New guy here from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

[Vicstude]

I opened the engine and took pictures. With the casting numbers can anyone identify what it is and thoughts on the engine itself.

[Skip Lackie]

Not sure of the engine number. Is it T-IR5637? (In Stude-speak the I is a 1 (one)). Is there a digit in front of the T?.

[StudeRich]

Looks like it's "never ran condition" is verified!

From what I can see of the Bore, it sure doesn't look like it was Honed or Bored does it?
Looks a bit Glazed, or is that a shadow.

[Vicstude]

Skip, that stamp number may have an incomplete T then the rest is HIR5637. StudeRich my guess is that it was honed not bored. Those marks on the cylinder walls is from a little oil I placed on the pistons while turning it over. There is no ring wear on the walls. The crank/cam probably never came out when it was rebuilt and very dirty. Old oil deposits everywhere. Where can I buy a complete seal kit? How would I clean out this block at home and once it's cleaned I'd like to paint it. Is there a better rattle can product for this purpose?

[Skip Lackie]

It's a Canadian-built Champion 6 originally installed in a 1953 2R5 truck -- very likely the original engine. I think all parts are still available, most or all from StudeRich.

[Vicstude]

Thanks Skip. So its a 245 ci inline six and StudeRich may be able to sell me all the parts it would take to seal it back up?

[Skip Lackie]

No, the 245 s the Commander 6. Yours is the smaller 169.6 ci Champion 6. Most of the vendors on the Stude Vendors list would be able to get the parts, and some will have them in stock.

[Buzzard]

Victor,
I have two of those 170 cid motors and they are superb. One is in a '48 Starlight Coupe (professionally rebuilt) and one in a Weasel. They were very robust and overbuilt and with little maintenance, will perform well for a long time. Do the five speed conversion I mentioned and it will perform like a Champ (pun intended).
Luck,
Bill

[my2R5]

Vicstude, welcome to the forum. I too have a '51 Canadian built truck, last four digits 5514, so only 99 trucks before yours came off the line.

[52-fan]

Champions are fine engines. I had a 52 coupe with overdrive and drove it all over. The only big issue is climbing steep hills.
I agree with the guys who suggest keeping the truck mostly stock if you are going to use it on weekends and trips around town occasionally. My truck was converted to a Studebaker V-8 when I got it, but the chassis is stock. I have driven it a few hundred miles several times and its road manners are fine. It will not ride like a new truck, but it sure gets more attention.

[fargoguy]

Welcome aboard! I have some parts- may have a head gasket for you- i'm in Prince Albert, just north of you- email me at evan.d@skyvelocity.ca- Nice truck- we have a 54 with the Champ six and overdrive- rear end gear ratio is one thing to consider as well. Ours has pretty short gears- 60 mph is pushing it. Evan