Crazy idea...

Posted by Ken_P On 2011/6/2 19:48:10

I have the frame on my '37 115c completely stripped for sandblasting. It's strong! I had a crazy idea for a Packard mod.

I think a nice cruising Packard could be made by swapping a cummins diesel into a Jr Six, 115, or 8. '41 might be the ideal year, because you could fit a much larger radiator behind the grill. I think you could even use the stock front suspension with two mods: heavier duty coil springs and probably a power steering box. I think the ideal Cummins would be the late model common rail diesel, so it was quieter.

The main challenges:

Trying to figure out an exhaust that wasn't overly restrictive without having a sewer pipe coming out of the back of your car.

Cooling.

Brakes would probably need to be updated as well, and probably the rear end- not sure what the torque specs on the rear ends are. Although, without towing, you could probably get away with it.

I'm not planning on the mods, but it makes a fun thought experiment. Any thoughts?