1955 PACKARD

Model Designations:

Packard Clipper DeLuxe, Series 5540, 8 Cylinder

Packard Super Clipper, Series 5540, 8 Cylinder

Packard Clipper Custom, Series 5560, 8 Cylinder

Packard Line, Series 5580, 8 Cylinder

Packard Clipper DeLuxe, Series 5540, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #5522

Base Price: $2,586; Shipping Weight: 3,680 Pounds

Total Production: 8,309

Packard Clipper Super, Series 5540, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #5542

Base Price: $2,686; Shipping Weight: 3,670 Pounds

Total Production: 7,979

2 Door Panama Hardtop: Body #5547

Base Price: $2,776; Shipping Weight: 3,700 Pounds

Total Production: 7,016

Packard Clipper Custom, Series 5560, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #5562

Base Price: $2,929; Shipping Weight: 3,885 Pounds

Total Production: 8,708

2 Door Constellation Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #5567

Base Price: $3,076, Shipping Weight: 3,865 Pounds

Total Production: 6,672

Packard Line, Series 5580, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

2 Door 400 Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #5587

Base Price: $3,390; Shipping Weight: 4,250 Pounds

Total Production: 7,206

2 Door Caribbean Convertible, 6 Passenger, Body #5588

Base Price: $5,932; Shipping Weight: 4,755 Pounds

Total Production: 500

4 Door Patrician Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #5582

Base Price: $3,890; Shipping Weight: 4,275 Pounds

Total Production: 9,127

1955 PACKARD

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

Clipper: 122"

Packard: 127"

Tire Sizes:

Packard Clipper: 7.60 X 15"

Packard Line: 8.00 X 15"

Rear Axle Ratios:

Manual Transmission: 3.9:1

Overdrive: 3.9:1

Automatic Transmission: 3.23:1

General Engine Specifications, Packard Clipper DeLuxe & Super,

8 Cylinder:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 3-13/16" X 3-1/2"

Engine Displacement: 320 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.10 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 46.51

Horsepower: 225 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 325 Ft. Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

General Engine Specifications, Packard Clipper Custom, 8 Cylinder:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4" X 3-1/2"

Engine Displacement: 352 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.50 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 51.20

Horsepower: 245 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 355 Ft. Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

General Engine Specifications, Packard Line, 8 Cylinder:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4" X 3-1/2"

Engine Displacement: 352 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.50 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 51.20

Horsepower: 260 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 355 Ft. Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Tune Up Specifications:

All Engines:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Champion H-10, or Equivalent

Spark Plug: Gap .035"

Point Gap:

Auto-Lite Distributor: .017"

Delco-Remy Distributor: .016"

Cam Angle:

Auto-Lite Distributor: 31 Degrees

Delco-Remy Distributor: 26-33 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 5 Degrees BTDC on Viabration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 400 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 55-60 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 120 PSI (Minimum)

Valve Specifications:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaust: Zero

Valve Seat Angle:

Intake 30 degrees

Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Timing: Intake Opens 14 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 18 Degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 165 Lbs @ 1-3/8 inches

Valve Lash, Zero Lift:

Intake: .374"

Exhaust: .374"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.002"

Exhaust .002"-.003"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3725"

Exhaust: .3715"

Pistons, Rings, Wrist Pin, Crankshaft & Bearing Data:

Packard Clipper, 320 Cu. In. Engines:

Piston Removal: From Above

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .0015

Pounds Pull on Scale: 6 to 11

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .015"

Oil Ring: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9803"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.249"-2.250"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Rod End Play: .003"-.011"

Rod Bolt Torque: 40-45 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.499"-2.500"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .0035"-.0085"

Thrust on Rear Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 90-95 Ft. Lbs.

