[FC] motor options

[Vairtec Corporation]

The reason that Vanagon owners like the Subaru conversion -- aside from 
increased power and improved performance -- is that the Subie turns in 
the same direction as the original VW engine.  In other words, backwards 
from what we need for a Corvair FC.

There are PLENTY of engines available that will fit in the stock 
Greenbrier engine compartment front-to-rear and side-to-side, but few if 
any that will fit under the stock engine cover, and few if any that do 
not need to be reversed.

A radiator for water cooling can easily be located up front, under the 
toe pan, between the frame rails.  I remember years ago spitballing this 
idea with Bill Ableson.  Bill had at the time an old Corvette radiator 
sitting in his shop.  With a Greenbrier on the lift we held the radiator 
up in place under the front of the truck and it fit like it was made to 
go there.

But that's as far as the project ever went.  That Greenbrier remained 
Corvair-powered and even though I have often dreamed of alternative 
engines in an FC, I have never done it and at this point I never will.

If I wanted to tow a 17-foot 3000-pound trailer, instead of using a 
repowered vintage van with a 95-inch wheelbase, I'd just buy a more 
suitable vehicle to use for towing.  In the long run it would cost less, 
be more reliable, and be safer.  Oh... wait... I own a Greenbrier, and I 
own a 17-foot 3000-pound trailer.  I drive the Greenbrier, and I tow the 
trailer with a GMC pickup.