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the almighty corvair

43 messages,  Last post on Nov 16, 2009 at 2:03 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet, Gasoline, Coupe

Messages Page 5 of 5

#41 of 43 On second Thought... by hpmctorque

Nov 16, 2009 (9:04 am)

In answering andre's specific question, I gave a one-sided view of the Tempest. In fairness to Pontiac, the Tempest was quite innovative, and it was different from GM's other '61-'63 compacts. For example, in addition to the independent rear suspension and 15' wheels, which the Tempest didn't share with its Olds and Buick counterparts, the Tempest's drivetrain employed a unique drive shaft.
 
For those of you who aren't familiar with the Tempest's driveshaft design, it consisted of a tunnel that spanned almost the length of the car. This tunnel housed a flexible steel driveshaft running on bearings residing inside a steel box. This unusual design forced it into a curve. This driveshaft became known as "rope drive." It connected the engine to a rear mounted unified differential and transmission in the rear. This combination of front-mounted engine and rear-mounted transaxle gave the Tempest a nearly-ideal 50/50 weight distribution. This was years before BMW made a big deal of this weight distribution. Another advantage of this driveshaft is that it eliminated the floor hump for front seat passengers.
 
While Pontiac deserves credit for trying to make its compact better than Olds' and Buick's, it made the mistake of introducing this car before the bugs had been ironed out. The result was the handling problems covered in my previous message, plus the rope drive was prone to early failure. It lacked sufficient strength.
 
It makes me think of how different automotive history would be if GM had learned from these mistakes.

#42 of 43 Re: On second Thought... [hpmctorque] by oregonboy

Nov 16, 2009 (10:25 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Nov 16, 2009 9:04 am)
made the mistake of introducing this car before the bugs had been ironed out.
 
Geez, how many times did GM do THAT !?

#43 of 43 Re: On second Thought... [hpmctorque] by isellhondas

Nov 16, 2009 (2:03 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Nov 16, 2009 9:04 am)
Very good info!
 
And, that "rope drive" axle made the BEST prybar in the world! If you were lucky enough to get your hands on one in a junkyard you really made a score!
 
Once in awhile in an old time shop you can see one in a corner somewhere.

Messages Page 5 of 5

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