<VV> In defense of stock Corvairs

[Mark Corbin]

Bob,

I never said that one *shouldn't* modify one own's cars. Heck, I do that
myself. However, IF you do, be aware that you do it at your own peril. Any
time you reduce sales volume, you hasten the original's demise. That's a
marketplace given. And that was the intended extent of my post.

For sake of (example) information: With the spin-on filter, it's an example
of a useless (and ultimately detrimental) modification. I really never
could see any advantage to using one on anything but maybe a race car
engine. There's no price advantage, since you have to change those three
adapter seals (though there are people who have disputed this, but they are
wrong) with the filter. And I've never had any problem with a bad PF-4, nor
any engine damage as a result of using them. So to me, the idea of the
spin-on is an answer in search of a question. Point is, I DO believe it
hastened the PF-4's demise. But be it as it may, the damage is already done.

-Mark

> [Original Message]
> From: Vairtec Corporation <Vairtec at optonline.net>
> Subject: Re: <VV> In defense of stock Corvairs
>
> Mark Corbin wrote:
> > If you chose to cut off your nose to spite your face by insisting on
using "alternate"
> > parts, you'll get what you deserve - an early demise of the original
stuff.
> >   
>
> While the premise is sound -- that supply and demand are at work -- the 
> demand side has been diminished not by whether cars are modified or left 
> stock, but by the passage of time.  The last Corvair was built more than 
> 40 years ago.  Nothing that we can't find today has met an "early 
> demise."  If something, like stock-size tires, is discontinued today, we 
> have likely gotten more than we deserve, 40+ years of pretty decent 
> availability at pretty decent prices.
>
> Also, it is unfair to use a broad brush to tar those who modify their 
> Corvairs.  People began modifying them in late 1959, not when CORSA came 
> along.  One of the earliest modifiers was our good friend John Fitch.  
> Should we smack him upside the head and say, "what were you thinking?"
>
> Should we smack upside the head those who today are modifying 2010 
> Camaros, just so Camaro enthusiasts 40 years from now might have better 
> access to stock parts?
>
> Preservation of stock Corvairs is a worthy segment of our hobby.  But it 
> is just that -- a segment.  Perhaps it should get a little special 
> attention because it has a unique degree of difficulty.  Perhaps it 
> should get some more formalized support from the organization.  Perhaps 
> there should be a increase in reward for those who pursue stock 
> preservation.  But DO NOT seek this while being dismissive of those who 
> modify.
>
> --Bob Marlow
>
>
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