Fabulous sounding motor! This car was light years ahead of its time. Possibly the most interesting car ever designed in the USA. Would love to have an R3 with a cam and headers!

@carthropology8318

2 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

Seven minutes of looking at the right front wheel of a car; how exciting!😊

@carthropology8318

12 күн бұрын

Perennially, one of my most viewed reports!🤷‍♂️

The car that broke the 29 records and had a flying mile speed of 168.15 mph was equipped with an R-3. The R-3 had a lot of modifications such as being bored out to 304.5, different cam, pistons, intake manifold, more boost. The notable spotting feature is an air box around the carb. Rated at 335 hp versus 289 hp for the R-2. Studebaker only delivered 9 cars with R-3 although clones have since been made. There was also a similar R-4 with two 4 bbl carbs and no supercharger but no Avanti was sold with one. I believe one Lark was. The R-5 factory car mentioned had twin superchargers and everything Andy Granatelli could throw at it (working at Studebaker as they had purchased Paxton and he was president of Paxton). In a paper submitted to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Studebaker said it developed 638 hp. (Some online references say 575 hp, but the paper to the SAE is probably more definitive.)

@trainliker100

2 жыл бұрын

I have to make a correction to the above. The R-3 for the Bonneville records was actually 299 cubic inches. This was the upper limit of the class they were running in. For production cars, it was 304.5.

Would have been a lot more interesting had the camera been placed in some other position. A friend of mine had two of them An original `63 and a after Studebaker Avanti II with a very high performance (Corvette?) motor. From 60 mph he'd stab the accelerator and it would burn rubber accelerating.

@carthropology8318

5 жыл бұрын

Valid comment. Two of my cameras failed due to the high temperatures (Florida sun on the hot raceway) One was on the hood and one was inside the cabin (There is some footage of us talking as we get underway) Temperature that day in the cabin was well over 110. So the report is made of what we salvaged (and we didn't think we could even do that!) :) Anyhow, for all its simplicity it still draws the highest viewership on the site. It is interesting that you mention the unending power of the engine, because you are right. the car is a brute and the raw power is always a delight to tap into. Thanks for sharing!

Looks like great fun! Nicely done!

definitely got a blower LOL great whistle from it. I worked at a Studebaker dealership my senior year in HS. Someone needs to do an article on the rather rare Lark sedan with the R2 and 4 speed ... What a sleeper!

now try and imagine what kind of cars Studebaker would be building today had they survived...

@carlrae7129

4 жыл бұрын

AMEN!

It's interesting to see an Avanti on a track other than a drag strip. It's even more interesting to see it on that track with modern cars. As much as I love the Avanti (I own a 63 R2) I am sure it can't keep up with the modern cars -- even when it was brand new the chassis was getting a bit antiquated, and it might have been the only car on the track that day with a worm gear steering setup. I installed a stiffer anti-sway bar on mine, as well as the upper control arms for the front suspension that were made for the R3, and have metal bushings instead of the rubber ones. It helps the car handle a bit better, though there's only so much improvement you can make to a suspension that old. And there's nothing you can do about the less precise steering feel of that worm gear/recirculating ball system short of swapping it out for a rack and pinion (and I've yet to hear of a really satisfactory conversion of that type; the Avanti requires a center mount "rear steer" R&P, which limits options, and owing to the need to shoehorn it all into space it was never designed for, the cars usually end up with bump steer, wider turning radius, or other issues, and actually don't handle as well as before). I enjoy the hell out of driving mine though, especially when you remember that this car, to us today, is as old as a Model T Ford would have been to a buyer of a brand new Avanti in 1963.

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

Daren, It is clear you know the car well. Everything you mentioned is true. When I bought the car, the Steering was very loose and had a lot of play. We tightened it up. The chassis was derived from the Lark which certainly was not a sporty car. And for the Sebring experience, we were pretty much riding on freshened up stock equipment. The Supercharged R2 (which this car is) has a wonderful power curve. Due to the Paxton Supercharger .And is a real delight to drive. The power just seems to build the faster you go. I agree that we could have improved handling if we beefed up the suspension and other parts... but, it will never match a new car. I always keep my cars stock and try to make them like they were meant to be the day they were built. They become like time machines that way. They remain exceptional and exciting on their own terms and ooze history and driving enthusiasm that is kind of pre engineered out of so many of todays cars. Thanks for your great insights!..... Don't forget to subscribe!

