The Advantageous Avanti

[Hiredhelp]

1981 Studebaker Avanti (2.5 year ground up build)Frame rework and rot repair
LS1/4L60E conversion
Holley drive system and oil pan
Pioneer NAV, Smart phone remote start, GPS tracking in Realtime
Nissan 350Z power fold seats
Stainless steel fuel tank
Ridetech Coil over front suspension components
Ridler 695 17" wheels
Designed Rack and pinion steering conversion
Vintage Air GenIV system
LED lights throughout, including tail lamps and turn signals
Classic Instruments Stainless gauges
Composite headlight conversion
3 row aluminum radiator w E fan
Impact bumper delete
Imported Italian Leather stock for interior

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/819-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/819.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/gillsavanti-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/gillsavanti.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/826-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/826.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/DSC_0029-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/DSC_0029.jpg.html)

During:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/DSC_0006-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/DSC_0006.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/DSC_0878-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/DSC_0878.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0065-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0065.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0134-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0134.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0223-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0223.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0233-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0233.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0235-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0235.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/102_0543-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/102_0543.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/102_0545-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/102_0545.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0975-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0975.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0728-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0728.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[ (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0667.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0662-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0662.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0663-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0663.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0664-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0664.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0673-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0673.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0674-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0674.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0783Copy-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0783-Copy.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_0249-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/IMG_0249.jpg.html)

[Hiredhelp]

Current:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/033DB9E55E86494B8EAFF0F2387F72AD_zpsbh1a-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/033DB9E5-5E86-494B-8EAF-F0F2387F72AD_zpsbh1aiogm.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/41CF8451D0F9421DBE205ACD69CC5167_zpskq5t-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/41CF8451-D0F9-421D-BE20-5ACD69CC5167_zpskq5ta5g6.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/3CE587365F87449596DF33A82D9B45F1_zpswjir-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/3CE58736-5F87-4495-96DF-33A82D9B45F1_zpswjirhuvl.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/013DAB49E350433995CA1E5580D2531E_zpso4k0-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/013DAB49-E350-4339-95CA-1E5580D2531E_zpso4k0nxkh.jpg.html)

[srh3trinity]

Cool build. I have always like the lines of the Avanti

[NOT A TA]

Very nice! That engine looks right at home in there. Bonus points for the valve covers.

[mikes2nd]

Great build

[67-f85]

best avanti i have ever seen not a big fan but much respect for that one awesome work!

[cl08]

sweet!!!

[RichardMor]

Love to see this build. Great job. You may help propel the Avanti to more pro-touring builds. I have spent the past several years doing a similar build to a 1990 Avanti 4-door. 1st autocross of the season is less than 4 weeks away and I can hardly wait! Currently running a 383 SBC with Edelbrocks TPI system, but like the idea of an LS motor, so am building a LQ9 with MSD's new Air Force intake. Sorry to see you had so much rust to deal with. You did a superb job. I love the color choice.

Rich
Renton, WA
1990 Avanti LTS (4-door) #78 of 90 built, House of Kolors Celestial White w/crushed glass and blue pearlescence; 383 SBC, Edelbrock TPI, intake and heads, Hooker headers, 2 1/2" stainless exhaust; Griffin 3 core radiator with dual Flex-a-lite hi-flo fans, Corvette Z06 Brakes, Lorenzo 20" wheels, Bilstein shocks, Global West tubular UCA/LCA F&R, Helwig sway bars, Pirelli AS Sport tires, Cerullo seats, Cadillac CTS-V steering wheel, 3 layers of Dynamat, 2 layers of undercoating. LED lights throughout (including headlights), Infiniti speakers/amps, stereo, yellow-top Optima relocated to trunk, Eaton posi w/Dutchman HD axles, fabricated wheel flares, relocated seat belts, FAST Ezi ECU with dash read-out.

[Hiredhelp]

I highly recommend the LS swap! Let me know if you need the inside scoop.

[Hiredhelp]

This weeks minor updates:

Final brake line assembly was completed by bending the master to proportioning valve lines and routing them as neatly as I could.

