Re: Motor rebuild questions

Posted by Mr.Pushbutton  On 2017/3/21 10:14:47

Can you get modern bearings for the mains and rods?

This is a Babbit bearing engine. Some Packard engines have been retro-fitted for modern insert bearing, using off-the-shelf Big 3 insert bearings, but I am not aware of anyone doing this for the 7th series engines.

Can you get modern seals, rings, pistons?

You can get pistons from Egge, some have had good experiences with these, others--not so much. I know restorers who use pistons by other known custom (racing) piston suppliers, made to order. Nothing is cheap in these engines. Rings are available, Olsen's has

I'm sure that hardened exhaust valve seats can be installed in this motor... what about valve guides?

yes and yes.

How about using a thermostat for the cooling system (vs. shutters)?

Don't. Nothing in your engine was designed for a block thermostat, and expansion rates and machine fits are designed around this.

Anyone have an insight into converting the points ignition to electronic?

Don't do this. Get the retrofit plate that is sold through the Classic Car Club of America, it is a new distributor plate that takes commonly available ignition point sets (around $10/set) from NAPA. Your car will run forever, just fine on the first two sets you buy (dual points)

Can my existing transmission get syncros added?

Not easily or cheaply.

Are the original style driveshaft u-joints reliable?

Yes! it is a Packard.


Having said all of the above, I will have to say this, again: This engine is nothing like anything you might have worked on before. This doesn't make it wrong, it is just different. I have seen these engines and cars boojed up by people who "are small block Chevy experts, built hundreds of them" (or any other common engine that parts are readily available for) You have to come to this engine the way it is, the way it was built, you can't ask it to conform to what you already know and try to adapt it into something that you know. You have to approach it for what it is, the way it is. A big part of this is reading: Look up the owner's manual on this website, and read the section on the engine completely. Back then an owner's manual was a mini shop manual, and there is much wisdom in its pages. You have to take all of your accumulated knowledge and hang it on a hook, like a hat, and start over as though you know nothing, and learn how this engine is built and meant to work.