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Also…. It’s important that the Carter AFB’s internal vacuum passage is clear and pulling warm intake manifold air up the choke tube and into the choke housing… This is critical on AFB’s for the choke valve to open in a timely fashion! If a Carter AFB carburetor, as used on a Studebaker Avanti, is set up properly, ‘band aids’ such as choke pull offs or electric choke conversions are completely unnecessary.

The idle speed ‘kick up’ is a good idea… Studebaker offered a retrofit kit for Avantis with A/C that accomplished the same thing….. However, the GM choke pull off shouldn’t be necessary if an R2 carb is adjusted and working properly, the intake manifold crossover passage is clear, the correct intake manifold gaskets are installed, and the heat riser valve is in place and working properly.

John ... Thanks for posting this. I understand Your scenario and relation to the Avanti Brand and I am extremely thankful for You filling me in on a few items in the past. Also Your Book is a Godsend to Us in the Avanti world... My frustrations are of minimal consequences but still frustrations..I would like info on the Build... maybe a Build Sheet or other such info. Is that required? NO! Coming up on age 72 I understand the age and frustration on complaints. If I've done so, forgive me.. So I own a ''02'' model and Love It.. It is my understanding that Ron Manfred has offered to help go thru Your paperwork. If He seems to be an upstanding individual maybe You Two can work on this info.. Thanks again for the Beautiful Vehicle. Dan O'

I used a 350ci truck motor from 1989; had it fully machine and built (with a striker kit) into a 388ci using Edelbrocks Tuned Port Injection intake (that I reworked) and a 93mm BBK Throttle Body controlled by F.A.S.T. EZI-2.0 self- learning CPU.

We recently purchased a 1963 R2 from a long time Avanti owner, who bought it to restore. He got the drive train, suspension, brakes and fuel system done and decided he couldn’t go any further due to age. I knew that this was the time to purchase this halo car and that I wanted to complete this now "custom restoration". (If you've seen our 2006 Avanti, then you'll understand). I was an educated auto tech in the 70s-80s which provides me an edge on working on cars of this age. Right out of the gate, I saw a problem with the carburetor on cold starts. With the choke operational, the car would run extremely rich on cold starts since the choke plate would remain almost fully closed. Most carbs have a vacuum operated choke pull off diaphragm which prevents this, but not this one. In doing some research, it appears that Carter never provided this on this model carb. So, I started looking and found a GM choke pull off that I thought would work. I also found a linkage piece that I hoped I could use to connect it to the carb choke plate arm, in an oversized available hole in it. First was to mount the pull off using one of its brackets mounting holes along with cutting a notch in the bracket to fit tight up against the carb. Once done, the next thing was to start experimenting with the linkage until it worked correctly with the choke fully closed and let the choke plate open all the way without binding as the car warmed up. I probably bent it 15 “small” times until it worked the way that I needed it to. Lastly, was to connect the vacuum line to the intake manifold. With all of this done, I did a cold start and the car started right up, the choke plate opened with around a 1/4" gap and the car idled perfect. Both carb parts came from eBay. The Choke Pull off is Rochester 17050733 for 1975-1976 Oldsmobile 455 engine. The link was a secondary vacuum break link for 1968-1974 Quadrajet Carbs. Next, I had added a custom modern Air Conditioner/Heater system to the car and needed an idle solenoid to raise the idle speed when the A/C was on since the car has an automatic trans. In looking at the limited options available, I chose the Standard Motor Products ES9 Solenoid, without any bracket. Holley offers the same solenoid with a bracket that might work, but they are charging over $150 for the bracket itself. I knew I could make one for labor only using some scrape aluminum angle iron that I had laying around. Once I cut the basic shape, drilled the 2 holes needed, and notched the bracket to fit tight on the carb, the bracket lined right up. I smoothed out design and started up the car and it worked like a champ. The spindle that pushes the throttle is adjustable and comes set midway in the range. I didn’t have to make any adjustment at all. Here are a few photos.

WOW, never seen one looking anywhere near as nice as yours, excellent upgrades. What year motor did you use to replace the 305?

I found both rear arm rests but they are in rough shape and will need to have the cardboard replaced. If yours is in decent shape, and the ash try looks good, I'd be interested in a price.

My ‘85 Avanti has an air filter assy similar to what you describe…It has a standard GM dual snorkel filter housing, which has twin flexible hoses attached, that pass through the L&R inner fender skirts down to holes in the lower valance… which have screens at their front keeping “rocks” out!

Did you find what you needed?? I have a L. rear armrest w/ashtray.

Im very glad that John Hull, wrote his books, and kept the material, and I for one applaud the fact that he is able to assist. Take all the time you want, I am grateful for your help. I particularly appreciated your response to a few texts that I sent. A HUGE THANK YOU FROM ARAB, ALABAMA

Anyone who doesn't think that 4 door cars can be cool should look at yours. Nice job!

Believe they used Pontiac TransAm Firebird lights as a continuation from the beginning 2001 models another words all years of last generations firebird mustang Avantis Not 100 % sure but fairly confident I hope this helps PS very disturbed about comments on production data comments in prior postings The only reason any information exists on the last geneation 2001-2007 i including all build sheets was a concerted effort on my part to copy and stay in touch with Avanti in Villa Rica and subsequently Cancun Mexico when I left after being CFO and part owner. When and if I can locate the data I will provide for all interested I am under no obligation and quite frankly having gone out of my way to make sure it exists. Could really do with out negative comments and my not being at the beck and call or not providing all information when someone would like to have it. I have moved recently to Delaware and shipped over 100 bankers boxes to my new home I will be 75 years old this year and could live without any negativity Avanti

Well done! Thanks for the update....

I sent you a PM.

Your Avanti is AWESOME!!!!

Do you know if the electric pump would be used in place of the mechanical pump or somehow in conjunction with it?

If so, please chime in with the last two digits of your VIN and location. I have #78 (for 25 years) and am now located in central Texas. I have customized my car somewhat and touched probably every part possible. If you have a question about the 4-door, chances are good that I could help. Also, if anyone is interested in ICF building, we just completed ours and an ICF pool. Enjoy talking about that subject too. Richard Morris Copperas Cove, Texas

Brad, when you find it, take a photograph and post it.

I have one somewhere on the parts shelf. I think it's a Carter pump. Kinda reminds me of the AC type of electric pump that pulses when it runs. I'll have to double check to be sure the brand.

I’ll bet Nelson Bove may know something about this… Hope he sees this thread!

There must be a connection with Andy Granatelli/Paxton. Did they keep documentation separate from Studebaker and if so do any records survive? Price lists when they were selling R3 engines in various forms?

If nothing else it’s very interesting information! Anyone else out there hear of this ‘64 electric fuel pump option?

I wish I had more to add. Again, this is page G-250 of the Studebaker Avanti Authenticity Manual under "64 Dealer Order Guide for Avanti". I have a 63 Avanti and I have put blinders on to anything other than that. It's kept me plenty occupied. I have a copy of the 63 order form and it's prior to R3 so it's not listed. It was only when I compared 63 & 64 order guides that I picked up an electric pump being offered as an option. Perhaps that was more forward thinking from Studebaker that they couldn't deliver on? Does anyone have a 64 order guide to look at?

I’ve never heard of that option… and I definitely question it. Additional info would be nice about this.

That picture didn't turn out too well. It's page G-250 of the Studebaker Avanti Authenticity Manual.