Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

There is one potential problem, since you did ask. I dont know much about it, but most consider the oil pump to be problematic. there is a fairly common swap, with an olds unit, i believe.

Thanks guys! The information is great. Rich Fox mentioned the Olds oil pump change over. And also the MoPar LA lifters. The plan is also for some custom Ross pistons so they are nice and light, but not un-streetable.

The motor is going in a '31 Dodge 3 window coupe. It'll be open wheel, and no hood, so the Packard will be on display all the time. That's one of the reasons we're using it. My shop is known for using mostly vintage power plants, and whenever possible, odd stuff. I've been wanting to find the right customer that would let me use a 374 for quite some time now. We have a side line company call Victory Speed and we've been making 374 header flanges for quite some time now.

If you guys want to check out some of our other projects, go tohotrodchassisandcycle.com and then go the Gallery section.

I'll post photographs of the project on here. I should have the body by mid September (it's coming from California) and the motor by the end of the next week.

Greetings, Kevin,

Great to hear from you! I had the pleasure of meeting you and visiting your shop a few months back. I can attest you and your guys do premium quality work on classic hot rods. The owner-to-be of this proposed build called me earlier this week to talk Packard V8s.

FWIW, I sold Rich Fox the NOS Iskenderian cam he had reground by Deema Elgin to run in his Bonneville Vega. I've got two '56 Caribbean 374"s in the works and can help with anything up to and including a turnkey engine. Just check in with me, PackardV8@comcast.net.

Jack Vines
Studebaker-Packard V8 Limited
Spokane, WA

Thanks Jack. We've elected to go with our engine builder, Opel Engineering in Streamwood Il. They've done all our vintage engines including dyno pull on each one. The 325 Dodge Super Red Ram that's in Back Seat Betty and the 430 Mercury Super Marauder that's in the '55 F-100 are awesome. Both odd-balls, and both made big power while being streetable. I'm sure Ted will do just as top a notch job on this mill as he's done for us in the past.

Hi, Kevin,

Understand completely. Have him call or e-mail me if there is anything I can do to help. Anything which gets a Packard V8 into national attention is good for us all.

thnx, jack vines