I was also able to locate better bell crank assembly pins for the brake booster to pedal linkages. The originals were severely corroded and worn carbon steel clevis pins. I took the opportunity to mic the linkages and come up with a suitable solution. Stainless steel pins with retaining clips. Not only will it prevent seizing, but it also provides a better appearance.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/A50D6EA42352464C9AC649C08FE539FB_zps3jgj-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/A50D6EA4-2352-464C-9AC6-49C08FE539FB_zps3jgjpowy.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/2378BF21A2174B12B898CB0874287E02_zpsq8pu-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/2378BF21-A217-4B12-B898-CB0874287E02_zpsq8pulcuw.jpg.html)

Next, two air vents were added into the empty gauge holes within the instrument panel. These holes originally housed an analog clock and vacuum gauge, both of which were not desired with the new gauge layout. The air vents seem to blend in decently and will add functionality to those existing openings, instead of simply blinding them in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/9A21EAFC0F8A4926B138F29D5279C182_zpsobhi-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/9A21EAFC-0F8A-4926-B138-F29D5279C182_zpsobhis89f.jpg.html)

Moving on, with the recent McMaster-Carr order came the aluminum spacers needed to retrofit the power windows motors into the window regulators. We decided to upgrade the motors to later model GM units for several reasons.
1) It was determined that the regulators and motors were the same ones used in 1965ish lincoln continentals. They were heavy, non functioning and replacements were very expensive. (Appx $250 for a set) we even tried to have the originals rebuilt, no dice, they were toast.
2) GM units are readily available at any auto parts store and cheap at $25 each.
3) GM units were lighter, incorporated gear reduction for better lifting ability and utilized the same connector as the oem motors. Who knew?!

The only issues were mounting depth and bolt pattern, which is being solved with the 1/2" aluminum spacers and a re drill of the bolt holes in the regulator. The gears mesh up perfectly as does the thrust pad.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/2C6C0191EED7447FBC08FCC175192315_zpsvwco-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/2C6C0191-EED7-447F-BC08-FCC175192315_zpsvwcobemb.jpg.html)

Finally, being the only dull accessory in the engine compartment, a new polished alternator was acquired.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/68D63F9D379F44E58B7E35B558D67694_zpspznt-1.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/bsmooth2069/media/1981%20Avanti%20II%20Gill%20Gautreaux/68D63F9D-379F-44E5-8B7E-35B558D67694_zpspzntbwfs.jpg.html)

More updates to follow...

[mc84_zz4]

Great project! I've always wanted to see an Avanti with more performance.
Garage builds are my favorite too, congrats on all the hard work, it looks great!

[Motown 454]

Nice work! I always like the Avanti's since I was a kid "when they were new" lol Great thread.

[Godbolt]

Very cool. Instrument cluster looks amazing.

[wfo guy]

Very good!

[ent72olds]

Very awesome choice for a build! My father had a '63 Avanti when I was a kid, and I put a down payment on a '71 a year ago.....then the guy started dragging getting the car together for me, and I had to back out. These are highly overlooked cars. Those "hog troughs" had to set you back a pretty penny!

[npermuth]

I'd like to contact "Hiredhelp" (email, phone, whatever). I have a 1963 Studebaker Avanti and want to do a SBC/LS swap and really admire the work done on the Avanti ll! Thanks!

npermuth is my forum name and email is [email protected].

[bc5000]

My recently deceased best friend was working on one of these forever... I may be gifted it as it was his deceased father's... I want to make it the techno marvel he always wanted it to be... I have a holley digital projection (old) and a built 400 and TH 400 trans... But I was thinking something wild like an LSX with a turbo a full holley sniper or similar with a digital dash and would ideally like to put an 8L90E trans in it... Any advice?

Thanks,
Ben

[jaybee]

I don't want to be discouraging, but if you really want to build a technological marvel, make sure you have pockets deep enough to get it done. Otherwise, rein in your expectations to roughly half your budget...because your budget will inevitably miss a whole bunch of little things which will add up to a bunch of money.