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I’ve mentioned this before, but am still wondering about the necessity of changing cylinder heads when converting an R1 Avanti engine to Avanti R2 specs. Is 10 or 10.25 to 1 compression ratio really too high when the added boost of a Paxton supercharger is put into the mix? I realize Studebaker decided a compression reduction to 9 to 1 was, for warranty issues, a prudent move. However, in my eyes the bottom end of a Studebaker V8 is so robust that 10 to 1 plus a Paxton seems like child’s play! Continuing thoughts on this subject are welcome!! 🙂

Cool! Thanks for sharing.

Yes, but one has better replace them before that!

Thank you for posting that info. 🙂

You are exactly correct!!🤗

GOOD BITE!!….The McCullochs had a rather elaborate die cast badge or “medallion” covering the solenoid hole. The Paxton rework was reduced to a foil decal…..which looks good, however, was definitely a cost reduction!

I thought I read somewhere that Gene Hardig was told to keep costs as low as possible, and was responsible for the idea of re-jigging the earlier hubcaps...?

I'll bite- The elimination of a large metal badge?

I'll start by making the comment that although Nate Altman truly wanted to save the Avanti from oblivion, surely he would have had the common sense to apply this admonition... Just my humble opinion, mind.... I'll go with Nate Altman.

Reg... Thanks for posting that I've been in the Design and Architecture business now for 48 years with a degree minor in art. Before that I was designing cars and Houses at age 12. As soon as I could hold a crayon and a pencil I was at it. I also at age 12 spent time in the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn Mi. in their Design Labs around clay models and drafting tables.. (before computers) I even had a few design ideas incorporated by Ford. Does that give me some clout as a design expert? You decide! Interesting that the original Avanti designers were thinking on those terms. The bottom line is the changes are a matter of opinion and of so little consequence that it hardly matters. I prefer the flares and love to see them on Porsches and other fine cars. It's a way to extend fenders to accommodate wider rubber and rims (and to me) for a tasteful appearance. One might say the hood scoop is cutting into the smoothness of the body lines,, and what is with those square headlights? Then the Gov't mandated picnic table bumpers, but Avanti was tasteful in how they handled that (I'm sure they would have preferred not to do that.). So whether Your preference or not, I'm going that direction. Also I'll be adding a GTO Judge type tail fin with the downturned ends. Front Airdam.I'm undecided as of yet. My reason for the flares is basic. I want to drop the suspension ~3" and in doing so, things need widened out...especially with very wide rims and rubber. Yes I could tub the car, but that goes against handling excellence where a wider platform is better for grip in curves. My '63' R2 will remain untouched out of respect for it's originality,.... but the '73' is a total project and all bets are off. So... to each their own. For reference again, the pix I supplied earlier.. Looks better than the sketch and clay model shown

It was when I asked the question. Thanks for the update.

It's no longer the supercharged category. Maybe the EX models as well.

During the lifespan of Avanti automobile production, which corporate owner made the statement….”We want to make enough money to eat more than beans and weenies”? 1) Nate Altman….2) Steven Blake….3) Michael Kelly….or…..4) J.J. Cafaro

Seven is correct!

Sorry no…. Both units had an internal oil reservoir.

Internal oil reservoir.

Seven

Maybe the title of the category should be changed to "Avanti R-2, R-3 and R-4 Engines and Models" instead.

I agree...it's a much cleaner design without the flares. The Avanti body has always been remarkably clean of extraneous add-ons...and better off for it.

No problem in reversing the tie rod… will not affect front end alignment….Avanti Motors did that on their Studebaker framed 80’s Avantis.

Alternator SOLD.

I have the same problem with my 63 Avanti. By luck, I found a shop owned by a former Studebaker employee (40 yrs experience) that will correct this problem. I'm recuperating from a surgery now and cannot drive for a few more weeks, afterwards the car will be taken to his shop and the problem corrected. I haven't the know-how/skill to accomplish this on my own, etc.

I have tried to get these rear arm rests but had no luck. So, my upholsterer improvised and attached the coverings, his work is, in my opinion, xlnt. It looks like the factory work and I can't tell the difference. I'm well satisfied.

Just my opinion, ….I think the final design looks better without the fender flares.

The categories seem to be popping up like weeds. Might as well have one for the R4.