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Hi I have a Packard super 8 1937 which we are rebuilding to take part in the 2016 peking to paris rally. I am looking to see if it is possible to change the gearbox at present an original 3 speed,to an 4 or 5 speed box of some sort????. It can be non Packard.
Has anyone any advice or experience or knows any possibly changes.

thanks paul hartfield

Yes, this is possible. The only Packard path is to utilize the 1939 Super 8 only bellhousing, which then allows use of the more modern (39-54) Packard transmissions, or with that bellhousing, it would be possible to adapt to nearly any other transmission, with the requisite amount of adaptation. The Packard transmission options would certainly allow for an overdrive as well, and more importantly, a transmission that could conceivably be serviced enroute if required. The Packard transmissions would certainly be up to the task.

1. Yes, I know where a 39 Super 8 bellhousing can be bought. (most important, as these are nearly unobtainium)
2. Further consultation regarding transmission options, to particularly include the knowledge to adapt a top shifter is on-site and available. Peter Toet, the resident expert, just consulted last week to the latest person to go this path.
3. I am familiar with the Peking to Paris requirements, including the ability to turn one's back on reason and proceed with this plan...

DAF

G'day paul hartfield,
to PackardInfo.

Peking to Paris is an ambitious endeavour to participate in and very doable as evidenced by all those who have gone before. Speaking of which, could you keep us updated on your progress, maybe start a Project Blog? Also I invite you to include your '37 Super 8 in the Packard Owner's Registry.

EDIT - Here's a thread by another poster also with ambitions on the Peking to Paris.

Hi Does anyone know the transmission ratios in an 1937 Packard super 8 please.
Thanks paul hartfield

Hello, Paul,

Not sure where the '37 Super 8 is listed, but not in this parts book. There's an 8, 138CD for 1937 in this book. The axle ratios look like 4.54 standard, 4.36 or 4.7 special. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable can point you to the correct info.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/par ... 5-41_PartsList_Group12_RearAxle.pdf

Joe

Here is some info from the new model mechanical specs given in Service Letter Vol 10 #17 but it looks like the info is given in conjunction with rear axle ratio.

Attach file:

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Just divide the final drive ratios by the rear axle ratio to get the transmission ratios.

Paul,
for including your Peking to Paris '37 Super Eight Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry. Would love to see some photos of it!

Hello Paul and all, I would strongly recommend that you do NOT install an Overdrive at this time. I would swap out your 4.69 rear axle ratio for a 4.07. I would also consult with Jim Walters who with len McNeely, won the Round the World rally in 2000, in a 1938 Super Eight.
web.archive.org/web/20001007192639/http:/atw.csp.net

I have noticed you refer to your 1937 Packard as a "Super 8
120". A 1937 Packard Super 8 was a huge car, of 127, 134, or
139 inch wheelbase. It had a 320 Cu. in. straight 8 engine
with 135 horsepower. It was, in price, the next Packard down
from the 12, which had the big 473 cu. in 175 HP V12 engine. A Packard 120 was a 120 inch wheelbase car with a 282 cu. in. straight8 engine developing 120 hp. It was first built by Packard in 1935 for the less wealthy middle class buyer, and actually saved Packard from going under in the great depression. The Packard 120 was still every inch a Packard and had a top speed in the neighborhood of 100 mph, whereas the much heavier Super Eight models might reach 85 mph, depending on the body style.

From looking at the pictures of the cars participating in the
2015 Sahara Rally, I can see that your car is definitely
a Super Eight sedan (127" wheelbase), not a 120. Therefore
you own a much more valuable car, although with its excessive
weight (well over 4000 pounds), you might have more difficulties traveling over all those bad roads.

Good luck in the 2016 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge!