Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

We were just questioned by a shop for whom we built a 352" V8; "Why did your price go up?"

Just thought I would ask what the rest of you are seeing out there. After conversations with Kanter, Egge, Max Merritt, Terrill Machine, et al, it seems we're just about out of parts and thus out of business. Kanter and Egge have told us the classic car business is fading, so they're not restocking their shelves with new parts for the low production independents.

1. As far as I know there are no Packard V8 pistons available. We're paying for custom forged pistons or spending hours of machine time to modify other pistons to fit. Either way is more expensive.

If the core engine was out of a running car, there is the option to sleeve all eight cylinders back to reuse the pistons. However, the cost are about the same as new forged pistons.

2. As far as I know, there are no .010" or .020" main bearings available. There are only the few random .030" or .060" and the vendors have doubled their price for these dregs.

3. The vendors have a few valves, at $35 each. For valve springs, we can no longer find hardened retainers, so have been substituting BBC springs and retainers. Again, more machine time to make them fit.

4. Forged pistons are lighter than OEM and the modified pistons are heavier. Either way, it adds labor hours to balancing the crankshaft to the new bobweight.

5. New lifters are still available, just at twice the cost we were paying a few years back.

6. Every time we have to order more Oldsmobile oil pump conversion kits, my machinist reminds me he's making these as a favor and the next order costs more and takes longer. That we have these available is the result of stringing together three minor miracles which may never happen again.

We've got parts to rebuild about six more Packard oil pumps, then, that's gone.

7. Cracked cylinder heads; in the past, no big deal. The ground was thick with core engines for cheap. Now, we've used all of ours and are going to require customers to ship theirs to us. Shipping a 600# long block or even a 64# head or 56# crankshaft adds to the cost and time.

So that's it from here. What are you seeing where you are?

jack vines

Thanks for the update. That's a pretty bleak picture. What are the options for those of us who are younger and plan on keeping these cars running? Custom made parts for everything?

It would be a shame to replace Packard's unique V8 with a generic SBC or LS. I would much prefer to keep the original engines running and in use.

Agree, Kevin, it's not a Packard without the signature V8.

Rebuilding a Packard V8 is just time and money. We can have forged pistons made. Main bearings 1-4 are possible to interchange, but the #5 is unique and we'll probably end up reusing the best of the used parts.

jack vines

Hard to believe MM is out of hardened retainers. Just bought a set last year. Jack I have ONE more set that I got from Randy. For when you really need some...

I can get the oil pump kit parts made at a reasonable cost. Once you are out, if you want to send me the drawings, I can keep it rolling.

In other engine news, I have 3 core 55 engines plus approx. 2 disassembled 56 engines, if you need such parts I have them lying around here and would be happy to see them go. 16 good used 374 pistons in a box, for example.

On the bright side, the Ultramatics are as rebuildable as ever. The only thing that seems to be of limited quantity is the plain bearings in them. The gaskets and clutches are available at reasonable cost. Still have NOS input shafts and converter shafts on the shelf as well.

Good to know you can still rebuild the TwinUltramatic. I've sent a few inquiries your way, as we don't get involved in those.

Sent you a PM on parts possibilities.

jack vines

BTW - yes, MM still offers valve spring retainers; at $10 a piece.

jv