Re: Increasing top speed

Posted by Tim Cole On 2012/3/27 18:45:13

Dear Kts68:

Keep in mind that Packard was operating the Proving Grounds when your car was built and so you better believe that the standard axle ratio is going to provide the highest top speed under most driving conditions. Higher ratios do not usually translate into higher top speed and in many cases actually lower it.

Now when these cars were new they were capable of taking a lot more stress and would perform pretty well right up to the 4000-4200rpm limit. Today you're not going to be able to cruise with the throttle wide open for long without something going into orbit.

Technically speaking, those big headlights are worth about 3 mph each, the spot light 1.5 mph, trippe lights another 4 miles per hour and the windshield another 4-5 mph. These figures are estimated from tests made by state police departments of top speed reductions from light bars, spot lamps, and other bolt on accessories.

I've driven Packard Speedsters and they really do go. You start rolling along at 55 mph and everything is great. But after a while the darn thing is creeping up to 65 mph and you don't even know it. However, the next question is how to stop the darn thing. Those cars were built when there were 95% fewer cars on the road.

Hope this helps.