Re: 22 Series 327 in a 17 Series Super 8?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2011/8/12 10:00:00

Frankly, Packard service letters detailing this swap where a tacit admission this heavily-modified version to fit in the Junior chassis wasn't one of their more robust powerplants

Honestly I find this pretty hard to fathom. Yes, no arguement, the 1935 "120" engine was "more advanced" in many ways over the 39 Super 8, but if Packard felt the 320 engine was a failure, they had 10 years of experience with it to do something about it other than simple evolutionary changes like insert bearings, belt-driven generator, etc. and they certainly didn't issue anything to replace it in the 1929 thru 1938 models. And though there were modifications to fit the 320 into what was basically a 120 chassis & body, the basic structural elements of the engine were not altered to any significant degree.

Take a look at the 1957 and 1958 S-P Service Bulletins and you'll find ample examples of parts substitutions, torque converters, cylinder heads, camshaft, suspension parts, etc. where later service parts were substituted for the "correct" earlier parts. The reason no doubt was one of simple logistics and economics in supplying service parts, no doubt especially true in the case at hand for a one-year only and very low production unit.

"Tacit admission"? Doubt it.