Crown Conversions For Tall People

[Louisville Lanning]

Guys & Gals

Mike Vannozzi, a new V-8 Registry member sent me several pictures. A kit is available from Renegade Hybrids and Desert Hybrids for obtaining more seat space when using a SBC in a 914 Porsche. The kit would appear to have good application for tall Corvair owners wishing to fit more comfortably in a Crown Conversion. What do you think? Are you aware of this kit?

Mike also reports that the 914 seat works extremely well for tall owners and are easily found.

Also sending link to both websites:
https://www.renegadehybrids.com/914sbc.html

https://www.desert-hybrids.com/

There's even a kit available currently on ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/125717778362


Here are some pictures of the Alternator and Water Pump brackets that move the Alternator and the Waterpump to be even with the Harmonic Balancer.

The Harmonic Balancer has V Groves cut into the balancer to spin the Set Back Alternator and the Waterpump.

This saves about 6 to 8 inches of room in front of the Chevy Small Block engine.

This will allow about 6 to 8 extra inches of Extra Foot Room in the Corvair V8 Engine Swap.


Here are the pictures of the Alternator and Water Pump brackets that move the Alternator and the Waterpump to be even with the Harmonic Balancer.

The Harmonic Balancer has V Groves cut into the balancer to spin the Set Back Alternator and the Waterpump.

This saves about 6 to 8 inches of room in front of the Chevy Small Block engine.

This will allow about 6 to 8 extra inches of Extra Foot Room in the Corvair V8 Engine Swap.

[Santee Brown]

About 20 years ago I bought a Crown conversion. I’m 5’11” and needed more legroom. I looked into the Renegade water pump relocation kit, but didn't have the extra money for it, so I cut the longitudinal sub-frame tubes 3” shorter, right behind the front cross tube. I then made tabs, which extended forward from each end to reach the seatbelt bolts. So I gained 3” of legroom and as an added benefit, I had my outboard seatbelt bolts functioning again. The only drawback from this mod was that to change my harmonic balancer, I will have to lift the front of the engine. Small price to pay for 3 added inches of room in an afternoon’s work.

Attached pics show the cross beam with the bracket where the bolt used to go through the hole, but is now 3" forward of the beam. Seat was installed in a comfortable position, then I fabricated the firewall to match the seat back angle. I had to make a "bulge" for the water pump pulley and belt and mounted my alternator in a low position. I wanted to show this for those of you looking for a few more inches of room without going through the expense and work of the remote water pump setup.

IMG_5762.JPG

IMG_5849.JPG

[Louisville Lanning]

Toby,
Thanks for your follow up posting. Your method for gaining leg space may very well be attractive to the membership.

If others have additional suggestions, I hope that they will consider posting them here.

John, Pres