This car was converted in the 70s, using Kelmark conversion components. Kelmark is a conjunction of Keller and Markham, the two engineers who invented the setup. Their approach to conversion differed from the Crown Corv-8 methods documented in the Corv-8 section of this site. The Kelmark system mounted the engine 11 inches further back in the car than the Crown conversion. This enabled the retention of the stock front seats, but required the turning of the trans-axle 180 degrees flat to the rear end and connecting it to the engine with a bellhousing adapter. A stock, long clutch shaft was used, and it turned out to be a major drawback because the shaft tended to break under the torque of a V-8. A stronger replacement unit was offered by Kelmark, effectively solving that problem.

Other disadvantages of the Kelmark conversion were that the ring gear turned backwards, which canceled the oiling function designed in, and the hypoid gear teeth changed drive side/coast side, which limited service life. These conditions have since been corrected by owners.

Kelmark offered more legroom than the Crown Corv-8, but Crown's advantage was near perfect engine placement in terms of weight distribution. Crown got closer (40/60) to the 50/50 ideal.

Through the rear quarter window we see the venerable Chevy  small-block, the most hot-rodded engine in automotive  history. This "mouse motor" is a 350 with a Holley 4-barrel, hot cam and large valve iron heads. Kelmark headers handle spent gases.

The car also uses a big 12" clutch, Saginaw Corvair 4-speed transmission and a 4-spider carrier differential with 3.55:1 gears. Wheels are Z28 Camaro items with 205/60 x 15 front and 215/60 x 15 rear tires. Front brakes are finned aluminum drums (probably Buick) for better fade resistance. There is an adjustable sway bar on the front, and air shocks out back.

The Corsa has been stripped of its wheel arch and rocker panel trim and the Corsa emblems on the front fenders and rear quarter panels. Z28 wheels look good and are bolt on replacements for the stock 13" rims. Inner fender wheel clearance was not a problem.

The contrasting black rear spoiler might be the least attractive feature of an otherwise stunning Corvair. It was installed by a previous owner who, someone speculated, "probably in a drug-induced state, attached it with the biggest pop rivets they had, probably because they couldn't remember what they had done with that big bag of railroad spikes."

Reports on the car's current state indicate the spoiler has been recycled, and the little coupe has retired to Florida were it's still wowing 'em at street lights.

Thanks to Russ Brandenburg, Registrar of the V-8 Registry for his description and recollections.
Thanks to Rick Norris for the great photos and information.