Factory fuel injected Avanti?

[sgriggs]

I am sure I am correct re this. Just have to find my source. In fact a long time SDC member in So. Bend has a partial FI system from the engineering dept. I will look tomorrow as I believe I know the general area that I might be able to find the documentation. Will post later.

It's really surprising to find out that they were working on this. Put me in the category of "never heard this story before". It's too bad they were using precious engineering resources to work on FI, instead of pulling ahead into production the 340/360 cu in V8 and big valve (AKA R3) heads.

Oh well. Fascinating, nonetheless. Thanks, Richard, for bringing this to light. It is an intriguing bit of insight into what was under development near the end.

Scott Griggs
Louisville, KY

[sals54]

It seems to me that Studebaker was wisely making the most of what they had while they tried to resurrect the flagging company on the birth of the Avanti and the accompanying success of the speed trials. Had it worked out, you could be sure that Studebaker would have gone ahead with the increased displacement engines. Fuel Injection was just another step in that direction. Imagine if they could have developed an economical fuel injection system to piggy back on the power increase of the Paxton. I believe the R5 was leading them in that direction already. Its too bad it didn't work out. We are forever to wonder "what if"?

[Jessie J.]

What are you really trying to establish? Because you don't seem to be following this thread very carefully.

Chris.

Four items Chris.
1. Has this private letter of historical interest which Richard Quinn has revealed to us here previously appeared or been discussed in other Studebaker related articles? YES or NO
If YES, where? and when?
(the reply would allow others interested in such to seek out copies of this additional literature for their own perusal and reference. )

2. Is the photo here presented taken of the original manuscript typed and signed by E.T. Reynolds?
or is the photo appearing in this thread of a copy of that original letter?

3. Did Mr. Quinn obtain this letter (or a copy of the original letter) personally and directly from E.T. Reynolds?

4. Or did Mr. Quinn obtain the original letter (or a copy of the original letter) from that unnamed 'friend in Massachusetts' to whom Mr. Quinn has here stated it was originally sent?


I assure you, and anyone else, that I have no reason whatsoever to doubt Mr. Quinn's account.
Simply requesting a very simple clarification from Mr. Quinn as to whether or no, this rare letter in his possession is the -original- that was typed and sent to Massachusetts by E.T. Reynolds.
And whether it has ever before appeared within any published source(s) accessible to other Studebaker enthusiasts.

Respectfully, JJVDC

.

[t walgamuth]

This thread has been a great read! Thanks to all who contributed.

[nels]

I actually heard about the injection systems back in the mid 1970's. The fellow I bought my Standard from lived in SB and was a student at ND working summers at Studebaker. He worked at the end of the Avanti line putting on air cleaners and miscellaneous items. He worked alongside another fellow who he disliked. This other fellow would open a breather and dispose of his cigerette or cigar down the breather hole then put the cap back on. He would at times also put nuts or washers down the breather and laugh as the Avanti was moved to the roll up area where the car was started, put in gear and checked for problems. The engine would rattle and was shut down. Then all would have to get together and push the Avanti into the repair area to investigate. I'm sure guys like this were not the typical employee but the few that were there sure caused a lot of problems. By the way, this unworthy employee was not the guy that ended up with the injection system.

[DieselJim]

While making the SASCO SI parts move, the same person brought the FI unit in so we could inspect it.

[jeds55]

Thanks Richard for continuing to share your amazing collection with the rest of us. It takes tremendous focus and attention to detail throughout a life time to build a collection like yours. Over the years I've enjoyed your articles in Turning Wheels and your various presentations I've been fortunate enough to attend.

[Studebaker Wheel]

I only check this site every 10 days or so but I do appreciate the positive comments. Personally I never thought too much about the experimental fuel injection since that what experimental engineering is all about. I recall both Chevy and Pontiac had production units available back in 1957-58 era so Studebaker engineers would remiss if they weren't on top of it. I will bet that they had acquired and evaluated those cars like they did all new engineering developments. Since most of the engineering records have been destroyed we will likely never know the results of those tests but thanks to E.T. Reynolds penchant for letter writing we have some documentation that they were working on it.

[BobPalma]

This has certainly been an interesting read. Thanks for the original contribution, Dick and subsequent information from all. BP

[Bob Bryant]

A friend brought his parents 1957 Rebel to school one day and showed us the fuel injection, so I know of one that was in private hands. West Seattle High School in 1959 or 1960

Kind of related. In '58 or '59 a friend asked me to drive his Rambler Rebel. When we got on a divided highway he placed his foot on mine and the car accelerated up to 118 on the speedometer. I told him either he removed his foot or I was going to shut down the car. He complied and I had just driven the fastest moment in my life. I do not know what fuel set-up it had.

[nels]

For what it's worth, Stude also played around with tri power carburation.

[Studebaker Wheel]

I also have several engineering photos of the '56 Packard powered Golden Hawk with the two-fours.

[nels]

I also have several engineering photos of the '56 Packard powered Golden Hawk with the two-fours.

They were certainly not asleep behind the wheel just lacked the money to gamble. It's easy to look back and judge but during that time frame they had to consider potential sales, warranty and their general perceived mission in the auto manufacturing market.

[shifter4]

They were certainly not asleep behind the wheel just lacked the money to gamble. It's easy to look back and judge but during that time frame they had to consider potential sales, warranty and their general perceived mission in the auto manufacturing market.

I've always thought that doing a few relatively simple things such as : Lightening the engine by either reworking the intake , or going
to aluminum , plus doing the same to the fairly heavy water manifold , etc , plus raising the CR by a small amount , would have given them
a chance to advertise themselves as progressing , and helped with the image problem .
The advertising guys could've pumped this up .

Improved Engine !! Lighter ! More Powerful ! Better mileage !! Better Handling !!

[8E45E]

Or this, but at 304.5 ci: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.c...ebaker-DOHC-V8

Craig