63 Avanti R2 Parts

[ken-renda]

I recently bought a 63 Avanti R2, 4 speed, that has undergone several engine changes over the years, and no longer has a correct R2 engine and have traced the original sale in 1963 to the present; it was once an R4 and it spent most, if not all, of its life in or around Harrisonburg Va. A frame off will be started this winter and the plan is to return it to bonafide R2 status if the parts can be found. At this point I need a salvageable R2 motor and its associated supercharger parts. The original engine is RS-1519 but there little hope of finding it. Please let me know if you can help. Ken, Deltaville Va

[PackardV8]

Hi, Ken,

FWIW, beware of patched together junk. From what you say, you are doing your car correctly. There many wannabe R2s in Larks and in garages which come on the market if the price is right. Know what you are looking for or take someone with you who does.

The R2 engines are out there; all it takes is money. To build an R2 long block correctly is at minimum $3,000 and then another $3,000 for the rebuilt supercharger and bracketry, carburetor, oil pan and show quality chrome.

jack vines

[bige]

If it's an Avanti engine in there why not build it to R2 specs since the original engine is not available?

"The original engine is RS-1519 but there little hope of finding it."

Shouldn't an original R2 engine number be an RSJ prefix?

ErnieR

[PackardV8]

If it's an Avanti engine in there why not build it to R2 specs

Ken will have to confirm this, but his original post didn't specify which engine, if any, is in his Avanti at present. If he's building a correct show car, he'll want an R2 block with the correct serial number. If he just wants one which runs like an R2, any 224", 259" or 289" block will get him there.

it was once an R4

only adding this because anything on the internet usually comes up on some search and gets passed around as mis-information; there were no factory Avanti R4s. I've seen a couple of Avanti with R4 intakes installed on them, but never seen a true R4-serially numbered engine in an Avanti. Your results may vary.

jack vines

[studegary]

If it's an Avanti engine in there why not build it to R2 specs since the original engine is not available?

"The original engine is RS-1519 but there little hope of finding it."

Shouldn't an original R2 engine number be an RSJ prefix?

ErnieR

No, it should be RS

[ken-renda]

Ken will have to confirm this, but his original post didn't specify which engine, if any, is in his Avanti at present. If he's building a correct show car, he'll want an R2 block with the correct serial number. If he just wants one which runs like an R2, any 224", 259" or 289" block will get him there.

only adding this because anything on the internet usually comes up on some search and gets passed around as mis-information; there were no factory Avanti R4s. I've seen a couple of Avanti with R4 intakes installed on them, but never seen a true R4-serially numbered engine in an Avanti. Your results may vary.


jack vines

Jack, the current engine is R-1322, I'm told it is an R1 engine, so yes it does hace a current engine. Not sure exactly when the two fours were installed and which engine was involved, but I knew it was not factoy as a previous owner had it done locally sometime prior to 1977. I would like to find orginal engine but know it is not likely, next choice is a Studebaker manufacured R2. Ken

[PackardV8]

Jack, the current engine is R-1322, I'm told it is an R1 engine,

Then by far your least expensive route would be to put R2 heads and supercharger assembly on your current R1 engine. The short blocks are the same; there is no difference other than the serial number.

jack vines

[DEEPNHOCK]

Ken,
I have a legit JTS engine that is currently hooked to a Powershift, but was originally a 4 speed GT Hawk.
I have a later supercharger and brackets, but am missing the proper water manifold and some other small pieces.
If your search does not turn up a good prepped R2, then this JTS might make a good starting point to rebuild one.
Jeff

Hi, Ken,

FWIW, beware of patched together junk. From what you say, you are doing your car correctly. There many wannabe R2s in Larks and in garages which come on the market if the price is right. Know what you are looking for or take someone with you who does.

The R2 engines are out there; all it takes is money. To build an R2 long block correctly is at minimum $3,000 and then another $3,000 for the rebuilt supercharger and bracketry, carburetor, oil pan and show quality chrome.

jack vines

[KOOL R2]

This seems odd to me. The engine in my factory numbers match R2 Avanti Serial number 63R1653 has engine number RS 1322.
I wonder if the factory numbered R1 engines in a different sequence to the R2's ???

Peter Sant
KOOL R2

[studefan]

Jeff, can you provide the engine number on that JTS please? Jeff

[packardHawk58]

Just interested to know, that if you have a dual quad manifold on a Stude engine does the manifold's runners match the standard Studie R2 heads or do the heads have to be R3 B heads which have a wider spacing on the middle two runners.

[63r2]

Brian
I assume they fit the standard motor.
I'm sure one of the boys here has installed the R4 manifold on a standard 289 motor (unless it is not a factory manifold).
Next time your talking to Duane ask him. It's on his 64 Conv.
Jack
I drove an R4 engined Avanti 3 weeks ago . Obviously it was a Grannatelli installed version in the 70's but non the less a complete R4 serialled motor.
pb

[unimogjohn]

You might want to give the Myers or Solanki a call. At one time they both had engines or they can refresh yours.


http://www.myersstudebaker.com/

http://solankiperformance.com/index.html

[packardHawk58]

Brian
I assume they fit the standard motor.
I'm sure one of the boys here has installed the R4 manifold on a standard 289 motor (unless it is not a factory manifold).
Next time your talking to Duane ask him. It's on his 64 Conv.
Jack
I drove an R4 engined Avanti 3 weeks ago . Obviously it was a Grannatelli installed version in the 70's but non the less a complete R4 serialled motor.pb

PB the R3-4 heads are a completely differant configuration on the center runners ----you missed my point completely.

[DEEPNHOCK]

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.c...umber-Question

Jeff, can you provide the engine number on that JTS please? Jeff