@Hibernicus1968

3 жыл бұрын

@@carthropology8318 Here's something you might try to improve handling just a tiny bit: SiminoffJeeParts Tightsteer. There's always a little bit of play in a worm gear steering setup; it's just the nature of the beast, and you can't totally eliminate it (well, technically you _can_ by tightening the set screw down more than it's supposed to be -- but that will come at the cost of wearing the system out before long). The Tightsteer replaces the solid set screw with spring-loaded damper that removes some of the free play common to the Ross steering box. The Tightsteer was designed for Jeeps, but the Studebaker Avanti used the same Ross steering box. It keeps the sector shaft in full contact with the cam (worm gear) through the entire turning range of the wheel. The constant engagement of the sector shaft’s pins into the cam eliminates some of the free play often found in these Ross steering systems. It still won't get you anywhere near the precise handling and road feel of a properly designed rack and pinion, but (provided your steering box is in good shape and not excessively worn) it does improve handling a bit. Moreover, it's an easy, inexpensive upgrade, is easily reversible, and actually produces more satisfactory results than any of the rack and pinion swaps I've ever read about for the Avanti. Of course, the biggest single upgrade to handling you can probably make is to put modern radials on it instead of the bias-ply tires these came with. I've done that as well, by using 1997 Ford Crown Victoria wheels. They're the same 15 inch diameter, and have the same bolt pattern and dimensions, but are 6 1/2 inches wide instead of 5. They're also made of slightly heavier gauge steel. That makes a real difference; the original Studebaker wheels are a little too narrow and a little too thin-gauge to be really good for modern radials with their stiffer sidewalls. I put radials on my original wheels, but I kept losing hubcaps going around corners, the wheels were flexing so much. The Crown Vic wheels cured that problem, and they look stock, the backspacing is correct, and the original hubcaps fit perfectly. The only thing you have to make sure of is to use the larger Ford lug nuts, as the holes in the wheels are too large for the Studebaker lug nuts to be really secure. (Of course, I see you are running Magnum 500 wheels on your car, so I presume you are running radials as well. Not _quite_ stock if that's the case.)

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

Your advice is timely. I am about to bring the Stude in to my shop for some cosmetic replacements and minor repairs. One of the items to consider were the wheels. My wheels are about the only remaining non- stock items on the car. But I do think they look great! Over the years I have struggled as to replacing them with the original Loewe design wheel and hub design, but for some of the factors you have addressed and... the George Jetson look they entail, I haven't made the move. Your detailed advice and ideas make it much more approachable... As you obviously know already... wheel changes is a complex move to make given all the variables. Appreciate you sharing.

@opera93

5 ай бұрын

Well, thanks..good to see AVANTI being used, albeit limited …. One wonders “ if” the AVANTI, ETC., WOULD HAVE HELPED SAVE STUDEBAKER (* I started driving in 1962, this was big in Northern Indi@na)…Avanti Developed , maybe like Mustang iterations , through to Avanti Darkhorse………….

@carthropology8318

5 ай бұрын

@opera93 Taking it on the track for a day was a twist for me. I use it as an everyday driver normally. It’s an easy, comfortable car to live with. Under normal driving conditions, it is surprisingly competent. Having an older chassis the springs and struts are long and smooth over bumps and curbs. The concept behind it was to be a “Gran Tourismo” type car…. A concept spun out of Italy in the 50s and 60s. The idea was to design a modern car with a sporty character that could accommodate 4 passengers in comfort and style. I love the concept… always have. It still lives…( Think of the Ferrari Lusso, for example) The great thing about the Avanti was that it delivered all the styling and excitement of a European GT but with the reliability of an American power train….

Thanks!

That's amazing they Avanti's stayed with the new Corvette

@carthropology8318

6 жыл бұрын

I was a surprised how well we did staying with him on acceleration. Each car was restricted on how fast the guy in front of their car was going, so I'm not sure how hard he was pressing his car. There were some nice speed bursts though! His braking was a lot better than ours.

@5610winston

5 жыл бұрын

Not really. That Studebaker 289 is quite different from the Ford 289 (bore, stroke, firing order, Stude didn't use a timing chain, 18 bolts holding each head, etc, etc) and the Avanti engines were tuned to specs set by Andy Granatelli. Studebaker never published horsepower ratings for the "Jet Thrust" (Avanti spec) engines, though the numbers usually discussed (240 SAE gross for normally aspirated, 289 for the supercharged) seem preposterously low by comparison to the measured acceleration numbers and high-speed potential. And remember that the Avanti was built on a modified Studebaker Lark Daytona convertible frame. Almost all the suspension components were off the shelf. Rigid rear axle with leaf springs. Rear brakes were the same spec drums that came standard as front brakes on the Lark Wagonaire. Also, all the high-performance equipment available as standard or optional on the Avanti were available on any other Studebaker, except for the '63 "Standard", and the luxury goodies were available as well. "Full Package" cars were called "Super Larks" or "Super Hawks". I have seen a factory matching-numbers super Lark Wagonaire with the supercharged (R2)engine and four-speed transmission.

