Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I have a '52 packard 300 sedan. I have been told that I should use " low gear " to begin my acceleration, particularly when starting on an uphill grade. Is there any merit to that suggestion?

Ron

Packard never thought it was necessary to start in low unless it was a steep grade. Having said that, many people do start in low and shift to high for the quicker acceleration.

The regular Ultras were not designed for use that way so there is no regulated timing between the low - high shift. Both gears could overlap or be applied at the same time or high could be slow coming in so both released at the same time with high range clutch plates spinning against each other while they fully engage. If done under power and frequently enough, damage could occur. If you want to drive it that way let off the gas while the shift is being made and wait a second or two until high is fully engaged before accelerating again.

Packard did make an attempt at a sort of improved timing kit. It was made available in 54 for retrofit to earlier for those that wanted to use the trans that way. While it improved the situation, it still had issues. The first trans designed for low-high shift was the late 54 Gearstart and later Twin Ultras.

HH56 gives fine advice. The only times I'd ever start a traditional Ultramatic in Low range and shift to High under anything other than very light acceleration would be if quicker acceleration was absolutely imperative or if the upgrade was so steep (like REALLY steep) or that if High was unable to move the car, and I don't think most of us would ever encounter that situation unless we were for example in deep sand or mud.

Using low to accelerate takes about two seconds off the zero to 60 time according to the literature of the day.

The problem is the Low-High shift is a synchronous shift and I have known of people breaking the band that way.

Given the marginal difference I don't see much point except if a quick burst is required from a stop in traffic.

Packard speedometers were notoriously inaccurate. Most read too fast but some read too slow which must have made the Ultramatic seem like it was paddle wheeler.