Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

as im sitting here in the dorm room, bored to tears, i had a thought for the experts of the Packard V8s. Is there any difference in lift or duration between the 352 and 374 camshafts? I have two patricians that are set to be redone relatively origanilly, and i thought the third might make an interesting resto mod. Basically i was wondering if the bigger displacement engine had a different profile camshaft.

just thinking through the boredom.

There is a 1955 cam and a 1956 cam. The 1956 352" and 374" have the same '56 cam.

If you're interested in a slightly warmer regrind, I have a couple of choices available.

thnx, jack vines

so what about a 1956 cam in a 55 engine? It would be a 55 engine that would be modified.

Thanks for the info! like i said, this is a way back burner project, but i am getting some ideas!

Any V8 cam will interchange into any V8 engine. (Speaking of Packard V8's and their different sizes, of course. Not meaning a Ford cam will fit in a Chevy, etc.)

i figured it would, my question was if their were any differences, for example would a 56 374 change the performance of a 55 352. like if the 56 cam had a bigger lift and/ or duration because of the larger displacement.

again, thanks.

I have run computer simulations on all Packard V-8 camshafts. Near as I can tell, the 1956 cam was changed because the intake valve size was increased. I do not think there is a significant difference to be had by swapping any camshafts. In Chevies and Pontiacs (and others), there would be, of course if one used one of their HiPerf grinds.

If one is interested in hot rodding a Packard V-8, then send the original cam to a reputable cam grinder. Within reason, the cam can be reground without messing up the valve train geometry. That is what I did on my Panther 374. Somewhere between 20 and 50HP should be the increase, the former being more streetable and the latter requiring a manual trans and more gear as one would expect.

Or get a regrind from Jack Vines if you do not have the cam grinder connections.

Craig

The '55 cam has noticeably better low end torque. The '56 cam has noticeably better top end.

Intake valve timing
1955 250 degrees and .375" lift
1956 256 degrees and .398" lift


Exhaust valve timing
1955 250 degrees and .375" lift
1956 252 degrees and .388" lift

FWIW, I have a couple of custom reground cams with a bit more duration I'll sell for $50 plus your good core cam. I also have a torque grind which will work well in a stock Packard sedan application also for $50 plus your good core cam.

thnx, jack vines