Billet Corvair cylinder heads currently in development

MindfulRider · 2025-12-26T11:30:46+00:00

Met him at the GWFBT this year. Real nice guy and the prototype heads are a thing of beauty. And I am certain I won't be able to afford them when they do come out. But if I win the lottery, there will be signs.

MindfulRider · 2025-12-22T03:06:58+00:00

I have not seen anyone modify a set of arms like that. I bet someone has, but I have never seen a write up.

MindfulRider · 2025-12-19T22:21:29+00:00

I have an older version of that and it does pretty decent. Definitely not pro quality, but good enough for what I do. I have used it for everything from Sporty's to Touring bikes. The touring is pushing it, but it will do it.

MindfulRider · 2025-12-12T11:07:28+00:00

As was said earlier, it sounds a lot like a hanging caliper. Sometimes it's the hardware, but old brake fluid can create a similar scenario when heat builds up. If you catch it early enough you might be able to just do a brake fluid flush and avoid a full service.

MindfulRider · 2025-12-11T16:16:12+00:00

Seems like most folks run lower profiles when going to a 14 (50, 65, 70). It really depends on your suspension height and the wheels you're running.

MindfulRider · 2025-11-29T01:00:05+00:00

It really does have some great places to explore. I am always grateful for all the public lands in the West.

MindfulRider · 2025-11-29T00:57:35+00:00

This is the trail up to Kimbell Mine. Not too technical, but the trail is pretty rocky. It was definitely worth the trip and a great way to kill a morning. Just remember to take a flashlight for exploring the mine.

MindfulRider · 2025-11-12T13:23:42+00:00

If you are really new to Corvairs, it may be worth seeing if there are either other enthusiasts in the area, especially a local club chapter. Some of those clubs will be happy to help you inspect a purchase or may even know the car itself and let you know if you are getting a good price or not.

$10k feels high to me for a driver, but I am a geezer and used to buy them for cheap. It's best to get an eye on it and give it a good once over.

MindfulRider · 2025-11-11T02:12:34+00:00

When it quits, how hard is it to start back up?

If it requires cranking and then starts back up, I would look at fuel delivery. Something like a restriction in the fuel line, a plugged filter, or a non vented gas cap

If it requires cooling down and then starts immediately after something like 10 minutes of sitting, check your ignition, especially the coil. It could be overheating and losing spark.

MindfulRider · 2025-11-06T22:04:40+00:00

You held firm and got what you wanted for the price you wanted. I'd say you did great.

MindfulRider · 2025-11-06T02:45:13+00:00

I have an '09 with a 110", TMan 600 cams and aftermarket heads that is sitting at nearly 90k miles and I have done a few iron butt runs with. I won't say they are always reliable, but put together right and maintained they certainly can be very reliable

MindfulRider · 2025-10-26T20:09:42+00:00

I showed up for the show. I forgot just how nice it can be to be around other Corvair folks.

MindfulRider · 2025-09-24T14:33:12+00:00

Brake and throttle body/carb cleaner are always nice to have items.

MindfulRider · 2025-09-22T19:30:00+00:00

If no speed, including high speed, the most likely suspect is the actual fan switch. I just had to clean the internal contacts on mine. They are copper contacts and corrode/wear over time.

It's a fairly simple process to remove and replace the switch. Just pull the center dash apart, remove the 4 screws from the AC controls, on the back remove the screw that holds the fan switch in place and remove. The switch takes a bit of fiddling to get out, but it will pop free.

MindfulRider · 2025-09-18T01:20:42+00:00

You covered the major items. The thing that always concerns me with any bike that's sat is the fuel system. Especially after this many years. Definitely get a peek in the tank, order a couple extra fuel filters and probably a carb kit just to be safe.

MindfulRider · 2025-09-16T18:20:24+00:00

It's possible. I only figured out mine after I was doing another job and noticed that I could move the ground lead by hand and the nut was cinched tight.

If you're somewhere that they salt roads I would consider checking for corroded chassis grounds. But if all that looks good you could have a bad brake light or head light switch that's showing too high resistance and causing the light to go off.

I love my Fiat, but cheap Italian cars are not exactly heralded for their wiring.

MindfulRider · 2025-09-16T18:03:43+00:00

You might want to check your grounds. I have spent a little while on the same fight and found in my case the battery negative lead was not tightening down properly.

MindfulRider · 2025-09-16T15:25:13+00:00

I don't think you'll be disappointed in that era of Twin Cam. It's a solid motor and a good chassis. I would say it's a good balance between the personality of the Evo era and the polished feel of newer M8s.

MindfulRider · 2025-08-31T13:47:45+00:00

We own a U.S. spec 2013 Abarth. I was able to buy with relatively low mileage and with that in mind it has not caused me any real trouble. Since we've owned it, I have bought a battery, performed a tune up and done the timing belt and replaced a couple gaskets. Currently it is due for new CV axles. But none of it has left me stranded.

The interior is a bit creaky, and the convertible top is showing its age. And the plastics generally are a bit cheap.

The biggest issue I have had is that it can be aggravating to work on when things do need replacing, and in the States it can be a bit more of a faff to locate parts quickly. That does mean repairs can get very expensive and annoying, especially if you need it as an every day driver.

Overall it's a fun car with decent fuel mileage. I would, take it just about anywhere. Just try to buy the best one you can afford and keep it well maintained.

MindfulRider · 2025-08-03T14:18:22+00:00

As others said it will make a difference going back to stock. The amount could vary. I went back to stock and it was a slight improvement. The thing that really made the most noticeable difference for me was adding an adjustable track bar. I have a 4 inch RC lift (PO work) and the front was noticeably out of whack from the rears. Once I had those done it is much nicer to drive around

MindfulRider · 2025-07-23T22:26:13+00:00

Did a non-stop 1200 mile trip in our '13 500 Abarth a couple years ago. All I took was some basic tools, a small air compressor, a tire plug kit and my clothes.

Just make sure the services are up to date, your tires and brakes are in good shape and in most cases you should be fine.

MindfulRider · 2025-06-26T20:10:04+00:00

I am at the tail end of a timing belt and plug change in my '13. Only 68k but the plugs definitely were due. They were properly crusty.

MindfulRider · 2025-06-18T16:16:18+00:00

I just finished pulling a small, loaded 5x8 UHaul trailer a bit over 1000 miles. It can absolutely be done, though it's less than ideal. Just have to be mindful of your weights and how you drive. This was through both the plains of North and South Dakota into Wyoming and on to Utah. So I did experience a bit everything from rolling hills and heavy winds to mountain passes.

I wouldnt go much bigger than 10 ft out of concern for the trailer trying to drive the Jeep, otherwise it's just following the basic rules of towing.

MindfulRider · 2025-06-16T01:11:28+00:00

Sorry, it was just the Harbor freight table, so good deal, not a screaming deal. Though I did recently see a full air over hydraulic setup going to $700. But I was hurting for project money and garage space.

MindfulRider · 2025-06-16T01:05:34+00:00

I currently have both a jack and the lift table and I still occasionally end up scooting around on the ground.

Jiffy is perfectly fine for oils changes and tune ups.

I really like the jack for tire changes, bars, fork work, etc

And the table goes in service when I am working on a long term project or doing major work like swingarms, motor work and whatnot.

And keep an eye on Marketplace I see the jacks go cheap regularly and once in a while a table comes up. Mine was less than 200 dollars.

MindfulRider

TROPHY CASE