Engine numbers

I have just purchased a 1955 Studebaker President hard top
on ebay, and am in the process of checking everything out
under the car. The number on the front of the engine block
is P952. Does this mean its a 289? I know they orgionally had
259's. it has a DG250 M trans. I love this forum, I've learned
that the rear mounts have.an effect on giong into reverse, new ones are on the way. I had a 1953 champion coupe in the 60's, and put
a chevy in it, and wrecked it. So I've been a
studebaker fan foor a looooong time.[8D]

[studegary]

Congrat's. on your purchase. 1955 Presidents had a 259 cubic inch V8 with the engine number starting with a "P". (289s came out in 1956 and also used the "P".) That DG250M is a good transmission. It has first gear start. I recommend changing all the fluids, especially the transmission and torque convertor (changed separately).

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
1954 Commander Starliner (restomod)
1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[Roscomacaw]

Yeah P in '55 sorta stood for President. It was a goofy year as far as engine ID (and model ID as well) went.
Gary's right about changing the tranny fliud. Use DexronIII fluid. What Gary means about the torque convertor is that there's a drain plug on it to insure that you get the fluid out of it as well as the trans pan.

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS