<VV> 66 corsa turbo first time2 rebuild

[Sethracer at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/13/2005 2:49:24 PM Pacific Daylight Time,  
Patinacreme at aol.com writes:

Hi, I am  new to the list.  I have a 66 corsa turbo.  The engine needs a  
rebuild.  I have noticed that the head number -
3856759 1965-67  110 No Smog

- it should be a 180hp. am I going to have a problem when  it comes to the 
piston size?  Aren't the turbo pistons larger in  diameter?
This is my first rebuild and I don't want to order anything  wrong.

All help appreciated.
Patina



Patina - All the GM Covair pistons after 1964 were exactly the same  
(excluding some late smog motors)  but the chamber sizes are different  between the 
110 and the 180 and should be of some concern. Are both heads  the same number? 
The turbo heads can also be identified by the Turbo  oil drain boss and tube 
in the passenger side head. (Or by the correct  casting number). If something 
else is cobbled up here to drain the oil,  some previous owner or repair shop 
may have incorrectly swapped heads. Good 180  HP heads are not that hard to 
find. Unlike 140 heads, the small valve heads,  even the Turbos, are not that 
hard on valve seat or guides. If you are taking  the motor completely apart, I 
would suggest that you send the 180 heads out  to have a complete evaluation 
done. There are several Corvair specific shops  that are qualified. It would be 
worth it in the long run. Is the short block an  original Turbo? The stamped 
engine suffix should tell you. If not, perhaps a  search for a semi-complete 
(sort of a "Long Block" version) of a 180 would be  your best starting point. At 
least you woulod be beginning with all of the  correct parts. - Seth Emerson