@myrryxmas

4 жыл бұрын

@@5610winston i think you left out a detail... the stock Avanti suspension was the same as the station wagon, much heavier-duty than the sedans' and coupes' stock suspensions. along with the more rigid convertible frame and the lightweight fiberglass bodies, these things were the original high performance pony cars. amazing little rockets! wish i could afford one :(

@redhawkrl

2 жыл бұрын

@@5610winston I think only the R-3 and R-4 engines were Granatelli tuned.

Great seeing this car out there performing! In the middle of a restoration/rebuild of a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk. Just got the supercharger back from Paradise Wheels the authorized rebuilder, and they added the new HP scroll compressor wheel. The only difference in the early superchargers and the newer Paxton's is the McCulloch had a 2 speed drive. How cool is that?

@carthropology8318

5 жыл бұрын

Verrrrry kool! Did not know that. Thanks and good luck on the resto!

if i remember right, the suspension was a compromise btwn sportiness & luxury. imagine what it would do on the track if it had been made for the track.

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

It was an early precursor to what eventually became conceived as a "Muscle Car". Its inspiration was the GT cars of Europe at that time. It has been called " The Poor man's Aston Martin". I think all that is true. But, it has something those refined European Marques don't have... a touch of American "bad ass" attitude.

My first rule of supercharging..."The faster you go, the faster you can go" Assuming the engine holds together. Never had a problem with a Studebaker engine, unless it was just plain worn out. They were really rugged, and generally would accept a 0.120" overbore.

@carthropology8318

5 жыл бұрын

Great you share your experience! What Studes were you modifying? Were these for hot rodding? Interested to hear more!

@neil6212

5 жыл бұрын

@@carthropology8318 Thanks for the response! Studebakers still have a warm spot in my heart, and use a lot of memory cells! In the early sixties. I was at a point where I wanted to make my car a sleeper, rather than a full on hot rod. Several years ago, I put much of it in writing, and if you are able to supply an email address, I will gladly send it to you. It is a bit long, as I've owned a number of 1960-1964 Studebakers, including two Avantis. I lived in the Washington DC area at the time, and was able to buy many low mileage Studes at the GSA Auctions. I also became an official Studebaker parts and service outlet, up through 1974. I do have a gmail address by the way, using my ham radio call sign. And yes, radio and electronics have also been a passion for many years. KD0SGO

@carthropology8318

5 жыл бұрын

Hi again, Yes! If you have a written memoir of your Adventures, It would be great to read. Studebakers (and Avantis) have a passionate following especially with people who were alive when the company was a thriving business. Your experiences sound truly interesting. I was only 4 when I saw my first Avanti... I thought there was nothing more breathtakingly cool. My opinion didn't change much over the years. And as a symptom of that experience I now own a 1963 R2. My email is Carthropology@gmail.com @@neil6212

@carthropology8318

5 жыл бұрын

My email is Carthropology@gmail.com (I do not know if you got my last reply... so I am sending this follow up.)

Late comment, fun video. Someone was very generous with their Avanti. (Sitting on the fender...)

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

I try.

The R2s were go getters. The Studebaker V8s with a long stroke to bore ratio would lend themselves quite well to supercharging. Its all about piston speed at some point. They had plenty of water jacket thickness for over boring, and a Stude 289 or 304 cu in. at 6500 RPM would have amazing piston speed compared to any other engine of that size. it was about the equivilent of a ford or chevy motor doing almost 8500 RPM. The Studebaker V8s were built like truck motors. I had a lot of fun with building and racing them

@johncarter9054

Жыл бұрын

Some people know this and some don't, but the Cadilac motors of the 1950s with their rather large cu in displacements called for larger intake runners. These intake manifolds would also fit on a Stude V8 with some rather careful intake porting on the Stude heads, bolt hole relocation etc. Manifold 'plane' angles were the same. I chose the tri-power one and yes it fit, after said modifications. Problem at that time was the '3 bolt' two barrel Stromberg 97s carbs for the Cadi intake were not so available. No problem for the dedicated hot rodder however, as 1/4 in thick baseplates were made to adapt the 3 bolt intake to Rochester or Holly two barrel '4 bolt' carbs. The whole setup was hooked up to a progressive throttle linkage with the center carb doing all the work until the two end carbs kicked in at a faster rate. All three carbs were wide open at full throttle. Great for street use. The Stude heads were not really designed for maximum flow but with larger chevy intake valves and some combustion chamber port work they didnt flow all that bad. Once 'one thing' was modified several other things had to be done as well. For example: Stude heads used "rocker shafts" and to radically increase compression "ratio" all that was done was to mill the heads and 'rocker shaft stands' 1/4 in, and then shorten the stock push rods as well. Easy pezsy. Rocker arm geometry stayed the same and the outcome was almost 13 to one compression ratio with flat top pistons :) Now for the Oldsmobile scatter shield and starter modifications ... Well, another time perhaps, along with splitting up the siamese center exhaust ports for 'four tube' headers. And yes, I had lots of assistance from the old guys, machinists that had retired. Studebaker motors will "run" but its hard to argue with a Supercharger.

