Quote:
I am curious about the lower end. I seem to recall some older threads where people have said the lower end and webs are small or a bit weak for large HP engine mods. With some of the large engines that seem to be the racing choices having 4 bolt main caps I was thinking there might be some truth to the lower end being a bit weak.
Yes, the Packard main webs are not strong enough for extreme horsepower builds. I tap the main bolt holes with a bottoming tap and install ARP main studs. This, plus a good balance job is all that can be done.
Quote:
Wasn't the studes v8 have a stouter bottom end.
Yes, all Studebaker V8 crankshafts are forged. Unless turbocharged, the Stude V8 can't make enough horsepower to hurt the bottom end.
Quote:
Does anyone have a crank out that can take a picture of it next to a tape measure?
One might understand your interest in the Cadillac crank but it ain't happening. As I said earlier, the Cadillac V8 uses a center thrust bearing and the Packard V8 uses a rear thrust bearing. The Cadillac main bearings are 3.25" and the Packard V8 are 2.50". Cadillac engineers knew they needed all that big diameter for the crankshaft to be strong enough for the 4.30" stroke. Turn it down to 2.5" and it would not be long for this world.
Bottom line - the Packard V8 is an interesting antique. It's never going to be as powerful or as durable as later, more perfected designs. All we're racing for is "fastest antique". If there were a racing class requiring blocks and heads with 1955 casting dates, we'd probably win that one.
jack vines
This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=214286