Re: Comparative Engine Torque ratings Packard Vs Other Fine cars

Posted by John Wallis On 2012/4/5 0:37:54

Quote:

I've read that the "extra" four main brgs were as much of a marketing feature as engineering to differentiate the Seniors from the Juniors beginning with the 356 cid engine on through the demise of the L8's in 1954. Langworth's June 1979 SIA review of a '54 Pacific HT with the new 212 HP 359 cid L8 noted that at 8.7:1 CR, it was the highest compression production flathead ever made. Langworth noted that the performance was on par with OHV V8 contemporaries (especially when equipped with a 3 speed O/D). But, "All anybody saw when they opened the hood were eight spark plugs in a row. To all but the knowledgeable this fairly shouted obsolescence...an old man's car". These engines were extremely smooth and durable (more main brg area than a Chrysler Hemi) but a hard sell for the ad agencies to tout when all the competition had moved on to the modern high compression V8's