[64 Gasoline Requirements]

Now that I have my key problem resolved thanks to Joliet Studebaker, I need to address the running of the car.

What if anything needs to be done to make the car run safely with todays unleaded fuel? Additives - how often? Not looking to do any mechanical mods right now.

I have searched the forums and I cannot find any info.

IMO, the only things that you need to worry about, aside from any seals/gaskets effected by today's gas, is octane and valve lubrication. Lead served the lubrication purpose along with the octane.

Nowadays, the way to "fix" the valve issue is to install hardened seats. I did read on the SDC forums where one guy has had great luck with just adjusting his valves at half the recommended service interval to compensate for the lack of lead. And, if the environment isn't your concern, there are places to buy lead.

Octane can be had for $$. VP Racing Fuel makes a StreetBlaze that is formulated for American Mucle. It is 100 Octane and can be obtained in 5 Gallon Cans. It's not cheap; but it will richen the fule suitably, should you get any detonation from pump gas. VP also makes a 112 Leaded fuel.

If you can buy 112 for use at the race track, which is right next to the highway, you think that "bad" air stays put?? I don't.

[front "rake"]

I just bought a '63 R2. The front end was completely rebuilt. Unfortunately, the car now has no forward rake - it sits just like an Avanti II, not like a '63 Studebaker Avanti. Any suggestions how to restore the rake?

I would take measurements of the front and rear to determine what is incorrect. If the front end is higher than specs because of new, taller springs that could be the issue. Or the leaf springs could be sagging.

First, however, I would make certain that the tires are all the same size/height/aspect ratio.

fmarshall