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

Dave, the pic you posted is of a 5 main engine, so there won't be any overlap.

Eric, Thanks but I am aware of that. For those not aware of the process I merely wanted to show the difference between the 356 engine and engines without the overlap and how the rod journal could be grounded without removal of the weights. Sorry I don't have a picture of the 9 main 327.

Dave, I didn't quite get the answer to the question I asked about how much EXTRA for a crank where the counterweights had to be removed, and I've gone back and asked for that, but here's their answer:

Price for doing a nine-main bearing crankshaft would be $2,150.

This includes:
1. Cooking shaft
2. Removal of weights
3. Grinding, polishing and straightening shaft
4. Reattaching weights with new bolts, making plugs for 27 bolt holes, welding bolt holes shut.
5. Balancing

Here's the update to show difference between a 320/385/356 9-main shaft with overlapping weights and a simple 327/359 9-main shaft:

Removal of weights: $700
Reattaching weights: $530

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That's enough to make a certain body part pucker!

That sounds about right. It was close to that for my 1930 engine.

Dave, Thanks for finding out this information. It was about what I suspected. I suppose this is partly why some of these cars are rodded. Faced with an expensive engine rebuild like this would make one consider dropping in a 350 Chevrolet engine for less than 1/2 the price.

Dave, I did my last 356 rebuild some 25 years ago and it's still purring. It was a high-mileage engine but required neither crank grinding or cylinder boring. It needed new exhaust valves and guides, timing chain and gears, cam bearings, and the lifter body bases and cam needed polishing. I put in new std. pistons and std. rod and mail bearings. These are really long-lived blocks and cranks.

I get your point,but to me a Chevy engine in a Packard means it's no longer a Packard, just a another mongrel.

Currently my charge for grinding a 356 crank is around $350.00

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I agree and I personally wouldn't consider it but I can see how some would think it would be the least expensive option.

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Does that include remove and install counterweights.