Thanks for the input. I did not realize that the carbs were actually different.

If I was going to do this, I would definitely consider newer carbs. However, I would like to keep my car as stock as possible, so this is out for now.

Josh

Hank,

I saw it and was tempted, but I would not be able to sell it if I got it--it would go on my car. That would not make my wife very happy. She does indulge my car habits, but explaining to her a $500 purchase that I cannot even use yet (I do not have the air cleaners, second carb, etc) would be tough!

Josh

I have been considering doing this with my 400, but parts are hard to find!

I have a suggestion: I teach a materials class at Ivy Tech Community College. In the class, we do sand casting as one of the activities. If someone with one of these intakes would be willing to work together on this, it would be conceivable to make a lost foam (or lost wax) pattern and then start making aluminum intakes from the original pattern. This would be a great exercise for the students and would help out those who want a dual-quad intake.

The easiest thing would be to find the molds for the patterns, but I am not sure if those would still be around. Any ideas on that?

Short of that, we could measure and make our own molds and patterns.

Thoughts on this?

Josh
neljoshua@gmail.com

Tim, I know ghat the Ultramatic was a great transmission--possibly the best of it's time. Still, I prefer a manual. At's just a preference.
WilliamCraig, what is the best way to get in touch with you?

WilliamCraig, thanks for the info. Pm sent.
I will be working on the car again tomorrow. I want to get pictures of it with the heads off. Next week I'll work on getting it added to the registry.
I'll have to ask grandpa about its history. I do not think that it was owned by anyone famous, but you never know.
Three intake valves are bad. The heads need cleaned and the valves re-seated, but they are pretty good overall. Purchased all new gaskets and a new timing chain/sprocket set. I hope to get the engine all back together and running before winter, but things are really busy.
If all goes as planned, I may have a TU unit for sale. Grandpa says it works fine (he drove the car into his barn some 30 years ago), but its current condition is unknown.
Josh

Wow. Thanks for all the info. I will work on getting my 400 into the registry.
Although I am not SAE certified or anything, I have quite a bit of automotive experience and am not concerned about the swap.
Having seen how the shift linkage works on a Henny ambulance that my grandfather owns (I think it is a 1952 or 53, but I am not sure), I understand why it would wear out. However, I really want to keep it stock, so I will not be installing a floor shifter. Besides that, my grandfather would kill me. He is really insistent on keeping stuff stock/original.
Well, now I have some hope of finding a parts car. I just need to keep looking...
Grandpa was saying something about the driveshafts being different, but I am not sure what. Does anyone know what he was talking about? In many of the cars that I have worked on (VWs, Mazdas, Hondas, etc), the auto and manual transmissions share many of the same components, such as mounts, shafts, etc. In this case, there is no computer to swap out, but what needs to be changed post-tranny?
Also, was there any difference between differential gearings for the 3-speed manual and the Twin-Ultramatic?
Thanks.
Josh

Wow. Thanks for all the info. I will work on getting my 400 into the registry.
Although I am not SAE certified or anything, I have quite a bit of automotive experience and am not concerned about the swap.
Having seen how the shift linkage works on a Henny ambulance that my grandfather owns (I think it is a 1952 or 53, but I am not sure), I understand why it would wear out. However, I really want to keep it stock, so I will not be installing a floor shifter. Besides that, my grandfather would kill me. He is really insistent on keeping stuff stock/original.
Well, now I have some hope of finding a parts car. I just need to keep looking...
Grandpa was saying something about the driveshafts being different, but I am not sure what. Does anyone know what he was talking about? In many of the cars that I have worked on (VWs, Mazdas, Hondas, etc), the auto and manual transmissions share many of the same components, such as mounts, shafts, etc. In this case, there is no computer to swap out, but what needs to be changed post-tranny?
Also, was there any difference between differential gearings for the 3-speed manual and the Twin-Ultramatic?
Thanks.
Josh

Hello! This is my first post here.
Thanks to my grandfather, I recently acquired a 1955 Packard 400. It is in pretty decent shape (although not currently running). Fenders, horse collar, radiator, and both heads (among some other stuff) are all currently off of it, awaiting further work. The body is in really good shape, other than the typical rocker-panel rot (these will be replaced) and some rust on the fenders (which I also will replace). It has been a learning experience for me.
The car currently has the Ultramatic transmission. I know from my grandfather (and from some reading of my own) that the manual transmission was an option, but it was rarely (if ever) opted for.
Here's the thing--I love manuals. Regardless of the amount of work, I want to replace the transmission. I figure, if I am going to put all this work in, I may as well do this, too. However, I am insistent on keeping it stock.
Ok, all that said, I know that a manual from any 1955-1956 will work with the engine (which is original). The problem is finding one.
So, there are really two things I am looking for. First, I would like to hear any information on the parts that need changed. For example, I am aware of the following: transmission itself, clutch pedal, clutch linkage, clutch, brake pedal, steering column, shifter linkage, transmission mounts (not sure if these will need to be changed), prop shaft.
Second, I am having an EXTREMELY hard time finding a donor car! I guess this is obvious; the best option is to find a Clipper, I think. I found a tranny without anything else at a junk yard, but I do not think that will do me any good. I also found a good donor car in Australia, but with shipping costs, that is out of the question. =)
I'll try to get some pics up on my website.
Josh