Re: Rear axle enhancements to tolerate higher engine power output

Posted by su8overdrive On 2024/7/1 0:37:09

Greybeard, not a fan of "retro rod/Frankencars," nor of Packard sixes, which i think should've been marketed as "Packardettes." That said, run some numbers. Your coupe weighs only 3,365 lbs. That's a lightweight in today's world, where even mid-sized "crossovers" creak the scales at 4,800 lbs. unladen.

The Packard 245-ci six is a husky, overbuilt engine, used in 141-inch wheelbase NY taxis 1948-on, in White trucks through the mid-'50s, in Chris Craft runabouts. You don't mention if your car already has overdrive. If not, it'll have a slightly taller rear axle. So carefully rebuild your six, port and polish, lighten the flywheel, then add overdrive and radial tires. Full synthetic 10W/30 motor oil, any name brand, DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Well adjusted drum brakes will stop you fast as discs, unless racing through the Andes or Rockies. Unless you, friends, family Sumo wrestlers with a couple bags of cement in the trunk, that wee coupe will dance.

You'll find that's plenty of suds to merge onto freeways. But if still more oomph wanted, consider a twin carb set up. There are many out there. Saw a nifty '40 110 coupe with triple carbs, and the longtime owner drives it routinely in San Francisco, as hilly a town as Pittsburgh, PA or any burg you can name.

An inline six and straight eight are the only automotive engines with inherent balance. V-12s and V-16s the same with the firing impulses halved for less crankpin loading. That, and a rorty six has a nice exhaust patter. A lifelong Packard friend had as a teen a well-tuned '40 110 conv. coupe with a split manifold and dual Smithies that in the early '50s routinely trounced the usual tweaked Fords and Mercuries.

Only so much of that 300 hp will make it to the pavement, in any event, so hp just advertising crapola and cars 'n' coffee palaver for those who don't know torque, overall gearing, weight is the enemy.

Don't reinvent the wheel.

Cheers,

Silverbeard (if i go three days without shaving)