Engine swap considered

[StudeRich]

Did ya know that the Valves CAN be adjusted on side Valve Sixes by just removing a Valve Door?

Notice I did not say it was easy!

If it has been leaking a lot from those Valve Covers, there are 12 small holes under the Lower part of the Cover Gaskets that had a factory fix to install small Lead Carb. Plugs in the holes, because there IS Oil Pressure to the Lifters in them! They MAY already be plugged.

[drrotor]

Tom— I have a Champion 6 NOS “fitted block assembly” still in it’s crate, swaddled in cosmoline, that you can have for oh, say $750? And I’m just in Renton... not sure of the year as it has no serial number. I also have a Buick Regal carbureted turbocharger... Kenny Durkee

[tomnoller]

Rich - When I had the engine out I replaced the valve cover gaskets and should have checked the valve clearances when it was apart. Duh!
I bought some BBs at a sporting goods store and used them in the holes you mentioned. Worked for me several times before on rebuilds as the BBs fit snugly.
Kenny, thanks for the option! $750 for most of new engine is a bargain. If after valve adjustment and planing the manifold I still can't get up the hill respectably, I'll pursue it!

[studegary]

Rich - When I had the engine out I replaced the valve cover gaskets and should have checked the valve clearances when it was apart. Duh!
I bought some BBs at a sporting goods store and used them in the holes you mentioned. Worked for me several times before on rebuilds as the BBs fit snugly.
Kenny, thanks for the option! $750 for most of new engine is a bargain. If after valve adjustment and planing the manifold I still can't get up the hill respectably, I'll pursue it!

You might want to think about/investigate if you would be going from a 185 to a 170.

[PackardV8]

I took all the plugs out and checked compression on each cyl with an opened the choke plate and floored accelerator while cranking:
1 - 100 pounds
2 - 75
3 - 115
4 - 85
5 - 100
6 - 100
That's better than I thought I'd see.

While you're already in it adjusting the valves, get #2 and #4 in turn up on compression; put 100# of air pressure into the cylinders. Listen at the intake, exhaust, crankcase to determine where that missing 25# of compression is going. If it just takes a valve touchup to get those two up to 100#, that would make a noticeable difference in performance at no cost.

jack vines

[ToGa 42]

Private Message sent.

[vetteson]

For what it's worth, I put a rebuilt "Thunderbolt" 283 in my '55 Speedster. Added a "power pack" (Edelbrock intake, Rochester 4GC, block-hugger headers). As you have the mounts it would be pretty straight forward. Much more power than any Stude of its time. A suggestion, if you consider the V8 chevy option a terrific transmission is out there. I have one in my Speedster. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...3B&FORM=IQFRBA

Great transmission, uses chevy alum. bell (bolts to engine), many alum. components and is a 4 sp OD (3rd is 1:1, 4th is OD) They all came with Hurst shifters. OR, you could use your BW T86, I have a bell housing. Problem is it weighs a ton (cast iron).

[vetteson]

Also, if you change engines you will need a new driveshaft.

[PackardV8]

For what it's worth, I put a rebuilt "Thunderbolt" 283 in my '55 Speedster. Added a "power pack" (Edelbrock intake, Rochester 4GC, block-hugger headers). . Much more power than any Stude of its time.

Without a cam and valve spring change, how much horsepower increase are you claiming for the Edelbrock intake and block hugger headers? The 1958 Chevy 283" 4-bbl was rated at 220hp. The 1958 Studeabaker 289" 4-bbl was rated at 225hp.

FWIW, when I raced 283"s it was usually heads-up; the Stude's TwinTraction, lower rear axle ratio and overdrive was usually enough for the win.

jack vines

[vetteson]

Who knows, I was referring to my '55 Speedster. Anyway, yes, in '58 with heads and FI, 283s were making 290 hp in Corvettes

[tomnoller]

An old friend locally has offered me a free OHV Stude six from a '63, which would be a good option.
Got this back from the machine shop today and will try the hill once it's back in.

[tomnoller]

An old friend locally has offered me a free OHV Stude six from a '63, which would be a good option if it's not too tired.
Got this back from the machine shop today and will try the hill once it's back in.