Re: Suspension Question

Posted by Anthony Pallett On 2014/1/18 1:47:54

I have never done nor seen the swap done on a Packard but the process would be similar to any other car really. Most of the swaps I have seen used metric chassis GM stuff (think 80's Regal Monte Carlo Cutlass ect) or a Trans am or Comaro sub frame. If the track width is not right on you can cut the cross member and adjust as needed either making it wider or narrower. The problem with something like a Nova is the ease of finding parts, yes you will have a lot of aftermarket support but finding parts in any random parts store may be problematic though I have never looked for Nova or Volare parts ever. The Dakota (or any truck set up) is the front will ride like a truck and IMO if you want a vehicle to ride like a truck you should buy a truck. You should stick with something factory built not an aftermarket set up IMO. If you are wanting to get better braking Wilwood does make a disk brake set up and you have to decide on what you are wanting the suspension to do that it is not currently able to do. I am all for modifying things but if you are just wanting to do an engine swap its much easier to weld in some motor mounts than cut the front end off the car.
With the engine options I love the L8 engines they look like I feel an engine should but they are pricey to build up even if you go stock compared to something more modern. You will be committing no less sin by swapping a Mopar into it than a SBC and if you went with the SBC option you would save piles of money that you can spend on all the other stuff that the car needs. The SBC is probably the cheapest best bang for the buck option out there a close second would be something like the modern LS Chevy engine. I am no means a Chevy fan but a quick flip through any parts catalog will show you that a Ford or a Mopar small block will cost roughly 10-15% more to build to an equal power level than a Chevy.
If you wanted something really unique and had some bucks to blow a Ford FE Chrysler Hemi (392) or even a MEL engine would be really cool and Packard did build a pretty nice V8.
At the end of the day you are only limited by your wallet and level of skill, don't get in over your head it would be sad to have the car all cut up only to find you cant get it back together.
Good luck and hope this helps.
PS If you need a new home for that L8 and Ultramatic let me know :D