Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Before committing to a Bendtsen adapter for a 55 400, I would like to learn how many hours a shade tree mechanic would be apt to spend in making the swap. I have a competent mechanic who will actually do the work, but he is gun-shy on the hours involved.

Both the 700R4 and 200R4 have been mentioned as good alternatives to the Ultramatic. What is the difference in the two transmissions? Are both overdrive? Is there a significant difference in overhaul costs?

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bernardi

My thoughts at the moment are incomplete. I've looked at all the adapter options and the bendtsen seems to be the best one at the moment if your not looking to go with a computerized trans. I'm looking at the newer 4l65E with the removable bellhousing as the ultramatic has a removable bellhousing a pair of adapter on from trans to bell and bell to engine should do it. of course either a redrilled or built flex plate. and a either a TCI or MSD trans controller. that's the idea I'm exploring right now. for stand alone. I think the ultimate goal with mine is the 4l65E hooked to the 352 with F.A.S.T. controller and port fuel injection.

55Constellation Quote:

Well, since no one to my knowledge has done one on a Packard V-8, this ought to be an interesting pioneering project. Usually a F.I. adaption like this requires you to bring your fat wallet even if you can do the majority of work yourself.

Craig

really not a horribly hard conversion now. the FAST controller will set me back 1500. run an intake pump with a phantom a corvette regulator/filter 8 Vortec chevy injectors fuel rail and the air door from a 4.3 pick up and all the sensors. fairly easy from the engineering stand point it's just a matter of tossing 2500.00 at it. worked on my 400 Edsel and that was running a megasquirt.

Okay then. Keep us informed when you start the project!

Craig

I had the Bendtsens transmission conversion done two years ago and the difference is AMAZING the car had more go and better gas mileage then it ever did before. I had the 700r tranny put in; it has worked fine with no problems.

EFI on a Packard V8 is very simple with the EZ EFI kit. 2k or so and you got bolt on EFI. I'm going to do it with the 2x4 intake I have as EZ EFI has a setup that you can run dual quads. All the EFI kits now are pretty much self contained.

Amen Brother.