West Coast R3 builder?

[Stunt]

Just putting feelers out, for now. But is there anyone reputable on the west coast who could build an R3? Either on this forum, or someone that someone here knows? Pacific Northwest would be most convenient, but anywhere in the west.

Dave

[Corvanti]

Jack Vines is the man i'd speak with - Spokane, Wa. forum "name": PackardV8.

[PackardV8]

FWIW, if one has the core, R3 long block cleaning, machine work and assembly is very little more difficult or expensive than the regular Stude V8. R3 valves and springs are readily available. R3 pistons not so much, so I'd probably recommend custom forged pistons; about $600 more than regular Stude cast pistons. R3 cam cores can be reground. PM me if you want to discuss.

jack vines

[SN-60]

Since Studebaker R3 heads are completely unique, and would unfortunately be next to impossible to obtain, building what could be considered an 'authentic' copy of the original Studebaker R3 type engine really isn't possible.

That being said, Stude V8's considerably more powerful than the original R3 types have been built over the last few years, however, they can't (or shouldn't) be referred to as Studebaker R3's!

[bezhawk]

R3 heads can, and have been made. Bad ones in aluminum, and better ones in iron (re welded standard) complete with the larger ports, and fake numbers if that is your thing. I don't give a damn about numbers as long as the performance is there, or IF YOU ARE WORKING ON AN ORIGINAL R3 CAR. (read that last sentence again). All it takes is the bucks. Last one we had it took $15k to do. Better parts than stock R3 are out there. Despite anyone that may holler differently.

[Stunt]

Thanks for the responses so far. Not so interested in authentically R3, but something more powerful, and more importantly, with better oil distribution, especially at high RPM's, than my current standard 289 w/ 63/64 style supercharger.

Jack Vines, PM sent.

And Bezhawk, your area code is Missouri - is that where you're located?

[bezhawk]

St. Louis yes.
In fact right down the street from where we had the national meet a few years ago. Less than a mile.

[Stunt]

St. Louis yes.
In fact right down the street from where we had the national meet a few years ago. Less than a mile.

Okay, thanks. Hoping to find someone I can somewhat easily drive my existing engine to and pick up whatever comes out of this, rather than shipping, but will keep you in mind if no such options seem right.

[SN-60]

R3 heads can, and have been made. Bad ones in aluminum, and better ones in iron (re welded standard) complete with the larger ports, and fake numbers if that is your thing. I don't give a damn about numbers as long as the performance is there, or IF YOU ARE WORKING ON AN ORIGINAL R3 CAR. (read that last sentence again). All it takes is the bucks. Last one we had it took $15k to do. Better parts than stock R3 are out there. Despite anyone that may holler differently.

I really doubt that owners of authentic R3 Studebaker V8's care about "Better parts than stock" Brad!

[bezhawk]

I had much better parts used in B61. Pistons , Titanium valves, and retainers, a better grind high lift cam, and a custom higher boost impeller. Also ARP fasteners. Why skimp? Made more power with less stress on parts. Your choice. Engineering didn't stop when Granatelli stopped working on Studebakers.
BTW. the forgetrue old pistons went on to be modified and installed in the R5 engine of Greg Cone. Look at the pictures of the head....massive rust, the cylinders had to be bored to clean it up even though the engine was basically NOS inside. Every engine is different as to what it needs during any rebuild.

[SN-60]

I had much better parts used in B61. Pistons , Titanium valves, and retainers, a better grind high lift cam, and a custom higher boost impeller. Also ARP fasteners. Why skimp? Made more power with less stress on parts. Your choice. Engineering didn't stop when Granatelli stopped working on Studebakers.

Engineering didn't stop when Augie and Fred Duesenberg produced their SJ model either!.....Would you throw your "Better than original" parts in one of THOSE engines too Brad???

[bezhawk]

Engineering didn't stop when Augie and Fred Duesenberg produced their SJ model either!.....Would you throw your "Better than original" parts in one of THOSE engines too Brad???

Yes I would! especially if warranted during a rebuild!Just what do you think a restoration or rebuild means? If the water jacket was corroded through, would you cover it up in silicone because it was an original part, or would you replace it with a new manufacture?
If you know Duesenbergs, the side of the block casting is covered with aluminum plate(s)
Replaced those unusable in my engine forge true pistons with these Diamond forged racing pistons.

[spokejr]

Engineering didn't stop when Augie and Fred Duesenberg produced their SJ model either!.....Would you throw your "Better than original" parts in one of THOSE engines too Brad???

Actually Ed, most do. Duesenberg owners want the best they can find and original parts are harder to find than rocking horse $#!t so upgrading is par for the course. If it doesn't show there is no foul seen and since the major components that do show are made of un-obtainium, what ever can improve reliabilty is a good thing.

[SN-60]

Actually Ed, most do. Duesenberg owners want the best they can find and original parts are harder to find than rocking horse $#!t so upgrading is par for the course. If it doesn't show there is no foul seen and since the major components that do show are made of un-obtainium, what ever can improve reliabilty is a good thing.

Point taken Ken!....If the original parts are impossible to obtain, or if they have deteriorated to the point where they're unusable, modern replacements make complete sense to use.

What irks me is folks who go on and on about how much better their new parts are than what the factory originally used.....Whether that's true or not is completely irrelevant,...what's important, I feel, is to label this modern, 'improved' Studebaker engine for what it is...a modern improved Studebaker V8, NOT an R3 or an R4 engine...............Those labels should be reserved for the REAL DEAL!!!

[bezhawk]

There is no "real deal". Every engine was hand built and slightly different. So you're saying any rebuilt R3 or R4 engine is no longer the "real deal"? The engine I pointed out most certainly was a Paxton built serial number B61 GENUINE R3. I guess it's now just a boat anchor scrap metal, because it has been bought back to life after sitting rusted for 20 years?
My bad.