1957 needs engine

[Oly7]

I have a 1957 commander with ?259 V8 engine. It seems to be all original except paint and upolstery. It is clean with 108,000 miles and it runs good down the road until rod noise starts at about 45 mph. Local mechanic, in San Diego, says it needs engine rebuild and the cost is $4,000 to $4,500. I figure it needs some other items to make it safe and comfortable to bring the total restoration cost to about $7,000. I have restored cars before and I will do all work myself except drive train work. I cannot justify this much money on this car and I would rather sell it than spend this much money. Is there a less expensive way to fix or replace this engine? What can I sell this car for as is? Please give suggestions.

[JDP]

You should be able to buy a good running 259/289 for well under $500 and do a swap. BTW, $4000 for a rebuild is just nuts. I can do them myself in the $800-$1500 range depending on how far I go. i.e., bore and new pistons would put me on the high end cost. Chances are you'll get killed trying to sell it with a bad engine.

Studebaker On The Net http://stude.com
64 R2 4 speed Challenger (Plain Wrapper)
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk
55 Speedster
50 2R 10 truck

[studeclunker]

There is a 57 Packard/Studebaker motor (short block) available in I think, Oklahoma for $250. I think the e-mail address on this one is wildwoodrose@sbcglobal.net. The phone number is 405-631-5868. He will send pictures if you request. It would be wise to contact the S.D.C chapter in the area and see if you can get someone to look it over. As I recall the engine number indicates it was originally a supercharged motor. The only reason I didn't persue this any further is shipping costs. They would be certainly less than 4k. By the way, Studebakers West in No Cal. charges about 4k to rebuild a motor as well. If you are going to do so it would be wise to take it to them.

Good luck...

Lotsa Larks!
Studeclunker
A.K.A: out2lunch

[Oly7]

Thanks for your advise. If you know where I can find a swap let me know. I have talked to a couple contacts who have engines but they do not know the running condition of the engine. If I could find someone to do the rebuild for $2,000 I would jump on it.

quote:Originally posted by JDP

You should be able to buy a good running 259/289 for well under $500 and do a swap. BTW, $4000 for a rebuild is just nuts. I can do them myself in the $800-$1500 range depending on how far I go. i.e., bore and new pistons would put me on the high end cost. Chances are you'll get killed trying to sell it with a bad engine.

Studebaker On The Net http://stude.com
64 R2 4 speed Challenger (Plain Wrapper)
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk
55 Speedster
50 2R 10 truck

[Roscomacaw]

Oly,

I've sent you info, via E-mail, on a guy here in CA who can do what you want for less and does great work.

Oops! And then I got a notice saying that the E-mail didn't go through. E-mail me at studebob at clearskye dot net and I'll see that you get the info.

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

[Sam Roberts]

I paid Ted Harbit about $1,600 9 years ago, and he had to bore my 259 .040 and turn the crank .010 across. I realize there is inflation, but $4,000 for a rebuild is atrocious! Put several thousand with it and you can have that Ted Harbit rebuild, and the whole car, as it is on eBay now.

quote:Originally posted by Oly7

Thanks for your advise. If you know where I can find a swap let me know. I have talked to a couple contacts who have engines but they do not know the running condition of the engine. If I could find someone to do the rebuild for $2,000 I would jump on it.

quote:Originally posted by JDP

You should be able to buy a good running 259/289 for well under $500 and do a swap. BTW, $4000 for a rebuild is just nuts. I can do them myself in the $800-$1500 range depending on how far I go. i.e., bore and new pistons would put me on the high end cost. Chances are you'll get killed trying to sell it with a bad engine.

Studebaker On The Net http://stude.com
64 R2 4 speed Challenger (Plain Wrapper)
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk
55 Speedster
50 2R 10 truck

Sam Roberts

[bonehead007]

While everyone is on the subject of engines, anyone know a good rebuilder around the Northen New Jersey area who does Studebaker engines????