Yes, a Corvair engine fits very nicely in a Vanagon. I am in the process of
converting an '80 Vanagon to a Corvair drivetrain.

Why? because I'm a Corvair guy. I've owned and driven only Corvairs all of
my adult life, until the exception of the Vanagon. My daily driver for the
last 32 years has been a '64 Corvan; I planned for years to make a Corvan
camper, but changed my mind after camping with the WetWesties for about 4
years and observing how much more suitable is the Vanagon (a 20-year newer
design) as a camper. My objective is to achieve the camping amenities of the
Vanagon with the power, reliability, and economy-of-ownership that I am
accustomed to with my 'Vairs.

I am using a Corvair transaxle, so no engine rotation issue, with the CV
adapters from a Transvair kit. I will, of course, have to adapt shift
linkage, clutch, etc.

As for fit in the Vanagon engine compartment, the Corvair engine with 'late'
shrouding fits perfectly for-and-aft, with about 4 inches of excess room on
each side. I'll fill in the excess and use a stock Vair engine seal. Height
above the engine is not an issue. Not as high as the Bays, but the Vanagon
deck is at least 4 inches higher than in the Corvair trucks.

I have pictures, but as yet no posting of them. Perhaps when I am a bit
further along.

Vern McIntosh
Bend, Oregon

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Rouby" <mikerouby@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 1:23 PM
Subject: Corvair Vanagon conversion

> Will a Corvair 6 cyl engine fit a Vanagon?  I know it fits the earlier
Bus, but that vehicle had much more engine height install room.
>
>   Thinking of doing this over the long term.  The complexity and priceness
of the Porsche 6 keeps me thinking Corvair.
>
>   Thanks.
>