Meek Avanti!

[mfg]

What connection does the California (San Fernando Valley) automotive repair facility called "Herbert and Meek" have with Studebaker Avantis?

[r1lark]

Didn't they do engine swaps into Avantis.........putting higher horsepower non-Studebaker engines into them?

[bob caser]

They were the first from my knowledge to install a 425 cu in Oldsmobile engine into a Avanti. They removed a R4 engine from that Avanti and the installation was featured in a engine swap magazine published by Hot Rod / Peterson magazine.

Bob Caser

[r1lark]

3 hours ago, bob caser said:

They were the first from my knowledge to install a 425 cu in Oldsmobile engine into a Avanti. They removed a R4 engine from that Avanti and the installation was featured in a engine swap magazine published by Hot Rod / Peterson magazine.

Bob Caser

I couldn't remember if they were the ones that swapped the R4 for the big Olds V8 or not. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of that Peterson engine swap book.

In my avatar, that is a crop of one of the photos from the Peterson engine swap book, showing the R4 sitting next to the Avanti. 

[mfg]

Both Bob Caser and r1lark are right on the money here.....This shop did at least two (and perhaps three) Oldsmobile V8 conversions into Studebaker Avantis!

Paul,...Any idea what became of the R4 engine in your avatar?

[r1lark]

1 hour ago, mfg said:

Paul,...Any idea what became of the R4 engine in your avatar?

Wish I could say it's sitting in my basement 😲........but unfortunately, no idea.