mfg

Well, can you think of any engine that would be easier to install into an Avanti ll chassis than a Studebaker V8? ( With the hypothetical assumption that an owner wanted to part company with the factory installed Chevrolet engine)

Nope… not me…. I just wondered if any Avanti owner had ever attempted it…. after all, it would be somewhat a ‘natural’!

I think the soft cam issue was rectified in 1988 (when GM reworked the small block Chevys… also improving the rear seal and one piece oil pan gasket… My 305 engine was purchased around 1994… but sat under a workbench for years after being pulled out of the street rod.

I’ve heard Avanti Motors, during that period, converted some of their ‘electric fan’ cars back to a standard Chevy 5 blade clutch fan & shroud… due to insufficient cooling with the factory electric fans. My ‘85 Avanti has the electric fans… and frankly I’m not a ‘FAN’ !!!!

I got a good deal on the 305… When brand new it was installed in a street rod… but yanked out with about 1600 miles on it because (like you mentioned) the rod owner went with a 350 for better performance.

OK… in about two hours

There is also a Toyota alternator that wires up the same as original… and mounts up to engine bracket the same as original… I have one in my parts stash as a spare… I will post part number if anyone is interested… Cost me about $35 at Auto Zone.. but that was 7 or 8 years ago.

When the original Chevy 305 died in my ‘83 Avanti ‘everyday driver’ in 2010, (at 300,000 miles) I had a nice running Stude 289 and Powershift trans at my disposal. I gave somewhat serious consideration to swapping in the Stude V8, as I had the correct engine frame brackets and other necessary items, however, I ultimately purchased a Chevy 305 ‘Goodwrench’ engine and installed that…. which is still running well at approximately 550,000 miles.

It appears Avanti Motors utilized the TH350 and TH400 “as available”.

Of all post Studebaker Avantis, I’ve always thought the first ‘A’ series Avanti ll’s to be the most interesting…. And, one in nice condition to also be the most valuable.

Avanti Motors coupled the Chevy engine to the Borg Warner automatic trans via a bellhousing sourced from Checker (cab) Motors… That same bell was also used in the ‘65 & ‘66 Canadian Studebakers with the Chevy engines.

At the very least that stuck front wheel brake cylinder assy. needs to be removed and inspected… The piston can usually be blown out with air pressure… but be careful doing that, and wear safety glasses.

Here’s some food for thought….. Over the years many Studebaker Avantis have had Chevy engines swapped into them…. Has anyone ever heard of a Studebaker V8 being swapped into an Avanti ll?

‘Uncle’?

Footer… I don’t know how you did it… but that insert is BEAUTIFUL!!

Me too!

Yes, that should work out well… I have seen black & red speckled industrial carpeting which looked to me to be quite similar to Stude Avanti carpeting… but if that could be made into a suitable Avanti carpeting is a question I can’t answer!

I also like that look… so I added one to my ‘83, taking the measurement from a ‘63. The front edge of the hood ornament is back 2 1/2” from the front edge of the hood.

Nice music… but not the ‘number’ unfortunately !

Dave Thibeault doesn’t have any?

No ‘bites’ ?

Correct answer! In fairness, the question is a bit obscure for ‘newer’ Avanti owners.

Regnalbob, Ronmanfredi, and I can act pretty juvenile sometimes… My apologies…. Good luck with your engine replacement.

A major change made when the ‘RQB’ series of Avanti ll’s were introduced was new high back front seats…. Avanti Motors referred to these new seats as …….?……..