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Well, most of the people that I personally know who own Packards don't drive them. I don't know how things are where you're from, but around here that's the way it is.

Oh, and I'm going to ignore the hateful PM you sent me.

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Since you're the self-proclaimed Packard expert, I think the question is, how many have YOU seen?

Eric

Most of the Packard crowd I hang around with can afford either the Packard or the tow vehlcle/trailer, but not both. We seem to have opted for the Packard over the tow vehicles

Regards


John Harley

Looks like it's time for a poll then, how many people drive their Packards more than 5000 miles a year? Anyone?

I have and will again.

Eric

Not 5,000, but easily over 2.000 each of the last two years. The year before that I had it apart for much of the summer and the year before that I was apart due to a guy driving a Lincoln without aiming it. Don't know what your climate is like but around here the length of the car season is about the same length as the baseball season

Regards


John Harley

John, then you're the exception to the rule and I commend you for that. I'm still willing to bet that at least 90% of Packard owners don't drive their cars that much and therefore Egge pistons will suffice. That is all I'm saying, not trying to offend anyone.

Alrighty Gentlemen. Lets all calm down and not get testy.

I know out here in So Calif where the weather is "normally" nice all year long, the local PI chapters have tours every month and drive their cars distances. I am sure the PAC and other PI chapters across the country (and world) do the same when the weather is nice.

There were folks that drove their Packards from Calif to the Warren meet and back. That probably at least 4,000 miles right there!

Back in the day, motorcycle manufacturers and dealers were trying to overcome the outlaw image. There was an article with a quote to the effect, "99% of motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens. Don't let the 1% of bad apples spoil the sport for everyone." The Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club adapted the motto "1%ers" and added it to their colors.

Those on this forum are the 1%ers of the Packard owners/drivers. We're here because we're looking for more performance, more power, more information. It's a given Egge reproduction pistons correctly installed will give good service for 99% of Packard V8 owners.

thnx, jack vines

I sure did not mean to start a spitting contest on this topic!

I'm one of those like Eric who drives/has driven his Packard more than 5,000 miles a year. I have no idea what pistons are in my 55 Pat's engine since it has never been apart since I bought it 11 years ago. Trowbridge Automotive rebuilt it back in the early 90s. You might recognize that name from some of the early drag racing articles that have been posted on here. I'd say he did a darn good job.

I have Ross custom pistons for my Panther project. I only paid $450/set for them, but I had a price deal being an ex-race shop owner. I understand that cost is nearer to $800/set today, IF they will even do it.

If I had to completely rebuild another Packard engine today for performance use, I would seriously look at the combo I outlined originally in this thread. The pistons and rods are "off-the-shelf", not custom, even though the rods are longer than stock and the pistons need some minor machining, plus the other work previously discussed.

If you don't have the facilities/knowledge that I have for a rebuild, then contact Jack Vines. I'm sure he'll do a fine job for you. If your wallet will handle it, you can probably take your Packard to Bonneville.

Craig

PackardV8 wrote Quote:

Well then Keith, the alternative piston & rod combo I outlined here will not work for you. Unless you had built the engine that way in the first place.

Craig

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Just because Chrysler did it doesn't mean it's correct.