1963/64 Studebaker Avanti R2 Exhaust Systems

[Silverplate]

1963/64 Studebaker Avanti R2 Exhaust Systems

I believe there was two different exhaust systems offered the 1963/64 Studebaker Avanti R2. Can anyone explain the differences other than one quieter than the other? Any performance differences with either system, etc. Thanks.

[big jim]

Basicly you are correct,however, late numbers had an equalizer pipe between the two exhaust pipes. jg

[satdoc2]

I talked with Harold at Park's Pipes about a 2" exhaust system for my GT Hawk. He said the left pipe coming off the manifold would have to be 1 7/8" due to his gig setup. Would this defeat the purpose of having a 2" exhaust from there back on the left side?
Allen

[sweetolbob]

Don Simmons (Silvertone Exhaust) just bent 2 1/4 inch Stainless for my 83. I'll bet he can do 2" for a Stude engine. Nice system, Mine's about 1/2 installed. To many graduations and golf outings to finish this week.

Bob

[WCP]

As I understand it, the quiet Avanti exhaust system, which my 1st Avanti had as I acquired it, had the H pipe crossover, oval muffllers, and resonator cans to the rear of the mufflers just behind the X-member.

[sbca96]

Bob,

I sent you a PM about taking a lot of pictures and posting up a "how to" thread.
That would great if you can. I am considering the Simmons 2-1/4 for my '63.

Tom

[sweetolbob]

Tom

I got the PM and have been taking quite a few pictures and will post when finished. It's dragging out as this week and next are full of family and fun things.

I though I responded but "my bad" if I did not.

Bob

[Bud]

I've used exhaust systems from Don Simmons at Silvertone Exhaust. While not the cheapest, his systems are top notch. Everything has the correct bends, the pipes are stainless steel and everything fits together perfectly. My 63 Avanti doesn't have a crossover pipe in it, but it had headers installed before I bought the car, so it's hard to say what was original. I believe that the crossover pipe will quiet the exhaust noise a bit, and shouldn't effect the power. Bud

[ROADRACELARK]

Tom,

I've got Don's SS system on several of my cars and have installed his systems on several other Studebakers. From past experience, the 2 1/4" system on the Avanti is a bear to get "set" so it dosen't rattle when it's cold, and still not rattle when it gets hot. The major problem area is in and out of the X member. In some "close" areas you might have to flatten the pipe a small amount. Once you've got it in and clamped snug, run it through several heat cycles, drive it over some rough pavement, when you're satisfied it's "right", I would tack weld each joint in three accessible spots just to keep it from turning, then finish tightening the clamps. I would also advise buying the SS clamps from Don as well. They are much stronger than the FLAPS clamps. Hope this helps.

Dan Miller
Auburn, GA

[sbca96]

No Bob, I didnt get a reply, thats why I took the moment to get you here. Glad to
hear you are going to document this, its always helpful to see the fitment issues and
quality of the product. I am also curious to see the bend quality.

Thanks Dan, I was considering "ovaling" the tubes where they go through the x-frame
for the reasons you state. Thats a very good idea. It also will not affect flow, as the
area remains the same - unlike a dent on one side. Believe it or not, I would really do
1-1/2" if I could find it .. and all mandrel bent.

Tom

[Laemmle]

Avanti SS Exhaust

Recently installed Don's ss system on my Avanti........full two inch with loud mufflers...........six hours on the job.......well worth the effort...........no pipe or muffler rattle...........also used exhaust pipe ss pipe 'wrap' from Summit racing....for the front head pipes..........much better than oem or what Don sells...........the system sounds great and was well worth the extra money..........between the parts and labor cost was about 1K.

[Lenny R2]

I have the 2 inch Don Simmons exhaust on my 63 Avanti R2 .Road Race Lark helped me get every thing on.
Every thing kind of fit a few small adjustments with a hammer.I used the band clamps but they dont tighten up enough
so Dan had to spot weld each joint.I also bought the loud tone mufflers & i have no cross over pipe
i am happy with the sound of the mufflers even the powershift trans.Its good to have good friends like Dan.

[rcrall]

63R-1025 was a Paxton development vehicle and the Hot Rod Magazine 1st R3 road test car. The car remained a Studebaker owned vehicle until 1965 and had a variety of modifications done at their Paxton division including modifying the original loud exhaust system system with a welded in cross over.

[jrlemke]

I use two or three #6 or #8 sheet metal screws at the joints to keep pipes from turning. Much easier to remove if necessary.-Jim

[KOOL R2]

I have Don Simmons 2 1/4 stainless steel pipes and loud mufflers on my 1963 R2 Avanti. The installation was a perfect fit with no extra bending or clamps needed. I also have Factory R3 headers. I wrapped the exhaust from the manifold to the mufflers with heat wrap mainly to get rid of excess heat but also to deaden cabin sound. Very effective. Don makes an ideal set up.
Peter Sant
KOOL R2