Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

My original quest was for a fastback(FB) w/ a 383 stroker. My back up was a GTO. Then this Packard (FB) found me. I'd love to keep it stock but the torque monster in me, just won't get satisfied. My P/U is ~600 HP/1100ftlbs! I almost pulled the trigger on a BMW V12 for it the other day, kinda a early Packard tribute thing, then I saw a nice stroker with a warranty. So is there anyone out there that has done a BMW V12 swap that can enlighten me, pluses/minuses? Forget the you're crazy, I already know that, stick to the facts! I don't see much issue with fit, until the tranny space. Clock is ticking and got to make up my mind v soon. Once the body goes off to sheet metal land and the plasma gets hot, it's a one way street.

If you are talking about the v12 from an 8 series, I can think of many other bmw motors I would choose.

If you want a torque monster and liked GTOs, then go with a 455 Pontiac. The B/S is 4.151x4.210 (oversquare) and several guys have swapped Pontiacs into Packards, so it's very doable.

Craig

Hope you have a PhD in electronics. If that doesn't dissuade you, price a set of intake gaskets. I'll leave the promotion of other options to others, but at least please consider maintaining a mostly stock appearance....

BMW translation into American english: Bring Money With

I think the Pontiac 455 is an under square engine if the bore smaller than stroke. Never the less it would be a powerful engine if one is looking for something like that in a Packard.

(o{}o)

There is another alternate - get a late model Packard V8 and put it in the earlier one. If you drop a 372 ci V8 in it, you will have boatloads of torque (450 foot pounds according to the brochures), a fairly easy swap and you've kept it all Packard. You can pick up a fairly decent 55 Patrician here in Billings for not much money.

BMW race motor guy said if you stay pre OBDII, <'95 its alot easier. But you buy a 20+ year old motor of unknown condition and have to rebuild it and it's +$10K just to get it in the door.
No thanks, no sprechen ze Deutsch.
Skip white 383 crate motor with 2 year warranty is leading.
My engine builder died last year. If I do it, it's added timeline. I can do some creative emblem making and it'll say "Packard".
If I had a 455 or a 372, I'd consider, but probably would be building that car instead.
Isn't it a bit cold for a biscuit belly to roam the junk yards in Billings this time of year? We don't even play golf, it's not 70 and sunny.

It's a dry cold; only -1 yesterday morning. We warmed up today and hit 38 for a high. They're still playing golf here in Billings, they just have to use orange balls so that they can find them in the snow.....

There are three nice driving Packards available within a 30 minute drive from here. One 54 Patrician, one 55 Patrician and one 55 or 56 Clipper Panama.

JW Quote:

You're correct, of course. I don't know what I was thinking/writing.

Craig