I have one that I can sell cheap. It is essentially two of the v8 style bolted together end to end. It works well. I'm in Missouri. I also have several straight engines and parts that I can sell at a low price. PM me if you are interested.

I would probably reconvert it back to 6V. Depending on how the original conversion was done, it shouldn't be too much trouble or cost. The wire wheels are not major problems either, unless changes were made to the breaks and other suspension components.

Welcome,
Wyoming isn't windy. It's just that Nebraska sucks. At least that was the commonly held thought when I lived in Wyoming.

Again Welcome.

Packard issued a statement to dealers explaining the correct procedure for locking out the new overdrive on December 23, 1948.
Packard records indicate that Eights through engine number 272006 used the R-9 overdrive. Eights after 285157 were equipped with R11s. For Super Eights, those up to 424978 used the R-9s. those after 427710 were equipped with R-11s. Customs up through 610359 were equipped with P-9s while those after 611500 were equipped with R11s.

During this gap, Packard was having trouble with obtaining parts from Borg Warner, among others.

Obviously, this leaves quite a few cars that could have originally been equipped with either. Couple that with the retrofit kit and your car is any ones guess.

As mentioned above check the components you have for identification. One additional identifier is that the cable for R-9s and R-11s run down opposite sides of the engine.

I just removed a set of stuck valves from a 327. My first step was to soak the valves and guides with PT Blaster. After they set for 8 hours of so, I tapped the head of the valves with a ball peen hammer (gently). I then uses small wedges between the valve stem and the lifter. All stuck intake valves came out fine. Just got them all cleaned, surfaced, and reinstalled today.

All the best to your mom. Also, try to remember to take care of yourself as well during this time of stress.

I have the same for a 356 that I no longer use. I found that if the battery voltage drops only slightly, the trigger voltage for the electronic ignition wouldn't fire. In other words the trigger voltage is almost the same as 6 volts.

I believe the 327 has a screw under the vacuum advance plate. That screw will allow the distributor to turn.

I have use several regrinds with great results. Typically, only a small amount of material is removed and they do maintain the overall lift and duration. Original NOS are almost impossible to come by.

The only real difference is that the radio will either be able to run with or without the switch turned on or it will only work with the switch on.