Re: 1940 Packard 180

Posted by HH56 On 2019/11/19 13:23:10

The R9 would be correct for the 40 models but that OD is somewhat complex electrically and mechanically and was prone to some issues. R9 trans-OD units do show up from time to time but some internal parts are harder to find and more expensive than for the R11 units. If you are not as concerned about 100% authenticity and can find a 22nd or 23rd series senior transmission with the R11 it would be an easier and more reliable installation. For installing in a 180 it needs to be a senior unit because the 356 engines had a larger input shaft on the trans and heavy duty OD gears.

Repro electrical parts are also available for the R11 units and even some aftermarket parts can be adapted whereas the R9 electrical parts are specific and as far as I know, not in repro. You will need to find all the R9 specific electrical items if you are starting with a non OD car.

Packard did make R11 kits available during 22nd series production for owners of 21st series cars and in one of the instructions it was mentioned older cars which had issues with the R9 might also benefit from the kit being installed. With that in mind there could be a case made that the R11 in a prewar car is not necessarily wrong. Without crawling under, the visible differences between the R9 and R11 would be the electrical relay and kickdown switch on the firewall.