Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

The exact same piston could be a good bit higher quality than a Ford Yblock piston, and a good deal lower quality than a Packard piston.

Just a thought.

This whole thread has been very informative. If I were having an engine done today, would be far less reluctant to another try with pistons than would have been a week ago. It really seems likely the first go around that gave the trouble must have been installed improperly -apparently to Packard specs.

There is one dangling question left over from all of this:

HOW are Egge pistons identified???

That is to ask: IF someone handed us a piston whether new or used or otherwise and asked us to identify the manufacturer of the piston then how could we determine if it is Egge or NOT????

Easy to tell if one has handled a bunch. Hard to describe to anone who has not, but here goes.

1. The OEM Packard pistons have steel expansion struts cast in above the pin bosses. They also have OEM part numbers cast inside the skirt.
2. Egge pistons do not have the steel struts.
3. Aftermarket replacement cast pistons have the steel struts and their own part number cast inside the skirt. Some have a four-digit P/N stamped on the head of the piston.
4.The very few custom forged pistons I have come across do not have the steel struts, but don't look like an Egge casting. Forgings also do not have any part numbers cast inside the skirt.

thnx, jack vines

Good answer, Jack. Let me just add that OEM Packard pistons, at least in the earlier years, often had the maker's name or trademark on the inside; Nelson Bohnalite or some combination or part of that name (a proprietary aluminum alloy & process) is often seen.

Harley Davidson used the same type steel strut Bohnalite piston in the 1930s.

Correct, on the V8 pistons, the word "Bohnalite" is often seen on the side of the pin boss in small letters.

thnx, jack vines