Hello and welcome to Packard Motor Car Information! If you're new here, please register for a free account.  
Login
Username:

Password:

Remember me



Lost Password?

Register now!
FAQ's
Main Menu
Recent Forum Topics
Who is Online
237 user(s) are online (166 user(s) are browsing Forums)

Members: 1
Guests: 236

Wmsue, more...
Helping out...
PackardInfo is a free resource for Packard Owners that is completely supported by user donations. If you can help out, that would be great!

Donate via PayPal
Video Content
Visit PackardInfo.com YouTube Playlist

Donate via PayPal




newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#1
Just popping in
Just popping in

Palle Johansen
See User information
Hi guys..i am new here. i live in Denmark. and i am the happy owner of this special built 31. the body is not more than 15 years old. i have plans to use the car alot, and i am thinking of changing the straight 8 to a 50s straight 8 using a more moderne trans. the reason is off course a bit more power, but also the more reliable engine. its my first packard, so i really dont know where to look. maybe for a shop who could help me rebuilt an engine if i find one. maybe hop it up a bit.. and if you guys know what look out for. and especially not to look for.. thanks up front..Palle

Attach file:



jpg  20230804_093421.jpg (499.82 KB)
226378_64eb900fb35d3.jpg 1440X1920 px

jpg  3.jpg (60.50 KB)
226378_64eb901caef1d.jpg 640X480 px

jpg  4.jpg (60.00 KB)
226378_64eb9042b4d66.jpg 640X480 px

Posted on: 2023/8/27 13:06
 Top  Print   
Like (1)
 


Re: newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#2
Home away from home
Home away from home

Wat_Tyler
See User information
I would suggest a 9-main bearing 327 from 1951-1954 or a 9-main one-year-only 359. They seem to have very sturdy bottom ends. I believe these to be the best blocks and the lightest available.


Keep reading and pondering and dreaming. There are a lot of possibilities.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... c_id=27192&order=ASC&status=&mode=0

Posted on: 2023/8/27 14:12
If you're not having fun, maybe it's your own damned fault.
 Top  Print   
 


Re: newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#3
Webmaster
Webmaster

BigKev
See User information
Very neat car!

Posted on: 2023/8/27 16:19
-BigKev


1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan -> Registry | Project Blog

1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe -> Registry | Project Blog
 Top  Print   
 


Re: newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#4
Home away from home
Home away from home

Ross
See User information
Now this is a lot of fun. My suggestion is a 51-54 327 with the 5 main bearings. That will have less friction, and has a more rigid crank than the 9 main bearing engines. Plus they are readily available and will readily turn 4000 rpm.

It would be very easy to use one of the factory 4-choke manifolds if you did not want to fabricate an intake.

Of course you could use a modern transmission, but I think you would be very happy with a 48-50 Packard 3 speed with overdrive. That will give you five usable ratios and there are no adapters necessary. These trans can be converted to top shifters.

Here is a photo of my roadster built on a shortened 51 Packard chassis, with a 288 (they rev more freely) and automatic for lazy back road cruising.

I'd be pleased to build an engine for your car.

Attach file:



jpg  r6.jpg (318.38 KB)
618_64ebef636b518.jpg 1617X1294 px

Posted on: 2023/8/27 19:50
 Top  Print   
Like (1)
 


Re: newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#5
Forum Ambassador
Forum Ambassador

Ozstatman
See User information
G'day Palle Johansen,
to PackardInfo.

Normally I'd invite you to include your "Packard" in the Packard Vehicle Registry but in this case it's not totally appropriate.

Instead enjoy your re-engined Packard powered "Special". And please keep us updated as it's being re-engined.

Posted on: 2023/8/27 20:04
Mal
/o[]o\
====

Bowral, Southern Highlands of NSW, Australia
"Out of chaos comes order" - Nietzsche.

1938 Eight Touring Sedan - SOLD

1941 One-Twenty Club Coupe - SOLD

1948 Super Eight Limo, chassis RHD - SOLD

1950 Eight Touring Sedan - SOLD

What's this?
Put your Packard in the Packard Vehicle Registry!
Here's how!
Any questions - PM or email me at ozstatman@gmail.com
 Top  Print   
 


Re: newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#6
Home away from home
Home away from home

TxGoat
See User information
What engine is in the car now?

Posted on: 2023/8/27 20:34
 Top  Print   
 


Re: newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#7
Just popping in
Just popping in

Palle Johansen
See User information
thank you guys...appreciate this. the chassis and motor gear is all original 31 Packard. there is a homemade intake for 2 carbs on it. i could built one adapter for a 5 speed gearbox. GM or what ever. lots of guys use volvo trans over here. strong, and with good size for cars like this. okay so if you have anything usefull on the shelf, please hit me. Ross i will PM you. thanks again..and i will keeep you posted..palle

Posted on: 2023/8/27 23:48
 Top  Print   
 


Re: newer straight 8 in my 31 special
#8
Home away from home
Home away from home

Wat_Tyler
See User information
I'm still (kinda) looking into a T5 adaptation for one of mine. I like to stir my own chili.

Posted on: 2023/8/28 19:11
If you're not having fun, maybe it's your own damned fault.
 Top  Print   
 









- The following Google Ad-Sense Advert helps fund the cost of providing this free resource -
- Logged in users will not see these. Please Join and Donate to help support the website -
Search
Recent Photos
Photo of the Day
Recent Registry
Upcoming Events
46th Annual Texas Packard Meet
04/03/2025 - 04/06/2025
Packard Salon - Calling All Twelves
05/27/2025 - 05/29/2025
58th Annual National Meet
05/31/2025 - 06/06/2025
AACA Fall Meet (Hershey)
10/06/2025 - 10/10/2025
South Pacific Packard Club 2026 Rally
03/22/2026 - 03/28/2026
Website Comments or Questions?? Click Here Copyright 2006-2024, PackardInfo.com All Rights Reserved