Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

I was thinking...it should be kind of easy to tap into the right front fresh air intake before it goes into the heater fan, and direct some air to the fuel pump and or the carburetor for fresh air/cooling to those parts.
I'm talking about the 51-53 Packards here. Has anyone ever seen, or done this? I guess venting to the fuel pump would be easy, but running some kind of snorkle to the air filter might get a little long, and not look so original.
Just brainstorming....

I guess the question is why do you see a need for it?

If you have the proper heat shields in place I don't see an issue with it. The fan is blowing air down that side of the engine as well. you should have a head shield over the fuel pump and an insulating spacer between the carb and manifold.

I lived in inland Southern California where temps regularly exceed 100F in the summer, and I never had an issue.

Hi Kev,
I don't have a real need for a change like this. In the past when I lived closer to Stuttgart and would occasionally sit/crawl in traffic in 95 degree weather for 15 minutes, at times like that, I could tell that my idle would get a little rough and I could see a little more movement in my manifold vacuum gauge. No problems with vapor lock, or overheating, but I did get the feeling that the fuel system was getting hot.
I do have the fuel pump heat shield, and carb insulation/spacer. They work well.
I now live further in the country, so don't have to worry about traffic anymore.
A simple mod that would be very easy would be to put some thin insulation on the underside of the fuel pump heat shield. Although that probably might not make much difference, since heat rises.
Bending a sheet aluminium cover for the exhaust manifold would also be kind of "cool"

But why? I don't see that it would gain you anything whatsoever other than more work!

Cooler air is better. Whether the benefit would be worth the effort is the question. Why not do it and see what happens? You can always go back to original. Having fun with cars helps to pass the time and occupy the mind. Stay well.