@carthropology8318

Жыл бұрын

John, Great information on this engine. Sounds like you had fun with them. Thanks for sharing!

Yess!

This is the car I would want if I had an unlimited budget and a live-in mechanic.

@carthropology8318

5 ай бұрын

Glad to know you love the car!:)

I owned for 30 years a Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk with the Avanti R-3 engine, I recently learned probably the only Hawk so equipped. Wish I still had it! It was capable of pegging the 160 MPH speedometer, and never felt "squirrely" at any speed. Probably because it was about 1,000 lbs, heavier than the Avanti, had a foot longer wheelbase, and the engine set just behind the front wheels, not directly between them, making for better weight distribution.

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

Ron, It sounds like you had a beautiful, unique car. How did you ever let it go? Thanks for sharing... very interesting story.

@Valor_73737

3 жыл бұрын

@@carthropology8318 Brain damage? I put over 240,000 miles on it, sold it, still running in '93 to a fellow who wanted to restore it! Did need some major work. I was in the process of moving to another state and in a moment of weakness I did. I learned recently no Hawks left the factory with the R-3! Had I known that I probably wouldn't have sold it! Ordered mine with the R-1. Dealer wanted that engine for a shop project and made me an offer I couldn't turn down, he would dealer install a crate R-3 for the R-1, my cost difference in price option only. Only thing other than the engine that needed changing was a 160 MPH for the R-1 140 MPH speedometer.

Faster than super man and a speeding bullet; great effects

@carthropology8318

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim, --- Not bad for a 60 year old car!

Yes Drive it!

I own one these fine automobiles. Great vehicles.

@carthropology8318

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, Indeed!

@ThePaperKhan

3 жыл бұрын

I know someone who owns three of them! Three! Im quite jealous.

The Studebaker Avanti was rather nose heavy. I think 59% of the weight is on the front wheels. I chortled when I saw the driver comment "On Corners its kind of loose". You betcha. (I have and drive one and would not say it handles well at all.) An unintended design feature to help solve this is the addition of rear seats. You put a couple of heavy passengers there, and maybe toss some luggage in the trunk, and the car will handle better. The Studebaker 289 is a heavy brute at 650 lbs. as compared to something like a Ford 289 which is 460 lbs. That certainly doesn't help the front/rear weight ratio. Studebaker did beef up torsion bars and such and probably did the best they could having to make the car in a hurry out of the existing parts bin. But driving in a straight line at a high speed is what it does best.

@carthropology8318

2 жыл бұрын

Great added information! Your knowledge and experience is much appreciated here! Thx

Yes great comment... There's no end to the power this engine has... Driving these V8's was like, ok I better stop now, because indeed it would just go and go and go, and of course you don't wanna blow up your own car. So the top speeds wasn't limited by the power but the RPMS and you thinking, well maybe I should get another gear box / end drive ...

I owned a very early one, I was young and Brash and got a ticket for doing 120 in a 55 Zone

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

An easy mistake to make in that car. I hope the officer was understanding.

@ajaxa9

3 жыл бұрын

@@carthropology8318 since my cousin was the chief state police officer fhe ticket went away

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

You sly bugger... 👍

To bad the public didn’t realize what they had, until this car was no longer available, now if you want one you have to pay BANK!

He's got more engine power then the tires can handle.

have owned 2 Studebaker Avanti's, both R2's 1 4 speed one powershift auto. Fun to drive but more of a road car than a sports car. But a great car at that. I have an R1 63 GT now.

@carthropology8318

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

Car did well considering how god awful sebring is bumps, concrete patching etc. + it's 55 years old.

@carthropology8318

5 жыл бұрын

Yeh, When I watch the video ... I ask myself, "What the heck was I thinking!"

@kenwinston2245

5 жыл бұрын

You needed a few laps on your own to really show her off, more than shots of a partial wheel and bumper

is that a blown 304?

@carthropology8318

3 жыл бұрын

It was a stock R-2 Avanti He're some additional stats: 289-cu-in OHV V-8 w/Paxton supercharger, HP 280 @ 4800 0-60 mph, sec 8.0 (Faster than a contemporary Jaguar of the day)

They had too many cars and a bad mix to boot. The cars should have been ones of comparable performance ,better spacing and the fastest cars in the front. Especially at the beginning the minicooper and older camaro were messing things up for the C7 vette and the avanti.

Not much of a representation of this car's true gracefulness in handling. I got to drive my dad's, this same model year and options in 82. Then it was way ahead of anything america had to offer, and since imo. Nimble, light, gliding through curves on Oregon's 101.

@carthropology8318

5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great drive and probably ideal for cruising in an Avanti... If I'm ever out that way with the car I will look into Oregon 101.