Thread: Straight Eight

Originally Posted by goingbush

Ive been playing with something different. I scored a stash of 5 x Packard engines of unknown condition on marketplace .
All seized & poorly stored in the corner of a shed.

I pulled 4 down & made one good runner from the best bits. I've put it in a '29 Chrysler chassis & will be building an open wheeled boat tail. prewar speedster

First time ive ever heard a Straight 8 running. It barks when you open both carbs up, but couldn't do with one hand (other holding the phone)

If you missed it, yes they are RRC engine mounts.

Is that a holden 6 water pump with adapter on the front ?

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Is that a holden 6 water pump with adapter on the front ?

Yes, The reproduction Packard pump was close to $1000 by the time it got here, The impeller is exact same size as Holden Red pump , so I adapted it, for all intents and purposes when looking at the pump mounted on plate from behind its the same as a Packard pump. I know the extension ive put on it to get the pulley in the right spot has loaded the bearings, ( ideally the belt plane should be close to the center of the bearings) but its only another $50 for a new pump. The original I have could be repaired but its fan hub is off to the side and lower , being from a later model so no good for what i'm building.

IMG20241026090245.jpg IMG20241025175743_01.jpg

I also adapted a petrol Hilux starter motor, the 9 tooth cog meshed with the Packard flywheel exactly , being a geared starter is doesn't have an issue cranking the bigger engine. and a GM Bosch V8 HEI distributor which I machined away the body to fit the smaller hole & grafted on the lower shaft of a original ,

Sounds good in the video, would be good to see it do a few laps at Winton.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Sounds good in the video, would be good to see it do a few laps at Winton.

Maybe as Winton isn't far from here, be interesting to see how it goes in a hillclimb too. Though theres now an EV class in the Hillclimb so I'd want to see how my EV Lightweight goes.

Some progress photos of the replica I'm building. I wanted to do it on a 109 chassis but rego is a much easier path on a pre war chassis. Drove it out of the shed , first time ive been able to stand back & look at it . Happy with the outcome so far.

Its got a few parts from Land Rover on it , Drag link , track rod & tie rod ends as well as the throttle pedal, linkages, hand throttle and some other bits. .

I'll get some mudguards & lights on it & take it for a spin on a Unreg permit. Like the original Railtons it uses a blend of American & British parts.

IMG20250601153246.jpg IMG20250601152731.jpg IMG20250601122003.jpg IMG20250531131221.jpg IMG20250528164158.jpg IMG20250527154433.jpg IMG20250527154326.jpg

Some pictures of the car as at a few days ago, starting to look better than something I could build.



IMG20250810141247.jpg

IMG20250808120424.jpg

IMG20250808120601.jpg

IMG20250808120957.jpg

And here it is almost ready for road testing,
Looks much better with front sheet metal and mudguards, air scoops going where the paper cups are to give some cool air for the carbys.


IMG20250903165725.jpg

IMG20250902210902.jpg

IMG20250902210628.jpg