The 446/473 CI V12 was introduced in 1932 and terminated in 1939. Would anyone care to speculate could Packard have enlarged it and to what extent if they had decided to keep it a few more years? What is the cylinder spacing?

Thanks,
John

So recapping this thread, it is best to stay under 2500 rpm when cruising in a post war straight 8 and under 2000 rpm is better for mpg. I am guessing rpm below 1250 to 1500 rpm is lugging the engine.

John

David Grubs in post #16 says 4.25" back spacing, but 4" backspacing in #12. Also if his measurements in #16 add to 6.75" then isn't this a senior 6" nominal wheel not a junior 5.5" wheel?

I am a little confused.

John

Weren't senior wheels 6" wide. And did they have a different backspacing.
What is the normal gap between the rim and fender skirt?

Thanks, john

It must be a generational thing. I am 31 and I like electronics on a car, The 1st thing I like to get rid of is points and a carb. My dream is to build a straight 8 with AEM Infinity Engine Management. Everybody's different and I understand sticking to what you know or feel comfortable with.

John

I keep kick around the idea of a frame swap on a 51-54 body. I would keep the Packard engine, it just seems wrong to put something else in there.

Packard 51-54 Track:
Front 60"
Rear 61 7/32"
Wheelbase: 127" or 122"

My donor idea:
2006-2010 Ford Explorer/ Mercury Mountaineer
Front Track: 60.9"
Rear Track: 61.8"
Wheelbase: 113.7"

It will need to be lengthened but the width should work.

The frame swap gets you:
4 wheel independent suspension
4 wheel disc brakes
Rack and Pinion Steering
Better handling
Better Braking
Easy to find suspension parts

Just something I keep thinking about. Haven't heard of too many Packard frame swaps, especially if people are trying to keep it stock looking so people don't know what you did.

John

I keep thinking about a GM 6L45/6L50/ 6L80/ 6L90. Need 12v and the electronics but it seems it would improve the performance and gas mileage a ton. I have even thought of an Allison 1000.

I don't see many thinking this route though.

John

Thanks, Totally missed that.

John

I have looked in the Packard Spec Sheetss and searched this site and internet but no luck. Does anyone know the Front and Rear Track or width (tire center line to tire center line) is for a 1951 to 1954 Packard (I assume they are all the same)?

Thanks,
John

The 359 cylinders are 1/16" bigger than the 356, 3 1/2" vs 3 9/16". The 356 has the same cylinder spacing and can use the same head as a 359 (and others) so is the casting that much weaker on a 356 that you couldn't bore it a 1/16" over and use 359 pistons? I guess the water jacket could be closer or oil passages.

John R.