Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Finally getting the marine V8 finished and am wondering what temp thermostat to use (there are two, one on each bank). As I recall, the 1956 374 used a 180 deg from the factory. The cooling source is raw water routed thru the oil cooler incorporated in the modified Hash oil pan, then thru the exhaust manifolds (I assume to both cool the manifolds and to "pre-heat" the cold water entering the block) then the normal path thru the block, heads and then out to exhaust.

Cooling should be no problem, as most raw water sources will likely be in the 50 to 80 degree range.

Thanks,

John

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That looks really lovely. It doesn't appear to be a Stokes Packard marine conversion which was one of the more common, is it another brand or your own conversion? I believe all the STokes conversions were based on the 352 motor.

As to thermostats, I don't have any direct experience with the marine environment, I'd suggest just starting with a pair of 180s and seeing what happens. Is this going to be a fresh water-only installation?

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Thanks,

I have it for sale, and I expect (and hope) it will find a home in a classic mahogany runabout and used in fresh water. It was originally done by Andres Marine, Stockton CA and when I found it was a 1955 320 block & heads with a modified Hash oilpan and Hash oil pump. A serial number of "SP 108" was stamped by the filler tube..... "SP" for Studebaker Packard? I have found no info on Andres Marine, or how many were made but at the recent Lake Tahoe Classic Concourse one fellow recalled seeing one like it in a 50's runabout on the lake.

I have seen one Stokes in person and it seemed a bit crude and mass produced compared to the stainless, brass and copper metalworking on this engine.

I agree that 180's would be a good starting point, as overheating should not be a problem with an unlimited supply of cool water to the intake.

The Stokes that I pictured was restored by a gentleman here is NJ who has also restored IM-245, IM-356, IM-268, IM-357 and other Packard marine engines and donated them to the various Packard museums. He's also had some Packard marine engines rebuilt here for marine service in Scandanavia. Send me a PM if you'd like to make contact with him, and perhaps you'd enjoy his posts on Packard Marine on the PAC Forum, quite a few photos there. Here's two the IM-357 recently restored, this is the marine version of First Series Eight of 1924. Interesting that it's turned backwards with the final drive of the front end.

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That is beautiful work! The front end gearbox is commonly referred to as a "Nose Drive". Chris-Craft used this arrangement on their 283 Chevy based Crusaders in the 50's & 60's. Looked weird to see the flywheel and starter forward in the boat.

I'd like to "meet" the fellow and will PM my addy... he does nice work!

Thanks,

John

OK, I've forwarded your contact information to him. He's a busy guy but I suspect you'll hear from him.

Here's another of his restorations for one of the Packard museums, this one an IM-356.

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Very nice! Must be a side or up draft carb? Also appears to have an oil cooler in the pan.

To my knowledge all the Packard marine in-line engines used updraft carburetors with flame arrestors, Zenith or Stromberg, I forget at the moment buy easy enough to check out. I presume the reason was to reduce the headroom requirement.