Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello from NZ !

Have pulled the 352 from my 400 for a freshen up after finding two split/chipped exhaust valves and general low compression.
I am hesitant to mount it on my engine stand using the 4 x transmission bolt holes in rear of the engine as the material seems thin, anyone able to set my mind at ease or show me a photo of how you have done this? I would hate to have a disaster …thanks in advance

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That worked quite OK for me the last twenty or so times I did it. Of course you'll want to choose your bolts carefully to get good engagement.

I have my 320 mounted like that now. Just use some common sense: select the longest bolts that don't bottom out. On my stand I think these were 3½ inch bolts. Factory length is 1⅜; subtract the transmission flange thickness to get the correct depth.

To rip a Grade 8 7/16 bolt out takes something like 10,000 lbs of force.

Thanks for the replies, I realise the bolts are solid but I was a little worried about the thickness of that trans flange!
That engine is a rare as rocking horse poop over here 🤣

My 352 on a stand. I did use grade 8 hardware.

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Grade 8 bolts are overkill. The standard grade 5 is more than sufficient.

What I do differently is turn the engine stand arms around so the back of the block is against the arm and not held further out by the spacer.

Also, adjust the arms up and in so the cam is centered on the pivot point. This will make it more balanced when the heads are installed.

jack vines

Thanks Jack ! Exactly the detail I was after and of course makes perfect sense, now off to find some bolts 😀.