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

Posted by 58L8134 On 2011/8/12 19:22:04

Hi Dave

You're right, it was unwise to jump to my conclusion without considering the possible shortage of service engine and parts for a one-year-only, low-production unit. It was unfair of me to indict the '39 320 ci engine as a less that robust based on what has been written on here. If the '39 service engine were unavailable, they had little choice but to substitute current production units. It's safe to assume 1938 and prior service engines wont swap without major modifications.

If the 320 engine design had deficits, as you point out, Packard would and did correct most of them by that point. What does strike me as odd about the '36-'39 engines is that Packard didn't replace them with a monoblock unit as soon as the 120 was safely in production. That experience was teaching them what was possible to build at lower unit costs. A '36 356 would have been a fine advancement.

That's what I like about this forum: we can proffer our opinions with civility, and agree or if not, do so without rancor....rather rare on many collector car boards.

Steve

PS I still do hold my position that in order to return the car to the road most expeditiously in consideration of all restraints and purposes, the 327 ci replacement is the best route available.