Re: Did Chevy consider Packard V8 BB Design?

Posted by Jack Vines On 2008/10/2 10:33:51

Oldsmobile and Cadillac OHV8 - 1949
Studebaker and Chrysler OHV8s - 1951
Buick OHV8 - 1953
Ford OHV8 - 1954
Chevrolet, Pontiac and Packard OHV8s -1955

Yes, Packard V8s had design compromises which were weaknesses for high-performance and long life - oiling system problems, weak main bearing bulkheads and weak lifter bores. However, eleven years after the Packard, Buick's big block V8, one of the last classic GM OHV8 designs, debuted in 1966 with exactly the same design compromises. It was aimed at the same market as was the Packard V8 and never designed to make big horsepower or withstand high revs. Today's Buick racers have to add a main bearing girdle, epoxy between the lifter bores and reroute the oil system.

thnx, jack vines