Engine: 66 Cruiser Engine Identification

[ozziestudeboy]

Hello fellows from Down Under! looking at a 66 V8 Cruiser manual trans here in Oz. Only have pics at this stage. Would the V8 be a 283 McKinnon Chev? It has yellow rocker covers & a red air cleaner. Also what was the 4 speed trans like in these cars? I'm guessing great like all Stude parts. Looking at the engine & trans for my 2R pickup project. Many thanks & regards Dave

[avantilover]

Hello fellows from Down Under! looking at a 66 V8 Cruiser manual trans here in Oz. Only have pics at this stage. Would the V8 be a 283 McKinnon Chev? It has yellow rocker covers & a red air cleaner. Also what was the 4 speed trans like in these cars? I'm guessing great like all Stude parts. Looking at the engine & trans for my 2R pickup project. Many thanks & regards Dave

Yes, the Canadian made McKinnon Industries 283 V8 is the one, and a great engine too as I have one in my 66 Daytona Sport Sedan.

The authentic colours are black rocker and air cleaner, our Aussie assembled V8s of Studebaker design had the yellow/red colours you describe.

Can't comment on the manual gearbox, but the Canadians used top shelf stuff in these cars, so am sure it's a good one.

All the best with your project.

[ozziestudeboy]

HI John, thank you very much. Regards Dave PS. if you hear of a 2R pickup parting out please give me a yell as I require 2 x doors & a bonnet & I would love a M5 unrestored.

[8E45E]

Studebaker never offered a 4 speed for 1965 or 1966. It was either 3-speed with or without optional overdrive, or the optional Flightomatic transmission.

Craig

[Packard8]

Hello fellows from Down Under! looking at a 66 V8 Cruiser manual trans here in Oz. Only have pics at this stage. Would the V8 be a 283 McKinnon Chev? It has yellow rocker covers & a red air cleaner. Also what was the 4 speed trans like in these cars? I'm guessing great like all Stude parts. Looking at the engine & trans for my 2R pickup project. Many thanks & regards Dave

I wonder if it might indeed be a 1964 that has somehow been mis-documented as a '66? The yellow valve covers would indicate a Stude mfg 259 or 289, and I've never seen a 4 speed behind a 283 McKinnon. If you can post some pix that would nail it down.

[Warren Webb]

I have a 4 speed in my 66 because I put it there. Originally it was a 3 speed/overdrive. If you can post pictures of the engine we'll be able to tell right away if its a "McKinnon" or a Stude. The early 65's came with yellow valve covers but the date when that stopped is not known for sure.

[wittsend]

The Studebaker engine would have valve cover fasteners in the centerline of the cover. The Chevy (McKinnon) would have fasteners around the perimeter of the valve cover. For the most part valve cover color could be any color available from a spray can.

If you pull the valve cover the McKinnon's had "Canada" cast on the head. Come to think of it, my McKinnon had "Canada" cast in the intake manifold too. I don't recall if the block had that I.D.. If you get the engine and it is a McKinnon I'd be curious to know the head numbers. There was virtually nothing on the internet regarding the numbers I had.

Tom

[ozziestudeboy]

Are the plot thickens!

[Packard8]

Are the plot thickens![ATTACH=CONFIG]32014[/ATTACH]

Appears to be a 63-64 "full flow" engine, either 259 or 289 cid. Look for the serial number at the front of the valley cover and report back.

IMHO a better choice for your truck project than the 283 GM.

[8E45E]

Got any photos of the rest of the car?

[avantilover]

HI John, thank you very much. Regards Dave PS. if you hear of a 2R pickup parting out please give me a yell as I require 2 x doors & a bonnet & I would love a M5 unrestored.

Dave, Perhaps Chris Skinner from Studebaker Queensland has some parts - he's shutting down and may have stuff to sell.

Apart from that, contact Stude News and place an advertisement, never know what stuff someone has laying around. Editor is Alan Tyler alpays@aapt.net.au