Re: transmissions

Posted by Tim Cole On 2013/11/1 11:12:31

The shifter for those transmissions should be kept with the unit. They may look the same, but the factory set those things up by hand and I have found that they should not be switched. Whether a trans was originally on an 8, Su8, or V-12 can be determined from the serial number and they do interchange so you will see an 8 trans on a V-12 and if they didn't keep the shifters with the transmission the shift quality will not be as good.

As to what is the best transmission, I don't have much of an opinion except that the Caddy 12 and 16's were pretty darn good. But for the rattle in 1st gear the 39 and later Caddy trans is superior to the Packard. I used to think Packard was the king of gear whine until I heard the Caddy 16. I still think the 7th series Packard has the edge, but only by a slight margin.