Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

One of the Packard info members a while back could modify pontiac HEI distributors for use in packards. You could search for that. I know nothing about the holley system, but would think you could just use the Signal from the coil?
If you do install the System, i would suggest adding a wide Band O2 sensor in the down pipe. Not for closed loop function, but so you can see how the mixture is. Then you can get it really dialed in.

Hi John,
I'm in the fuel injection business by day, and old car hobby on the weekends, so I think it's a cool idea. I read the holley pro-jection 2D instructions, and you can just use the ground signal from the packard distributor for the tach signal on the holley brain. -No need for HEI from what I see.
Installing the fuel pump and return line is probably going to be the biggest task, but if you don't mind doing that, I think it could improve drivability if set up right. Does the TBI also have a port for the PCV? you could install that on the engine as well.
From the instructions I have, you can add an 02 sensor so the system runs in closed loop. I would do that if possible, but it's up to you.
I guess you also have to install a water temp sensor, but that shouldn't be too hard. You might be able to combine it with the stock sensor.
I remember talking with a guy who worked at ford years ago when they were testing the 6 cyl engines with a single carb. He said the end cyls would be lean, and the center cyls would be fat. Going to port injection where you have an injector for each cyl gets each cyl "right on the money" as far as mixture is concerned. The holley TBI setup isn't going to be that efficient, but is still cool.

E-ignition, EFI, TBI, various sensors.
So how many spare parts will have to be carried in the case of a EFI or e-ignition failure???? And how much are those spare parts going to COST????

Let us assume we carry spare ECM's and sensors and so forth. Then better test out those e-parts to make sure they work.

I've bought at least 3 BRAND NEW IN THE BOX ECM's for production modern cars over the last 20 years that were bad streight out of the sealed box. There is no way to look at any e-device to determine if it is faulty by anykind of VISUAL inspection.

Replacement parts for Aftermarket e-ignition and FI could be obsolete in 10 years or impossible to find.

And how much is a spare EFI or TBI fuel pump cost?????

To each his own. To me one of the most rewarding aspects of old car ownership, the social aspects aside, was learning to understand and care for mechanical and electrical systems of the era.

Well said, Sir

I'm planning on dual EFI by EZ-EFI on my 55 with the dual intake manifold I have. Right now it's a single carb.

I'm going MSD EFI with MSD ignition that is controlled by the EFI on my dart as well as I have absolutely hated messing with the edelbrock I bought for it.

This is all very expensive, so it will be a long time, but it can't come soon enough.

I applaud those the keep it old school though and respect their choices.

Why someone would want to do this or any major change is this is a hobby. If you want to spend the time and money changing something go for it if for no other reason than to be different. Some will tell you not to others will cheer you on. I will be one of the ones to support your effort and look forward to reading about it. Their are even Packard people that march to the different drum.

Aren't those holly units actually gas spray units you put on the intake ? They don't actually squirt mixture into the cylinders do they?

Yeah the Holley I have is a throttle body that fit in place of the carb.

John