<VV> Re: replacing a three speed with a four speed (corvairs)

[Gary Segal]

  Actually, you can retain the original 3-speed suspension crossmember if you do a little cutting and welding.  The early 4 speed transmission is longer than the 3 speed, hence the need for the additional clearance.  I have installed 4 speed into 3 speed cars before by first cutting away the lower lip of the crossmember, then heating and bending the crossmember wall that faces the transmission to create the clearance.  Just make sure you have enough space to clear the transmission in the worst case (no alignment shims.

Good luck,

Gary