Re: Proper air cleaner for 352 V8?
Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2011/3/12 21:38:24
Brian,
Thanks much for posting the straight "scoop" as you often do.
My intention in jumping into this thing was to try to express that the kind of speculation over which air cleaner "goes with" what model/carb/engine/trim option/whatever runs the risk of trying to set a standard in stone with only anecdotal evidence. Some clarification seemed to be needed, especially regarding the (unintentional, I'm sure) blurring of the fact that these parts were simply purchased from an outside source--as it turns out AC Spark Plug Division rather than "AC Delco," but an outside source none-the-less.
I didn't have the proper references, and used a poor "what-if" example of how different Packard V8 cars could have easily had parts that came from multiple sources, not that they actually did. I believe I did use the words "could have." Not going to check, though.
I think Packard is the real culprit here. The fact that only by perusing the numbers in the parts book can one determine how air cleaners were specced, and as you pointed out, never documenting the combinations visually, seems to be an oversight on their part. I know not what the industry's standard practices were, however. Packard's may have just been doing it the way it was generally done.
Owen,
My comment that the only air cleaner that is acceptable as truly genuine is the one that actually came with the car was meant in jest, as of course most owners have no way of knowing that, much less proving it. I couldn't imagine who would have stood at the end of the production line to gather any "evidence" of incorrect air cleaners. All we know is what Brian pointed out that the parts book says, without visual documentation, and personal anecdotes won't help much in keeping this clear.
I DO however stand by my contention that dealers could easily have acquired two-scoop units and retrofitted them on any Packard engine/carb/chassis, with the exception of the dual carb Caribs. I think it's probable that this was done at times.
And what would you consider 'original' on a car like that-- what it should have had from the factory, or what the dealer put on it?
I really hope someone brings up this air cleaner conundrum to a judging body, so they can tear their hair out figuring what the solution might be. Where will they find any proof of what's "correct?" I don't mean to denigrate judging, but I think posing the question could lead to some pretty interesting and amusing discussion. (I have never and probably never will have a car that could be entered into a judged competition, with the possible exception of the category of "best driver" (or "best parked"?)
Have we decided yet what the proper air cleaner is for a Packard 352 V8?
Maybe this'll help.
Thanks much for posting the straight "scoop" as you often do.
My intention in jumping into this thing was to try to express that the kind of speculation over which air cleaner "goes with" what model/carb/engine/trim option/whatever runs the risk of trying to set a standard in stone with only anecdotal evidence. Some clarification seemed to be needed, especially regarding the (unintentional, I'm sure) blurring of the fact that these parts were simply purchased from an outside source--as it turns out AC Spark Plug Division rather than "AC Delco," but an outside source none-the-less.
I didn't have the proper references, and used a poor "what-if" example of how different Packard V8 cars could have easily had parts that came from multiple sources, not that they actually did. I believe I did use the words "could have." Not going to check, though.
I think Packard is the real culprit here. The fact that only by perusing the numbers in the parts book can one determine how air cleaners were specced, and as you pointed out, never documenting the combinations visually, seems to be an oversight on their part. I know not what the industry's standard practices were, however. Packard's may have just been doing it the way it was generally done.
Owen,
My comment that the only air cleaner that is acceptable as truly genuine is the one that actually came with the car was meant in jest, as of course most owners have no way of knowing that, much less proving it. I couldn't imagine who would have stood at the end of the production line to gather any "evidence" of incorrect air cleaners. All we know is what Brian pointed out that the parts book says, without visual documentation, and personal anecdotes won't help much in keeping this clear.
I DO however stand by my contention that dealers could easily have acquired two-scoop units and retrofitted them on any Packard engine/carb/chassis, with the exception of the dual carb Caribs. I think it's probable that this was done at times.
And what would you consider 'original' on a car like that-- what it should have had from the factory, or what the dealer put on it?
I really hope someone brings up this air cleaner conundrum to a judging body, so they can tear their hair out figuring what the solution might be. Where will they find any proof of what's "correct?" I don't mean to denigrate judging, but I think posing the question could lead to some pretty interesting and amusing discussion. (I have never and probably never will have a car that could be entered into a judged competition, with the possible exception of the category of "best driver" (or "best parked"?)
Have we decided yet what the proper air cleaner is for a Packard 352 V8?
Maybe this'll help.
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