Small Block Chevy Conversion -Newbie

[Dougie]

I'm just about to buy a 62 Lark, my first Studebaker. Bare bones, power nothing, 6 cyl automatic. I want to convert to a small block Chevy with stick shift and have a few questions:
1) What type of motor mounts to use?
2) Is there any rearend that is close to a bolt in?
Any other tips would really be appreciated.
Thanks!

[rockne10]

Welcome to the Forum, Dougie.

The SBC is probably the easiest conversion; many have done it and only the primmest purest here will denigrate you for going that route.
That said, by far the easiest route would be to go with Stude V-8.
So, I guess the question is, do you want the SBC so you can pick up parts on any street corner or, do you want it because you're under the impression it's a better powerplant?

[Chris_Dresbach]

If it was mine, I would give it a Stude V8, but the SBC would still work. Actually, for the later model cars ('65-'66) the SBC is actually correct for the car because Studebaker didn't make their own engines anymore.

Chris Dresbach. South Bend, In.

1940 Champion two door.
Parts of the 1952 Model N prototype.
1963 Prototype cart built by Studebaker.

[Dougie]

I was thinking SBC because I'm familiar with them and they're cheap and plentiful. The car won't be a restoration. I just want something fast and fun to drive with a sleeper look that I can take to cruise nights. I expect to also have to upgrade the brakes and suspension. Any advice on rearends? I assume the stock rearend is not up to the task. I'm guessing the engine would be in the 300 HP range.

[ChampTrucking]

Email forum member Prager of South Bend.He just finished a 62,305 Tremmic 5 speed.See the car in Sunday's Eye Candy posting.

[doug]

A Studebaker rear end from a V-8 should do the job and fit perfectly. Same with brakes, convert to V-8, or use a disc conversion.

[ChampTrucking]

I tried to type 350 cubic inch,NOT 305!

[Dougie]

Thanks for all the great information. I think I'll enjoy being a Studebaker owner.

[Eugene]

Hi Dougie, Welcome to the Forum... I have been doing a change over on my 62 Lark Daytona, As it not to bad to do the conversion. You can get the frame mounts used from the 65 or 66 Larks V8,I got mine on here from a forum member. I can get you the numbers for the motor mount NAPA has them or can get them over night. You will have to make your own trans crossover bracket. You will need a set of block hugger headers.I can get you the numbers for them also. I am still working on what rear end I am going to use.I will get you some numbers and post them here tomorrow for you. I will help you out if this is the way you want to go. This is a great site for lots of info and a great bunch of guys to ask ??? Gene..

[Dougie]

Gene,
All help will be welcome for sure. I should be getting the car in the next week or two and then start collecting parts. My garage is heated so I can work over the winter too. I'll really appreciate whatever part numbers you can provide. I searched around on the internet and really didn't find too much information, until this forum. This forum is going to be invaluable. Thanks again and I'm looking forward to being an active member.

[MARCHOBBS]

Dougie, I think this post will be a big help: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.c...hevy+in+a+lark

[Dougie]

That is a great post. Thanks. I was wondering about the rear end. I've seen reference to a Dana 27 and Dana 44. It's a 6 cylinder, automatic car. Would it have the Dana 27? Would that live behind a 350 Chevy and stick shift? Is there an easy way to identify the type of rear? Thanks again for all the help.

[Tom Bredehoft]

Clean the crud off the Pig. In the lower right gusset, looking forward from the bumper, there is a number, either 27, 44 or some other number. That's how the rear axle is identified. I would expect a 6 cylinder car to have a No. 27.

No, a 27 would not last long behind even a wimpy 350.

[img=left]http://www.alink.com/personal/tbredehoft/Avatar1.jpg[/img=left]
Tom Bredehoft
'53 Commander Coupe (since 1959)
'55 President (6H Y6) State Sedan
....On the road, again....
'05 Legacy Ltd Wagon
All Indiana built cars

[Eugene]

Hi Dougie, Here are some #s motor mounts from NAPA 602-1054 same on right and left side.Now as for the headers I used the sbc block hugger headers RAW NO PAINT part #SUM-G9060 99.95 FOR THE PAIR, On the left side of the header you will have to take maybe 1/8" off the flang on the one bolt hole it will work I have them on my car right now stering go's lock to lock, I also used a set of Hugger toobs header extensions #BIG-10010FLT. But you will have to make them fit and then weld the flang on If you can weld and have a mig welder you can make the toobs work. I will send you some pictures of what I did on my Daytona tomrrow and of my custom trans crossmember and the motor mounts & the headers, If you go to your serch and enter summit raceing you can find the link for the headers.

[63t-cab]

Dougie, I sent you an email. in case you are interested in a pair of engine to frame mounts, #s 1563714+15 for Chevy swap.

Joseph R. Zeiger