There is one other thing I'll throw into the mix, although I consider it a remote possibility, if the snake oil additive does not work.

The tip of the rocker arm may be severely worn and or the end of the valve stem may be severely worn on the one valve assembly that is clacking. Of course with too much clearance, then the lifter will be topped out when it is on base circle of the cam lobe causing the clack. You could "prove" this by inserting a relatively thin feeler blade (maybe 0.020) between the rocker tip and valve stem end when the engine is running. If the clack goes away, then too much clearance due to wear is the problem.

The fix for this is not pretty since the Packard valve train is not adjustable -- unless you happen to have some Isky adjustable pushrods laying around.

Craig

Thanks Jack for filling in "all" the Pontiac CIDs. Actually there were several sub-varients in the "small" journal CIDs, but that's way off topic. All "big" journals were 3.250. The 301 and 265 CID are short deck "economy" blocks and are generally ignored by the performance crowd.

Interestingly, today one can now either buy (already cut down) or adapt (by cutting down) one of the stroker cranks (big journal) into a 400CID block, which are very common and thereby achieve one of the larger displacements without paying a premium for the relatively rare big journal blocks. Pistons are also available at various pin heights and dish volumes to deal with stroke length and CR with various performance heads.

Maybe this is the way Packard would have developed had that engine stayed around into the 60s.

Craig

Yes, I wondered about that too: if it's really the lower camera height that makes this car look so good. In fact that's one reason why I'd like to see more photos.

The Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles in 1949, Studebaker in '51 and Packard in '55, were all Kettering wedge head, siamesed center exhaust, air gap intake, shaft rocker arm designs.

The '51-55 V8s from Chrysler, DeSoto and Dodge were all hemi combustion chambers.

The '55 Chevrolet and Pontiac were second generation, with stud mounted stamped rockers.

The '53-65 Buick was the bastard child, with pent-roof reversed rockers.

thnx, jack vines.

Some more information from Vol 20 #1 service counselor. Haven't found anything about the 48-50 engines other than the piston doesn't appear to be listed, so unknown what used..

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I agree this one looks great on the trailer but there was one shown at the last meet I attended which was really disappointing up close. Not because of any flaws but the single color black seemed to accentuate the massive body below the small windows. I just didn't think the trim alone made it appear longer and lower like the two tones and brighter colors do when you were at the same height as car.

My personal feeling is that almost any car from the 50 thru 70 with a lot of chrome and black paint looked great but the key is to keep the black clean and streak free which requires a look of effort on the owners part as this was before clear coat paint.
Having own about ten all black cars I speak from personal experience. When I had a black car and I was younger knew Saturday morning would be spent washing and waxing lots of work but worth the effort.

I believe group # 5.1718 might be the piece you ask about. It is referenced in the 41-7 Clipper parts book but not in the 35-41 or the 48-54 that I could find so will have to have expert opinion if it was used on all 356. Found no reference to anything at rear other than the parts book lists quantity 2 on all components

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Rusty,

366 is a Chevy displacement figure I never ran across before.

Since it's a Chevy BB, it's half on topic!


Anyone,

Earlier I introduced just a couple of questions.

1. Were any of the first generation overhead valve V8 engines of GM, Ford, or Chrysler wedge heads?

2. Which came first, the Cadillac 331 or the Oldsmobile "Kettering" 303? Or 303.7 if you want to get technical.

I think 0-60 gives a fairly good indication of overall performance, as do 1/4 mile times. The one I like the best is 0-100-0 used by some sportin' life magazines for the likes of the Shelby Cobra, Chevelle SS-396 or SS-454, Buick GSX 455 and any Mopar 426 Hemi or 440. How fast you stop is as/more important than how fast you go/

Note: I do remember Mean Mary Jean. Sigh, I hope she's enjoying a nice retirement.

The 1956 400 posted below is seen in the "Packard Pictures" section of Packardinfo. To my eyes, it is the most beautiful '56 I've ever seen. I don't think I've ever seen a solid black 400... the color really brings out the cars styling. It looks luxury-car rich but also young and sporty.

Of course 2 and 3 tone cars were the rage in '56... but bodies were usually solid color in the luxury car segment and I think the Packard looks best this way.

There is only this pic and one other posted but I'd really love to see more of this car.

Could more pics be posted? Or is it posted on any other web site by any chance?

( hope I haven't offended other 56 owners by calling this the most beautiful, but man does it look good... )




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