Dear 1984:

If what you want is more power per cubic inch then the objective is really "how to cram as much air into the combustion chamber as possible". You are correct in trying assisted intake or turbo/super charging. You can also add nitrous for momentary superpower.

However, better buy a broom and a dustpan because these motors were built for standard service not racing.

One other item is that the flathead motor is restricted as far as available valve lift. Overhead motors can have lots of valve lift whereas L heads will smash into the cylinder head. Thus, super/turbo charging is the only efficient means to increase the charge.

Hope this helps.

Dear Fory:

Pilot Bushing? Packard always used a bearing. You can get it at NAPA - Sorry I forget the number - or any of the major Packard vendors.

Anyway, loosen the transmission bolts and pry a little.

If the unit frees up there is definitely a problem in there.

Dear Steve:

7.2-7.4 volts is the spec.

Did you ever make a new charging system harness for your car?

To test your system, use a jumper wire and jump the generator field to ground at 1500 rpm. If the voltage goes way up your harness is poor or your regulator requires adjustment. If the voltage doesn't change the generator is burning out.

Hope this helps.

I'm not trying to be a spoiler but:

Don't believe anybody who doesn't have a dyno. You can get a few extra horsepower just by using 10w-30 oil. But without things like factory new carburetors and manifolds most of this stuff is just trying to get to where the car was when it was new.

I think that goal can only be achieved by modification to computer controlled combustion. But then you have to love that flat straight eight idle.

I agree with Mr O.

There are cheaper ways to make big noise. For one thing those old motor parts have endured decades of periodic vibration and stress. Remember the old addage that expensive jet aircraft should be able to fly forever given proper maintenance? Well that theory broke up in the sky along with the Dehavellin Comet.

The opposite side of the spectrum is the Honda 1600 DelSol - arguably the most advanced combustion chamber in the world. You can bolt on turbos and what not and the thing will blow itself up from hundreds of horsepower. But try to change the internals for more performance? Forget about it.

There is a reciprocating limit for motors and the maximum performance is usually achieved via slightly under square. The flathead Packard is very undersquare and so theortical rpms are limited.

The spec for 55-56 is 11-13 psi so a modern over the counter 14 psi cap should work.

However, if you do the radiator do inquire as to getting a hot climate core because the standard radiator is pretty small.

Dear Pat:

Chrome plating is like artwork. There is a lot of so called art that is junk. I think your best bet is to go to car shows and look for what you like then ask who did the chrome and how much it cost.

Sending sample parts as mentioned is also a good idea. I haven't run into anybody in old cars that is nasty enough to give referral to a bad plating shop.

Chrome plating is also regional due to enviromental considerations.

At one time I was looking to doing chrome substitutes. There are a lot of people who simply can't afford all this high dollar chrome. But as usual everybody thought I was a nut so I put the idea away in a box.

Dear Fory:

Does the tailshaft on the transmission turn or is it stuck?

If it turns then something must be hitting. Like bolts that are too long.

Take out the spark plugs and use a screw driver to turn the flywheel. Then start loosening bolts to find interference.

Hope this helps

Dear Gear:

So I guess the unit would have failed item C in my list.

The fields were shorted to ground, and because of the screw damage shorted to voltage as well (item D).

Glad you got it fixed.

Gee whiz:

The 1000 HP 350 Chevrolet kit should include a dust pan and a broom to collect the debris when it blows up.

For Packard motors the benefit of EFI should be longer motor life from cleaner combustion and smoother running. The block is not a deep casting like Ford and Chrysler and not cross bolt mains like a modern V-8. All that horsepower will blow it up.

These kits should include PCV as well which would extend motor life via less sludge.