<VV> LM Suspension / Engine / Trans/ brake questions - LONG

[John Sconiers]

HI guys!

Thanks to Norm Witte I was able to purchase a well kept 65 corvair 
monza vert.  My first idea before getting the car home was to make it 
into a corsa clone.  Basically dropping the turbo engine(rebuilt with 
goodies), manual trans, dash, etc into the vehicle.  After getting the 
car home and going over it I really liked the way the car looked and 
how nice it was.  So now I have a few questions:

Suspension:  The suspension is a stock with quick steering arms.  After 
getting the vehicle in the air I was able to see that I needed some 
front suspension work.  I need to replace the center link, passenger 
side idler arm, sway bar bushings, and sway bar links.  I would also 
think about doing the shocks / springs.  My question is this:  Are 
there any specific brands of those items that work the best or give 
good performance?  Also has anybody replaced their setup with an airbag 
system for improved ride?  If so what brands, how was the installation 
and what is their impression?

Brakes:  I'm going to have to also replace all of the wheel cylanders, 
front and rear shoes, and brake hardware.  Doesn't have to be done ASAP 
but it needs to be done.  Plus I was also going to do the dual master 
cylander conversion.  I was already thinking of going disc brakes all 
around so I don't want to spend the cash on the old brakes if I'm 
replacing them anyway.  What are your thoughts on front and rear disc 
brakes?

Engine:  The engine in the corvair is a stock 110.  I would still like 
to replace this with a 180 mainly for more get up and go and because I 
have already purchased a 180.  I was going to rebuild with a set of 140 
heads, new ot30 cam, KB pistons, inter cooler, oil cooler, large valve 
covers and oil pickup, DIS, and FI.  After hearing a post this weekend 
about "needing extra umph" I was wondering what are some mid / high 
performance setups that have been proven to work well with the 180?  
Mostly looking for combinations or things to look out for.

Trans:  Has anybody ever replaced the 2 speed power glide with a 
completely different automatic trans?  As of right now I'm thinking of 
replacing with a four speed manual but I was wondering if there are any 
conversions that would allow me to keep an automatic but mate better 
with the 180.

Has any body tried the billet stuff from american-pi.com?





JOHN