[Need help with stalling problem]

When my Avanti R2 gets hot it stalls when I slow down for a light or stop sign. At first it will restart after a few tries accompanied by splutters and a backfire or two. But once the problem starts it gets worse and worse until finally I have to wait for the engine to cool completely. Then it restarts and runs well. Engine has been freshly rebuilt and the carb just came back from Dave Thibeault.

I have heard that the problem is fairly common since so much ethanol has been added to gasoline and that the ethanol causes the fuel to vaporize at a relatively low temp. Have also heard two possible solutions. One is a mod to the manifold to close a heat conducting channel. The other is to add about a gallon of diesel to each tank of gas to elevate the fuel boiling/vaporizing temp. Does anyone have any real knowledge on this? Thanks in advance.

[Avanti Service in or near Houstno, TX ??]

Can anyone recommend reliable good quality sources for Avanti body work and engine/transmission work in the Houston, TX area? Thanks in advance.

[Advice on aluminum radiator ?]

It has only taken 47 years but I finally have a 1964 R2 Avanti fresh from a frame off restoration and a complete engine rebuild that started from a bare short block.

BUT it overheats in the 104 degree Houston weather - fine while moving but heats up pretty quickly at idle or in stop & go traffic. The block is clean, the cooling system holds pressure, 7 blade fan works properly and I have tried adding Water Wetter. The consensus is that an aluminum radiator should solve the problem. There are several sources on the web. Does anyone have any experience with one or more of the vendors and their products? Also, several folks have said to consider an electric fan at the same time because it will aid cooling even more, remove the engine load from the viscous fan, and be much much quieter. Can anyone comment on these things? Even if the alumimum radiator did the trick by itself I would be interested in the electric fan if it really is a lot quieter but the gentleman who did the rebuild doesn't like them because of the extra amp draw. (My car already draws about 30 - 35 amps when the Vintage Air conditioner is running.)

Any thoughts and guidance will be very much appreciated!

[transmission swap]

Has anyone swapped a Tremec (or other) 5- or 6-speed transmission into a '63 Avanti? Does anyone sell a conversion kit? I know Myer's has a conversion kit for a Chevy automatic tranny; I was wondering about a manual conversion. Right now there's a 3-speed automatic in there.

Thanks for your input. I have a '63 that needs complete renovation. In a way this is good because it's a blank slate and i can make it what I want. Although I haven't decided anything, the thought is to keep it looking like a '63 while using technology to improve handling and performance.

Myer's has the adapter to install a manual transmisison, also. They put a five speed into my 64 R2.

Hope this helps.

[Advice on replacement wheels/tires for Avanti]

Ernier.

Thanks very much for your input. A couple of other folks contacted me with good info, too, and with everyone's input combined I have everything I need.

Thanks, again.

I bought a set of Crown Vic wheels 15x6 out of the local junkyard. The car rode and handled noticeably better. With Ford wheels you need to buy different lugnuts with Chrysler wheels you can use Stude nuts.

I have Turner brakes on my car with no clearance issues and if I had painted the rims white I doubt anyone would know they weren't factory.

My hupcaps have stopped rotating also.

I have P215/75R15 tires on my car although 205/75 or 215/70 would also be good choices. On my car I have found that running 26-28 pounds in the tires improves ride and handling as opposed to higher inflations as used on modern iron. The car is less 'darty' and more secure feeling around corners with the lower inflation pressure, your results may vary:)

ErnieR

[Advice on replacement wheels/tires for Avanti]

I need advice about replacement wheels and tires for Avantis. My 64 R2 is almost ready for the road. The restoration is only 7 years behind schedule and 300% over budget - much improved from my last project.

Most of what I see on the web suggests wheels no larger than 15 X 6 as a general rule and lots say stick with 15 X 5. This car has a Turner brake conversion. What about backspacing & offset? Lots of stuff out there about overstressing the front end with the wrong spec wheels. Lots of stuff about different size tires front & rear. Why is that? For best combination of good handling & traction and smooth ride, what tire size(s)work best with no clearance issues? Anybody have thoughts on wire wheels?

I'm more of a touring driver than hot rodder but I do have my moments and I do enjoy the winding backcountry roads in the TX hill country.

I'm sure this has been rehashed a bazillion times but I would appreciate some straight talk from guys with experience.

Thanks in advance,

Irishman