Just make sure you replace the windlacing with those little "dingleberries" and do tiger skin on the seats, that way it looks like Dave Czir's '56 400.

And make sure you play this with a 10,000 watt stereo while you cruise: Big Pimpin'

And I'll say it again, it's the worst seal design I've ever seen. These are Packards, not Harleys. It wouldn't be prudent for the "Soft spoken Boss of the road" to go around marking it's spot all the time. There has to be a better way.

Shag. Packards were groovy man!

The problem with the straight eights is that the hole in the timing cover isn't large enough to put a seal in as well as put the balancer in. The solution obviously would be to weld a sort of "cup" on the inside of the timing cover that will hold the seal, ala` Packard V8 style. Getting everything properly centered and then welded is difficult to say the least. The other option is to enlarge the existing hole to allow a flanged seal to be installed on the outside of the timing cover, ala` 3.8L Ford V6 and several other engines. I prefer this method, with a large reinforcing "washer" welded on the inside of the timing cover to ensure stiffness. I like this idea the best, as you don't have to pull the timing cover to replace the seal. This is what I plan on doing on my engines, to allow for a more positive seal and an easier to find seal at that. The original idea of a cork seal rotating with the crankshaft and constantly pushing against the inside of the timing cover has got to be the poorest design for a timing cover seal I've ever seen. There HAS to be a better way.

Ok, but do you have any plans on selling a double roller set for Packards?

I get what you're saying about the aluminium/nylon sets, but given a choice I wouldn't put one of those in my worst enemie's engine. Well, maybe one....

I'm still willing to do your parts analysis as well.

I for one have never seen a timing chain that was non-roller seat all the way to the bottom, don't know why anyone would think that it would.

I can't agree on the nylon/aluminium cam gear theory though, I've had more than one Mopar V8 that left me walking because of it. Change it out to a replacement roller timing set and never had another problem.

Speaking of roller timing sets, Fred, do you have any plans for getting someone to make a double roller timing set for Packard V8's and straight eights? I for one would be interested in buying a pair for my both my 356's.

The idea behind a modern replacement seal is twofold, better sealing and easier availability. Why spend 3 times the price from one of the Packard parts dealers when you can buy one at your local parts store? Sounds kinda dumb if you ask me.

Doesn't sound strange at all, actually. Something's sticking. Hop in the chat and we can discuss this quicker.

So you're saying that if you shift it normally it doesn't upshift? But if you shift it from High to Neutral then back to High it works ok?

Define "doesn't shift into high properly", I may be able to help you not to have to go to the trans shop.