Gunslinger
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Posts posted by Gunslinger
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R4130 was a prototype mule for the '64 upgrades and some of them were different than the final versions used in production. It was eventually sold to Sherwood Egbert with some more modifications of the personal kind for him. But the car wasn't built for Egbert in the strict sense.
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One would think they would have thought to move the battery to the trunk. That’s a basic modification today but I guess not back then. Doing so sure would have some much needed room under the hood as well as moving some weight off the front.
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Do you mean a flaw in the 400 engine in general or as used in the Avanti II?
The only thing I can think of is the 400 engine doesn’t have traditional cooling passages in the block but has “steam vents” for cooling. In a vehicle as cooling challenged as the Avanti that simply adds to the cooling problems and may have led to many Avantis of the time period have holes in the inner fender apron in an attempt to aid cooling by increasing airflow venting from the engine bay.
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A crossover balances out the combustion impulses between the two cylinder banks and increases power and does change the exhaust tone. I’ve read that tests show an “X” crossover is more effective than an “H” type crossover in producing more power.
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I think the move to make the radiator sit vertical was made necessary to fit the Caddy engine. The idea it was for better cooling was probably a way of explaining it in a way to justify the work.
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The hose looks like it’s for the windshield washers if equipped…it was an option if I remember. The mesh screen I don’t know.
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Overheating if I remember correctly.
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I had Edelbrock EFI installed on the '70 I owned. The fuel pump went just below the gas tank attached and insulated in the right side frame rail.
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My own recommendations...not necessarily the best...is that while the Quadrajet is an outstanding carburetor...there are no new ones being built. All are very old by now and rebuilt who knows how many times by now...or abused and in disrepair if not having been rebuilt. It takes a good rebuilder who understands the Q-jet to rebuild one and set it up properly...talents in short supply these days. Do not...I repeat...do not buy an assembly line rebuilt carburetor. They will only cause trouble as they're not set up for any car in particular...plus they're just as likely provided only a cleaning and some new gaskets, floats and bushings replaced.
I would suggest (as already stated) to get a new Edelbrock Performer (1403) or Performer (9903)...along with a Performer or Performer EPS intake manifold. The standard Performer intake can take either a spread-bore (Quadrajet and some Holleys) or a square-bore carb (Edelbrock). The Performer EPS is optimized strictly for the Edelbrock square-bore carbs and posts somewhat better horsepower and torque numbers....but it sits slightly higher so clearance may be an issue.
There are good oe-type or performance distributors on the market. Most any should work admirably.
I also agree with getting a true dual exhaust...but first check and make sure the frame has the openings on both sides of the X-member for pipes to pass through. After a certain point some Avantis were only given one clearance hole for the exhaust. If you can run duals...or even only one...get the biggest diameter pipes that will fit without hitting the frame. Let that engine breathe!
I know this might run more than you might want to spend. I'm just saying give it some thought about what you want out of the car and then assemble the parts that will accomplish that. You can always call the tech line at Summit Racing...they will ask you questions and give you solid advice regardless of brands. You can call Edelbrock for their advice and get probably the same answers but they'll recommend their products of course. Edelbrock makes great products but they're not the only good name out there.
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RIP Bob. He was an awesome guy…not just when it came to Studebaker but the car hobby in general…plus life.
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There's the possibility the car was re-framed with a non-X member frame.
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A '73 would use the strap with no indent in the armrests. Avanti Motors began the strap at RQB1574 in 1970.
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Contact Jon Myer at Myer’s Studebaker. Last I was there he had a number of Avanti parts cars.
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I can’t speak to #9…but the #8 car has been completely rebuilt. It’s history is pretty convoluted…multiple owners…less than fine care…several engine changes…a fire. It’s a wonder the car survived long enough to be rebuilt properly.
I have a number of photos I took of it when it languished in a shop a few miles from where I used to live.
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I have several Avanti key fobs to let go of...all are very high quality and never used. $55 and I'll pay the shipping.
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I believe Egbert was born in Washington State.
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You can contact Just Dashes Just Dashes. They have a great reputation but they’re probably just as expensive if not more so.
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What’s old is new again…K&N air filters are essentially modern oil bath filters but many refuse to use them as they can supposedly allow debris flow through.
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A lot depends on the camshaft specs where the engine has its power and torque curve applied. The 400…which can be turned into a real torque monster…was basically a station wagon engine. Due to its intended use Chevy engineers gave it a more torquey camshaft design.
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A good local radiator shop should be able to rebuild your current radiator. They order cores by size and flow design. You can specify more cooing fins per inch and increase cooling capability without increasing dimensional size.
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I believe that’s the #8 Bonneville car.
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The ignition coil.
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1977...beginning with RQ-B2500.
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It wouldn't be the blower as that takes engine horsepower to create positive pressure. The only thing I can think of would be the transistor ignition as it creates a stronger, more consistent spark...particularly at higher rpm's.
Meaning of letter codes at the end of the car's serial number
in 1963-64 Avanti
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Some states...CA in particular...specified a minimum number of characters in a serial number which led Studebaker (or Studebaker dealers) to add a letter to comply with the law. I don't know whether the factory specified the letter or was left to the dealer.