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Hi guys..i am new here. i live in Denmark. and i am the happy owner of this special built 31. the body is not more than 15 years old. i have plans to use the car alot, and i am thinking of changing the straight 8 to a 50s straight 8 using a more moderne trans. the reason is off course a bit more power, but also the more reliable engine. its my first packard, so i really dont know where to look. maybe for a shop who could help me rebuilt an engine if i find one. maybe hop it up a bit.. and if you guys know what look out for. and especially not to look for.. thanks up front..Palle

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I would suggest a 9-main bearing 327 from 1951-1954 or a 9-main one-year-only 359. They seem to have very sturdy bottom ends. I believe these to be the best blocks and the lightest available.


Keep reading and pondering and dreaming. There are a lot of possibilities.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?start=0&topic_id=27192&order=ASC&status=&mode=0

Very neat car!

Now this is a lot of fun. My suggestion is a 51-54 327 with the 5 main bearings. That will have less friction, and has a more rigid crank than the 9 main bearing engines. Plus they are readily available and will readily turn 4000 rpm.

It would be very easy to use one of the factory 4-choke manifolds if you did not want to fabricate an intake.

Of course you could use a modern transmission, but I think you would be very happy with a 48-50 Packard 3 speed with overdrive. That will give you five usable ratios and there are no adapters necessary. These trans can be converted to top shifters.

Here is a photo of my roadster built on a shortened 51 Packard chassis, with a 288 (they rev more freely) and automatic for lazy back road cruising.

I'd be pleased to build an engine for your car.

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G'day Palle Johansen,
to PackardInfo.

Normally I'd invite you to include your "Packard" in the Packard Vehicle Registry but in this case it's not totally appropriate.

Instead enjoy your re-engined Packard powered "Special". And please keep us updated as it's being re-engined.

What engine is in the car now?

thank you guys...appreciate this. the chassis and motor gear is all original 31 Packard. there is a homemade intake for 2 carbs on it. i could built one adapter for a 5 speed gearbox. GM or what ever. lots of guys use volvo trans over here. strong, and with good size for cars like this. okay so if you have anything usefull on the shelf, please hit me. Ross i will PM you. thanks again..and i will keeep you posted..palle

I'm still (kinda) looking into a T5 adaptation for one of mine. I like to stir my own chili.