1965 Corsa Northstar Cadillac Conversion

Frank's V8 Vair is one of the most unique, original and modern conversions.1965 Corsa Northstar Outside the body modifications are subtle and few but required for the transverse mounting of the Northstar Cadillac V8 engine Engine normally found in the front wheel drive configuration. The rear fenders have been widened to accommodate the track of the front wheel drive and rim offset. Front View The PPG Cadillac Crimson Red Crimson Red Paint metallic paint really catches the eye.

The interior has a Fiero steering wheel Steering Wheel modified to hold a paddle switch for the transmission manual shift, ala Formula One Cars. The gauges are VDO Gauges mounted in the original Corsa dash with two extras over the radio. Under the dash is a Vintage Air A/C unit with heater and defrost. A custom designed roll bar is in place to add safety and some stiffness back to the sheet metal area Roll Bar that was cut out to get the engine in place. Seating will be buckets from a BMW 525i covered in black leather to match the rest of the interior. The driver's seat is seven way power adjustable. The stock radio has been replaced with a XM radio CD unit Radio  and Rockford Fosgate  speakers in the doors. Speakers All windows are power operated.

The engine is a 1998 Cadillac STS 4.6 liter Northstar V8  Engine rated at 300 HP with integrated 4T80E electronically controlled four speed O.D. transmission mounted in the original cradle. The throttle and transmission will be controlled with a Morse cable as are most of the V8 conversions. Shift points and firmness are adjustable. A custom stainless steel exhaust will be designed Stainless Exhaust and installed.

The suspension is stock Corvair in front except for the addition of rack and pinion steering from a 260Z Suspension and a set of 1998 Corvette 13" disc brakes. Corvette Brakes A pair of Koni shocks keeps the bumps manageable. Koni Shocks The rear has modified struts in fabricated towers Struts with coil over Koni shocks and a forged aluminum lower control arms mounted to the cradle. Rear brakes are 11.5" discs. A Master Power Brakes booster assists the whoa power.

Cooling for Frank's "CadVair" is accomplished with an aluminum cross flow radiator Radiator from a 1998 Corvette, including the twin shrouded electric fans. The radiator is mounted vertically and shrouded with carbon fiber panels. Radiator Shroud The air enters through two nicely done cut outs under the front bumper and exits out the bottom of the compartment. Cut Outs   Additional cooling comes from an oil inter cooler. Oil Cooler

Wheels are OZ with custom off set and width. Wheels Tires are Michelin Pilot Sports, 225-40-18 on the front and 235-40-18 on the rear. Yeah, those are eighteens !

For more detailed photos of Frank's car visit his online album at http://www.dotphoto.com/  Log in as fparker and use password nsvair.