I have a custom '53 Starlight coupe that I purchased pretty much finished. I am quite happy with the car, but I would like to do some things to make it "mine." About the only thing truly Studebaker about the car is the body, it has mild Chevy 350/350 combo, narrowed 72 Nova subframe and Ford Maverick 8" rear end. It runs just fine, performance is adequate though not
spectacular. Primary use of the car is a driver to local cruise ins and the occasional road trip. The Chevy 350 combo is so common these days I have thought about swapping to a Studebaker V-8 to be different, even if it is in a Studebaker! I would appreciate your input on the considerations

1. What is the availabilty of motors and components? What motors should I consider? Is there anyone offering complete motors or would I have to find one and re-build it? What should I look for and look out for in my search?
2. How does the Studebaker motor compare weight, mounts and dimension wise to the Chevy?
3. What transmission(s) are worth considering. I would prefer to stay automatic.
4. How would such a swap impact the value of the car? Current value is between $26-28k.
5. Other considerations?

I have also asked the question at the Alt.autos.studebaker newsgroup to get a "Studebaker Perspective." Here I am hoping to get a Hotrodders point of view.

Thanks!

Pat