Very unusual production order for sure:

No clue provided as to what the "Special Production Request" entailed

Seller mentions rare single color, but the build sheet shows, "TuTone Paint ($23) and a black horizontal stripe.

Why would a 2x4-bbl engine be ordered with "Export Low-Compression Head Gaskets"?

Why a northern CA car ordered with "Speedometer in Km/Hr, 6-ply tires, Heavy Duty Suspension"?

In any case, the buyer wanted something beyond the already relatively rare 400 hardtop.

jack vines

This has probably been answered here before, but a quick search did not find the definitive answer.

All I've ever seen with manuals were conversions and the late Steve Williams had a Caribbean the Earl C. Anthony dealership had converted to manual transmission, but can anyone substantiate a senior car built with a manual trans?

There's a eBay offering of a '56 400 with 2x4 carbs and manual delivered to Earl C. Anthony. The seller never states he has documentation as to the originality of the car, only that it's "unusual."

1956 Packard 400

jack vines

There may be low mileage originals out there; we just never get to see them.

FWIW, a turn-key engine is a very expensive proposition and we no longer offer them that way.

It involves rebuilding not only the engine, but rebuilding all the accessories; carburetor, distributor, water pump, starter, generator. An owner may take a chance on a used part, but they always expect new from a shop.

Then, cleaning the rocker and valley covers, oil pan, timing cover, installing all the gaskets and guaranteeing there are no oil leaks. Again, getting everything clean enough to hold paint externally and oil internally is very labor intensive, but unless one has had to do it himself, he doesn't see the value added.

A rebuilt Packard V8 long block starts at $4,000 today, but we won't even quote a price on a turn-key.

jack vines

If the block surface is perfect, the 1-3/4" will usually seal.

However, since the correct 1-49/64" are still available, why not use those?

jack vines

Are you looking for a turn-key drop-in, a rebuilt long block or a core to rebuild?

I've got cores on hand. Rebuilds are 6-9 months out.

BTW - if you're looking to have one rebuilt locally, some parts, including pistons, are NLA and others are out of stock. Just because one can see it in an internet website doesn't mean the parts are actually on the shelf for shipment.

jack vines

Yes, agree, first confirm the spark plugs are correct.

No, stacking washers under the plug is a VERY BAD THING !! The extra washers impede heat transfer, effectively making it a much hotter plug; increasing the liklihood of pinging.

No, do not change to an iron head unless the aluminum head is declared unserviceable by a knowledgeable Packard expert. Packard Engineering went to the aluminum head because it was necessary for your engine.

jack vines

That's exactly what I wanted to do when I was your age, albiet more than fifty years ago. I'm finally able to build them.

As to ordering a kit from Egge (or Kanter, et al), be aware there are several key parts currently NLA.

If one wants Packard V8 horsepower, by far the most cost-effective place to start is with a 374" block and order custom pistons .125" oversize with modern thinner rings. We've got core blocks available.

Line hone and square deck the block; balance the rotating assembly.

We have a custom reground camshaft which will take advantage of the extra inches.

Absolutely necessary to remove the soft plugs at the ends of the rocker shafts and clean inside with a bore brush and solvent. Then, regrind the rocker tips. We have rebuilt units on the shelf.

Install removable valve guides in the heads and use positive valve stem seals.

Why a Holley carb? It will require an adapter to bolt to the Packard intake. The Edelbrock has the matching base bolt pattern and will be fine for your use.

Your build, your budget, your decisions. Let us know what we can do to help.

jack vines

Still need .010" V8 main bearings.

jack vines

Still need the .010" King main bearings. Will pay cash or trade .020" bearings and cash.

jack vines

A little help, please. We've got a member's Packard V8 stuck because we can't find .010" main bearings.

Yes, I've checked with all the known vendors.

Please ask any Packard friends who might have an unused set on the shelf.

jack vines