Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Quote:

Not so much the material as the machines on which they're made. The newer machinery seems to give an improved cam grind which allows for more even expansion.

Egge's still have to have more clearance than the .0005"-.0015" the factory recommended using the steel strut Bohnalite OEMs. On complete rebuilds, where everything is clean, I usually set Egge's up with at least .002"; there won't be any noise.

jack vines

Bob,
for including your '56 Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan in the Registry.

For my reference, what would be the other modifications done when using high performance pistons, and what would be target use of the completed vehicle?

If Egge produced pistons for the 374, would thee be a need for looking into the forged options, or would everyone just go with the Egge pistons?

Thanks

The mild modifieds are more over on the '56 Golden Hawk side, but even some Packard owners want a bit more cam duration, a rebuilt and recurved distributor and the Caribbean intake. For this level, the Egge pistons would be fine.

There have been a few modified drag Packards and even a few V8s used in rail jobs and sports cars, so those would naturally need forged pistons.

FWIW, I've put forged pistons in at least a dozen builds for more serious performance. At present, I'm building a supercharged 440" forged stroker crank with custom Diamond forged pistons and Scat rods.

jack vines

I used Egge on my 54 Caribbean and the tops of 2 pistons cracked. Went to Aries Forged pistons and never had a problem. It's now 19 years since I did it!

Come to think of it, I also used Aries pistons in my Pacific, also no problem since it was done 16 years ago. Still runs like a dream!

Two comments:

The '54 Caribbean is a completely different application than the '56 Caribbean. The piston designs have little in common. Egge pistons of twenty years ago have little in common with what they're making today.

Yes, Arias makes some of the best forged pistons. Last quote I got from them was $200 each.

(Nick Arias just passed away recently. R.I.P., Big Nick)

jack vines

I spoke with both Egge and Kanter and they said that their current versions of this piston are built with a steel strut similar to the factory piston.