Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

All, looking for opinions here. Background - I have a 1937 Packard 120, all stock. ~56,xxx miles, all original condition. The engine was refreshed a few years ago with an in-frame overhaul. Rear end ratio is 4.09:1. It will cruise effortlessly forever at 45-50 mph. I am happy driving it 55-60 mph for long periods as well, which it does without complaint or overheating. I've had the car to 70 mph a few times, and it is fine but certainly not sustainable, and it feels like I'm racing the engine. In a few years, I'll be moving to an area with lots of 45-55 mph country highways and no interstate.

The transmission leaks oil (I think from the cover on the input shaft, but cannot tell for sure), and the second gear synchro is worn. Shifts fine cold, but once warmed up, even with double clutching, it is sometimes very difficult to get it into second gear. It will be fine for the summer driving season, but as I'm thinking of post-Hershey winter projects, I have a decision to make. Option 1 is to simply rebuild what I have. I've rebuilt this same transmission (on a 115) before, so not concerned about the feasability, and I think parts should still be easy to come by. Option 2 is to find an R-11 overdrive, find a spare '37 transmission cover to modify the shift forks to work with the R-11 while retaining floor shift, and get a new driveline to modify.

I know I could modify my current driveline and transmission cover, but I want to be able to return everything to stock if I desire.

Does the frame need to be notched at the rear output of the transmission for this mod?

Given that I will likely rarely, if ever, see speeds over 60mph for the foreseeable future, is it worth the time/effort/energy/money to convert?

Again, looking for opinions here, so I'm interested in your thoughts, especially if you've done the conversion or driven a similar car. Thanks!

I would vote no, based on that info. I'm actually curious why you are weighing it as it sounds like significant extra money and work for little conceivable benefit.

Does "all stock" means mostly original condition? Engine and transmission are original to this car, etc.? In this case, just fix whatever you have. No need to "modify" a good original car.
How often are you planning to drive it, anyway? My usual cruising speed is 45; especially considering the lack of seat belts, I am taking it slow