Re: Rear axle enhancements to tolerate higher engine power output

Posted by greybeard On 2024/6/28 18:39:38

I appreciate your well-reasoned comments. My target of 300HP is based on past experience of what that amount of power can do in terms of general performance. I did not mean that in a written-in-stone sense, just a base for conversation. My intention is to enjoy an occasional drive into town (less than 10 miles), likely fewer than 500 miles per year. Returning to my previous post, safely getting onto a busy two lane highway, specifically US 97, requires the power to quickly blend into traffic usually travelling well above the posted limit of 65mph. Out there, there is no margin for error. US 97 is the second busiest N/S highway in Oregon, and the most popular truck route, rivalling I-5. It is also something of a slaughterhouse; I should buy stock in companies that make flat-deck tow trucks. Using the relative performance of my 5.4L Triton-equipped F-150 as a unit of measure, 300 horses seems about right. The fact that this Packard's smooth-flowing body lines have street rod written all over it does not hurt. A shiny new V-8 crate engine seems the easiest way to meet performance requirements for modern roads and to stay safe. A straight 8 would definitely work, but I have no illusion about availability and pedigree of any such engine I may find.