R2 in a 53-54 C/K

[Baker54]

'Glad to share any information I can from my experience. As john mentioned, you want to go with an Avanti setup for clearance. Just notch the right fender well out a bit for the SC and it nestles right in. LOADS of hood clearance-more than the previous non-supercharched setup I had. You do understand that just adding some R2 components won't make it an R2 engine, and you'll likely need some work to lower the compression ratio at least. The radiator was not moved, but it is a 4-core, I made sure the water passages were super clean, and I'm using a puller electric fan (Dodge Intrepid double fan is almost perfect for maximum flow thru Stude radiator). The AC compressor was put in place of the alternator using custom fabricated brackets. The power steering pump was moved up some and a modern compact alternator was mounted below the pump. I posted detailed photos of the setup about 3 years ago in this forum...maybe you can bring them up with a search. 'Be glad to answer any further questions you might have.

Steve,

I appreciate you being willing to share information. I will have several questions as I move this direction. The first being are you using the original front suspension and how did you lower the car? I will look for your photos and that should answer some of my questions. Would you prefer direct contact through e-mail or should I just use this forum for detail?

[S2DSteve]

Personally, I think corresponding on the Forum is preferred because that's the purpose of the Forum-sharing information, which is very limited in direct contact. Also, I don't have any secrets (concerning Studebakers anyway), so I don't mind evesdroppers. Other than the fact I have air bags in place of springs on all 4 corners , the suspension is stock.

BTW, I forgot to mention I had to remove the mechanical and switch to an electric fuel pump to provide room for the alternator.

[Baker54]

I posted detailed photos of the setup about 3 years ago in this forum...maybe you can bring them up with a search. 'Be glad to answer any further questions you might have.

I haven't had any luck locating the photos but I'm still new at this. If anyone can help me find the thread I would appreciate it.

I'm trying to determine if I have the basics of what you did. I have a 56 frame with Saginaw power steering. Does your car have the 56 Saginaw power steering as well with a stock column? If all of this is explained with the photos I appologize in advance.

[Pat Dilling]

I found the thread from 2007, but the pictures are no longer there:

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?3807-It-CAN-be-done!&highlight=supercharger

I did an advanced search using the name S2DSteve and the topic Supercharger

Pat

[Baker54]

Thanks Pat. I will use that method for other things I am looking for. Larry

[41 Frank]

Larry, our friends are bringing their R-2 63 Avanti to Branson in which I installed AC and would be somewhat helpful to you as you plan to be there,it has the same blower setup as you will have to use. Only difference is his has no power steering.

I haven't had any luck locating the photos but I'm still new at this. If anyone can help me find the thread I would appreciate it.

I'm trying to determine if I have the basics of what you did. I have a 56 frame with Saginaw power steering. Does your car have the 56 Saginaw power steering as well with a stock column? If all of this is explained with the photos I appologize in advance.

[(S)]

R3 engine mounts

The R3 engine mounts are like a slice of cheese compared to the originals........

[S2DSteve]

[QUOTE]I haven't had any luck locating the photos but I'm still new at this. If anyone can help me find the thread I would appreciate it.

I'm trying to determine if I have the basics of what you did. I have a 56 frame with Saginaw power steering. Does your car have the 56 Saginaw power steering as well with a stock column? If all of this is explained with the photos I appologize in advance./QUOTE]

Sorry about the lack of photos. I'm having "issues" right now with my computer. When I get it figured out I'll get you some more photos.

That's exactly what I have, a '56 frame with Saginaw PS. It also has a Studebaker steering column, but I'm not sure exactly what it came out of.

[Baker54]

Larry, our friends are bringing their R-2 63 Avanti to Branson in which I installed AC and would be somewhat helpful to you as you plan to be there,it has the same blower setup as you will have to use. Only difference is his has no power steering.

Frank, I will be arriving late Friday evening so will look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Glad to know your friends are bringing the Avanti.

Larry

[Baker54]

[QUOTE=S2DSteve;575491]

QUOTE]

Sorry about the lack of photos. I'm having "issues" right now with my computer. When I get it figured out I'll get you some more photos.

That would be appreciated but don't go to a lot of trouble.

Thanks

Larry

[mrobertweiss]

Used a spal fan, Griffen custom radiator made to match the 53, Vintage Air bracketry, and R cam in a 55 speedster 259 V8, in 53 body, stock suspension, Powermaster alternator, it all fit fine.

[Baker54]

Used a spal fan, Griffen custom radiator made to match the 53, Vintage Air bracketry, and R cam in a 55 speedster 259 V8, in 53 body, stock suspension, Powermaster alternator, it all fit fine.

Thanks for the picture and information. Everything is helping me make a plan to proceed. Do you have any wider shots of the engine bay? I would really like to see photos of your car as well. Larry