Dwight FitzSimons

Well, using my skill gained on multiple-choice questions in college, I'll guess c) Two hundred. --Dwight

The intake valves are larger than the exhaust valves. (You have them reversed.) --Dwight

Preference is only part of the equation. If I had a '63 Daytona HT (as I would like to have) I would put the '63-style mag wheels on it. And, I would buy a set. --Dwight

Good info -- thanks! IIRC Parks offers aluminized pipes, which seem to last as long as SS and look as good too. My first impression, back in 1962, of Studebaker's Avanti were that it was loaded with high tech, and that included the crossover pipe. So, I'll try to put it back onto my '64 Avanti. --Dwight (2 '64 Avantis, 3 '64 Hawks, 1 '56j, numerous C & K parts cars)

No, I've never seen resonators on an Avanti. However, my impression is that most Avantis were ordered with the standard exhaust system. --Dwight

Here is plate 04-1:

Plate 04-1, page number 45, in the Avanti Parts Catalog shows the "special-order exhaust system with quiet-tone mufflers and resonators." The resonators are behind the mufflers, ahead of the differential. This system is shown with the crossover pipe between the exhaust pipes, forward of the mufflers. The "standard exhaust system with fibre-glass mufflers" on the same plate does not show the crossover pipe. IIRC my '64 R2 Avanti in ~1967 had fiber-glass mufflers AND the crossover pipe. I distinctly remember replacing the exhaust pipes WITH new ones (with crossover pipes, from the local Stude dealer) in the parking lot of the base at which I was stationed ~1967-68. (Standard disclaimer: Who knows what happened to my car between Dec. 1963 and when I bought it in 1967-68.) The crossover pipe in the exhaust pipes was functional, to reduce exhaust back pressure. We have since learned that an X pipe is more effective. I personally will go for function over form any day. BRING BACK my crossover pipe! (AFAIK, NLA from pipe benders.) --Dwight

He was a skilled clay modeler? --Dwight

I recently bought a group 51 battery for a '63 Avanti, but now wonder if I should have gotten a 51R (same except terminals reversed). I need to decide while I still have time to exchange it. The 51/51R battery is smaller and much lighter, is of modern technology, costs less, and lasts longer. What's not to like about a 51/51R (unless you're dedicated to originality)? The pic below shows a 51R installed in a '63 Avanti. Everything on this car looks well done, so I figure he knew what he is doing. He has re-positioned both hold-down posts and has made a bracket to move the fender-side post forward. It looks like these changes have made using a 51R battery a better choice than a 51, although it looks like either could be used. The 3EE battery is (LxWxH, inches) 19.3125 x 4.375 x 8.875 The 51/51R battery is ........................9.374 x 5.0624 x 8.8125 The 51/51R is ~0.7" wider -- should be no problem The 51/51R is ~ 0.75" lower in height -- no problem Comments? --Dwight