Have also seen S10 air dams cut down to fit.

Definatly a vacuum guage.

Old cars are a hoot to drive, I drove my 66 Polara 'vert all summer and love the I get. Wish mine got more than half the mileage yours does but even if you drive a 383/auto carefully it still guzzles gas.

[Gibsonvair]

The Corvair was converted from automatic, two speed powerglide, to four speed manual by my son, years ago when it was his car to drive to trade school. I tore it apart and put in new brakes, wheel bearings and suspension. here is how it looks now.

Steve Gibson

[Gibsonvair]

Front end picture???

Yes, beginning in 1966 the Corvairs came with a chin spoiler for high speed stability. My son installed the Camaro version, but it was removed one winter by a hard chunk of snow. The plan is to attach a piece of conveyor belt to the spot weld flange under the front valence. this will hopefully divert air around the front suspension and tires and get me some better gas mileage! By the way, how do y'all like my 100 percent grill block?
Steve Gibson

[Schelter]

By the way, how do y'all like my 100 percent grill block?

I like it, I like the 100% bumper delete too!

[brucepick]

Love the grill block!! Kudos on taking care of this classic.

If you have modern tires on it, boost the pressure to "max sidewall".

A full belly pan probably would help reduce aero drag, and wouldn't change the look of the car. A bigger project though. Have a look at Belly pan - EcoModder

[tjts1]

Multi port EFI on that engine would be very interesting.

[cfg83]

Gibsonvair -

How about wheel skirts?

(This probably co$t$ a ton)
Steel Fender Skirts at Fender Skirt King

(Wrong year, but you get the idear)


CarloSW2

[Gibsonvair]

Yes!, wheel skirts are definately in! It's an old beat-up car. Aero mods will make it look better.
Not my car, but I like it.
Steve Gibson