Re: Did Chevy consider Packard V8 BB Design?

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2008/10/1 22:45:43

Craig,

Thanks for your comment on the thread, and additional on-topic information--well-informed as usual. Good to see you posting here. Any news on the Panther? Your website and writeup was how I got to AACA, and from there to here.

Loyd,

Revving a 454 without a load was a recipe for disaster, too, even though they're distantly relatives of the 348/409 in the BB clan. I know how they blow from personal experience. I did it once to my dad's '74 pickup. And I didn't even rev it that much, just enough to keep it from dying every time you put it in gear. The carb was twitchy.

It also wasn't the first time that engine had a serious internal breakdown. After the second rebuild, it went up for sale and was replaced with a Buick 430, which raised the front end of the truck about 6 inches. The 454 was bought almost immediately be a fella that couldn't believe how lucky he was!

No offense intended, but I can hardly find words to describe how unimpressed I am with the Chevy BB. I think they have a loyal following more because of their flaws than in spite of them. Needing to defend them brings out the protest.

But again, the sheer audacity of putting that huge truck engine in various sizes of cars is something to marvel at. And others would point at the 430 in the truck and say the same thing. But at least the 430 didn't break down all the time.

BTW, since I haven't seen an answer to my previous OT question, the Corvette straight six was called the "Blue Flame."