Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Thanks Packardv8 for the info and open mindedness. I will have to do some homework.

Jim,

If I were set on driving across country in a 65-year-old vehicle, I would expect and plan on some down time, no matter what engine I had. There are many other parts that could have problems.

I say this even though the 1,000 mile trips I've made did not require much of any repair. (On one occasion, the fuel sending unit wasn't properly sealed and I didn't discover it until a service station attendant overfilled my tank to hit an even $ figure and it leaked gas over the top of the tank. I drained some gas out, didn't fill it as much at subsequent stops, then repaired it myself when I reach my destination. I also had a voltage regulator that went bad. When NAPA didn't have one in stock, I called a local Packard guy listed in one of the two Packard car club directories I was carrying, and he sent me to a wonderful shop filled with fabulous classics who replaced it on the spot.
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=5878&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&type=&mode=0&start=430

I have AAA Premier coverage for about $150/year. If you break down and you can't get parts and repair same day at parts supply, they will tow and take you up to 200 miles to a shop if needed and put you up. Anything for your Packard is available from several reliable and helpful suppliers and can be overnighted. It's part of the adventure in Packarding.

But I'd recommend sticking with a Packard straight 8 engine.

Joe

With the price of gas going down, I'm thinking about a 3,000 mile trip to Maryland and back next year.

JTM50.... If u decide to go with the SBC then try to reasonable. I would definately stay away from any real hi-perf versions of the SBC cranking out 300 hp and enormous torque.

The trans and drive train should carry something like a SBC 305 (a rather anemic V8 in stock form) or maybe 350 from some grand'pa's old caaprice with a 2 bbl.

Others in this forum more knowledgeable about the PRE-55 Packards mite want to advise better on which SBC to use relative to oem packard chassis/drive train.

Based on my cursory analysis of my 48 drive train i would definately keep the HP rating at UNDER 300 hp at the max. Maybe look at the smaller sized SBC's succh as the 305 and chev even had a 260 cid engine sometime in the 1980 -1990's time frame.

Keep us posted.

RECORD ANY NUMBERS OR OTHER nomenclature that is on your trans adaaapter. Please, and list here if u will so that we can watch for such adapters as they can often show up at various swap meets etc.

I'm a bit late on this posting, but the clutch housing pattern changed on the Chevy 6 cylinders when they ended the 235/261 engines in 1962 and started making the 194, 230,250 and 292 engines. The 1963 and up 6 will interchange with the Chevy V-8. The 1962 and back will not....

John

Jim,
for including your '50 Deluxe Eight Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.