Jim,
If I were set on driving across country in a 65-year-old vehicle, I would expect and plan on some down time, no matter what engine I had. There are many other parts that could have problems.
I say this even though the 1,000 mile trips I've made did not require much of any repair. (On one occasion, the fuel sending unit wasn't properly sealed and I didn't discover it until a service station attendant overfilled my tank to hit an even $ figure and it leaked gas over the top of the tank. I drained some gas out, didn't fill it as much at subsequent stops, then repaired it myself when I reach my destination. I also had a voltage regulator that went bad. When NAPA didn't have one in stock, I called a local Packard guy listed in one of the two Packard car club directories I was carrying, and he sent me to a wonderful shop filled with fabulous classics who replaced it on the spot.
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=5878&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&type=&mode=0&start=430 I have AAA Premier coverage for about $150/year. If you break down and you can't get parts and repair same day at parts supply, they will tow and take you up to 200 miles to a shop if needed and put you up. Anything for your Packard is available from several reliable and helpful suppliers and can be overnighted. It's part of the adventure in Packarding.
But I'd recommend sticking with a Packard straight 8 engine.
Joe
With the price of gas going down, I'm thinking about a 3,000 mile trip to Maryland and back next year.
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