Re: Help with 34 Club Sedan, please!

Posted by Jim On 2009/1/11 1:49:32

P-V8,

I think I have determined some rpm and gearing combinations that will work. It looks like 3.92 final ratio with overdrive would put me around 2400 at 75 mph. That is definitely sustainable. I have modern thick shell insert bearings, so I am not terribly concerned about bearing failure at this point. As far as the rod itself, the rod cap leaves a bit to be desired, kind of spindly, but adequate.

I also share some skepticism about gearing and actual engine rpm during the 25,000 mi endurance run O_D mentioned. I only say this because Packard accreted that a 39 Super 8 would do 105 mph when equipped with overdrive. The standard overdrive axle ratio was 4.69 : 1 So doing the math says it may have achieved 105 but with standard gearing this would have been around 3975 rpm's. I am not even sure this engine is capable of breathing enough to achieve 3975, no less not slinging parts into the stratosphere. It is far more likely they had a 4.09, or even a 3.92 axle.

O_D & P-V8

This has been good food for thought. I appreciate your feedback. I think I will see how this gearing works out. Should be interesting. I think the outcome will be a very relaxed comfortable cruise speed with a relatively comfortable cruising rpm.