Stude V8 Swap?

[mfg]

Here’s some food for thought…..

Over the years many Studebaker Avantis have had Chevy engines swapped into them…. Has anyone ever heard of a Studebaker V8 being swapped into an Avanti ll?

Edited September 15 by mfg
Spell.

[aardvark]

I have to say, that would be counter intuitive. 

The Chev SB engine comes in soooo many combinations whereas the Studie Avanti only had 2 options, and both based on the 289.

To me, the Chev engine and its options are the superior choice.... to downgrade seems futile. to go. thru all the changes (motor mounts and multiple other changes) seems senseless. 

I say that and I currently own a stock '63' R2.... (but also a '02' model which is an LS1 based engine.)

[AG-R3]

Oh how I regret not doing that to my RQA.....

[mfg]

When the original Chevy 305 died in my ‘83 Avanti ‘everyday driver’ in 2010, (at 300,000 miles) I had a nice running Stude 289 and Powershift trans at my disposal.

I gave somewhat serious consideration to swapping in the Stude V8, as I had the correct engine frame brackets and other necessary items, however, I ultimately purchased a Chevy 305 ‘Goodwrench’ engine and installed that…. which is still running well at approximately 550,000 miles.

[aardvark]

Wow... Impressive mileage MFG.

I think You made a good choice, but many opted to go with the 350 for added power.

 

[mfg]

On 9/20/2025 at 12:29 AM, aardvark said:

Wow... Impressive mileage MFG.

I think You made a good choice, but many opted to go with the 350 for added power.

 

I got a good deal on the 305… When brand new it was installed in a street rod… but yanked out with about 1600 miles on it  because (like you mentioned) the rod owner went with a 350 for better performance.

[aardvark]

Only issues I ever had was soft came on a 305.  But if You've gone that far.. not a concern.

[mfg]

4 hours ago, aardvark said:

Only issues I ever had was soft came on a 305.  But if You've gone that far.. not a concern.

I think the soft came issue was rectified in 1988 (when GM reworked the small block Chevys… also improving the rear seal and one piece oil pan gasket… My 305 engine was purchased around 1994… but sat under a workbench for years after being pulled out of the street rod.

[aardvark]

Good, because that was a real problem that I actually got stuck with.

So why the question? Are You considering a 3rd swap?

[mfg]

1 hour ago, aardvark said:

Good, because that was a real problem that I actually got stuck with.

So why the question? Are You considering a 3rd swap?

Nope… not me…. I just wondered if any Avanti owner had ever attempted it…. after all, it would be somewhat a ‘natural’!

[aardvark]

I question the ''Natural''.

It's more like a confusion.

[mfg]

59 minutes ago, aardvark said:

I question the ''Natural''.

It's more like a confusion.

Well, can you think of any engine that would be easier to install into an Avanti ll chassis than a Studebaker V8?

( With the hypothetical assumption that an owner wanted to part company with the  factory installed Chevrolet engine)