I have a bearcat V8 of unknown origin, complete and in great shape with the bellhousing but no trans or flywheel. I also have a V8 from a 62 Lark with the automatic and starter. The bearcat motor is in better shape and I would prefer to run that one. here is the problem, I am adapting a mid eighties Borg-Warner 4 speed and then sticking the whole thing in a 1936 Plymouth 5 window coupe. what is the differance between the 2 engines? will the starters swap? and where can I get a flywheel? I know it is a strange one but so am I. thank you for any information.
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The engine you call a "Bearcat" might be from a '55 Studebaker. That was the year that that name was used. If it IS a 55 V8, it would be a 259 cu.in. engine (at least it would have been when new - it's innards could have been swapped somewhere along the way to make it a 289 or even a 224. Not to say that's likely, but it's a possibility to keep in mind.)
If you'd read us the serial#s stamped into the engines (on top of the forward left corner of the block), we could discern what engines you really have here. The '62 could be a 259 or a 289, depending on it's innards. There's no external clues other than the serial # Prefix.
Obviously, 30 extra cubic inches is a difference of note. But a well-tuned 259 is NO slouch in performance. In fact, some consider it a better choice FOR performance for various reasons.
I'd say if that "Bearcat" engine runs well - use it!
IF ..... that Bearcat engine sports a 6volt starter, it must have a 6volt ring gear to work with (the gear on the flywheel) There's a different gear tooth count between 6volt starters and 12volt ones. You can run the 6volt starters on 12 volts and expect years of use. Just make sure the ring gear is the right one.
I might have a flywheel if you know what size clutch you were gonna use.
Miscreant at large.No deceptive flags to prove I'm patriotic - no biblical BS to impress - just ME and Studebakers - as it should be. -
all right I found the numbers: the block with the bearcat stickers on the valve covers has the number 535801 on the block.
The motor in the 62 lark has the number 554641 on the block.
sorry for the delay in response, but I get one day a week for this. Thank you for any help.Comment
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That's an interesting project you have there! The numbers you give are casting numbers. You have to look for the flat machined pad with the numbers stamped into it, (usually under a pile of grease), on the driver's side of the engine, on the very forward edge of the block, just in front of the upper curve of the driver's side valve cover.quote:Originally posted by apwcore
all right I found the numbers: the block with the bearcat stickers on the valve covers has the number 535801 on the block.
The motor in the 62 lark has the number 554641 on the block.
sorry for the delay in response, but I get one day a week for this. Thank you for any help.
You're putting it in a '36 Plymouth huh? That's gonna be VERY cool. Stand by for all the stunned under-hood gawkers! Sure would be nice if we could see some pictures when you're done. [^]
Sonny
Sonny
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These numbers are hand-stamped INTO the metal. They're not "raised" numbers that are cast when the engine block was cast. The very top of the V8 block is machined (where the lifter valley cover sets) as are the "decks" on either side of it. It's in front of the valley cover that the engine serial # is stamped into a machined area. The digits are no more than a quarter inch in height. It's usually right close to the front edge of the block. As Sonny indicates, it's probably obscured with a layer of grunge.
Miscreant at large.No deceptive flags to prove I'm patriotic - no biblical BS to impress - just ME and Studebakers - as it should be.Comment
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