Engine: Can I put a McCullough or Paxton supercharger on a 245 commander?

[289stude]

I have a very original 29 dictator coupe. The wood roof is totally rotten. But rest of the car is solid and straight. I want to take roof fenders and hood off and make an old school hotrod. Want to use a 245 with floor shift 3spd and overdrive. I have a aluminum finned head and want to use above supercharger options if possible. Thoughts, advice.

[StudeRich]

A while back, a poster here Turbocharged a Champion small Six, so there is no reason you can't Supercharge a Commander Big Six.
You will just need to make some mounting Brackets etc. since this may have never been done, no Parts are available.

Some Kaiser Flathead Sixes did have a McCulloch Supercharger, that would be as close to your setup as possible.

[swvalcon]

You may find that's it cheaper to turbo charge your six. There are a lot of stock turbos made for 4-6 cly. motors. All most anything can be turbocharged. My nephew put a turbo on a three cly. snow mobile.

[Pop's Chariot]

Surely one of a kind

I personally run 9psi (Turbo) on my Champion 170 with cast pistons, stainless Ex. valves, Teflon stem seals on Intakes, and Head studs. A lot of work but it works great I would have done a 245 if I had one.

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?88002-49-2R5-freebie-Turbo-time

[SN-60]

Turbos would certainly do the job, but a McCulloch supercharger would definitely add power to the 245, and look a bit more nostalgic and 'period correct'. (IMHO)

[bezhawk]

A Kaiser McCulloch setup may even easily adapt. They used a nice Carter 2 bbl in a pressure box, much like Golden Hawks. Commanders even had the wide pulley groove so a longer belt may even work.

[289stude]

Hey brad. I was already researching the Kaiser McCullogh set up. What engine mods would be needed? I was hoping to set this car up for the race of gentlemen. Recently found out that setup didn't premier to 54 model year. Cutoff for the race is pre 53 prob not by coincidence lol.

[bezhawk]

You'd need to mill out the intake to use the 2bbl. Modify the ignition advance curve, to come on quicker, but limit the total advance. Keep the RPM to 4300 or less. If you are rebuilding the engine, then shot peening the rods, and ARP bolts would be a good investment. The stroke on a 245 is huge, so keep rpms low, and use the torque, and gear to your advantage. Make sure you use a good copper head gasket, and that the water distribution tube behind the water pump is in good shape . Use a Gene Winfield Ford flathead V8 cam grind.

[PackardV8]

Hey brad. I was already researching the Kaiser McCullogh set up. What engine mods would be needed? I was hoping to set this car up for the race of gentlemen. Recently found out that setup didn't premier to 54 model year. Cutoff for the race is pre 53 prob not by coincidence lol.

Wouldn't be a problem. All the relevant parts were available aftermarket and pre-Kaiser. Just don't use their logo on the supercharger.

jack vines

[289stude]

I'd like to use a 51 52 53 232 but haven't got an answer yet about overhead valve engines. I think the V8s all have to be flatheads? The 245 setup would be unique but I just like the look of a V8. Plus even with the straight 6 I'd have to run expedition class.

[289stude]

Jack what about a Packard or Stude straight 8? Would most of the same be true? I don't have a 245 engine yet. Just the finned aluminum head lol. Obviously I'd have to make sure there's enough length under the hood of that 29 dictator.

[289stude]

Jack what about a Packard or Stude straight 8? Would most of the same be true? I don't have a 245 engine yet. Just the finned aluminum head lol. Obviously I'd have to make sure there's enough length under the hood of that 29 dictator.

[PackardV8]

Remember, the Stude I8s competed successfully at Indy in the 1930s so yes, the the I8s respond very well to supercharging. Just keep the RPMs to within stock levels.

Many features/photos on the net of a supercharged Packard I8 roadster.

Jack Vines

[studeluvr]

Locally in Salt Lake at car shows there is a very nicely done Packard straight eight with a Paxton Supercharger in a very well done Rat Rod. I think it was featured in Hot Rod magazine a couple of years back.