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That R4 engine belonged to the late, lamented Paul Johnson.

Number 2

It’s the old school setup Ard… Unfortunately, these Avantis have a bottom dead center fuel outlet (in the tank)… So debris tend to collect in that area….. So blow everything out, change filters (one in carb fuel entrance) and possibly install new mechanical pump…. (inexpensive for Chevys) … Good luck with this!… Ed

I'm an old school Muscle Car Guy, Had Mustangs and GTO (Judge). All were fun, but the Vega was actually downright scary fast. I don't expect the same out of this car but anything close would be more than nice. ............................ I've run up against a fuel feed issue in the ''73''., Gotta blow out the fuel line and maybe I need to get into the tank for the p/u setup. I don't know if there is an ''in tank''' pump or if it's just a p/u and gas level setup. I changed the pump at the engine and added a clear filter... very little is getting pulled up into the filter

P S …. The R4 engine, referred to in answer #4, is still on display at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend.

Any other thoughts on this one?

Yes Ard,….the ‘400’ had something like 400 lbs/ft of torque at a low RPM…. You’re Vega, a very light car, MUST have been a real THRILL RIDE!!!

Huh. I have just bought a ''73'' Avanti (was listed here) with a 400ci. I've been having fuel issues so I can't judge it's performance ... Yet.. IF it's anything near when I transplanted a 400 in a Chev Vega, it'll be a thrill ride.

I’m finishing up the restoration of my 1956 Golden Hawk, and have been out on the road driving it a bit. It has a 3.92 rear end ratio, and having a stick shift tranny, I’m very impressed with the low end torque this car has… It really pushes me back in the seat when I step on it! I can only imagine what a Studebaker Avanti would have performed like if this engine (352) was available in 1963! Off the line performance of this Stude is similar to my ‘73 Avanti (400CI)

Good answer. Studebaker referred to seat belts as a "Compulsory option". Kind of an oxymoron, but that's how they rolled.

I gave a brief look at my photo stash and unofficially there are wings on R-4859 and balls on R-4868. I have no data in-between those...

AC3289 SEAT BELT R&L $18.50

False Seat belts were listed as optional equipment.

John... I'm glad it all is there but for us owners it is not....at present. But thanks for all You do.

rolling frame, could find no rust in the frame other than surface rust. body is decent shape with some damage just behind the driver side front wheel opening. drivers side hog trough has a puncture hole less than a quarter size no damage on the passenger side. clear title.

I'm hoping to find the tag that was bolted to the differential cover that stated "This is a twin traction differential" and the trim that went around the edge of the gas pedal. Here's hoping.

Seat belts and radio were an "opt out" item. You were getting it unless you said otherwise. I'm going to say TRUE, unless you really didn't want them.

63 in Idaho

Front seat belts were standard equipment on the 1963 Avanti. TRUE FALSE

the 63 avanti r 1107 that I have the 4 and R 2983 that I have has the 5 levers. 1107 is a parts car so I could exchange them if it is certain that it would have come with the earlier version. Can anyone with a serial number close to my 2983 confirm what there car has?

That change was made for the 1964 model year starting around serial number R 4879.

1963 4-Speed R1 in Avanti White with black and fawn interior, AC, Twin-Traction, hill holder, power steering, seat belts and radio. Resides in Sweden.

This is a great question that I don’t think has ever been asked before! My thought is the design was changed to make the system more user friendly.

Good guess but no… not the R4!

Sorry no…. Probably not Mr. Ebstein