Re: Melling/Olds oil pump adapter kit update

Posted by Jack Vines On 2008/6/20 0:40:11

The maximum RPM the Packard V8 will turn depends upon the camshaft, lifters, valves and springs used. The OEM engine will not reliably turn 5,000 RPMs. The valves are long and heavy, the springs are weak and the hydraulic lifters will pump up. Every manual transmission '56J I have ever torn down showed damage from at least one dropped valve.

With lighter valves, stronger valve springs, a good science roller camshaft, there is no reason a Packard V8 can't turn 8,000 RPMs. I'm building on one with these parts as we speak.

The late Steve Williams raced a stroker Packard V8 and told me he turned 7,500 RPMs. The camshaft he was using was so radical it would not idle below 1,800 RPMs.

As far as the GM ball-and-stud rocker arms, no serious racers use these any more. Today's GM racers spend big bucks with Jesel for shaft-mounted rocker arms. Packard and Studebaker got it right the first time.

When adjusting the pushrods, one hand is holding two wrenches, the second hand is turning the adjuster and the third hand is holding the feeler gauge.

thnx, jack vines