Packard Clipper, 352 Cu. In. Engines:

Piston Removal: From Above

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .0015

Pounds Pull on Scale: 6 to 11

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .018"

Oil Ring: .019"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9803"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.249"-2.250"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Rod End Play: .003"-.011"

Rod Bolt Torque: 40-45 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.499"-2.500"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .0035"-.0085"

Thrust on Rear Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 90-95 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities:

All Clippers:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 26 Quarts

With Heater: 26-1/2 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure: 11 to 13 PSI

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission:

Without Overdrive: 3-1/4 Pints

With Overdrive: 4-1/2 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 11 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4-1/4 Pints

* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter

Packard Line:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 26 Quarts

With Heater: 27 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure: 11 to 13 PSI

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Automatic Transmission: 11 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4-1/4 Pints

* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter

Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:

Distributor #1BJ-4001

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 300 RPM

Full Advance: 20 Degrees @ 1,200 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 6"

Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 10"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 5-1/4Degrees

Distributor #1BJ-4001B

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 300 RPM

Full Advance: 16 Degrees @ 1,750 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 6-1/4"

Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 13"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 12 Degrees

Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications:

Distributor #1110854

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Cam Angle: 26-33 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .016"

Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 350 RPM

Full Advance: 16 Degrees @ 2,100 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5 to 7"

Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 13" to 15"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 12 Degrees

Delco-Remy Generator Specifications:

Generator #1102022

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Ground Polarity: Positive

Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 2,150 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces

Field Current @ 12 Volts: 1.48 - 1.62 Amperes

Regulator #1118953

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.6 Volts

Armature Air Gap: .020"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"

Auto-Lite Generator Specifications:

Generator #GJC-6001A

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Ground Polarity: Positive

Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 2,150 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 35 to 53 Ounces

Field Current @10 Volts: 1.2 to 1.3 Amperes

Regulator #VRX-6007A

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 13.4 Volts

Armature Air Gap: .032"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.5 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"

Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications:

Part #1107635

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 35 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 95 Amperes, 10.1 Volts @ 3,500 RPM

Torque Test: 470 Amperes, 5.4 Volts @ 10-1/2 Ft Lbs Torque

Auto-Lite Starting Motor Specifications:

Part #MDD-6301

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces

No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 10.0 Volts @ 3,200 RPM

Torque Test: 240 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 6.5 Ft Lbs Torque

Rear Axle & Brake Cylinder Specifications:

All Clippers:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .004"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: None

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Spacer

Axle Shaft End Play: .004"-.007"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1-1/16"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1'

All Packard Line:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .004"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: None

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Spacer

Axle Shaft End Play: .004"-.007"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1'

Wheel Alignment:

Caster, Desired: - 1 Degree

Camber, Desired: + 1/4 Degree

Toe In: 0 to 1/16"

Toe-Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 22 to 24 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 5-5/6 Degrees

Carter WCFB Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: WCFB

Part #2232S, 2284S

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns to Open

Float Level:

Primary: 1/8"

Secondary: 5/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 5/8"

Secondary: 21/32"

Fast Idle Setting: .031"

Unloader Adjustment: 3/16"

Bowl Vapor Vent: 1/16"

Secondary Throttle Lockout: .017"-.022"

Automatic Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Rochester 4GC Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: 4GC

Part #7007230

Float Level: 1-5/8"

Float Drop: 2-1/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Pump Rod: 1-3/32"

Fast Idle Setting: .024"

Choke Rod: .052"

Choke Unloader Adjustment: .115"

Secondary Throttle Lockout: .015"

Secondary Throttle Contour Clearance: .015"

Idle Air Vent: .063"

Carburetor Model: 4GC

Part #7008230

Float Level: 1-5/8"

Float Drop: 2-1/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Pump Rod: 1-3/32"

Fast Idle Setting: .020"

Choke Rod: .052"

Choke Unloader Adjustment: .150"

Secondary Throttle Lockout: .015"

Secondary Throttle Contour Clearance: .015"

Idle Air Vent: .063"

Carburetor Model: 4GC

Part #7008231

Float Level: 1-5/8"

Float Drop: 2-1/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Pump Rod: 1-3/32"

Fast Idle Setting: .030"

Choke Rod: .035"

Choke Unloader Adjustment: .150"

Secondary Throttle Lockout: .015"

Secondary Throttle Contour Clearance: .015"

Idle Air Vent: .063"

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1955 Packard, All Models Historical Data

Model Year Introduction date for the 1955 Packard was January 17, 1955. .

Total 1955 Packard Production was 55,517.

Promotional Model Cars Available:

None

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