Engine: Installing an Oldsmobile 350 in a Hawk?

[Rogue_Ryder]

Good Evening! I'm contemplating buying a Golden Hawk that has a blown up Chevy 350 & TH350 in it IF the car is in otherwise good shape and they are willing to accept a more reasonable offer than what they're asking.

Anyway I have an Olds 350 (a couple actually) on hand and want to know if there's any other people who have used a Small Block Olds in the Studebaker? I am thinking motor mounts, possibly rad hoses, headers and a BOP trans or adapter would be about the only differences. The Olds is wider than a SBC which may/may not be an issue with clearances but I'm thinking the Studebaker V8 was wider than a SBC as well and hopefully width is a nonissue. Any tips or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

[Mike Van Veghten]

I don't think you have a negative width issue, guys have put Chrysler, 392 (331, 354) in the Studebakers, I've also seen 348/409 Chevrolet engines in the C/K bodied cars, same engine compartment as you have, so yeah. The Olds. pan has the right position for steering clearance.
The fact that the exhaust ports are facing down, should help with the headers. Other than the starter anyway.
Hoses shouldn't be of concern, they are...flexible, and MANY shapes to choose from.
Trans. wise, why...would you think of using an adapter, for what ? Just bolt up your favorite GM trans., and stick it the car !

I say...pull the Chevy, and do a test fit with the Olds. Go buy some scrap metal, build a set of mounts, and bolt it in ! Would look good under the hood.

Mike

[jetboat]

Looks like you may have a height issue.

[Buzzard]

I have been playing with big block Oldsmobiles (455 CID) for decades and have done many conversions so I know you won't have issues with the smaller 350 Olds. And when you open your hood, people won't be staring at yet another SBC.
Good luck with your project and keep the pics coming. I see your motor has aluminum heads. What other mods? The 350 Olds can be made to make huge power. Just ask Buddy Ingersall. Somewhere I have a picture of him launching his Cutlass at SIR and standing it on the rear bumper.
Bill

[Topper2011]

Don't bother with an adapter, use a BOP Turbo 350. I did the opposite with my 69 Cutlass. Worn out 350 and swapped in my fresh 327 from my Cortina Project, which got a good running 2bbl 307 and sold. The worn out 350 went into my 64 Cutlass that had a 330 with a rod knock and sold. All in 3 months when I was a lot younger and poorer. Anyway, starter is on the other side of an Olds engine, but that's a small thing. I don't recall changing and engine mount location. I think I just used off the shelf SBC mounts and it dropped right in. I can imagine it works in reverse for you. Good luck, I like Olds engines even though they also have the siamese ports in the center.

[Topper2011]

Can't edit my post, it should have read "all in one month".

[bensherb]

Actually having the starter on the other side is a good thing. It won't be in the way of the steering !

[6hk71400]

Looks like you may have a height issue.

It depends on what model Golden Hawk is in question that is for sale. The 56 hood may present a clearance problem. The 57-58 hood has a triangle cut out with fiberglass overlay so the supercharger would clear the hood.

Maybe with a good tape measure depending on the model in question you could determine about clearance with the hood. If you have a low profile air cleaner you might be okay.

You also mentioned about coming to an agreement on price. As the car is already modified, and the cost to bring the car back to factory would be prohibitive, all values are off the books. The Golden Hawk values are all over the place as far as value. A modified car would have to tempered much lower to what any original Golden Hawk in similar condition having a blown engine. As long as you are aware and can negotiate a far price, go for it. We want to see another Studebaker on the road regardless.

Years ago I saw a 1940 Packard Darrin late at night getting gas at a station while on my way home. I did a quick u turn to look at the car and talk to the owner. My face dropped when he opened the hood and saw a 1953 Chrysler hemi with an automatic. Before I could say anything, he told me what he had told others. If they were so unhappy about what he had done to the car, they should buy it and make it right. He grinned as he said I am still driving the car.

Bob Miles
Benson AZ

[t walgamuth]

Biggest plus for the chevy is cheap parts. Looks like the Olds is ready to drop in so that is behind you.

