High Mileage Packard V8s

Posted by Joe Hall On 2007/6/2 16:32:12

I am new to this NG so would like to introduce myself. My name is Joe Hall, a long time affecianado of the 352 Packard powered 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawks (a.k.a. 56Js). It's a love affair that began in the late 60s with my first 56J at age 16. Since 1986, I have owned about a dozen 56Js. Though most were projects or parts cars, I restored four to "excellent driver" condition, and still own two of those four.

I am member #10 in the 56J club, that has been around since early 1989, and now numbers around 500 members. I also volunteered to serve as mechanical tech advisor for that club many years ago, and have written several articles that hopefully helped others to some extent.

As for driving 56Js, I have put around 180,000 miles on five different ones, counting the one in high school.

Probably sparked by the upcoming co-located Studebaker & Packard meets in South Bend next month, I recently began reading about Packard V8s on-line. This site is excellent, as are the AACA and Panther Project sites. Its been fun, and I not finding you folks sooner.

In reading the trials and tribulations many of you have experienced with your Packard V8s, much is familiar with my experience with the same engine in 56Js.

One topic I have not heard much about however, is high mileage. Who has the highest mileage Packard V8 out there, and how much of its history are you personally aware of, to include preventive and corrective maintenance, and any modification needed or done.

To kick it off, the 56J I have had since 1986 now has around 215,000 miles on it, still with the original engine.

When I bought the car, it had 81,000 miles on it and had been "shade tree" overhauled at an estimated 75,000 to include .030 OS, Bonham (OEM) pistons that were drilled at .005-.007" clearance. It never had a lifter noise problem but had piston slap when cold, so I drove it that way for about 65,000 miles before re-rebuilding it.

I do all my own work except machining, and had a machinist sleeve all eight holes to re-use the .030 OS pistons; as the machinist promised, this has not been a problem. When I rebuilt it, I DID NOT CHANGE THE OIL PUMP; I did not know it was a potential issue at that time. I do not know if someone installed a new oil pump before I bought the car, but the one that is currently in the engine has at least 135,000 miles on it.

Since the rebuild, I havce ran 15W50 'Mobil 1' oil in it and changed the oil and filter religiously every 10,000 miles. It still holds the same oil pressure as when first rebuilt: 50psi cold; 40-50 when above 2000 rpm, and 30-40 at idle around 750-800 rpms.

Anyone else have a high mileage Packard V8 to comment on?

Joe H