Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

What would it take to put a straight 8 in a '56 Patrician? I know the body is basically the same as 51 to 54... is it a straightforward install with a manual trans? I love flatheads!

56 Executive the V8 engine sets 1-1/4 to 2 inches closer to the right side of the frame to clear steering gear. This is not uncommon among V8's. So keep that in mind when fitting the streight-8.

Also the torsion bars mite present problems for exhaust routing.

I assume the streight 8 has a much longer stroke that the V8. So need to keep the centerline of crankshaft at about the same level as where the V8 crankshaft is so that prop-shaft angularity does not change much. The deeper crankcase mite present problems for that.

IIRC the 8 is 300 pounds heavier than the V8 so front torsion bars mite not be stiff enuf.

A Packard straight eight measures 41.5" from rear of head to end of fan, add at least 1" in the rear for clearance and 2" in the front for fan to radiator clearance and you end up with 44.5", make it a round 45" for safety's sake. I don't think it'll fit very well. The firewall appears further forward in the V8 cars than the straight eight cars, but this may be an optical illusion because of the wraparound windshield. I agree, straight eight's are cool, and I love 'em completely, but I don't think it'll be an easy task to do. I CAN be done, by putting an indentation in the firewall to clear the rear of the engine, but this causes a host of other problems with stuff under the dash. If I were doing engine swaps with Packard engines into other models of Packards, I'd be putting V8's in '54 and back cars.

A '42 and back Packard Six with a dual quad V8 and a 4 speed would be the cat's meow! Put it on a '56 Clipper T/L chassis and it would be the coolest thing out there.

Guys

You're missing the boat.

Packard Straight 8 in a "57 Chevy



Regards


John Harley

Quote:
Now thats something I would almost pay admission to see and listen to the Chevy guys.

I'd be interesting to see if the firewalls were different between 51-54 and 55-56, seeing that Teague did a re-style on the cheap re-using the basic 51 design with new windshield and front & rear end look but retaining what was in between, if I recall correctly.

Sorry I don't have better pictures but this might give an idea of basic differences. Top is a 54 and bottom is 56. Aside from a few opening changes for wiring & grommets, main difference seems to be the depth of engine clearance area.
The large rect opening & small odd one underneath on 56 drivers side is for fact AC--won't be there on other cars.

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It looks like someone could swap firewalls and the front part of the floorboards and make it work. It's still dubious to me as why anyone would want to.

Also remember what between 54 and 55 they went from Briggs building the bodies to Packard building there own. So there could be other subtle difference.

The frames were all made by AO Smith, and the 55 frame looks almost exactly like the 54. I think in 56 they stopping using the small crossmember at the very front of the frame.

im all about a Packard engine in a Chevy! that would be awsome if for no other reason than to show off to the chebby guys!