Rather than hijack the tread on the nos 232, I thought I would start a new thread. I have owned over the years all three Studebaker V8's with Automatic and Three Speed Overdrives and a 4 speed.
In my 1952 Commander 4 door with overdrive, the car ran great and I got good mileage. The only time it got a little out of breath was the mountain climb on the way to San Diego from El Centro. I had to go from overdrive to direct drive on a few of the stretches climbing the uphill pass. One of our chapter members also mentioned putting later heads and using a R1 Cam really made for lively driving.
My first 259 was when I was 16(!) with overdrive in a Vernon Built 55 speedster. That was a great running car but would have valve float after 4,500 rpm. It would do an honest 120 in overdrive @ 3,800 rpm. Since the statue of limitations has pasted, I did that on Black Canyon Highway (1-17 now) past Bell road, because at that time there was nothing there and usually the Highway Patrol did not check that stretch of road.
I also had at one time a 1962 Gran Turismo with a 289/2bbl and a 4 speed. It was ok but it did not seem to have the flexibility of square 259 and seemed to be a little doggy on take off. Others have told me that there is little difference between the 259 and 289 unless you are driving flat out. I don't have that opportunity so I have to just base things on regular driving.
IMHO, I prefer a 259 or even a 232 in the right car verses a 289. my 1956 President Classic with a early first gear start Flightomatic again was an ok driving car but did not seem to have the same driving feeling as the 259 or 232.
Ok guys weigh in
Bob Miles
Tucson AZ
In my 1952 Commander 4 door with overdrive, the car ran great and I got good mileage. The only time it got a little out of breath was the mountain climb on the way to San Diego from El Centro. I had to go from overdrive to direct drive on a few of the stretches climbing the uphill pass. One of our chapter members also mentioned putting later heads and using a R1 Cam really made for lively driving.
My first 259 was when I was 16(!) with overdrive in a Vernon Built 55 speedster. That was a great running car but would have valve float after 4,500 rpm. It would do an honest 120 in overdrive @ 3,800 rpm. Since the statue of limitations has pasted, I did that on Black Canyon Highway (1-17 now) past Bell road, because at that time there was nothing there and usually the Highway Patrol did not check that stretch of road.
I also had at one time a 1962 Gran Turismo with a 289/2bbl and a 4 speed. It was ok but it did not seem to have the flexibility of square 259 and seemed to be a little doggy on take off. Others have told me that there is little difference between the 259 and 289 unless you are driving flat out. I don't have that opportunity so I have to just base things on regular driving.
IMHO, I prefer a 259 or even a 232 in the right car verses a 289. my 1956 President Classic with a early first gear start Flightomatic again was an ok driving car but did not seem to have the same driving feeling as the 259 or 232.
Ok guys weigh in
Bob Miles
Tucson AZ
101st Airborne Div. 326 Engineers Ft Campbell Ky.
'63 Avanti R-1384. sold 12/10.
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