Re: packard verse chevy motor

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2009/12/11 11:25:27

A 51 ambulance is probably a manual 3 speed. A 55 V8 would be a 352. A Chev 350 would have no more power and possibly less.

Get that engine running right and you will have all the power you need. Don't assume there is anything wrong with it until an old time mechanic checks it over.

See if it will turn over and has compression. Pour some oil down the cylinders and see if it will turn over. Disconnect the fuel line first, the tank is probably full of old stinky gas. That stuff will gum up your engine so bad a safecracker couldn't free it up so don't take a chance. Use a motorboat gas tank.

If 45 years experience means anything, 9 chances out of 10 that engine will run with minimal work and expense. Usually all you need to do is clean the points, and possibly clean out the carb.