Avanti II

[Dennis]

Does anyone out there have data/ articles about the performance of Avanti IIs with the 350 chevy engine? Does the 0 - 60 compare at all with the R2 Avantis?

Second question: can the front of the Avanti IIs be lowered to mimick the Studebaker Avantis?

Thanks.

Smithden1@comcast.net

[SBCA96]

The performance of the 350 Avantis depends on the year, the late 60's they used the

Corvette engine, and it had plenty of power. Through the 70s ALL V8s started losing

power across the board. So I would say that a late 60s 350 powered Avanti would be

pretty close to the R2 engine.

Second question. Yes. But avoid the temptation to cut the springs, you WONT like it

after the springs are cut. The best way is to remove the body spacers in between the

body and the frame, to the number that the Studebaker version had. If you get a high

miles Avanti II for cheap, then purchase a 93-97 Camaro/Firebird parts car with a good

engine and trans, and swap that into the Avanti. That will give you the hood clearance.

Supposedly the Chevy engine is taller then the Studebaker one. The LT1 engine has

a very low slung intake, so it would clear the hood with ease. The LT1 is 285 hp, which

is 'modern' HP and good for a 0-60 of under 6 seconds properly geared/traction, AND

a solid 25 mpg on the freeway with a light foot.

Tom

[Guest Spiffy Kacie]

I'm trying to find some travel/vacation catalogs... did any of you come across one?

[Dennis]

The performance of the 350 Avantis depends on the year, the late 60's they used the

Corvette engine, and it had plenty of power. Through the 70s ALL V8s started losing

power across the board. So I would say that a late 60s 350 powered Avanti would be

pretty close to the R2 engine.

Second question. Yes. But avoid the temptation to cut the springs, you WONT like it

after the springs are cut. The best way is to remove the body spacers in between the

body and the frame, to the number that the Studebaker version had. If you get a high

miles Avanti II for cheap, then purchase a 93-97 Camaro/Firebird parts car with a good

engine and trans, and swap that into the Avanti. That will give you the hood clearance.

Supposedly the Chevy engine is taller then the Studebaker one. The LT1 engine has

a very low slung intake, so it would clear the hood with ease. The LT1 is 285 hp, which

is 'modern' HP and good for a 0-60 of under 6 seconds properly geared/traction, AND

a solid 25 mpg on the freeway with a light foot.

Tom