Re: Rear gear ratio

Posted by PackardV8 On 2011/4/6 12:05:49

BEFORE removing the Packard engine and trans:
Pick some convenient point of reference such as a frame hole or original engine mounts. MEASURE from that point of reference to the center of the crank at the front of the engine. That gives a horizontal location. Do the same thing to get a VERTICLE measurement. RECORD the measurements.

Pick another frame point-of-reference near the output shaft of the transmission. measure from that point of reference to the centre of the output shaft or u-joint of the trans. GEt a verticle reference point to. Record those measurements.

Swing the caddy engine and trans into the car and position it as close to the reference measurements as possible. Block it up or hold in that position by some suitable means while other analysis and inspections are made. Exhaust routing, steering gear clearence etc are things to study and look at for an hour or two.

When making the mounts try to allow for some wiggle room incase the engine has to be shifted one way or the other from original plans.

Also plan ahead for possibility of power brake units (on firewall, Air-con, PS etc.

Just have to think it all thru. Don't rush the job. There is ALWAYS some unforeseen issue that can not possibly be blue-skyed during planning.

Effectively it is a cut-and-fit, cut and refit repeat process that is often repeated many times before final assembly.