Dwight FitzSimons

Let's use very quiet mufflers on all the engines so that we can single out the engine noises. Then, one engine noise to consider is the sound of the pistons swapping holes in the R3 & R4 engines. By that I mean the piston slap that one can hear with "quiet"mufflers and a nearby building to reflect the sound back to the driver when driving relatively slowly. Under WOT that piston slap would be in the mix of all the other engine noises. Also, aren't the valve clearances greater for R3 & R4 than for R1 & R2? If so, then the R3 & R4 would have a bit more lifter clatter. I'm not trying to provide the answer here; just adding up some of the component noises. BTW, ALL Studebaker engines (excepting the 56J) have solid lifters. --Dwight

A couple thoughts: 1) The exhaust sound of a Studebaker V8 is much louder than that of a Chevrolet V8, all else being equal. 2) The exhaust sound of an R3 is notably different than that of an R2. 3) Wouldn't the R4, with its two carbs, make a loud sucking sound when under full throttle? (I haven't had an R4, so no experience here.) 4) The supercharger of an R2 or R3 will make a nice scream when under full throttle. 5) The more horsepower an engine produces the louder its exhaust. So, it depends on what kind of exhaust sound one wants. --Dwight

I notice a couple things: 1) "Engine number: S-2514" Normally Avantis' engine numbers started with "R", so your engine number should be RS2514. 2) "One quart P6335". P6335 is the code for Avanti Gray paint. That is acrylic lacquer. --Dwight

AFAIK NOS Strato Vue mirrors haven't been available for decades. The current reproductions are superior to the originals. So, the issue is the screw spacing of the repros, isn't it? --Dwight

Nice job. Thanks for posting. This will help others. --Dwight

What you're describing is the rear brakes locking up, causing the car to swap ends. In other words, the rear brakes are providing (proportionately) more braking force than the front. But, think about it, if the rears didn't lock up with the Bendix/Dunlop brakes then why would they lock up with the Turner brakes (which provide more braking force than the old disc brakes)? The answer is that they couldn't. You have something seriously wrong. I would go through the complete brake system and make sure that everything is correct. A couple months ago I had my mechanic convert my '64 Avanti's disc brakes to the Turner system, and install his dual master cylinder kit. Everything worked out perfectly and the car has strong brakes that stop the car straight. I am quite happy with Turner's brakes & MC. --Dwight

The J-12Y plugs are for an Avanti and are colder than the H-14Y plugs. IIRC the H-14Y are correct for a regular 289 or 259. --Dwight

One solution................You did say "every input appreciated!"

Does your Avanti have the optional fast steering? Manual-steering Avantis had a slower steering gearbox (more turns lock to lock) than power-steering Avantis. But, the power-steering gearbox was an option on a car ordered without PS. It was a rare option, but I saw one back when they were new. The quick-steering gearbox, without power assist, would certainly make an Avanti steer hard. The Avanti's production order should list that option, if it was ordered. --Dwight

Thanks for the link. I wouldn't use vinyl dye on a sat-on surface unless that was my only option. The vinyl dye isn't going to crack or anything like that; it'll just gradually wear off. Your seats look great; the Elk color is right on and the covers were well installed. I would guess that those are the seat covers that SI sells. I have those on order. I like your shoulder belts too. That's something I will copy. --Dwight

Good job. I'm doing some of the same work on R-4228. You've given me some pointers. I notice that your console has faded, as they tend to do when in the sun long enough. I am going to dye my interior (except seats) using a custom mix of SEM vinyl dye in the Elk color. I went through this years ago successfully. If you want we might be able to collaborate on this. Another issue is a source of the heat-molded pleated vinyl material for the door panels. --Dwight

Yes, I have seen R2 Avantis fitted with AC. I think people today generally use the Sanden compressor because of its compactness and efficiency. Rogers Protofab advertises in Turning Wheels (SDC magazine) their kit to install the Sanden compressor on an R2 engine. Google can probably find Rogers Protofab. Studebaker mounted the evaporator and all the controls and vents in the console. You would need that out of either a Studebaker Avanti or Avanti II. Or, maybe there is another option for the evaporator & controls. --Dwight

I don't know. I bought it from a man in South Carolina. It had previously been in New York. I never saw the name Walt Boetcher on any of the documentation.

Not that it matters (also), but I have R-5407, originally R1 and 4-speed, no AC, gray with Claret interior. Now has engine problems and is going into garage for engine repair. Paint (Avanti Maroon) will come later.

The Best Gasket Co. is alive and well. They specialize in gaskets for vintage engines, including Studebaker & Packard V8s. I recently purchased a complete set for Studebaker V8s and one for Packard V8s. I haven't used either set yet, but they look good. I believe that they have even produced the unique head gaskets for R3 & R4 engines. See their website below. --Dwight https://bestgasket.com/vintage-engine-gaskets/