Re: Final gear ratios for 5th, 6th, and 7th series Packards.

Posted by pmhowe On 2024/3/22 15:21:33

Thanks to each of you for your responses. My car is a 5th Series coupe. I think it is quite sporty but I will guess that it has the 4.69 gear ratio. The “sport” designation was probably reserved for the roadsters and speedsters. Anyway, I think top road speed will be influenced more by ride and braking characteristics than engine rpm limitations.

My car has Stabilators rather than more modern hydraulic shocks. The stabilators provide a slightly springier feel to the ride than what I am used to. To my surprise, the combination of leaf springs and Stabilators makes the car handle speed bumps and potholes very well - better than a lot of modern cars. However, at speed, I am reminded that this is indeed an old car.

I have inspected the brakes and adjusted them to correct for a tendency to pull to the left. The linings show very little wear. The linings are of a woven design (see picture) which might be period-authentic, but which provides a very spongy brake pedal. I suspect using modern design brake lining material would greatly improve braking behavior.

Anyway, thanks again for the responses.

Phil

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