Re: Tips for moving a Patrician that has been parked for 35+ years?

Posted by HH56 On 2024/6/27 18:39:08

Conversion to the GM trans has been done by several on an inline 8 but for the most part it is easier to use one which needs a mechanical upshift and kickdown signal via throttle cable and stay away from any GM e version which needs electrical signals the Packard does not have. The few that have used an e I believe did it on a V8 model but had to get a kit from one of the speed shops to simulate what was needed. I don't know what all is involved in using the signal kits but a concern would be if the signals are maybe not optimal for that inline engine which has lower HP and different torque output characteristics than the V8s and possibly the GM engines those trans were used on.

One possible downside to a GM trans conversion is the Bendtsen GM trans kit for an inline 8 (which I believe is the only conversion kit still available for a Packard) uses and requires a modern mini hi-torque starter motor which means a conversion of the car to 12v. That will be one of the more involved projects because while there have been many who have converted their cars to 12v, it is not just a simple change a few light bulbs etc. Depending on how the car is optioned it can be very involved particularly if no 12v version of something is available. If you are going to add AC in the future it might be an advantage down the road but still there will probably be negative comments from some on the forum regarding that subject