[yeroldad]

Key word: cheap

[Hallabutt]

Good Evening! I'm contemplating buying a Golden Hawk that has a blown up Chevy 350 & TH350 in it IF the car is in otherwise good shape and they are willing to accept a more reasonable offer than what they're asking.

Anyway I have an Olds 350 (a couple actually) on hand and want to know if there's any other people who have used a Small Block Olds in the Studebaker? I am thinking motor mounts, possibly rad hoses, headers and a BOP trans or adapter would be about the only differences. The Olds is wider than a SBC which may/may not be an issue with clearances but I'm thinking the Studebaker V8 was wider than a SBC as well and hopefully width is a nonissue. Any tips or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

From the moment the 1953 came out the swapping of engines began. I can't answer your specific question regarding the 350 Olds, but what I can tell you is that before there was SBC there was Olds, Cadillac and Chrysler, all of which found their way into the Stude. I had a friend who did the original swap of an Olds. into a Stude. That was in the early 60's.

Curiosity makes me ask what Golden Hawk we are discussing. Regardless of which of the three years that the GH was produced (1956,57,58) the car would be arguably more valuable with it's original engine. That having been said I think that you have your mind made up to make the swap. Word to the wise, find out what happened to the original engine. If it's retrievable get it and keep it for the next owner. Proper respect for the icon that it has become demands that the effort be made to give it a chance to once again be returned to original condition.

[6hk71400]

Bill,

I hear what you are saying. I am on the fence with this thought. My 57 has a 58 289 with the supercharger and all the other parts intact. Over the past 66 years from assembly to today, no telling the reason the original block left the engine bay. Regardless, I enjoy the heck out of driving because for me the 3 speed/od is my preference. My grandson will have to deal with the value; I won't sell it. I realize I am probably one of one that feels this way. I tried to point this out in my previous post and asked the original poster to mention what model Hawk.

It is the same thing with the Speedster that did not make reserve at $10,000 on Bring a Trailer. Now the auction is over I can comment that has to be the worst criminal act committed on a rare Studebaker. Maybe the Studebaker Butcher Club would welcome them as well as other forum contributing folks that like to piss off long time Studebaker owners.

So, depending on what model of Golden Hawk, and importantly, condition, to spend upwards of $10,000 to get a Supercharged Studebaker V8 versus having an engine ready to get a car moving, I would rather see another Studebaker on the road. If the original poster decides to go to the Olds 350, maybe they could drive and also start collecting the parts to put the Hawk to original condition. I base my value for the engine on one Craigslist for a "complete" 57 Golden Hawk engine ( completely torn apart) for $5,000

Bob Miles
My 2 cents no change given

[Hallabutt]

My usual comment regarding post war Studebaker customization is generally who cares? There are scant few post war Studebakers that have the unique characteristics that make them a "Modern Classic." The Speedsters and GH's are part of that small fraternity. I thought that it was worth the effort to inform Greg, as a new to the forum, and I presume a new owner, of some things that 60+ years of Studebaker ownership has taught me. I can only hope to mitigate some of the same lessons that I learned to hard way. I know it's like trying to whistling in the wind but.....

[6hk71400]

Bill. better to be whistling in the wind rather than doing something else in the wind. It is less messy. Greg, update us with some pictures and the progress on the bargaining for the car

[6hk71400]

Bill better to be whistling in the wind that doing something else in the wind, it is less messy. Greg, give us an update and pictures and how the negotiations are coming along with the purchase.

[Charlie D]

The gentleman that owned my '55 coupe for 53 years had swapped in a 1984 Olds 98 307V8 and A2004R transmission. I rebuilt the engine. I was told several times on the Olds Forum to swap in a 350 for the 307. It would have been logical but I wanted to honor the gentleman by keeping what he had started. He has passed away and his daughter is my eye doctor.

[Jeffry Cassel]

Guess I would be looking for a supercharged 289 to restore originality and value. A golden Hawk is a desirable collector car---with an Olds engine not so much.

[6hk71400]

A golden Hawk is a desirable collector car depending on whether you are buying or selling!