> > Where on block ,are the engine numbers located,going to look at an R2 > > Avanti and I want to verify that it has the correct RS prefixed block > > Echo John Poulos' advice and the number should have the prefix "RS" to > denote an "R" series engine with supercharger "S" > > --- Keith > P engines are 289s, V engines are 259s, JT is an R-1 for a Avanti powered GT Hawk or Lark, JTS is an R-2 for the same. Russ Farris > ---------------------------------------------------- As you look down on the engine from the driver's side fender, the engine number pad is in front, on the block itself, between the heads, on the driver's side. The numbers face forward. Studebaker also used P-XXXX numbers for some of its blocks (259?), so satisfy yourself the P hasn't been expanded to an "R." Chris -------------------- 1966 & Newer Avanti were all numbered by a plate on the drivers door hinge post as most post war Studebakers were. However, the Studebaker Avanti Ser. # Plate is located on the Passanger side top of the frame rail just about the point where you pull out the oil dip stick. Just look strait down and where it is dark and greasy you should find a stainless plate. If the plate is gone look for the Body number plate on the right front passanger side inner fender (right where you were leaning over to look for the ser. #). What I would do is get an production order copy from Newman and Altman in Southbend. Match up the body number and engine number and if they match show this to the DMV. In most stated they should issue you a new plate as long as their are no outstanding wants or warrents on your vehicles number. Peter C. ----------------------- Mike The number on the inner fender is not the VIN, it's simply the body number. The serial number is on a plate on the top of the passenger side frame rail near the rear of the engine. The air filter may not be a stocking item at Pep Boys but any decent aoto parts store can get it for you. -- John Poulos --------------------------- Mike N.: That plate with the raised letters is not your ser.# That is the body code. Your Serial number plate is below that point down on the top of the frame rail. Thats right down there where it is probibally all covered with grease and oil and hard to see. The serial number is engraved into the plate so even if the paint is gone you will still be able to see or feel it. Hope this helps you Peter C. ------------------------- the number on the right frt inner fender, (drivers side left, passenger side right) is the body number. the serial or vin # is on the rt frt frame rail just in front of the cowl. It will probably be covered in dirt, grease oil etc. The body # and vin # usally are different. Jim ----------------- < Also, the air filter reads FRAM CA 102PL. Can I obtain or order this from a Pep Boys or NAPA dealer? Is it on the shelf anywhere?? >> NAPA 2112 fits fine. You are not like to find the FRAM 102PL. Stan Gundry ------------------ The plate on the fender is a body serial number. The vin is attached to the frame, right side, by the oil dip (probably covered with grime). There are also numbers on the engine (front of block) and frame, top of X, by body pan. Probably other serial numbers as well, but the one that should be used is the one an the frame. frank letts R5421 ps - the air filter should still be off the shelf. my experience has been that I bouht the last one is stock, or they had to order it out from the warehouse or parts depo, but not a problem. just don't tell them is't for a studebaker - their usual response is "NEXT". fl ---------------------- Mike, The number on the top of the frame is the car serial number. The plate on the fender well is the body number. A tracing is hard to make, PA allows verification of the serial number by a Notary, state inspection mechanic or State Police. They will sign the MV-1 form. The CA102-PL is NLA at Pep Boys and others. I'm sure that you can get them from Dave Thibeault or Ed Reynolds. For a slick setup, use the K & N filters. They provide a greater air flow, and are washable. The part number is E-4590. ( They are about $32.00 each) ---------------------- hey I found my serial number under the hood , by the latch ----------------------------------------------- That's not a serial number! Look again. Depending on the year, it: 63-64: frame, by oil dip stick 66-85: left (driver's) door jamb 87-91: dash, behind glass, in front of steering wheel. All other plates are just other plates. Many titles/registrations are WRONG! Body numbers, even engine s/n's. Frank Letts R5421 --------------------- Avanti VIN numbers ------------------------------------------------------ To all: Can you Avanti owners tell me how "matching numbers" apply to our Avantis? I do not believe that there are any matching numbers (engine, body, accessory). The only numbers that I have found are three-number chalk marks on some items such as the rear seat back that is the same as the VIN number. I would like to publish the answers in Viva Avanti, Puget Sound Avanti Owners Association newsletter. Thanks for your help in advance. Avantiray@aol.com Editor, Viva Avanti ------------------------------------------------------ To find out if the car has matching #'s, you can use the production order to know if the car has the original Body, Frame and Engine. They are available from Newman & Altman. Matching numbers would have all 3 original numbers as the production order shows to be matching. They may not have the same numbers on engine, body and frame, but will match the original build sheet. If the original engine is gone some may prefer to find one that matches the year of the car. Others are not as concerned with it being original, close, modified, or brand x, as long as they drive it and enjoy it. A 259 2bbl could be very ecenomical for daily driver if a deal with a missing engine is available. Although a matching number 70 Hemi convertible Cuda could fetch close to $1,000,000 and one without matching #'s could be bought for under $30,000 (if you want one). It's possible to replace a lost 1964 engine with the same serial number on another engine for any 64 Studebaker, since they used serial #'s indicating which engine it is, month and date built. Earlier ones were numbered for the individual car. I can appreciate complete original cars, but I don't like to jeapordize safety when it comes to dual master cylinders, seat belts, tires and brighter brake lites. James Bell ------------------------------------------------------ <> For the 90 models, the last 6 digits are also etched in the inside of the air cleaner. Jim Baize ------------------------------------------------------ For we Avanti types, "matching numbers" means nothing more than the proper engine, by its serial number, in the proper frame, as shown on the car's production record. Personally, there is no special value in that for me, except that I prefer a Studebaker Avanti to have a Studebaker engine in it, and the later Avantis to contain Chevy small block engines. Chris Altenburg ------------------------------------------------------ It seems, given the production history of the Avanti that finding matching numbers would be the rare exception to the rule... Kim M ------------------------------------------------------ All of the Avantis that I have checked, I never have seen any matching numbers!! May be important to Corvette drivers, but not Avanti drivers! AVANTIRAY@aol.com wrote: ------------------------------------------------------ 1949 through July 1964 * For cars manufactured before August, 1964 use a serial number. You need to know the vehicle model as no other no other information can be determined from the serial number. August 1964 to July 1980 * Beginning in August 1964, a new system went into effect that included vehicle model and year within the production serial number. This system defined the first two digits to indicate the model, the third digit indicates the year, with the fourth through tenth digits now defining the actual serial number. The following rules also apply: * 1965-1969 vehicles typically have a 9-digit VIN which had to be expanded to a 10 digit number in any given year when total vehicle production exceeded 1 million. In the 10 digit case, the fourth digit is always a "1". * 1970-1979 vehicles always have a 10-digit VIN. The fourth digit being a "2" or "3". * 1980 vehicles have a 10-digit VIN. The third digit is always the letter "A". 1981 to present * Vehicles manufactured during and after 1981 are required by federal law to use a 17-digit VIN system. This new system defines the year, model and serial number, country of manufacture, body style, engine type, restraint system, and manufacturing plant.