Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

Just saw this tonight, this company makes adapters to put GM automatic transmissions on the back of Packard V8s, the 288/327 straight 8's, and the 356 straight 8: Packard Transmission Adapters

Disclaimer: I don't know anything about this company, except saw them mentioned in Rodder's Journal and looked at their website tonight. I have not used any of their products.

My apologies if this has been discussed widely here previously. I looked back several pages and didn't see a thread about these.

I'd like to have one of these adapters.... for the 288, 327, 359 engine.

These have been around for a while but note that they adapt only the transmission to the engine. You still have to build a custom crossover and driveshaft to work with them and probably would need custom linkages as well. I’ve not used one either but from what I gather, it is fairly involved. In other words, they are not plug-and-play.

Having said that, a week or so ago someone on eBay was selling one complete that apparently come from a pre-1951 Packard but it used a Chrysler transmission rather than GM. They didn’t say but maybe it was one of the UltraTorque conversions that were available many years ago.

I have one of the kits. Planning to install it this spring/summer. I am hoping to use a universal column linkage kit. It uses a 12 volt starter. The parts seem nicely made.

Best Regards,

The conversion is underway. As said previously the kit is for mounting a gm trans on a Packard. It doesn't include a linkage etc. You can use 700r4 2004r 4L60 or non overdrive th350 th400 or the electronic 4L60e 4L80e. I will be doing a 4L60e so nothing on connecting the TV cable here.

The Speedgems people are nice. Bob Bendtsen sold/retired. The new owner says there hasn't been many sales of the Packard kits so not sure how long they will stick around if non one is buying.

I am doing this in a car with the body and front clip on and the engine in place. The first step is getting the old trans out while supporting the engine.

I used angle iron and a wood block with bolts to support the engine with the trans out.

The trans is 292 pounds and there are 2 bolts on top which are easiest to remove by cutting 2 holes in the floor.

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Next the flywheel bellhousing and starter must be removed.

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Next the actual bellhousing adapter gets attached. I will have another update Tuesday. Then will be new flywheel and new starter.

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Keep the pictures coming John. This is interesting to see how it all comes together. John

The flywheel bolts have less than 3/16ths engagement maybe 3 threads on the crankshaft hub. Hub is 3/8ths. Getting longer bolts. Original bolts engaged full 3/8ths.

Supplied bolts are 31/32. I will go 1-1/8.

With 1 1/8 bolts the flywheel is in. The starter is tough to get in but doable a long 3/16" allen wrench helps. On bolts for flywheel blue loctite and 25 ft pounds.

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