Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

bkazmer Quote:

1) So far as has been determined only the 4L60E/4L65E/4L70E has a removable bell housing.

2) OD yes, but see 1) above.

3) I think you have it backwards as the Packard V-8 has an extremely broad power band. It got by with 1 or 2 speeds no problem, except for reliability due to greater torque than originally designed. 4 speeds (granny low, decent 2nd, direct 3rd and 0.7 OD 4th) is more than enough gears.

Craig

"3) 4 speeds (granny low, decent 2nd, direct 3rd and 0.7 OD 4th) is more than enough gears."


Perfect manual tranny, have one in my 71 pontiac 428, now becoming a 462:

hemmings.com/mus/stories/2005/03/01/hmn_feature17.html


The chevy version has always an OD, and the chrysler version can be OD or regular 1:1 4th 4speed. Rebuild kits are about $180 for everything/deluxe kit. Takes a TH350 yoke (chevy one) and 10 spline 1 1/8" input shaft for dozens of clutch options.

cortcomp Quote:

I think you entirely missed the point. Manual transmission components for Packard V-8s are rare as "Hen's Teeth", so it is not really a viable option.

However, if you already have the manual setup like I do, one good option is the Ford "toploader" overdrive 4spd. The bolt pattern is standard Ford, so it fits the Packard V-8 MT bell housing.


Craig

182 total miles this weekend. I am so glad I decided to do this adaptation.

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Craig, i didn't realize there was a bolt in ford option.

However, i thought we were discussing trannys with a removable bell and OD, so i thought it was worth mentioning. Obviously, i was ignorant of the fact that a ford tranny would bolt in, and that there was no step of making or adapting a bell. My bad!

Quote:
"3)Hmm. so an old 4spd because of cost? Wouldn't a modern 7- or 8-speed out of a wreck be worth it, especialy given the more limited engine rpm range of an older engine"

If u can find a 6,7 or 8 speed (WITH OD) that is a real easy swap to the Packard v8 ENGINE then let us know. i.e. easier than the 4L60E.

BOTTOM LINE: Must be an EASY SWAP!

As Craig points out above the Packard V8 engine simply does not need anything more than 4 speed/OD. I'll even claim 3 speed/OD of which no automatic exists that i know of. Unless one plans on serious racing or pulling Airstreams thru the Rockies on a regular basis. IT's a big powerful engine!

I don;t care if it's 3,4,5,6 or million forward speeds.
Bottom line. EASY swap. Must have overdrive. That simple.

NOTE that the Rear end of the Packard V8 block is rather unusual compared to most V8's since the 1960's. It is the unusual block shroud over the flywhell that makes it more difficult to find a good swap for.

Kevin.
How do I get one of these?
Thanks, Scott

G'day Scott,
to PackardInfo. Although you don't specifically say so, I presume you have a Packard? If that's the case I invite you to include it in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo.

Scott,
for including your '55 Four Hundred Hardtop Coupe, and
for including your '55 Caribbean Convertible Coupe, and
for including your '56 Caribbean Convertible Coupe

in the Packard Owner's Registry. You've just tripled my pleasure!

Wow! 55 400, 55 & 56 Carib converts! That's a nice collection. I would suppose that your need for the 4L60E conversion is the 55 400. In other words, why mess with the stock condition of the Carib converts?

Craig