Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I visited a packard owner recently that converted his 37 120 touring sedan to diesel. 5.9 liter Cummings diesel, doing 80 on the highway easy & 33 mpg according to the owner. I think if you have to choose for an alternative engine I think this is much better than a SBC!

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I have a TDI VW Beetle and just love the torque that little turbo charged engine puts out. Hills do not exist. Also, the mileage is fantastic. I got over 51 mpg on a recent drive to Dallas. I can just imagine what that 120 must be like.

Has anyone tried using LPG in their Packard? It seems like this would be a good way to go for clean burning and eliminating vapor lock. Refueling should not be a big problem as these cars are mostly driven little and on short trips. The conversion would have some costs, but no hassle after it is done. Just curious.

(o{}o)

Another thing he did was getting rid of the roof insert. A 92 cadillac coupe Deville fits exactly in there. I didn't take a picture of it but you couldn't see the seem at all.

Noticed the rear wheels look different from stock. He must have transplanted the entire drive train. That would help to explain the 80 mph cruising speed.

(o{}o)

Ford Explorer rear end & axle.

A diesel in a Packard would make a sweet cruiser, especially a 24v Cummins with common rail injection so it is quiet. Well muffled, they are very smooth and look much more appropriate than a OHV V8 imo. Neat car

Anyone have a photo to post of the early 30s(?) Auburn that was factory-fitted with a diesel (also a Cummins as I recall) and then driven cross-country as an engineering test bed by Auburn? I've read the story a few times some years back but can't lay my hands on it at the moment.

Quote from post # 3 above:

" 92 cadillac coupe Deville fits
exactly in there."

Ok. A 92 Coupe Deville roof or hood or deck lid or what???

It better have some EXPENSIVE filters (no less than 2 such filters) and an immaculate fuel tank.

Sorry, JW, that is an early 12V Rattler. Still, a really neat installation. I've always wondered about putting a 4BTA into a 37, but even a 4 is a heavy monster. I will hope to see this car out on the road to see what the front suspension is....along with the sound.