Engine rebuild in MN or other states? Who to use?

[gohdes]

probably need an engine rebuild on a 60 Lark 259 v-8 near Twin Cities, MN.
Any good leads where to start looking for a rebuilder?
I am assuming it would cost too much to ship engine to a Stude vendor in other states, but I am open to options. I want it done right.

[PackardV8]

FWIW, I've got a custom engine crate sitting in MN just waiting for a core engine to put in it to ship back to Spokane. It really isn't that expensive to ship motor freight dock-to-dock. I've sent Stude and Packard V8s all over the country.

Get your best estimate in your area and then PM me to talk about it.

thnx, jack vines

[bams50]

Jack (above) is one of our most knowledgeable guys; that sounds like a perfect solution for you. There are others, like Myers in Ohio: http://www.myersstudebaker.com/ , but if Jack's already got a crate for you...

Whatever you do, I would recommend a Studebaker specialist. They know all the areas that need special, specific attention that other brands don't- and for sure, there are some. That's not to say other engine shops copuldn't do a Stude, but in my mind it's well worth the few extra bucks to ship for the peace of mind. With what an engine rebuild costs, IMO it's just logical. Good luck, and keep us posted!

[Kdancy]

Jack,
Who do you use for shipping engines?

[Milaca]

I'm pondering what to do with my '63 Hawk engine as I am tired of oil consumption and leaks. There is an engine rebuilding & engine machine shop 20 miles east of me in Mora that I may check with when the time comes. I may tackle the tear down and reassembly of the engine myself and have them do the reboring (if necessary) and have them rebuild the heads. But, it would be nice to hear from some Studebaker locals whom have had their engines rebuilt locally as they may have some useful information to share.

[jamesr]

Central Minnesota Engine Rebuild

Hi,
There is an engine rebuild shop near Annandale that comes with high marks from one of our North Star Chapter members. And, another currently has his engine in there. For some reason, his is taking some time but you would want to talk to him directly to find out the specifics. He is from Chisholm, MN. Apparently the shop has all the high tech equipment needed to do any job and is kept spotless for what that is worth. Again, Ed and Denny could tell you much more. Email me for their contact info.

James R.

[58PackardWagon]

Phil Harris at Fairborn Studebaker comely highly praised for the work he does on Studebaker engines. I would suggest using ABF with a nice crate. I too live in MN. I have not found anyone that meets my standards in MN.

[61Lark]

1. Why do you say that you need a rebuild? Have you checked your compression and done a leak down test? My 64 Daytona's 289 should be tore down (2 cylinders are down 30% compared to the others and it leaks like a sieve), but the driving season is already short enough here in Minnesota.

2. Are you looking to take your complete engine somewhere and have the shop do all the work or are you looking for some place to do the machining? My grandpa had a country mechanic rebuild his 6 cyl engine probably 20 years ago and it runs great. I rebuilt a V8 about 5 years ago and had TC in Mankato do all the machining but I put it together. A friend of mine recommend them since they do a lot of dirt track cars. When I brought the engine in I also told them about the harder blocks that Studebaker used and loaned them my shop manual. It went pretty good and the turn around time was pretty quick.

I've also heard a few people recommend Wheeler in Blaine. I'm rebuilding a 259 right now and I've considered having them rework a set of heads for me. I figure if they can build championship pro stock engines they can probably handle a Studebaker. Of course if you want to ship an engine somewhere, there are some great rebuilders in the club.

http://www.musclecarrestorations.com/starring/wheeler.html

Nick

[bob40]

I'll get the name and number of a builder in St.Bonifacious.He was or has finished a R1 engine for a chapter member.

[kamzack]

Pm sent.
Kim

[gohdes]

1. Why do you say that you need a rebuild? Have you checked your compression and done a leak down test? My 64 Daytona's 289 should be tore down (2 cylinders are down 30% compared to the others and it leaks like a sieve), but the driving season is already short enough here in Minnesota.

2. Are you looking to take your complete engine somewhere and have the shop do all the work or are you looking for some place to do the machining? My grandpa had a country mechanic rebuild his 6 cyl engine probably 20 years ago and it runs great. I rebuilt a V8 about 5 years ago and had TC in Mankato do all the machining but I put it together. A friend of mine recommend them since they do a lot of dirt track cars. When I brought the engine in I also told them about the harder blocks that Studebaker used and loaned them my shop manual. It went pretty good and the turn around time was pretty quick.

I've also heard a few people recommend Wheeler in Blaine. I'm rebuilding a 259 right now and I've considered having them rework a set of heads for me. I figure if they can build championship pro stock engines they can probably handle a Studebaker. Of course if you want to ship an engine somewhere, there are some great rebuilders in the club.

http://www.musclecarrestorations.com/starring/wheeler.html

Nick

In regards to #1:
my car is in an auto shop right now, supposedly got compression tests on Friday, waiting to hear results. It started smoking on me last week (a lot!), and leaking oil like a sieve out the driver side engine block (blown head gasket?)

In regards to #2:
I am looking to take complete engine to someone and get one back I can drop in car. I do have people that can do some disassembly and assembly for me if necessary, but would prefer the whole package out the door. (Of course maybe I will change my mind once I get the estimates!!!!)

photo attached

[kamzack]

Hey Eric,
I sent ya a private message outlining what I can do. I'm offering a complete rebuild. My machine shop said if he can get it on his dyno so can we dial it in so you can in fact swing it in and go. Labor to tear down and reasemble $600.00. set it up and run on dyno $350.00. Let me lmow if this interests ya. I can give references if needed. I also rebuild starters, alternators and generators. I have a guy in Dayton,Ohio that does a perfect job on carbs. Engine will be painted sliver(correct color), balck valve covers *etc". You can email or phone. I'm in Tecumseh,Mi. but would have you ship to machine shop at 49221 zip code.
hudsonbaker@myexcel.com
517-960-5832

[PackardV8]

Those are good prices. Just getting a Stude V8 apart and clean enough to work on is a day's labor.

Labor to tear down and reasemble $600.00. set it up and run on dyno $350.00.

What is included in the $600 - all the labor in between - cleaning, boring, honing, milling, decking, valves and guides, crank, cam and rocker re-grinding, and so on? Does the customer furnish all his own parts?

thnx, jack vines

[gohdes]

PackardV8,
sent a private message a couple days ago, want some more details on what you do and labor rate. Also, where is the crate you mentioned I would use in MN? I am in twin city metro (coon rapids)

$600 would be an 8 hour day at $75/hour, so I am assuming he is talking about only dissassembly & re-assembly. There would be all the other part from the machine shop as you mentioned above. That's the real question, if someone knows how much that part will cost.
I am assuming we will use all new parts from Stude Int'l major rebuild kit for $1500.
I posed the same question to both of you.

thx, eric
egohdes@yahoo.com