May 2009 /////Has anyone converted their Studebaker Avanti to a manual from automatic///// =================================================================== No adapter will be needed if you use the following: 1) bell housing from I think a '61 or '62 Studebaker with the GM bolt pattern to the transmission 2) late 1980's Camaro or Firebird V8 5 speed transmission (NOT the V6!) 3) have a machinist reduce the size of the the transmission front bearing retainer where it goes through the Studebaker bell housing pilot hole 4) pick the aftermarket 80's style Mustang 5.0 shifter of your choice 5) use a GM clutch disc with a Studebaker pressure plate 6) use all the Lark/Avanti pedal and linkage parts 7) oh yeah, a pilot bushing 8) you may need to adjust the driveshaft length I've collected this bell housing and transmission, and will be updating my 4 speed Avanti to a 5 speed when I get to it. Some guys will dog the T5 trans for strength, but if you get a "World Class" V8 version (basically late 80's and newer - but not from a 4 cylinder or a V6, only use the V8 version)) you will be good to go for normal Studebaker driving. The World Class T5 uses automatic transmission fluid, and the V8 versions were rated for 295+/- ft lbs torque. An R2 will make more torque - but if you are not drag racing it won't matter - because the transmission's torque rating is for continuous power rather than short bursts like when merging on the freeway. The shifter will be in the right spot for the Avanti. Contact any of the high performance Mustang 5.0 vendors for a couple of the common T5 upgrade pieces, something like a steel bearing retainer rather than an aluminum one, etc. Thomas Cummings ------------------------------------------------------------- The Chev. throw out collar is 4.680" same as Stude no need to turn it. But the throw out bearing ID is 1 3/8 on the Chev. If you want to use the Stude TO bearing you will have to machine a sleeve to press on the Chev collar. The Chev pilot on the trans input fd is too short and you have to make a special pilot bearing. artcloud at hotmail dot com ------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, if your Chevy/GM donor T5 transmission "collar" fits into the pilot hole of the Studebaker bellhousing then of course you do not machine it...but if it doesn't, it is an easy job. Like with any conversion project - check the pieces for compatability, machine or make adapters as needed. Thomas Cummings (tc-is at usa dot net) ------------------------------------------------------------- I'm sure that some of our beloved Studebakers have lived through teenage drivers. Of course a brand new transmission is always a nice way to go. There are a bazillion world class V8 T5's out there, cheap to buy and cheap to refresh - and they will live a long time in a normally driven car. Like you say: your money, your choice. I like the TKO, although it doesn't shift as nicely as the T5 and I believe it doesn't locate the shifter as nicely as the T5 for an Avanti. Yeah, the '61-'62 GM pattern Studebaker bellhousing is not so common and I was happy to find mine. There are probably only two handfuls of Studebakers that have been updated with 5 speed manual overdrive transmissions - which should just about be a match for the number of these bellhousings available. You could always contact Phil at http://www.fairbornstudebaker.com/ to see if he still has any of the custom fab bellhousings. Thomas Cummings ------------------------------------------------------------- 1. FWIW, by this point in its life, most every '80s V8 Camaro T5 has been beaten to death by a succession of teenage owners. Good, used trannys basically just don't exist. Alan, who has done several of these swaps, says it is more cost efficient just to step up to a new $1500 TKO500 transmission. To do the swap right, budget at least $2500. 2. The '61-early'62 Stude/Chevy-patternT10 bell housing is very rare. Jack Vines